As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 7, 1999
Registration No. 333----
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
-------------------
FORM F-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
-------------------
ADECCO SA
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Switzerland 7363 Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Identification
Number)
1275 Cheserex
Switzerland
41 21 321 66 66
(Address, including ZIP Code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
-------------------
Mark R. Eaton
Adecco, Inc.
100 Redwood Shores Parkway
Redwood City, CA 94065
(650) 610-1000
(Name, address, including ZIP Code, and telephone number, including
area code, of agent for service)
with copies to:
Thomas W. Dobson, Esq. William P. Costantini Kenneth W. Orce, Esq.
Latham & Watkins Executive Vice President Cahill Gordon & Reindel
633 West Fifth Street and General Counsel 80 Pine Street
Suite 4000 Olsten Corporation New York, NY 10005
Los Angeles, CA 90071 175 Broad Hollow Road (212) 701-3000
(213) 485-1234 Melville, NY 11747
(516) 844-7800
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: Upon
consummation of the merger described herein.
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 426(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities
Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration
statement for the same offering. / /
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Proposed Proposed Maximum
Title of Each Class of Maximum Aggregate Offering Amount of
Securities to Be Registered Amount to Be Registered Price Per Share Price Registration Fee
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common shares, par value CHF 10 per share(1) 689,769(2) (3) (3) $143,294.03(3)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) American Depositary Shares ("Adecco ADSs") evidenced by American Depositary
Receipts, issuable upon deposit of common shares, par value CHF 10 per
share ("Adecco common shares"), of the registrant will be registered on a
separate registration statement on Form F-6. Each Adecco ADS represents
0.125 Adecco common shares.
(2) Based upon the maximum number of Adecco common shares to be issued in
connection with the merger described herein, an integral part of which is
the split-off of Olsten Health Services Holding Corp., equal to the product
of (i) 44,244,304, which is 50% of the total number of shares of Olsten
stock (calculated as set forth in footnote (3)) and (ii) 0.01559, the
maximum number of Adecco common shares, including those represented by
Adecco ADSs, issuable per share of Olsten stock in connection with the
merger.
(3) The fee is calculated pursuant to Securities Act Rules 457(f)(1) and
457(f)(3) based on the value of securities and other property to be
received by the registrant as part of the merger, based on the market value
of the shares of Olsten common stock and class B common stock (together the
"Olsten stock") to be received by the registrant, less the cash to be paid
by the registrant in exchange for Olsten stock in the merger, in accordance
with Securities Act Rule 457(f)(3). The market value of the Olsten stock to
be received by the registrant is $902,583,801, determined by multiplying
(i) $10.20, the average of the high and low prices of Olsten common stock
reported on the New York Stock Exchange October 6, 1999, and (ii)
88,488,608, the number of shares of Olsten stock to be received by the
registrant in the merger, which is the sum of (a) 81,305,589, the number of
shares of Olsten stock outstanding as of October 1, 1999, (b) 5,679,728,
the number of shares of Olsten stock issuable upon the exercise of all
outstanding Olsten stock options, whether or not currently exercisable, and
(c) 1,503,291, the number of shares of Olsten stock issuable upon
conversion of outstanding convertible debt securities of Olsten. The
aggregate amount of cash to be paid by the registrant in exchange for the
Olsten stock is $387,137,660, determined by multiplying cash payable per
share, or $8.75, by the total number of shares of Olsten stock that will be
exchanged for cash, or 44,244,304. Therefore, the filing fee is 0.000278
multiplied by $515,446,141, or $143,294.03. The fee relates to the
transaction described herein, including the merger and the split-off in
respect of which Olsten Health Services is filing a Form S-4 under CIK No.
0001096142.
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration
statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act or until this registration statement shall become effective
on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may
determine.
================================================================================
<PAGE>
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We
may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 6, 1999
Merger Proposed
, 1999
Dear Olsten Stockholder:
We have agreed on a series of transactions where we will simultaneously
merge with a U.S. subsidiary of Adecco SA and split off our health services
businesses to our stockholders. We will accomplish the split-off by transferring
all of the assets and liabilities related to our health services business to one
of our subsidiaries, Olsten Health Services Holding Corp., and then exchanging
Olsten Health Services' common stock for a portion of each share of our
outstanding stock as part of the merger. On or prior to the date of the
split-off, Olsten Health Services will change its name to .
In the merger, in exchange for each share of Olsten common stock or
class B common stock you own:
o Adecco will give you either:
o $8.75 in cash;
o 0.12472 of an Adecco American Depositary Share, representing
Adecco common shares, or, if you so choose, an equivalent
number of Adecco common shares; or
o a prorated combination of cash and either Adecco ADSs or
common shares; and
o you will receive 0.25 of a share of Olsten Health Services common
stock in the split-off.
Adecco ADSs are listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"ADECY." Adecco common shares are listed principally on the Swiss Stock
Exchange. The shares of common stock of Olsten Health Services are anticipated
to be approved for listing on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol " ."
At a special meeting of our stockholders, you will be asked to vote on
the adoption of the merger agreement. The merger requires the affirmative vote
of holders of a majority of the voting power of our common stock and class B
common stock, voting together as a single class. You will be entitled to one
vote for each share of common stock you own and ten votes for each share of
class B common stock you own. Class B common stockholders owning shares
representing approximately 63% of the voting power of Olsten stock as of
September 17, 1999, have agreed with Adecco to vote in favor of adopting the
merger agreement. Assuming these stockholders vote their shares in accordance
with the voting agreement at the special meeting, the requisite vote for
adoption of the merger agreement by the stockholders of Olsten will be assured.
Olsten's board of directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR
adoption of the merger agreement.
The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus provides detailed
information about the meeting and the proposed merger. The Olsten Health
Services prospectus attached as Annex A provides detailed information about the
split-off and describes Olsten Health Services' health services business,
management and financial condition. Olsten's board encourages you to read all of
the proxy statement/prospectus and all of the attached annexes carefully.
/s/Edward A. Blechschmidt /s/Stuart Olsten
President and Chief Executive Officer Chairman of the Board
Olsten Corporation Olsten Corporation
Please pay particular attention to the "Risk Factors" section beginning
on page 15, which describes risks that you should consider in deciding whether
to vote to adopt the merger agreement.
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL SECURITIES OF
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES TO BE ISSUED IN THE SPLIT-OFF. ALL OFFERS AND SALES OF
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES SECURITIES WILL BE MADE PURSUANT TO THE OLSTEN HEALTH
SERVICES PROSPECTUS ATTACHED AS ANNEX A.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued in the
merger, nor have they passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the disclosure in
this proxy statement/prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This proxy statement/prospectus is dated , 1999 and is
being first mailed to Olsten stockholders on or about , 1999.
<PAGE>
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OF OLSTEN CORPORATION
TO BE HELD , 1999
A special meeting of the stockholders of Olsten Corporation will be
held on , 1999 at a.m., Eastern time, at
. At that meeting, we will ask you to:
1) consider and vote on a proposal to adopt the merger agreement
among Olsten, Adecco SA and a subsidiary of Adecco; and
2) consider any other business that may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.
Prior to the merger, we will transfer all assets and liabilities
related to our health services business to Olsten Health Services Holding Corp.,
our wholly-owned subsidiary. In the split-off of Olsten Health Services to occur
in connection with the merger, you will receive 0.25 of a share of Olsten Health
Services common stock for each share of Olsten stock you own.
In exchange for each of your Olsten shares, you may elect to receive
from Adecco $8.75 in cash or 0.12472 of an Adecco American Depositary Share or,
if you so choose, an equivalent number of Adecco common shares. Adecco will pay,
in the aggregate, to Olsten's stockholders cash for half of all the outstanding
Olsten stock and Adecco ADSs or, if elected, Adecco common shares for the
remainder. Consequently, if holders of more than half of the Olsten stock
outstanding elect to receive cash in the merger, those stockholders will receive
less cash than actually elected, while those electing Adecco ADSs will receive
only Adecco ADSs. If holders of more than half of the Olsten shares outstanding
elect to receive Adecco ADSs in the merger, those stock-holders will receive
fewer ADSs than actually elected, while those electing cash will receive only
cash.
After the merger, Olsten will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco.
After the split-off, Olsten Health Services will be an independent,
publicly-owned company.
If you owned shares of Olsten common stock or class B common stock at
the close of business on , 1999, you are entitled to vote at the special meeting
and at any adjournments and postponements of that meeting.
Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please fill out, sign
and date the enclosed proxy card and promptly return it in the postage-paid
return envelope provided.
If you fail to vote your shares, the effect will be the same as a vote
against the adoption of the merger agreement.
If you decide later that you will attend the meeting or, for any other
reason, you decide to revoke or change your proxy, you may do so at any time
before we vote your proxy on the date of the special meeting.
Please do not send any share certificates with your proxy card.
After we complete the merger, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York, the exchange agent, will send you instructions on how to receive your
share certificates for Olsten Health Services common stock and cash payment
and/or certificates for Adecco ADSs, or, if you so choose, certificates for
Adecco common shares.
By order of the board of directors,
/s/Laurin L. Laderoute, Jr.
Secretary
Dated: , 1999
Melville, New York
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER........................................1
SUMMARY.......................................................................4
The Companies............................................................4
The Special Stockholder Meeting..........................................4
The Merger...............................................................5
The Split-Off............................................................8
Comparison of Stockholder Rights.........................................9
Currency Translation....................................................10
Risk Factors............................................................10
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements..............10
Comparative Market Price Data...........................................10
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA...................................................11
Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Olsten................12
Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Adecco................13
Summary Unaudited Consolidated Pro Forma Financial Data of Adecco.......14
RISK FACTORS.................................................................15
Risks Related to the Transactions.......................................15
Risks Related to Adecco.................................................18
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS....................21
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE OLSTEN SPECIAL MEETING............................22
Time, Place, Date.......................................................22
Purpose of the Special Meeting..........................................22
Recommendations of Olsten's Board of Directors..........................22
Record Date; Outstanding Olsten Stock Entitled to Vote..................22
Vote Required; Certain Olsten Stockholders Voting
in Favor of Adoption of the Merger Agreement..........................23
Action to Be Taken Under the Proxy......................................23
Revocation of Proxies...................................................23
Proxy Solicitation......................................................23
THE TRANSACTIONS.............................................................24
Background of the Transactions..........................................24
Reasons of Olsten for the Merger; Recommendation of Olsten's Board......27
Reasons of Adecco for the Merger........................................29
Opinions of Olsten's Financial Advisors.................................30
Interests of Certain Persons in the Transactions........................40
Appraisal Rights........................................................41
Election, Exchange and Payment Procedures...............................43
Delisting and Deregistration of Olsten Common Stock.....................45
Accounting Treatment....................................................45
Sources of Funds........................................................45
Regulatory Matters......................................................45
THE MERGER AGREEMENT.........................................................46
The Merger..............................................................46
Effective Time..........................................................47
Treatment of Stock Options..............................................47
Conduct of Business Prior to the Merger.................................48
No Solicitation.........................................................50
i
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Page
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Indemnification and Insurance...........................................50
Covenants...............................................................51
Termination Rights; Termination Fee.....................................52
Amendment; Waiver.......................................................53
Conditions to Completion of the Merger..................................53
Representations and Warranties..........................................55
THE PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT.........................................55
Overview................................................................55
Voting Agreement........................................................55
Lock-Up Agreement.......................................................56
No Solicitation.........................................................56
Covenants...............................................................57
Termination.............................................................57
Representations and Warranties..........................................57
THE SPLIT-OFF................................................................57
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES......................................................58
MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES....................................................58
United States...........................................................58
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
THE MERGER AND THE SPLIT-OFF...............................................59
Consequences to Olsten Stockholders Who Participate
in the Merger and the Split-Off.......................................59
Consequences to Dissenting Olsten Stockholders..........................59
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding............................59
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF ADECCO ADSS...................................60
Taxation of Dividends...................................................60
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition.....................................60
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations.......................60
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding............................61
SWISS TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP OF ADECCO SHARES.....................61
Gains on Sale...........................................................61
Stamp, Issue and Other Taxes............................................61
Withholding Tax.........................................................61
Withholding Tax Refund Procedure Applicable to U.S. Holders.............62
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF ADECCO............................................62
Overview................................................................62
Results of Operations...................................................63
Liquidity and Capital Resources.........................................65
Foreign Exchange........................................................66
Interest Rate Risk......................................................67
EURO....................................................................67
Year 2000 Readiness.....................................................68
BUSINESS OF OLSTEN...........................................................70
BUSINESS OF ADECCO...........................................................71
General.................................................................71
Strategy and Competitive Strengths......................................72
Operations..............................................................73
Recruiting, Quality Control and Marketing...............................74
Competition.............................................................74
Regulation..............................................................75
ii
<PAGE>
Page
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Trademarks..............................................................76
Employees...............................................................76
Corporate History.......................................................76
DESCRIPTION OF ADECCO COMMON SHARES..........................................77
Object..................................................................77
General.................................................................77
General Meetings of Shareholders........................................78
Transfer of Adecco Shares...............................................78
Allocation of Annual Net Profits........................................79
Preemptive Rights.......................................................79
Borrowing Powers........................................................79
Conflicts of Interests..................................................79
Repurchase of Adecco Shares.............................................79
Duration; Liquidation...................................................80
Return of Capital upon Liquidation......................................80
DESCRIPTION OF ADECCO AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES.............................81
General.................................................................81
Common Share Dividends and Other Distributions..........................81
Setting a Record Date...................................................82
Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation....................................82
Voting Rights...........................................................83
Reports and Other Communications........................................83
Fees and Expenses.......................................................84
Payment of Taxes........................................................84
Reclassification, Recapitalization and Mergers..........................84
Disclosure of Interests.................................................85
Amendment and Termination...............................................85
Limitations on Obligations and Liability to ADS Holders.................86
Requirements for Depositary Actions.....................................87
Pre-Release of ADSs.....................................................87
COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS OF ADECCO AND OLSTEN......................88
Voting Rights...........................................................88
Actions by Written Consent..............................................89
Number of Directors.....................................................89
Sources and Payments of Dividends.......................................89
Rights of Purchase and Redemption.......................................89
Rights of Appraisal.....................................................90
Preemptive Rights.......................................................90
Right of Inspection.....................................................90
Directors' Conflicts of Interest........................................91
Liability of Directors, etc.............................................91
Shareholders' Suits.....................................................92
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF ADECCO.................................................93
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF
ADECCO SA AND OLSTEN CORPORATION.........................................94
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION...........................108
Olsten Stock...........................................................108
Price Range of Olsten Common Stock.....................................108
Olsten Dividends.......................................................109
Olsten Holders of Record...............................................109
iii
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Page
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Adecco Common Shares and ADSs..........................................109
Price Range of Adecco Common Shares and ADSs...........................109
Adecco Dividends.......................................................110
Adecco Holders of Record...............................................110
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES UNDER THE UNITED
STATES FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW.............................................110
OTHER MATTERS...............................................................111
LEGAL MATTERS...............................................................111
EXPERTS.....................................................................111
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS.......................................................111
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.........................................111
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE..................................................112
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................................F-1
Annex A -- Olsten Health Services Holding Corp. Prospectus....................A
Annex B -- Agreement and Plan of Merger.......................................B
Annex C -- Separation Agreement with Exhibits.................................C
Annex D-1 -- Opinion of Warburg Dillon Read LLC.............................D-1
Annex D-2 -- Opinion of Salomon Smith Barney Inc............................D-2
Annex E -- Principal Stockholders Agreement...................................E
Annex F -- Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law................F
iv
<PAGE>
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
Q: What Are the Proposed Transactions?
A: Olsten will simultaneously split off its health services business to
its stockholders and merge its remaining businesses with Adecco. The
merger will consist of a U.S. subsidiary of Adecco merging into Olsten.
Olsten will accomplish the split-off by transferring all assets and
liabilities associated with its health services business to Olsten
Health Services Holding Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Olsten
prior to the merger, and then exchanging outstanding shares of Olsten
Health Services common stock for a portion of your Olsten stock in the
merger. On or prior to the split-off, Olsten Health Services will
change its name to .
Q: What Will I Receive for My Olsten Stock?
A: For each share of Olsten stock you own:
o you can elect to receive either $8.75 in cash or 0.12472 of an
Adecco ADS or, if you so choose, the equivalent number of full
Adecco common shares, and
o you will receive 0.25 of a share of Olsten Health Services common
stock.
Q: Will I Always Receive the Specified Amounts of Cash and Adecco ADSs
that I Have Elected?
A: No. Olsten and Adecco have agreed that Adecco will pay to Olsten's
stockholders, in the aggregate, cash for half of the outstanding Olsten
stock and, for the remainder, Adecco ADSs, or common shares, if any.
Therefore, if holders of more than 50% of Olsten's outstanding stock
elect to receive cash, all those who elected to receive ADSs will
receive 0.12472 of an Adecco ADS per share while those who elected to
receive cash will instead receive a prorated combination of Adecco
ADSs and a correspondingly lesser amount of cash such that Adecco's
aggregate payment to Olsten's stockholders equals the predetermined
limits on cash and Adecco ADS amounts. Correspondingly, if holders of
more than 50% of Olsten's outstanding stock elect to receive Adecco
ADSs, all those who elected cash will receive $8.75 in cash per share
and those who elected ADSs will receive a combination of cash and ADSs
subject to proration.
Q: What Will I Receive if I Do Not Elect Between Cash and Adecco ADSs?
A: If holders of more than 50% of Olsten's outstanding stock elect to
receive cash, you will receive 0.12472 Adecco ADSs. If holders of more
than 50% of Olsten's outstanding stock elect to receive Adecco ADSs
and/or Adecco common shares, you will receive $8.75 in cash.
Q. How Will I Be Taxed on What I Receive in the Merger?
A. An Olsten stockholder generally will recognize gain or loss with
respect to Olsten stock exchanged in the merger. The split-off should
be treated as a taxable redemption of your Olsten stock exchanged in
the split-off. Accordingly, any gain or loss recognized by you with
respect to the merger will, and with respect to the split-off should,
generally be taxable as capital gain or loss. Please see "Material U.S.
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger and the Split-Off" for a
discussion of the tax consequences of the proposed transactions.
Q: When Do Olsten and Adecco Expect to Complete the Merger?
A: We are working to complete the merger as quickly as possible after the
Olsten special meeting. We hope to complete the merger by the end of
1999. However, the merger may be completed later if:
<PAGE>
o all applicable foreign antitrust waiting periods
under antitrust and competition laws have not expired or
approvals have not been received by that time; or
o other conditions to the merger have not been satisfied by that
time.
Q: Do the Adecco Shareholders Need to Approve the Merger?
A: Adecco has already obtained the approval of its shareholders necessary
to complete the merger.
Q: Will the Olsten Health Services and Adecco Shares I Receive in the
Merger Be Publicly Traded?
A: Yes. Adecco's ADSs are quoted on the Nasdaq National Market and its
common shares are listed and principally traded on the Swiss Stock
Exchange. Adecco intends to have the ADSs and common shares that it
issues in the merger approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National
Market and listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange, respectively. None of
Olsten Health Services' securities are presently listed on any market
or exchange, but Olsten Health Services expects to apply to have its
common stock approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market under
the trading symbol " ."
Q: When Will I Be Able to Trade My Olsten Health Services Stock?
A: You will be able to trade your Olsten Health Services common stock as
soon as the merger is completed or sooner if "when issued" trading on
the Nasdaq National Market is commenced prior to closing.
Q: What Will Happen to My Dividends?
A: Olsten's board recently discontinued the payment of dividends.
Historically, Adecco has paid annual cash dividends on its common
shares. The declaration and amounts of future dividends of Adecco and
Olsten Health Services, if any, will be up to the shareholders
Adecco and the board of directors of Olsten Health Services,
respectively, and will depend on the earnings and growth prospects of
Adecco and Olsten Health Services, respectively, after the merger and
the split-off and other factors the Adecco shareholders and the Olsten
Health Services board, respectively, may deem relevant. Olsten Health
Services' board of directors does not intend to declare any dividends
in the foreseeable future.
Q: What Is an Adecco ADS?
A: An ADS, which stands for American depositary share, of Adecco is a
security created to allow shareholders to more easily hold and trade
equity interests in Adecco in the U.S. Each Adecco ADS represents
one-eighth of an Adecco common share. However, only the ADSs will be
traded on the Nasdaq National Market and are quoted in U.S. dollars,
while the Adecco common shares are primarily traded on the Swiss Stock
Exchange in Swiss francs.
Q: What Are the Advantages of Choosing Adecco ADSs Rather than Adecco
Common Shares?
A: Most non-institutional Olsten stockholders will prefer to receive
Adecco ADSs instead of Adecco common shares because: (1) dividends on
Adecco ADSs are typically paid in U.S. dollars, whereas dividends on
Adecco common shares are paid in Swiss francs; and (2) Adecco ADSs
trade on the Nasdaq National Market, whereas Adecco common shares do
not trade on any national exchange in the United States.
Q: What Do I Need to Do Now?
A: This proxy statement/prospectus and accompanying annexes contain
important in-
2
<PAGE>
formation regarding the proposed merger, as well as information about
Olsten and Adecco. We urge you to read this proxy statement/prospectus
carefully, including its annexes, and to consider how the merger and
the split-off affect you as a stockholder. You may also want to review
the documents referenced under "Where You Can Find More Information."
For information about where to call to get answers to your questions,
see "What if I Have Questions?" on page 3.
Q: How Do I Vote?
A: Just mail your completed, signed and dated proxy card in the enclosed
return envelope as soon as possible so that your shares may be
represented at the special stockholder meeting to vote on the merger.
The meeting will take place on , 1999. Olsten's board of directors
unanimously recommends stockholders vote in favor of adoption of the
merger agreement.
Q: If My Shares Are Held in a "Street Name" by My Broker, Will My Broker
Vote My Shares for Me?
A: Your broker may vote your shares only if you provide instructions on
how to vote. Please tell your broker how to vote your shares. If you do
not tell your broker how to vote, your broker will not vote your
shares.
Q: How Do I Elect to Receive Cash, Adecco ADSs or Adecco Common Shares
from Adecco?
A: We have enclosed a form of election with this proxy
statement/prospectus. Just mail a completed, signed and dated form of
election in the enclosed return envelope as soon as possible. If you
become a stockholder of Olsten after the record date for the special
meeting, we will use our best efforts to mail a form of election to you
or make the form available to you. Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York, the exchange agent, must receive the form of election no later
than one business day before the closing date of the merger, or your
election will not be effective and you will receive what the majority
has not elected.
Q: Should I Send in My Share Certificates Now?
A: No. If you continue to hold your Olsten stock certificate when we
complete the merger, the exchange agent will send you written
instructions describing how to turn in your old Olsten stock
certificates in exchange for cash payment and/or Adecco ADSs or Adecco
common shares from Adecco and shares of Olsten Health Services common
stock from Olsten.
Q: What if I Have Questions?
A: If you would like additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus
or a new proxy card or if you have questions about the merger, you
should contact:
-3-
<PAGE>
SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information from this document and may
not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand the
merger and the other transactions fully, you should read carefully this entire
document and the other documents to which we have referred you. See "Where You
Can Find More Information" on page 111 of this proxy statement/prospectus. The
actual terms of the merger are contained in the merger agreement, which is
included in this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex B. The actual terms of the
split-off are contained in the merger agreement and the separation agreement,
which is included in this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex C. This document
also only contains summary information regarding Olsten Health Services, and you
should read the prospectus of Olsten Health Services included in this proxy
statement/prospectus as Annex A.
The Companies
Adecco SA
1275 Cheserex
Switzerland
41 21 321 66 66
Adecco SA is the largest personnel services organization in the world
in terms of revenues, with over 3,000 offices in over 50 countries. Adecco
provides temporary personnel, places permanent employees, outsources, trains and
tests temporary and permanent employees, and provides outplacement counseling
services. Adecco provides these services through local, national and
international contracts.
Olsten Corporation
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, New York 11747-8905
(516) 844-7800
Olsten is a leading supplier of staffing services, information
technology services and health services, conducting owned, franchised and
licensed operations through over 1,500 offices in North America, Europe and
Latin America. In staffing services, Olsten provides assignment employees in a
full spectrum of skills, from entry level workers to seasoned professionals and
managers, in a variety of functions and industries. In information technology
services, Olsten provides information technology consultants on either a project
or management consulting basis to assist clients in the design, development and
maintenance of computer systems.
Olsten Health Services Holding Corp.
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, New York 11747-8905
(516) 844-7800
Olsten Health Services, which will be split off from Olsten in the
merger, is the leading provider of home health care services in the United
States based on revenues. Since 1971, Olsten's health services business has
built a reputation for high quality health care for its patients with a
commitment to becoming a "one-stop shop" for home health care covering a broad
spectrum of services and products. Olsten's health services business currently
maintains over 400 offices in the United States and Canada with 450,000
patient/client accounts served by over 70,000 administrative staff and
caregivers annually.
The Special Stockholder Meeting
Olsten is furnishing this proxy statement/prospectus to you in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by Olsten's board of directors for a
special meeting of Olsten stockholders. The special meeting will be held at a.m.
at . The holders of a majority of the voting power of Olsten's outstanding
common stock and class B common stock voting together as a single class must
vote in the affirmative to adopt the merger agreement.
Holders of record of Olsten's common stock and class B common stock as
of the close of business on , 1999, may vote at the special meeting either in
person or by proxy. On that date, there were ____ shares of common stock and
____ shares of class B common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the
special meeting. Olsten
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<PAGE>
stockholders will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock
and ten votes for each share of class B common stock.
Class B common stockholders, including Stuart Olsten, chairman of the
board of Olsten, and other members of the Olsten family, owning shares
representing approximately 63% of the voting power of Olsten's stock as of
September 17, 1999, have agreed with Adecco to vote to adopt the merger
agreement. Assuming these stockholders vote their shares in accordance with the
voting agreement, the requisite vote for adoption of the merger agreement by the
stockholders of Olsten is assured. For a further description of this agreement
see "The Principal Stockholders Agreement."
The Merger
(see pages 46-55)
In the merger, Olsten's staffing services and information technology
services businesses will become part of Adecco, and Olsten's health services
business will be split off as a new, independent publicly traded company, Olsten
Health Services Holding Corp. The split-off of the health services business and
the merger will be accomplished by an exchange of each share of your Olsten
stock for cash, Adecco ADSs or common shares, or a combination of cash, ADSs or
common shares, and Olsten Health Services common stock, as described below.
The terms of the merger are governed by the merger agreement annexed to
this document as Annex B. The terms of the split-off are governed by the merger
agreement and the separation agreement, annexed to this document as Annex C, and
more fully described in the Olsten Health Services prospectus, included in this
proxy statement/prospectus attached as Annex A. We encourage you to read the
merger agreement and the separation agreement because they are the legal
documents that govern the transactions.
What You Will Receive in Exchange for Your
Olsten Stock
In the proposed merger, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco will merge
with and into Olsten, with Olsten becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco.
For each share of Olsten common stock or class B common stock you hold,
you will receive 0.25 of a share of Olsten Health Services common stock. In
addition, you will be entitled to receive from Adecco for each share of Olsten
common stock or class B common stock you hold, either (1) $8.75 in cash, without
interest, or (2) 0.12472 of an Adecco ADS, representing 0.01559 of an Adecco
common share, or an equivalent amount of Adecco common shares, or (3) a prorated
combination of cash and Adecco ADSs or common shares, if any. You will have the
option to elect to receive either the cash consideration or the ADSs or common
shares. However, because Adecco and Olsten have agreed that Adecco will pay
Olsten's stockholders in the aggregate cash for half of the outstanding Olsten
stock and the remainder in Adecco ADSs or common shares, you may receive a
prorated combination of both cash and ADSs, despite your election. Olsten
stockholders who properly dissent from the merger and perfect their rights will
be paid in cash, which will reduce the cash portion of the merger consideration
available for non-dissenting stockholders.
Security Listing
Adecco ADSs are listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"ADECY," and Adecco common shares are listed principally on the Swiss Stock
Exchange. Olsten anticipates that the shares of common stock of Olsten Health
Services will be approved for listing on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol " ."
Olsten's Board of Directors Has Approved the Merger
(see pages 24-27)
Olsten's board of directors carefully reviewed and considered the terms
and conditions of the merger and, believing that the merger is fair to and in
the best interests of its stockholders, unanimously determined that the merger
is advisable and recommends that Olsten's stockholders vote to adopt the merger
agreement. In arriving at its decision, the board of directors considered a
number of
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factors described more fully in this proxy statement/prospectus.
Accordingly, Olsten's board of directors recommends that you vote to adopt the
merger agreement.
In connection with the merger, Olsten's board of directors received
separate written opinions from Olsten's financial advisors, Warburg Dillon Read
LLC and Salomon Smith Barney Inc., as to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, of the consideration to be received in the merger and split-off, taken
together, to the holders of Olsten common stock and class B common stock. The
full texts of Warburg Dillon Read's and Salomon Smith Barney's opinions, each
dated August 17, 1999, are included in this proxy statement/prospectus as
Annexes D-1 and D-2, respectively. We encourage you to read these opinions
carefully in their entirety for a description of the assumptions made, matters
considered, limitations on the review undertaken and opinions provided. Warburg
Dillon Read's and Salomon Smith Barney's opinions are directed to Olsten's board
of directors and do not constitute recommendations to any stockholder as to how
to vote on the merger, the form of consideration to be elected by any
stockholder in the merger or any other matter relating to the proposed
transaction.
Reasons for the Merger
(see pages 27-30)
The Adecco and Olsten boards of directors have identified various
potential benefits that may result from the merger.
The Olsten board believes that the merger will, among other things:
o create a combined company that will have a stronger presence in
Olsten's and Adecco's markets with stronger financial and
business prospects than Olsten standing alone;
o achieve a premium for Olsten's stockholders over the market price
at which Olsten's common stock had previously traded; and
o allow you, if you so elect, to continue to participate in the
staffing services and information technology services businesses
through share ownership of Adecco.
The Adecco board believes that the merger will, among other things:
o make Adecco the leader, in terms of revenues, in the U.S.
staffing industry and the worldwide information technology
services staffing business;
o provide more comprehensive and diverse services to clients and
additional career prospects for employees; and
o allow Adecco to more cost effectively finance its businesses and
achieve cost savings through economies of scale.
We explain these and other reasons for the merger identified by the
Olsten and Adecco boards in greater detail starting on pages 27 and 29,
respectively.
Interests of Directors and Officers in the Merger and Split-Off Different from
Yours (see pages 40-41)
In considering the Olsten board's recommendation that you vote to adopt
the merger agreement, you should be aware that a number of Olsten's directors
and officers have interests in the merger and the split-off that are different
from, or in addition to, yours as an Olsten stockholder.
o Olsten and Adecco have entered into agreements with four of
Olsten's executive officers and Stuart Olsten, chairman of the
board of Olsten, providing for termination, consulting and
non-competition payments upon effectiveness of and following the
merger.
o Stuart Olsten will become a director of Adecco when the merger
closes.
o Eight directors of Olsten and some officers of Olsten are
expected to continue as
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<PAGE>
directors and officers of Olsten Health Services following the
merger.
o Officers and directors of Olsten will be indemnified if the
proposed transactions give rise to liabilities.
o Directors and officers of Olsten currently own an aggregate of
2,080,154 options to purchase Olsten common stock and 67,563
options to purchase Olsten class B common stock. Outstanding
options held by officers and directors who are employees will be
converted into options to purchase Adecco or Olsten Health
Services common stock, depending on which company the option
holder joins after the merger, and the options will be adjusted
to preserve their intrinsic value. Options held by non-employee
directors will be converted into options to purchase Adecco
common shares.
Regulatory Approvals
(see pages 45-46)
Under U.S. antitrust laws and foreign anti-competition laws, Olsten and
Adecco must submit information to regulatory authorities about the merger and
about Olsten and Adecco. Before we complete the merger, the waiting periods
required under those antitrust laws must have expired and approvals must have
been obtained. Olsten and Adecco have made filings and taken other actions
necessary to obtain approvals from U.S. and foreign antitrust regulatory
authorities in connection with the merger. Olsten and Adecco received early
termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976 on September 9, 1999. The merger was notified to the
Commission of the European Community on September 28, 1999. The initial waiting
period under European Community regulations expires on October 29, 1999. Olsten
and Adecco will also submit information to other applicable foreign regulatory
authorities.
Conversion of Olsten Stock Options
(see page 47-48)
All of Olsten's outstanding options will vest immediately and be
exercisable upon closing of the merger. Options held by persons who will be
employed by Olsten Health Services will be converted into options to purchase
Olsten Health Services common stock. Options held by any other current or former
employees of Olsten or non-employee directors of Olsten will be converted into
options to purchase Adecco common shares.
No Solicitation
(see page 50)
Olsten has agreed that it will not initiate any discussions regarding a
business combination with any other party so long as the merger agreement is in
effect.
Termination Rights
(see pages 52-53)
Adecco and Olsten may mutually agree to terminate the merger agreement
before the merger is completed, and either Adecco or Olsten may terminate the
merger agreement if any of the following occurs:
o the merger has not been consummated by March 31, 2000 or, if the
merger has not been consummated by such date because all
necessary governmental consents have not been obtained, by the
earlier of June 30, 2000 or the date all such governmental
consents are obtained, but only if the terminating party was not
responsible for the merger not having been consummated before the
termination date;
o a court or other governmental authority permanently prohibits the
merger or the split-off;
o the other party has failed to obtain the necessary approval from
its stockholders to consummate the merger and the split-off; and
o there is a breach of the merger agreement by the other party and
such breach has not been cured for ten days from the date the
breaching party received notice of its breach.
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<PAGE>
Adecco may terminate the merger agreement under some additional
circumstances, including if:
o the board of directors of Olsten has withdrawn or adversely
modified its original recommendation to its stockholders to adopt
the merger agreement;
o the board of directors of Olsten has approved or publicly
recommended a business combination with any other party; or
o a third party initiates a tender offer or an exchange offer and
the board of directors of Olsten has not delivered a statement to
its stockholders within 10 business days from the date the tender
offer or the exchange offer is initiated that such board
recommends the rejection of such tender offer or exchange offer.
Olsten may also terminate the merger agreement under certain additional
circumstances, including if:
o the board of directors of Olsten has received a proposal from a
third party for a business combination that is superior to the
terms of the merger agreement;
o failing to pursue such proposal would be a breach of such board's
fiduciary duty to Olsten stockholders; and
o Olsten pays Adecco a termination fee of $40 million.
If the merger agreement is terminated, the separation agreement will be
automatically terminated. In addition, the parties can agree in writing to
terminate the separation agreement.
Conditions to the Merger
(see page 53-55)
Before we can complete the merger, a number of conditions must be
satisfied including, among others:
o adoption by Olsten stockholders of the merger agreement;
o lack of governmental action prohibiting the merger or the
split-off;
o the listing of Adecco ADSs and the common shares to be issued in
the merger on Nasdaq National Market and the Swiss Stock
Exchange, respectively, and of Olsten Health Services' common
stock to be issued in the split-off on Nasdaq National Market;
o lack of an event which would have a material adverse effect on
the businesses of Adecco or Olsten; and
o performance by Olsten and Adecco of their respective obligations
and agreements under the merger agreement and the separation
agreement.
Some of the conditions to the merger may be waived by the party entitled to
assert the condition.
Accounting Treatment of the Merger
(see page 45)
The merger will be accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting under U.S. GAAP with Adecco as the acquiror.
The Split-Off
(see pages 4 and 5 and pages 19-27 of the Olsten Health Services prospectus
attached as Annex A)
Olsten Health Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Olsten. In the
merger, Olsten Health Services will be split off from Olsten by exchanging
Olsten Health Services common stock for a portion of your Olsten stock. The
split-off is an integral part of the transaction and will also allow Olsten
stockholders to continue to participate in the health services business.
The separation agreement governs the relationship between Olsten,
Adecco and Olsten Health Services before and after the merger and is attached as
Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus and its terms are more fully
described in the Olsten Health Services prospectus, attached to this document as
Annex A.
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<PAGE>
Comparison of Stockholder Rights
(see pages 88-92)
Upon completion of the merger, you will cease to be a stockholder of
Olsten and will become a stockholder of Olsten Health Services and, if you did
not receive all cash consideration from Adecco, a stockholder of Adecco. Your
rights as an Adecco stockholder and Olsten Health Services stockholder will be
different from those as an Olsten stockholder because of the differences among
these companies' corporate organizational documents. Also, your rights as an
Adecco stockholder will be different because Olsten is a Delaware corporation,
while Adecco is organized under the laws of Switzerland.
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<PAGE>
Currency Translation
References in this proxy statement/prospectus to "dollars," "$" or
"USD" are to the currency of the United States and references to Swiss francs or
"CHF" are to the currency of Switzerland. Solely for your convenience, this
proxy statement/prospectus contains translations of Swiss franc amounts into
U.S. dollars at specified rates. These translations should not be taken as
assurances that the Swiss franc amounts currently represent these U.S. dollar
amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate indicated or at any
other rate at any time.
In this proxy statement/prospectus, unless otherwise stated, Swiss
francs have been translated into U.S. dollars at a rate of $0.643 per CHF 1.00,
which was based on the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in
Swiss francs as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York on June 30, 1999, which we refer to in this proxy statement/prospectus
as the "noon buying rate." On , 1999, the noon buying rate was $
per CHF 1.00. For historical information regarding rates of exchange between
Swiss francs and U.S. dollars, see "Currency Exchange Rates."
Risk Factors
This proxy statement/prospectus includes factors related to the
operations and strategies of Adecco, Olsten and Olsten Health Services
generally, the merger and the split-off and their effects on the companies
specifically. You should carefully read the section entitled "Risk Factors"
beginning on page 15.
Cautionary Statements Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements
We have made forward-looking statements in this proxy
statement/prospectus and in documents that we have incorporated by reference.
You can find many of these statements by looking for words such as "believes,"
"expects," "anticipates," "estimates," or similar expressions. You should note
that important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
the forward-looking statements we make in this proxy statement/ prospectus are
set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this proxy
statement/prospectus. See "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements."
Comparative Market Price Data
The following table presents closing market prices as reported on the
NYSE Composite Tape for Olsten common stock, the Nasdaq National Market for
Adecco ADSs and the Swiss Stock Exchange for Adecco common shares:
o as of August 11, 1999, the last trading day before Olsten's
public press release reporting that it was in discussions with a
third party involving a possible significant transaction,
o as of August 17, 1999, the last trading day before the public
announcement of the execution of the merger agreement, and
o as of , 1999, the latest practicable date prior to the
printing of this proxy statement/ prospectus.
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Olsten Adecco
Common Adecco Common
Stock Price ADS Price Share Price
----------- --------- -----------
August 11, 1999................. $9.875 $69.06 CHF833
August 17, 1999................. $9.50 $68.50 CHF830
, 1999................. $ $ CHF
Olsten stockholders are urged to obtain current market quotations
before making a decision with respect to the merger. See also "Comparative
Market Price and Dividend Information."
Comparative Per Share Data
The following table sets forth the historical and pro forma
consolidated per share data of Adecco giving effect to the merger and the
split-off for the year ended December 31, 1998 and the six months ended June 30,
1999, and the historical and equivalent pro forma per share data of Olsten after
giving effect to the merger and the split-off for the year ended January 3, 1999
and the six months ended July 4, 1999. The data should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements of each of Olsten and Adecco and the
respective notes thereto included or incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement/prospectus, as well as the information set forth under "Unaudited Pro
Forma Consolidated Financial Information of Adecco SA and Olsten Corporation."
The unaudited interim historical financial data is not necessarily indicative of
the full fiscal year, and the unaudited pro forma financial data is not
necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have been achieved
had the transactions been in effect at the beginning of the periods presented
and should not be considered indicative of future results. Although for
presentation purposes Adecco has indicated its fiscal year end as December 31,
Adecco's fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to December 31. For 1998, the
fiscal year contained 53 weeks and ended on January 3, 1999, and for 1999, the
six month period ended July 4, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma
Fiscal Year Six Months Fiscal Year Six Months
Ended Ended Ended Ended
December 31, 1998 June 30, 1999 December 31, 1998 June 30, 1999
----------------- ------------- ----------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Adecco Per Common Share Data
Basic and diluted loss....... CHF(11.61) $(8.48)(1) CHF(6.39) $(4.09)(2) CHF(23.88) $(17.43)(1)(8) CHF(15.81) $(10.12)(2)(8)
Dividends.................... 5.50 3.74(3) 7.00 4.62(4) 5.22 3.55(3) 6.78 4.47(4)
Book value at period end..... 0.12 0.09 0.11 0.07 N/A N/A 0.14 0.09
----------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Basic and diluted weighted
average common shares ..... 16,790,025 17,077,269 17,424,100 17,711,344
Adecco Per ADS Data..........
Net loss..................... (1.45) (1.06) (0.80) (0.57) (2.99) (2.18) (1.98) (1.27)
Dividends(5)................. 0.69 0.46 0.88 0.58 0.65 0.44 0.85 0.55
Book value at period end..... 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 N/A N/A 0.02 0.01
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Equivalent Pro Forma(6)
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
Ended Six Months Ended Ended Six Months Ended
January 3, 1999 July 4, 1999 January 3, 1999 July 4, 1999
--------------- ------------ --------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Olsten Per Share Data
Basic and diluted loss....... $(0.44) $(0.11)(7) $(0.14) $(0.08)
Dividends.................... $ 0.22 $ 0.08 $0.03 $0.03
Book value at period end..... $ 9.63 $ 9.43 N/A $0.01
</TABLE>
- -----------------
(1) Other than with respect to the cash dividend per common share data, based
on a noon buying rate of $0.73 per CHF1.00 on December 31, 1998.
(2) Other than with respect to the cash dividend per common share data, based
on a noon buying rate of $0.64 per CHF1.00 on June 30, 1999.
(3) Based on a noon buying rate of $0.68 per CHF1.00 on May 22, 1998, the
dividend payment date for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.
(4) Based on a noon buying rate of $0.66 per CHF1.00 on April 26, 1999, the
dividend payment date for the six months ended June 30, 1999.
(5) Holders of Adecco ADSs are generally entitled to receive any dividends paid
on the common shares underlying their ADSs. Each Adecco ADSs represents 1/8
of an Adecco common share and will receive dividends in proportion to the
number of Adecco common shares such ADS represents.
(6) Based upon an exchange ratio of 1 Adecco share for 128.3 Olsten shares.
(7) Olsten staffing restructuring charges were $29 million for the six
months ended July 4, 1999.
(8) Adecco goodwill amortization was CHF 601 million and CHF 324 million for
the year ended December 31, 1998 and the six-month period ended June 30,
1999, respectively. Pro forma consolidated goodwill amortization was CHF
899 million and CHF 494 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 and
the six months ended June 30, 1999, respectively.
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Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Olsten
The following table provides summary historical consolidated financial
data of Olsten and its subsidiaries for each of the fiscal years in the
five-year period ended January 3, 1999 and for the six-month periods ended June
28, 1998 and July 4, 1999. Olsten prepared the data as of and for each of the
fiscal years in the five-year period ended January 3, 1999 using its audited
consolidated financial statements. Olsten prepared the selected historical data
as of and for the six months ended June 28, 1998 and July 4, 1999 using its
unaudited consolidated financial statements, and they include, in the opinion of
Olsten's management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the data for
those periods. The unaudited interim financial data should not be considered
indicative of the full fiscal year. You should read this summary consolidated
financial data along with the historical financial statements and accompanying
notes that Olsten has incorporated by reference. You can obtain these reports by
following the instructions provided in this proxy statement/prospectus under
"Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 111.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Years Six Months Ended
------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------
1994 1995 1996(1) 1997 1998(2) June 28, 1998(3) July 4, 1999(4)
---- ---- ------- ---- ------- --------------- -----------
(53 Weeks) (unaudited) (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Service sales, franchise
fees, management fees and $2,588,697 $2,813,768 $3,377,729 $4,113,014 $4,602,790 $2,176,084 $2,446,589
other income
Net income (loss) .......... 92,240 90,290 54,642 93,028 (35,539) (19,377) (8,844)
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets ............... 979,714 1,138,410 1,439,240 1,750,201 2,058,807 1,811,739 2,146,452
Long-term debt ............. 211,250 267,030 330,329 461,178 606,107 534,501 745,915
Shareholders' equity ....... 515,986 586,389 769,273 841,777 782,620 807,091 766,811
Share Information:
Basic earnings (loss) per .. 1.27 1.23 .71 1.15 (.44) (.24) (.11)
share
Diluted earnings (loss) per 1.21 1.19 .71 1.15 (.44) (.24) (.11)
share
Cash dividends ............. .16 .21 .28 .28 .22 .14 .08
Book value ................. 7.06 7.98 9.53 10.35 9.63 9.92 9.43
</TABLE>
- ------------------
(1) Net income in fiscal 1996 reflects merger and integration and other
non-recurring charges totaling approximately $80 million. These charges
include $45 million from the Quantum and Co-Counsel acquisitions, $30
million of allowances for a change in the methodology used by Medicare for
computing reimbursements in prior years and Quantum's charge of $5.5
million related to the settlement of shareholder litigation. See Note 3 to
the Olsten Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Net income (loss) in fiscal 1998 reflects non-recurring charges and other
adjustments of $66 million relating to the restructuring of the Health
Services division and a special charge of $56 million for the settlement of
two federal investigations. The non-recurring charges and other adjustments
include a reduction in revenues of $14 million, a charge to cost of sales
of $15 million and $37 million in selling, general and administrative
expenses. See Note 3 to the Olsten Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) Net income (loss) for the six months ended June 28, 1998 reflects
non-recurring charges and other adjustments of $64 million related to the
restucturing of Olsten's Health Services division. This provision includes
a reduction in revenues of $14 million, a charge to cost of sales of $15
million and $35 million in selling, general and administrative expenses.
See Note 3 to the Olsten Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated
Financial Statements.
(4) Net income (loss) for the six months ended July 4, 1999 reflects a special
charge of $46 million for the realignment of business units, including
compensation and severance costs of $22 million, assets write-offs of $16
million and integration costs of $8 million. See Note 3 to the Olsten
Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Adecco
The following table provides summary historical consolidated financial
data of Adecco for each of the fiscal years in the five-year period ended
December 31, 1998 and for the six-month periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1999.
Adecco prepared the data as of and for each of the fiscal years in the five-year
period ended December 31, 1998 using its audited consolidated financial
statements and those of Ecco SA, the predecessor to Adecco for accounting
purposes, for periods prior to the merger of Ecco SA and Adia SA, which created
Adecco in 1996. Adecco prepared the summary historical data as of and for the
six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1999 using its unaudited consolidated
financial statements, and they include, in the opinion of Adecco's management,
all adjustments necessary to present fairly the data for those periods. The
unaudited interim financial data is not necessarily indicative of the full
fiscal year. You should read the summary consolidated financial data along with
the historical financial statements and accompanying notes that Adecco has
included in this proxy statement/prospectus or incorporated by reference. You
can obtain these reports by following the instructions provided in this proxy
statement/prospectus under "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on
page 111.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
CHF CHF CHF CHF CHF USD(1)
(In millions, except per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of
Operations Data:
Net service revenues 3,443 4,161 6,386 11,432 15,308 11,175
Operating income ... 158 192 58 (26) 46 34
(loss)
Net income (loss) . 98 116 (15) (206) (195) (142)
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets ....... 1,641 1,890 4,878 5,731 5,607 4,093
Long-term debt ..... 83 76 127 663 688 502
Stockholders' equity 614 691 2,402 2,020 2,068 1,510
Per Share Data:
Basic and diluted
(loss) income ... 10.87 11.54 (1.17) (12.52) (11.61) (8.48)
per share
Cash dividends per
common share .... 2.46(3) 2.84(4) 7.26(5) 5.00(6) 5.50 3.74(7)
Basic and diluted
weighted average 9,018,000 10,020,000 12,861,165 16,459,431 16,790,025 16,790,025
common shares ...
Other Data:
Income before
goodwill amortiza-
tion(10) ....... 118 132 181 301 406 296
</TABLE>
Six Months Ended June 30,
-----------------------------------------
1998 1999 1999
---- ---- ----
CHF CHF USD(2)
Statement of
Operations Data:
Net service revenues
Operating income ... 7,232 8,308 5,317
(loss) (23) 18 12
Net income (loss)... (137) (109) (70)
Balance Sheet Data:
Total Assets ....... 5,986 6,656 4,260
Long-term debt ..... 822 466 298
Stockholders' equity 1,852 1,905 1,219
Per Share Data:
Basic and diluted
(loss) income ...
per share (8.30) (6.39) (4.09)
Cash dividends per
common share ....
Basic and diluted 5.50(8) 7.00 4.62(9)
weighted average
common shares ... 16,529,002 17,077,269 17,077,269
Other Data:
Income before
goodwill amortiza-
tion(10) ....... 170 215 138
- ----------------------------
(1) Other than with respect to the cash dividend per common share data, based
on a noon buying rate of $0.73 per CHF1.00 on December 31, 1998.
(2) Other than with respect to the cash dividend per common share data, based
on a noon buying rate of $0.64 per CHF1.00 on June 30, 1999.
(3) The cash dividend per common share for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1994 was $1.85, based on a noon buying rate of $0.75 per CHF1.00 on July 1,
1994, the dividend payment date for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1994.
(4) The cash dividend per common share for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995 was $2.47, based on a noon buying rate of $0.87 per CHF1.00 on July 3,
1995, the dividend payment date for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995.
(5) The cash dividend per common share for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996 was $6.03, based on a noon buying rate of $0.83 per CHF1.00 on
February 6, 1996, the dividend payment date for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996.
(6) The cash dividend per common share for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997 was $3.55, based on a noon buying rate of $0.71 per CHF1.00 on May 30,
1997, the dividend payment date for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997.
(7) Based on a noon buying rate of $0.68 per CHF1.00 on May 22, 1998, the
dividend payment date for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and the
six months ended June 30, 1998.
(8) Based on a noon buying rate of $0.68 per CHF1.00 on May 22, 1998, the
dividend payment date for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
(9) Based on a noon buying rate of $0.66 per CHF1.00 on April 26, 1999, the
dividend payment date for the six months ended June 30, 1999.
(10) Income before goodwill amortization is not meant to portray net income or
cash flow in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
However, goodwill is a non-cash charge to operating income (loss). Adecco
amortizes goodwill over its estimated life of five years.
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<PAGE>
Summary Unaudited Consolidated Pro Forma Financial Data of Adecco
Included in this proxy statement/prospectus is the Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Information of Adecco SA and Olsten Corporation, together
with the relevant notes, assumptions and adjustments thereto which was prepared
to illustrate the estimated effects of the split-off of Olsten Health Services
and the merger for balance sheet purposes as of June 30, 1999 and for the
purposes of the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended
December 31, 1998 and six months ended June 30, 1999. The Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Statements have been prepared using the purchase method of accounting
to account for the merger.
The following summary of the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Information of Adecco and Olsten Corporation is derived from, and should be
read in conjunction with, the detail contained in the audited consolidated
financial statements of Adecco and the audited consolidated financial statements
of Olsten Corporation, and the accompanying notes to such statements, and the
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information of Adecco SA and Olsten
Corporation as of June 30, 1999 and for the year ended December 31, 1998 and the
six months ended June 30, 1999 and the accompanying notes to such statements
which are included herein. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Information of Adecco SA and Olsten Corporation" included on pages 94 through
101 and "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 111.
The Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information should not be
construed as representative of results that would actually have been achieved or
results that may be obtained in the future.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
---------------------------------------------------
Year ended Six months ended
December 31, 1998 June 30, 1999
(In CHF millions, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Net service revenues.................................. 19,543 10,815
Operating loss ....................................... (69) (115)
Net loss ............................................. (416) (280)(2)
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets.......................................... N/A 9,695
Long-term debt........................................ N/A 2,100
Stockholders' equity.................................. N/A 2,478
Per Share Data:
Basic and diluted loss per share...................... (23.88) (15.81)
Cash dividends per common share....................... 5.22 6.78
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares...... 17,424,100 17,711,344
Other Data:
Income before goodwill amortization(1) ............. 483 214
</TABLE>
- -----------------------
(1) Income before goodwill amortization is not meant to portray net income or
cash flow in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
However, goodwill is a non-cash charge to operating income (loss). Adecco
amortizes goodwill over its estimated life of five years.
(2) Includes Olsten staffing restructuring charge of $29 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1999.
-14-
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
This proxy statement/prospectus contains forward-looking statements
which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ
materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the
risk factors discussed below and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.
In addition, as a stockholder of Olsten Health Services, you will be subject to
the risks of investing in Olsten Health Services, as discussed in the Olsten
Health Services prospectus attached as Annex A which is a part of this proxy
statement/prospectus. In addition to the other information contained in this
proxy statement/prospectus and the attached annexes, you should consider the
following risk factors carefully in deciding how to vote on the merger.
Risks Related to the Transactions
If Adecco is not able to recognize all of the expected benefits of the merger or
if Adecco is unable to successfully assimilate the businesses of Olsten that are
being acquired in the merger, the trading price of shares to be issued in the
merger to you could be adversely affected
Adecco and Olsten entered into the merger agreement with the
expectation that the merger would, among other things, result in cost savings
and revenue enhancements. However, we cannot assure you that Adecco, after the
merger, will be able to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger in full,
if at all. In addition, acquisitions involve numerous risks, including
difficulties in the assimilation of the operations, technologies and services of
the acquired businesses and the diversion of management's attention from other
business concerns. If Adecco is unable to successfully assimilate the
operations, technologies and services of Olsten's staffing service and
information technology service business with those of Adecco or if Adecco is
unable to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger in full, the price of
the Adecco ADSs and the common shares may be adversely affected and the value of
the merger consideration you receive may decrease.
Olsten Health Services and Adecco may not be able to satisfy their
indemnification obligations to each other and this could adversely affect
trading prices
Under the separation agreement, Olsten Health Services has agreed to
indemnify Adecco for all liabilities related to the health services business.
Conversely, Olsten, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco, will indemnify
Olsten Health Services for all of Olsten's liabilities relating to Olsten's
businesses other than those related to the health services business. The ability
of Olsten Health Services to indemnify Adecco and of Olsten to indemnify Olsten
Health Services will be dependent upon the financial strength and
creditworthiness of Olsten Health Services and Olsten, respectively. No
assurance can be given that such entities will be in a position to fund such
indemnities should they be obligated to do so in the future. Olsten's health
services business has been the subject of extensive government investigations
and litigation. Olsten Health Services is unable to predict the costs that may
be incurred to satisfy those obligations. If it is unable to satisfy any of
these obligations, Olsten could be liable for such costs. For a description of
legal proceedings and governmental investigations involving the health services
business, for which Olsten Health Services will indemnify Olsten following the
merger, see "Business--Government investigations" and "--Legal proceedings" in
the prospectus of Olsten Health Services attached as Annex A to this proxy
statement/prospectus.
Adecco and Olsten may be subject to potential liabilities due to fraudulent
transfer considerations
The split-off may be subject to federal and state fraudulent conveyance
laws. Under these laws, if a court in a lawsuit by an unpaid creditor or a
representative of creditors of Olsten or Olsten Health Services were to
determine that, after giving effect to the split-off and any borrowings in
connection with the merger or the split-off, Olsten or Olsten Health Services:
-15-
<PAGE>
o was insolvent or would be rendered insolvent;
o had unreasonably small capital with which to carry on its
business and all businesses in which it intended to engage; or
o intended to incur, or believed it would incur, debts beyond its
ability to repay such debts as they would mature,
then such court could invalidate, in whole or in part, the split-off as a
fraudulent conveyance and order Olsten's stockholders to return the value of the
merger consideration paid by Adecco and Olsten and any dividends paid or require
Olsten Health Services to fund various liabilities of Olsten for the benefit of
creditors or require Olsten to fund various liabilities of Olsten Health
Services for the benefit of creditors.
The measure of insolvency for purposes of the fraudulent conveyance
laws will vary depending on which jurisdiction's law is applied. Generally,
however, an entity would be considered insolvent if the present fair saleable
value of its assets is less than:
o the amount of its liabilities including contingent liabilities,
or
o the amount that will be required to pay its probable liabilities
on its existing debts as they become absolute and mature.
No assurance can be given as to what standard a court would apply in determining
insolvency or that a court would not determine that Olsten or any of its
subsidiaries was "insolvent" at the time of or after giving effect to the
split-off.
You may not receive the form of merger consideration that you elect
Your ability to receive either 0.12472 of an Adecco ADS or an
equivalent number of common shares or $8.75 in cash for each share of Olsten
stock you own is subject to the limitation that Adecco will pay Olsten's
stockholders in the aggregate cash for half of the outstanding Olsten stock and
the remainder in Adecco ADSs or common shares. Holders who exercise appraisal
rights for their shares of Olsten stock will be treated as having made a cash
election. If enough other Olsten stockholders request the same form of merger
consideration you request, you may not receive the type of consideration
specified in your election. Depending on the trading price of Adecco ADSs or
common shares, one form of the merger consideration may be more valuable than
another. Any gain or loss recognized by Olsten stockholders with respect to the
merger will, and, with respect to the split-off, should, generally be taxable as
capital gain or loss. Accordingly, the more stock you receive, the less cash you
will have available to pay taxes.
Adecco's ability to complete the merger depends on its ability to raise
additional financing
Adecco will require financing of approximatley CHF 547 million to fund
the cash portion of the merger consideration, approximately CHF 512 million to
pay certain Olsten debt and approximately CHF 311 million to satisfy contractual
obligations and transaction costs associated with the merger. In addition,
Adecco will require CHF 900 million to refinance outstanding Adecco indebtedness
maturing in February 2000, and additional financing for operations. Adecco
expects to raise funds through new bank borrowings and the issuance of debt or
convertible debt securities. Adecco has received indicative term sheets with
respect to proposed debt financing from lending institutions for the entire
aggregate cash portion of the merger consideration. As of September 30, 1999,
Adecco had not made a decision on these proposals and, therefore, did not have
firm commitments for such new financing and refinancing. If Adecco cannot pay
the cash portion of the merger consideration because it cannot obtain financing
on terms acceptable to Adecco, it will breach its obligations under the merger
agreement and the merger may not be consummated.
-16-
<PAGE>
The value of the consideration that Olsten's stockholders will receive may vary
as a result of stock-price fluctuations prior to the completion of the merger
The value of the consideration that Olsten stockholders receive could
vary both as a result of the market value of Adecco ADSs or common shares and
Olsten Health Services common stock. Because there will be no established
trading market for Olsten Health Services' common stock prior to the merger, it
is uncertain at what price your Olsten Health Services common stock will trade.
See "Risk Factors -- There is no existing trading market for our common stock"
in the Olsten Health Services prospectus attached as Annex A.
Additionally, the closing of the merger could be delayed in order to
satisfy the conditions to completion of the merger. If there is a significant
delay between the Olsten stockholder vote at the special meeting and when you
will receive the merger consideration, you will be subject to the risk of
variance in the market price of Adecco ADSs and common shares. The market value
of such securities during this period may be adversely affected by changes in
Adecco's business, operations, results and prospects as well as exchange rates
between the U.S. dollar and the Swiss franc and market expectations of the
likelihood that the merger will be completed. In addition, the market price at
which Olsten Health Services common stock will trade may be adversely affected
during this period by changes in the health services business, operations and
prospects. As a result, the market value of your Olsten Health Services common
stock or, if you receive them, your Adecco ADSs or common shares could be
diminished between the time of the Olsten stockholder vote and when you actually
receive such securities.
Adecco and Olsten Health Services may not pay dividends
Historically, Olsten has paid cash dividends on Olsten stock, although
Olsten recently discontinued the payment of dividends. Although Adecco has
historically paid annual cash dividends, it may discontinue this practice at any
time. The future payment of dividends by Adecco and Olsten Health Services will
depend on decisions that will be made by their shareholders and board of
directors, respectively, from time to time based on their respective results of
operations and financial condition, cash requirements, covenants in instruments
governing indebtedness and other relevant factors. Olsten Health Services' board
of directors does not intend to declare any dividends in the foreseeable future.
In addition, Adecco's ability to pay dividends will depend on the
ability of Adecco's subsidiaries to pay cash dividends to Adecco and factors
that may be deemed relevant by the holders of Adecco common shares, who
determine by majority vote the declaration of annual dividends. In general,
Swiss corporations may pay dividends only out of net profits, including retained
earnings, after establishing mandatory reserves. There can be no assurance that
Adecco will have any net profits after establishing mandatory reserves, thus
preventing Adecco from paying any dividends. For a discussion on risks that may
affect Adecco's results of operations, you should refer to "--Risks Related to
Adecco."
Restrictions by regulatory agencies or a court could adversely affect our
ability to complete the merger
Even though Olsten and Adecco have received early termination of the
waiting period under the HSR Act, a court could delay or prevent the merger
before or after you adopt the merger agreement, and could still require Olsten
and/or Adecco to divest one or more of their lines of business or regions of
operation or to agree to various operating restrictions before or after you
approve the merger. Neither Olsten nor Adecco can guarantee that it could
complete any required divestiture for a fair market price. In addition, Olsten
and Adecco have not received notice from the European Community and the other
foreign regulatory authorities that the merger has been approved. The merger
cannot be completed until these regulatory approvals are obtained. There can be
no assurance that these approvals will be obtained.
-17-
<PAGE>
The laws of Switzerland require less corporate disclosure than those of
the United States, which may result in less publicly available information about
Adecco.
A principal objective of the securities laws of the United States is to
promote full and fair disclosure of all material corporate information. You
should realize, however, that there may be less publicly available information
about foreign issuers of securities publicly traded in the United States than is
regularly published by or about domestic issuers of publicly traded securities.
Although Adecco is subject to the disclosure requirements mandated by
the Swiss Stock Exchange, Swiss law generally imposes limited disclosure
requirements. Under Swiss law Swiss corporations must furnish year-end
financials to their shareholders within six months after the close of each
fiscal year, but do not have other continuing disclosure obligations.
As a "foreign private issuer" (as such term is defined in the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934), Adecco will be subject to the reporting and
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 applicable to
foreign private issuers and will file an annual report with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on Form 20-F within six months after the close of each
fiscal year, and furnish certain material information to the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the NASD under cover of Form 6-K promptly after it is
made public. As a foreign private issuer, however, Adecco will not be required
to file quarterly reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission and will
be exempt from the requirements to furnish an annual proxy or information
statement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Under Swiss law, the shareholders of Adecco may have fewer and
less-well defined shareholders' rights than they might otherwise have under U.S.
law.
Adecco's corporate affairs are governed by the Adecco charter and the
laws of Switzerland. The Swiss Code of Obligations is in general less specific
in terms of governance of corporate operations than is the Delaware General
Corporation Law. Accordingly, under Swiss law, the shareholders of Adecco may
have fewer or less well-defined rights than they might otherwise have as
stockholders of a Delaware corporation. Among the rights a shareholder of a
Swiss corporation lacks are appraisal rights and the right of shareholders to
institute lawsuits on behalf of a corporation. For a description of what your
rights will be as an Adecco shareholder, see "Description of Adecco Common
Shares" and "Comparative Rights of Stockholders of Adecco and Olsten."
Risks Related to Adecco
Any significant economic downturn could result in fewer companies using
temporary employees, which could materially adversely affect Adecco's results of
operations
Demand for personnel services is significantly affected by the general
level of economic activity in a country. Companies use temporary staffing
services to manage personnel costs and staffing needs due to business
fluctuations. When economic activity increases, temporary employees are often
added before full-time employees are hired. During expansions, there is also
increased competition among temporary services firms for qualified temporary
personnel. As economic activity slows down, companies tend to reduce their use
of temporary employees before undertaking layoffs of their regular employees
resulting in decreased demand for temporary personnel. Adecco may experience
less demand for its services and more competitive pricing pressure during
periods of economic downturn. Therefore, any significant economic downturn could
have a material adverse effect on Adecco's results of operations or financial
condition.
-18-
<PAGE>
The worldwide staffing services market is highly competitive with limited
barriers to entry, potentially limiting Adecco's ability to maintain or increase
its market share or profitability
The worldwide staffing services market is highly competitive with
limited barriers to entry, and in recent years has been undergoing significant
consolidation. Adecco competes in national, regional and local markets with
full-service and specialized temporary service agencies. While the majority of
Adecco's competitors are significantly smaller than Adecco, several competitors,
including Manpower, Randstadt, Kelly Services and Vedior BIS, have very
substantial marketing and financial resources. Adecco expects that the level of
competition will remain high in the future, which could limit Adecco's ability
to maintain or increase its market share or profitability.
If Adecco loses its key personnel, its business may suffer
Adecco's operations are dependent on the continued efforts of its
executive officers and senior management. In addition, Adecco is dependent on
the performance and productivity of its local managers and field personnel.
Adecco's ability to attract and retain business is significantly affected by
local relationships and the quality of service rendered. The loss of Adecco's
key managers may cause a significant disruption to the Adecco's business,
resulting in an adverse effect on Adecco's operations, including Adecco's
ability to establish and maintain customer relationships.
Adecco's success depends upon its ability to attract and retain qualified
temporary personnel
Adecco depends upon its ability to attract qualified temporary
personnel who possess the skills and experience necessary to meet the staffing
requirements of its clients. Adecco must continually evaluate and upgrade its
base of available qualified personnel to keep pace with changing client needs
and emerging technologies. Competition for individuals with proven professional
skills, particularly technologically skilled employees, is intense, and demand
for such individuals is expected to remain very strong for the foreseeable
future. There can be no assurance that qualified personnel will continue to be
available to Adecco in sufficient numbers and on terms of employment acceptable
to Adecco. Adecco's success will depend on its ability to recruit qualified
temporary personnel and retain them.
Adecco may be exposed to employment-related claims and costs that could
materially adversely affect its business
Adecco is in the business of employing people and placing them in the
work place of other businesses. Attendant risks of such activities include
possible claims by customers of employee misconduct or negligence, claims by
employees of discrimination or harassment (including claims relating to actions
of Adecco's customers), claims related to the inadvertent employment of illegal
aliens or unlicensed personnel, payment of workers' compensation claims and
other similar claims. Adecco has policies and guidelines in place to help reduce
its exposure to these risks and has purchased insurance policies against certain
risks in amounts that it believes to be adequate. However, there can be no
assurances that Adecco will not experience such problems in the future or that
Adecco may not incur fines or other losses or negative publicity with respect to
such problems that could have a material adverse effect on Adecco's business.
The cost of unemployment insurance premiums and workers' compensation costs for
Adecco's temporary employees may rise and reduce Adecco's profits
Businesses use temporary staffing in part to shift certain employment
costs and risks to personnel services companies. For example, Adecco is
responsible for and pays unemployment insurance premiums and workers'
compensation for its temporary employees. These costs have generally risen as a
result of increased claims and governmental regulation, as have the level of
wages generally. There can be no assurance that
-19-
<PAGE>
Adecco will be able to increase the fees charged to its clients in the future to
keep pace with increased costs. Price competition in the personnel services
industry is intense, and has led to lower margins. There can be no assurance
that Adecco will maintain its margins, and if it does not, its profitability
could be adversely affected.
Currency fluctuations may negatively affect the U.S. dollar value of Adecco ADSs
and dividend payments to Adecco ADS holders and may adversely affect Adecco's
operating results when translating foreign currency into Swiss francs
Adecco common shares are listed and principally traded on the Swiss
Stock Exchange. The prices for Adecco common shares as quoted in the official
list of the exchange are expressed in Swiss francs, and dividends on Adecco
common shares, if any, are also paid in Swiss francs. Fluctuations in the
exchange rate between the Swiss franc and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S.
dollar equivalent of the Swiss franc price of Adecco common shares on the Swiss
Stock Exchange and, as a result, are likely to affect the market prices of the
ADSs. Such fluctuations may negatively affect the U.S. dollar value of any
dividend payments holders of Adecco ADSs may receive in the future.
In addition, Adecco's operations are conducted in over 50 countries and
Adecco's local operations are reported in the applicable foreign currencies and
then translated into Swiss francs at the applicable foreign currency exchange
rates for inclusion in Adecco's consolidated financial statements. Exchange
rates for currencies of these countries may fluctuate in relation to the Swiss
franc and such fluctuations may have an adverse effect on Adecco's operating
results when translating foreign currency into Swiss francs.
Adecco's acquisition strategy may not be successful
Adecco has in recent periods concluded material acquisitions of
personnel services businesses, including TAD in late 1997 and Delphi Group plc
and Career Staff Ltd. in 1999, and may make further material acquisitions.
Acquisitions may involve significant risks, including uncertain valuation, legal
liabilities, transactional and integration costs, diversion of management
attention, and loss of or inability to achieve anticipated benefits, among
others. There can be no assurance that Adecco will continue to find and acquire
suitable acquisition candidates or that such acquisitions can be successfully
integrated into Adecco, including the acquisition of Olsten. In addition, there
can be no assurance that businesses acquired in the future will achieve
anticipated revenues and earnings.
Officers of Adecco together own and control a substantial amount of Adecco's
common shares, and therefore have the ability to make decisions that may
adversely affect the market price of Adecco common shares and ADSs
As of September 1, 1999, Klaus J. Jacobs, vice chairman and a director
of Adecco, and Philippe Foriel-Destezet, chairman and a director of Adecco, own,
directly or indirectly, approximately 23.5% and 22.0%, respectively, of the
outstanding Adecco common shares. Because the number of Adecco common shares,
including those represented by the Adecco ADSs, to be issued in the merger will
not materially increase the total number of Adecco common shares outstanding
immediately after the merger relative to the number of Adecco common shares
outstanding immediately prior to the merger, the relative percentage of Adecco
common shares owned by Messrs. Jacobs and Foriel-Destezet will remain
approximately the same following the merger.
The ownership of a substantial percentage of the outstanding Adecco
common shares by such holders may have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in control of Adecco, may discourage bids for Adecco common
shares or may adversely affect the market price of Adecco common shares and
ADSs.
Government regulations may result in prohibition or restriction of certain types
of employment services or the imposition of additional licensing or tax
requirements that may reduce Adecco's future earnings
Changes in legislation and regulation of Adecco's business in any of
the jurisdictions in which it operates may be introduced from time to time by
the legislatures of such jurisdictions which, if enacted, could have a material
adverse effect on the temporary employment services industry in such
jurisdictions, in general, and
-20-
<PAGE>
Adecco's operations, in particular. Such legislative or regulatory changes could
include, among others, the prohibition or restriction of certain types of
employment services that may be provided or the imposition of new or additional
licensing requirements or taxes with respect to the provision of employment
services (e.g., sales or value added tax). There can be no assurance that Adecco
will be able to increase the fees charged to its clients in a timely manner and
in a sufficient amount to cover increased costs as a result of any of the
foregoing.
Shareholders may have a limited ability to participate in Adecco rights
offerings
Swiss law requires a corporation to offer its shareholders the right to
purchase a sufficient number of shares to maintain their existing ownership
percentage whenever a Swiss corporation issues new shares, a concept known as
"preemptive rights." If by the terms of any rights offering or for any other
reason it is impracticable to make such rights or net proceeds available to any
holder of Adecco ADSs, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York may allow the
rights to lapse. In addition, United States holders of Adecco ADSs may not be
able to exercise preemptive rights through Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective with
respect to such rights or an exemption from the registration requirement
thereunder is available. Adecco intends to evaluate at the time of any rights
offering the costs and potential liabilities associated with any such
registration statement, any benefits to it of enabling the holders of the Adecco
ADSs to exercise such rights and any other factors Adecco considers appropriate
at the time and then will make a decision as to whether to file such
registration statement. Therefore, no assurance can be given that any such
registration statement would be filed. To the extent holders of Adecco ADSs are
unable to exercise such rights because a registration statement has not been
filed and no exemption from such registration requirement under the Securities
Act is available, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York would attempt to
sell such holders' preemptive rights and distribute the net proceeds thereof, if
any, to the holders of Adecco ADSs. In any such case, such holders' equity
interest in Adecco would be diluted proportionately. Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York, after consultation with Adecco, will have discretion as to
the procedure for making preemptive rights available to holders of Adecco ADSs,
or if the rights have value, which they frequently do not, in disposing of such
rights and making the net proceeds available to such holders.
Adecco cannot assure you that a year 2000-related problem with its computer
systems will not adversely impact Adecco and its business.
Computer systems used by Adecco and by its customers and suppliers are
liable to error or failure as a result of an inability to process dates after
1999 properly. Adecco has undertaken a program to assure its own readiness, to
survey the readiness of customers and suppliers and to prepare contingency
plans. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations of Adecco--Year 2000 Readiness." However, there is no
assurance that year 2000-related processing problems will not adversely impact
Adecco and its business.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This proxy statement/prospectus contains forward-looking statements
about the financial condition, results of operations and business of each of
Adecco, Olsten and Olsten Health Services. All statements, other than statements
of historical fact, included in this proxy statement/prospectus, including
without limitation the statements under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Adecco," "Business of Olsten"
and "Business of Adecco," are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You can find many of these
statements by looking for words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates,"
"estimates" or similar expressions used or incorporated in this proxy
statement/prospectus.
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from the forward-looking statements about Olsten, Adecco or Olsten Health
Services in this proxy statement/prospectus are set forth under the
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<PAGE>
caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus and
under "Risk Factors" in the Olsten Health Services Prospectus attached as Annex
A and also include factors which are outside of their control, such as interest
rates, foreign currency exchange rates, instability in domestic and foreign
financial markets, changes in government regulations and year 2000 issues. In
addition, future results are subject to uncertainties relating to the ability to
consummate business strategies, including realizing cost savings from the merger
and our other acquisitions. All forward-looking statements about Adecco, Olsten
or Olsten Health Services are expressly qualified in their entirety by those
cautionary statements.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which
speak only as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or, in the case of
documents incorporated by reference, the date of such documents.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE OLSTEN SPECIAL MEETING
Time, Place, Date
The special meeting of Olsten's stockholders will be held on ,
1999, at a.m. eastern time, at . This proxy statement/prospectus
is being furnished to the holders of the outstanding Olsten common stock and
class B common stock in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the board
of directors of Olsten for use at the special meeting and at any adjournments
and postponements of the special meeting.
Purpose of the Special Meeting
At the special meeting, holders of Olsten common stock and class B
common stock will consider and vote as a single class upon a proposal to adopt
the merger agreement and to transact other business as may properly come before
the meeting. Additional information concerning the special meeting and the
merger agreement is set forth below.
Recommendations of Olsten's Board of Directors
Olsten's board of directors has unanimously determined, based in part
upon the opinions of its financial advisors, that the terms of the merger and
the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair from a financial
point of view to Olsten stockholders. Olsten's board of directors recommends
that Olsten stockholders vote FOR adoption of the merger agreement.
Record Date; Outstanding Olsten Stock Entitled to Vote
Olsten's board of directors has fixed the close of business on , 1999
as the record date for the special meeting. Only holders of record of Olsten
common stock and class B common stock on the record date are entitled to notice
of and to vote at the special meeting. Holders of Olsten common stock are
entitled to one vote for each share held on the record date and holders of class
B common stock are entitled to ten votes for each share held on the record date
on matters properly presented at the special meeting. Holders of Olsten common
stock and class B common stock will vote together as a single class. Shares held
by Olsten as treasury shares or of any of our subsidiaries do not have voting
rights. A stockholders' list will be available for examination by holders of
Olsten stock, for any purpose related to the special meeting, during the 5-day
period preceding such meeting, at the offices of ________________________,
Telephone: __________.
At the close of business on the record date, there were ____ and ____
shares of issued and outstanding Olsten common stock and class B common stock,
respectively, held of record by ________ and _________ holders, respectively.
Accordingly, an aggregate of ________ votes may be cast at the special meeting
by holders of Olsten common stock and class B common stock.
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Vote Required; Certain Olsten Stockholders Voting in Favor of Adoption of the
Merger Agreement
Under Delaware law and Olsten's certificate of incorporation, the
merger agreement must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the voting power of the Olsten common stock and class B common stock
outstanding on the record date, voting together as a single class. The holders
of a majority of the voting power of Olsten's stock present in person or
represented by proxy will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at
the special meeting. Class B common stockholders, including Stuart Olsten, other
members of the Olsten family and certain trusts controlled by and created for
the benefit of members of the Olsten family, representing approximately 63% of
the outstanding voting power of Olsten stock as of September 17, 1999, have
agreed with Adecco to vote their shares in favor of the adoption of the merger
agreement. These stockholders have sufficient voting power to create a quorum at
the special meeting, and assuming these stockholders vote their shares in
accordance with the voting agreement at the special meeting, the requisite vote
for adoption of the merger agreement by the stockholders of Olsten will be
assured. See "The Principal Stockholders Agreement" attached to this document as
Annex E.
Action to Be Taken Under the Proxy
All proxies in the enclosed form that are properly executed and
returned to Olsten's transfer agent, ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.,
on or before the date of the special meeting, and not revoked, will be voted at
the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the meeting in
accordance with any instructions on the proxy or, if no instructions are
provided, will be voted for adoption of the merger agreement. Failure to return
an executed proxy card or to vote in person at the special meeting or voting to
abstain will constitute, in effect, a vote against adoption of the merger
agreement.
Management of Olsten does not know of any other matters which may come
before the special meeting. If any other matters are properly presented at the
special meeting for action, it is intended that the persons named in the
enclosed form of proxy and acting under the proxy will vote in accordance with
their best judgment on these matters. These matters could include an adjournment
or postponement of the special meeting from time to time if the board of
directors of Olsten determines that holders of Olsten stock have not had
sufficient time to consider the merger agreement. If the board makes this
determination, additional proxies may be solicited during the adjournment
period.
Revocation of Proxies
Any stockholder who has given a proxy pursuant to this solicitation may
revoke it by attending the special meeting and giving oral notice of his or her
intention to vote in person, without compliance with any other formalities. In
addition, any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked prior to
the special meeting by delivering to the secretary of Olsten an instrument
revoking it or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date.
Proxy Solicitation
Olsten will pay for the expense of mailing this proxy
statement/prospectus and the solicitation of proxies. Adecco and Olsten will pay
for their respective expenses of preparing and printing this proxy
statement/prospectus. In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be
solicited by officers, directors and employees of Olsten, without additional
remuneration, by personal interviews, written communication, telephone or
facsimile transmission. Olsten also will request brokerage firms, nominees,
custodians and fiduciaries to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners
of Olsten stock, and will pay customary charges for forwarding the material.
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The matters to be considered at the meeting are important. Therefore,
you are urged to read and consider carefully the information in this proxy
statement/prospectus. You are also urged to complete, date, sign and return
promptly the enclosed proxy using the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
You should not send your share certificates with your proxy cards.
After the merger, the exchange agent will send you a letter of transmittal with
instructions on how to surrender your share certificates.
THE TRANSACTIONS
Background of the Transactions
In pursuing strategies for enhancing stockholder value, Olsten
regularly considers opportunities for acquisitions, dispositions and other
strategic alliances. In the first quarter of 1999, Olsten management and the
board considered strategic alternatives for its staffing and health services
businesses in light of continued consolidation in such industries.
On February 10, 1999, Olsten held a regular meeting of the board and
discussed a letter from Adecco expressing preliminary interest in acquiring
Olsten and an inquiry from another possible buyer. Olsten subsequently retained
Salomon Smith Barney to assist it in evaluating these inquiries and possible
alternatives for maximizing stockholder value. In April 1999, Olsten also
engaged Warburg Dillon Read to assist it in this process.
On March 18, 1999, Olsten's executive committee met to discuss
alternative means of realizing the value of Olsten's businesses, including a
spin-off of its health services business to Olsten's stockholders, a merger of
Olsten with another company or a disposition of its health services business in
order to facilitate the consummation of a transaction involving its remaining
operations. Olsten management discussed with Olsten's financial advisors the
status of a possible transaction.
During late March through May 1999, as instructed by Olsten's board of
directors, Warburg Dillon Read contacted a number of parties, including major
strategic competitors in the staffing services industry or health services
industry and financial buyers, regarding their potential interest in Olsten or
its health services business. In April 1999, a confidential memorandum
containing information about Olsten was prepared which was then distributed to
interested parties upon signing a confidentiality agreement. In April 1999,
Olsten and Adecco executed a confidentiality agreement and Adecco commenced due
diligence.
On May 4, 1999, the Olsten board reviewed the status of the process
undertaken by Olsten and the status of negotiations with potential buyers. In
addition, management informed the board that they had met with a number of
interested parties, including Adecco.
In May and June 1999, a number of bidders submitted preliminary
non-binding indications of interest for an acquisition of Olsten without the
health services business and a number of bidders submitted preliminary
non-binding indications of interest for an acquisition of the health services
business alone. Olsten, in consultation with Warburg Dillon Read, evaluated the
indications of interest and concluded that it would continue discussions with,
and release additional information regarding Olsten to, these potential buyers.
In May and early June 1999, Olsten, Adecco and their respective
financial advisors held various conference calls and meetings to discuss a
possible merger without Olsten's health services business.
During May and June 1999, Olsten provided five potential buyers,
including Adecco, with access to a data room containing, among other items,
materials pertaining to Olsten's corporate governance, employees and
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material contracts, management reports and financial and operating data.
Olsten's management also made itself available for question and answer sessions.
While the potential buyers performed due diligence on Olsten, Warburg Dillon
Read, as instructed by Olsten, continued to contact potential strategic and
financial buyers.
On June 14, 1999, the executive committee of Olsten met and resolved
that the executive committee be constituted as a special committee of the board
of directors, consisting of Edward A. Blechschmidt, Victor F. Ganzi, John M.
May, Stuart Olsten and Josh S. Weston. The special committee's authority was
limited to entertaining, reviewing, and making recommendations to the board with
respect to indications of interest and offers received by Olsten for the
purchase of the health services business and/or Olsten. The special committee
engaged Debevoise & Plimpton to advise it in such capacity.
Thereafter, the special committee met with Olsten's financial advisors
and directed the representatives of Warburg Dillon Read to discuss valuation
issues with the investment bankers for Adecco and other interested parties. In
addition, the Warburg Dillon Read representatives were directed to schedule
meetings with a number of other entities which had expressed an interest in a
transaction with Olsten.
In early July 1999, Adecco and another potential buyer submitted
non-binding proposals for the acquisition of Olsten, without the health services
business. These proposals reflected varying structures, types and amounts of
consideration to be delivered, liabilities to be assumed and conditions to
closing, including further due diligence and negotiation of transaction
documents. While neither proposal was satisfactory, the board concluded, in
consultation with Olsten's financial advisors, that each merited further
discussion.
At a meeting of the special committee of Olsten on July 9, 1999, the
special committee reviewed with Olsten's financial advisors the process by which
bids were solicited and the indications of interest received from potential
buyers. In addition, the special committee discussed possible transaction
structures.
On July 14, 1999, the special committee met with Olsten's legal and
financial advisors. At this meeting, the special committee reviewed with
Olsten's legal and financial advisors the chronology of events and valuation
matters.
On July 22, 1999, the board met to consider the possible sale of
Olsten. It was the strong sense of the entire board, after full discussion at
that meeting, that Olsten common stockholders and class B common stockholders
should be paid the same consideration for their shares of stock in Olsten. The
Olsten board decided at that meeting to establish an independent committee
composed solely of disinterested directors elected by the holders of Olsten
common stock. The independent committee was given limited authority to consider
any proposal for the acquisition of all or any portion of Olsten pursuant to
which some or all of the class B common stockholders would receive, directly or
indirectly, different consideration for their shares of stock in Olsten than the
common stockholders. The Olsten board of directors appointed Messrs. May and
Weston to comprise the independent committee. The independent committee was to
report its conclusions to the full Olsten board with respect to these matters.
The independent committee retained Debevoise & Plimpton as its counsel,
whereupon that firm resigned as counsel to the special committee.
At the July 22, 1999 meeting, the board reviewed with Olsten's
management and financial advisors the status of negotiations, due diligence,
financial aspects of the proposed transactions and remaining open issues. The
Olsten board also reviewed strategic alternatives, including Olsten continuing
as an independent entity, the possible sale of Olsten as a whole, the
spin-off/split-off of its health services business in connection with a sale of
Olsten and the disposition of assets. In addition, Cahill Gordon & Reindel,
counsel to Olsten, reviewed various legal issues with the Olsten board. After
discussion, the Olsten board authorized the officers of Olsten to continue
negotiations.
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Thereafter, the board instructed Olsten's financial advisors to pursue
a split-off of Olsten's health services business, to further increase the
consideration proposed by potential buyers and to inform potential buyers that
the board would not approve a transaction structured with different
consideration being paid for the different classes of Olsten stock.
In late July 1999, Adecco and the other potential buyer submitted
revised proposals reflecting an increased valuation of the transaction. At the
direction of the board, Olsten's management and Warburg Dillon Read conducted
negotiations with each party. As part of these discussions, Olsten and Adecco
agreed that, in conjunction with any merger, Olsten would split off its health
services business to its stockholders.
Commencing July 27, 1999, Olsten, Adecco and their respective
representatives had numerous conference calls to negotiate the terms of a merger
agreement and related agreements. On August 4, 1999, Olsten agreed to negotiate
exclusively with Adecco until August 20, 1999.
From August 1 to August 9, 1999, Adecco and its legal and financial
advisors conducted due diligence on Olsten at Olsten's offices in Melville, New
York and elsewhere. At those meetings, representatives from Adecco, together
with its advisors, discussed various matters relating to the business of Olsten
with Olsten's management. On August 9, 1999, Olsten held a similar due diligence
meeting with members of Adecco's management at Adecco's U.S. offices in Redwood
City, CA.
On August 11, 1999, Olsten and Adecco and their respective legal and
financial advisors met in New York to continue to negotiate the merger agreement
and the related agreements. Negotiations continued through August 17, 1999.
Also on August 11, 1999, Olsten issued a press release stating that it
was in discussions regarding a possible significant transaction, but did not
identify Adecco as a party to those discussions. The press release was issued in
response to an inquiry from the New York Stock Exchange about the increased
trading activity of Olsten common stock.
On August 12, 1999, the board of Olsten held a special meeting with
Olsten's senior management and legal and financial advisors to consider the
merger agreement, the terms that had been negotiated with Adecco, the results of
due diligence and open issues.
On August 13, 1999, Olsten's representatives, Messrs. Blechschmidt and
Olsten, met with Adecco's representatives Klaus Jacobs, Philippe
Foriel-Destezet, John Bowmer and Felix Weber to discuss the proposed
transaction.
On August 14, 1999, the Olsten board held a special meeting to discuss
the merger with Adecco and the split-off. At that meeting, Olsten's management
reviewed the status of negotiations, including the resolution of previously open
issues, the principal terms of the proposed transactions, the strategic reasons
for the merger and split-off and the material factors for and against the
transactions. Olsten's legal advisor reviewed the principal terms of the merger
agreement, the separation agreement and related legal issues. Olsten's financial
advisors provided an overview of the business of Adecco and reviewed with the
board the financial analyses performed in their evaluation of the consideration
to be received by holders of Olsten stock in the merger and split-off. Based on
the assumption that the terms of the definitive merger and separation agreements
would remain substantially the same as those set forth in the drafts of the
agreements provided to the financial advisors, Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon
Smith Barney each rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed by delivery
of written opinions, to the effect that, as of such date and based on and
subject to the matters described in its opinion, the consideration to be
received by holders of Olsten stock in the merger and the split-off, taken
together, was fair, from a financial point of view, to such stockholders.
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At the August 14 meeting, the independent committee then reported that
it had reviewed the proposed consulting and non-competition payments to be made
to Mr. Olsten pursuant to a proposed agreement with Adecco and concluded that
such payments did not provide preferential consideration for him in his capacity
as a class B stockholder. The committee also reported that since, among other
things, Olsten Health Services would have one class of common stock, it was
satisfied that the consideration to be received by Olsten common stockholders
and class B common stockholders in the merger and split-off was the same. After
the principal terms and conditions of the proposed transactions negotiated as of
that date were presented to the Olsten board by management and its legal and
financial advisors, the Olsten board authorized management to proceed to
negotiate and complete definitive agreements for the proposed transactions. The
Olsten board unanimously approved the merger and all related transactions.
On August 17, 1999, Olsten and Adecco entered into the merger
agreement, separation agreement and the ancillary agreements.
On August 18, 1999, Olsten and Adecco issued separate press releases
announcing the transactions.
In September 1999, the Olsten compensation committee reviewed the
separation, consulting and non-competition agreements entered into in connection
with the merger by Messrs. Olsten, Blechschmidt and Puglisi and two other Olsten
executives. Following its review, the compensation committee approved the
agreements. Subsequently, Messrs. Olsten, Blechschmidt and Puglisi and the two
other Olsten executives agreed with the request of the Olsten executive
committee to recast their agreements in order to reduce certain benefits and the
Olsten board approved the revised agreements. The independent committee also
reviewed Mr. Olsten's agreement and concluded that the benefits did not provide
preferential consideration for him as a class B stockholder.
Reasons of Olsten for the Merger; Recommendation of Olsten's Board
Olsten's board of directors believes that the merger and the separation
of the health services business from the staffing services and information
technology services businesses will accomplish a number of important business
objectives.
Olsten's board of directors believes that the merger is fair to you
from a financial point of view. At its August 14, 1999 meeting, Olsten's board
unanimously approved the merger agreement. Set forth below are the material
factors weighing in favor of the merger that Olsten's board considered in
reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement and to recommend that you
vote to adopt the merger agreement:
o the prospects of each of Olsten and Adecco indicate that the
combined businesses will have a stronger presence in their
markets than Olsten standing alone;
o the ability of stockholders to achieve a premium from the cash
and ADSs from Adecco plus the value of the Olsten Health Services
common stock over the market price at which Olsten's common stock
had previously traded;
o the receipt of Adecco ADSs which will allow Olsten stockholders
to continue to participate in the staffing services and
information technology services businesses through a better
capitalized company;
o the ability to elect the form of consideration per share which
enables those stockholders who wish to receive more cash to so
elect and those stockholders who prefer to receive more Adecco
ADSs, or Adecco common shares, to so elect;
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o the possibility that Olsten's future performance might not lead
to a market price of Olsten's common stock in excess of the
consideration that you would receive as part of the proposed
merger and split-off;
o the possible enhancement of Olsten's existing businesses as a
result of combining with those of Adecco, attributable in part to
the greater size and financial strength of the combined company;
o the relative lower value to Olsten's stockholders that could be
generated from other various strategic alternatives available to
Olsten, including the alternative of remaining independent;
o the financial and business prospects of the combined company;
o the potential beneficial effects on Olsten's various
constituencies, including Olsten's employees, customers and
creditors;
o the strong historical financial position and results of
operations of Adecco;
o the maintenance of Olsten's headquarters as the North American
headquarters for Adecco;
o the experience of Adecco's management in acquiring and
consolidating other staffing companies;
o Olsten's board's belief, after consultation with its legal
counsel, that the regulatory approvals necessary to complete the
merger could be obtained;
o the history of Olsten's discussions with other parties,
including, without limitation, (1) the efforts of Olsten in
exploring strategic initiatives to enhance stockholder value, (2)
the fair and ample opportunity provided to other parties to
submit proposals to Olsten, and (3) the extensive arm's-length
negotiations between Olsten and Adecco that resulted in the per
share consideration to which Adecco has agreed;
o the financial presentation of Olsten's financial advisors,
Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney, to Olsten's board
and the opinions of each of Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith
Barney as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the
consideration to be received by the holders of Olsten stock in
the merger and the split-off, taken together, as more fully
described below under "--Opinions of Olsten's Financial
Advisors";
o the expected taxation of any gain recognized by Olsten
stockholders as capital gain and the expected absence of any
corporate level tax cost to Olsten;
o the increased ease of evaluating the performance and future
prospects of the health services business;
o the fact that Olsten Health Services will have one class of
stock;
o enabling the health services business to have its own publicly
traded equity securities to finance its own growth opportunities
and to incentivize management; and
o allowing you and others to better evaluate the performance and
future prospects of the health services business as an
independent entity.
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Olsten's board of directors has set forth below the material factors
weighing against the merger that it considered in reaching its decision to
approve the merger agreement and to recommend that you vote to adopt the merger
agreement:
o Olsten's obligation to pay Adecco a termination fee of $40
million if the merger agreement is terminated because Olsten's
board accepts a superior proposal;
o the possibility that you could achieve more value over the
long-term from continued operation of Olsten as an independent
company;
o that the merger and the split-off will be taxable to Olsten's
stockholders; and
o that because Adecco will pay to Olsten's stockholders, in the
aggregate, cash for half of the outstanding Olsten stock and the
remainder in Adecco ADSs or common shares, Olsten stockholders
may not receive the type of consideration that they elect.
Considering all of these factors, Olsten's board was aware of the
interests of some of Olsten's executive officers and directors in the merger and
the split-off as described beginning on page 40.
Olsten structured the merger and the split-off of the health services
business from Olsten's other businesses to achieve the strategic benefits
discussed.
Because of the variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the merger, Olsten's board did not find it practicable to, and did
not, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors it
considered in reaching its determination. Individual members of Olsten's board
may have assigned different weights to different factors or may have considered
additional factors not listed above.
Olsten's board weighed both the material factors in favor of and
against the merger and the merger agreement and determined that the material
factors in favor of the merger outweighed the material factors against the
merger. Consequently, it was Olsten's board's judgment that the merger agreement
is in the best interests of Olsten's stockholders.
Olsten's board unanimously recommends that you vote for adoption of the
merger agreement.
Reasons of Adecco for the Merger
Adecco's board of directors believes that the merger presents Adecco
with a number of important opportunities. These include:
o making Adecco the leader, in terms of revenues, in the U.S.
staffing industry and the worldwide IT staffing business;
o providing more comprehensive and diverse services to clients and
additional career prospects for employees;
o making Adecco better capitalized which will allow it to more cost
effectively finance and achieve cost savings through economies of
scale;
o acquiring a market leadership position in the eastern regions of
the U.S. to complement Adecco's market leadership in the western
regions of the U.S.;
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o acquiring Olsten's excellent and well-established brand names;
and
o combining a highly competent and motivated joint management team
and compatible corporate cultures to promote a positive
environment for employees.
Opinions of Olsten's Financial Advisors
Opinion of Warburg Dillon Read
Olsten's board of directors retained Warburg Dillon Read to act as its
co-financial advisor in connection with the board of directors' review of
strategic alternatives. At the meeting of Olsten's board of directors held on
August 14, 1999, Warburg Dillon Read delivered its oral opinion to the effect
that, as of the date of the opinion and based on and subject to the matters
described in the opinion, including a review of the definitive agreements for
the transaction, the consideration to be received in the merger and split-off,
taken together, was fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of
Olsten stock. The opinion was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated
August 17, 1999, the date of execution of the merger agreement.
The following summary of the Warburg Dillon Read opinion is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion. The full text of
the Warburg Dillon Read opinion sets forth the assumptions made, procedures
followed, matters considered and limitations on the scope of the review
undertaken and is attached as Annex D-1 to this document. We encourage you to
carefully read the Warburg Dillon Read opinion in its entirety.
The Warburg Dillon Read opinion:
o is directed to Olsten's board of directors;
o relates to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the
consideration to be received in the merger and split-off, taken
together, by holders of Olsten common stock and class B common
stock;
o addresses only the financial terms of the consideration to be
received in the merger and split-off by the holders of Olsten
common stock and class B common stock; and
o does not constitute a recommendation to holders of Olsten common
stock and class B common stock about how to vote at the special
meeting or as to which election such holders should make
regarding the form of the consideration to be received in the
merger.
In arriving at its opinion, Warburg Dillon Read, among other things:
o reviewed publicly available business and historical financial
information relating to Olsten, Olsten's health services business
and Adecco, including the reported prices and trading activity
for the Olsten common stock, the Adecco common shares and the
Adecco ADSs;
o reviewed internal financial information and other data concerning
the business and financial prospects of Olsten, Olsten's health
services business and Adecco, including estimates and financial
forecasts prepared by management of the respective company, that
was provided to Warburg Dillon Read by Olsten and Adecco;
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o held discussions with members of senior management of Olsten,
Olsten's health services business and Adecco regarding the
business and prospects of Olsten, Olsten's health services
business and Adecco as well as other matters it believed relevant
to its inquiry;
o reviewed publicly available financial and stock market data with
respect to selected companies in lines of business Warburg Dillon
Read believed to be generally comparable to those of Olsten's
staffing services business, Olsten's health services business and
Adecco;
o compared the financial terms of the merger and split-off with the
financial terms of selected other transactions which Warburg
Dillon Read believed to be generally relevant;
o considered a number of the pro forma effects of the merger and
split-off and related transactions on Adecco's financial
statements;
o reviewed drafts of the merger agreement and the separation
agreement; and
o considered such other financial studies, analyses, investigations
and information that it considered necessary or appropriate.
In connection with its review, Warburg Dillon Read:
o did not independently verify any of the information referred to
above and, with Olsten's consent, relied on its being complete
and accurate in all material respects;
o assumed, with Olsten's consent, that the financial forecasts,
estimates and pro forma effects referred to above were reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of the management of each company as to
the future performance of their respective companies;
o assumed that, following the split-off, Olsten Health Services
would not have any material contingent liabilities except as
reflected in Olsten's financial statements;
o assumed that Adecco, the Company and Olsten Health Services would
comply with all the material terms of the merger agreement and
the separation agreement;
o at Olsten's direction, did not make any independent evaluation or
appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities of Olsten, Olsten
Health Services or Adecco, nor was Warburg Dillon Read furnished
with any such evaluation or appraisal;
o assumed, with Olsten's consent, that the merger and split-off
will comply with applicable foreign, federal and state laws,
including laws relating to the payment of dividends, bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent
transfer or other similar law affecting creditors' rights
generally; and
o did not specifically analyze the impact on any individual holder
of Olsten common stock or class B common stock of exercising the
election regarding the form of the consideration to be received
in the merger.
Warburg Dillon Read's opinion:
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o is necessarily based upon economic, monetary, market and other
conditions as they existed as of the date of the opinion and
should be evaluated based upon these conditions;
o does not imply any conclusion as to the actual value of the
Olsten Health Services common stock, the Adecco ADSs or Adecco
common shares when issued to the holders of Olsten common stock
and class B common stock in the merger and split-off or the
prices at which such securities will trade subsequent to the
merger and split-off, which may vary depending upon various
factors, including changes in interest rates, dividend rates,
market conditions, general economic conditions and other factors
that generally influence the price of securities;
o does not address or take into consideration the after-tax
consequences to any holder of Olsten common stock or class B
common stock of the merger and split-off and the other
transactions contemplated by the separation agreement and the
merger agreement; and
o does not address Olsten's underlying business decision to effect
the merger and split-off.
In connection with its opinion, Warburg Dillon Read understood that
Adecco and Olsten would treat the split-off as an integral part of the merger
for all United States federal, state and local tax purposes, and that Adecco and
Olsten expected that:
o holders of Olsten common stock and class B common stock would be
treated as having had a portion of their shares of Olsten common
stock and class B common stock (equal in value to the value of
the Olsten Health Services common stock exchanged in the
split-off) redeemed by Olsten in a transaction governed by
Section 302(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and as having sold their remaining shares of Olsten common stock
and class B common stock in a fully taxable transaction for
consideration consisting of consideration to be received in the
merger; and
o Olsten would recognize gain, if any, with respect to the Olsten
Health Services common stock exchanged in the split-off.
Warburg Dillon Read was not asked to and did not recommend the specific
consideration payable in the merger and split-off, which was determined through
negotiation between Olsten and Adecco. At Olsten's direction, Warburg Dillon
Read contacted third parties to solicit indications of interest in a possible
transaction with Olsten, both in respect of Olsten as a whole, and in respect of
Olsten's health services business. Warburg Dillon Read held discussions with a
number of these parties prior to the date of its opinion. Olsten did not limit
Warburg Dillon Read regarding the procedures to be followed or factors to be
considered in rendering its opinion.
In preparing its opinion, Warburg Dillon Read performed a variety of
financial and comparative analyses, including those described below. The summary
of these analyses is not a complete description of the analyses underlying
Warburg Dillon Read's opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a
complex analytical process involving various determinations as to the most
appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of
those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, is not susceptible
to partial analysis or summary descriptions. In arriving at its opinion, Warburg
Dillon Read made qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of
each analysis and factor considered by it. Accordingly, Warburg Dillon Read
believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting
portions of its analyses and the factors considered by it, without considering
all analyses and factors, could create an incomplete view of the processes
underlying the analyses set forth in its opinion.
In performing its analyses, Warburg Dillon Read made numerous
assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, financial,
market and economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the
control of Olsten, Adecco or Olsten Health Services. No company, transaction or
business used in
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those analyses as a comparison is identical to Olsten or Adecco or their
respective businesses or Olsten's health services business or the merger and
split-off, nor is an evaluation of the results entirely mathematical. Rather,
the analyses involves complex considerations and judgments concerning financial
and operating characteristics and other factors which could affect the
acquisition, public trading or other values of the companies, business segments
or transactions being analyzed.
The estimates contained in the analyses performed by Warburg Dillon
Read and the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis are not
necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or
values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such
analyses. In addition, analyses relating to the value of businesses or
securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which a
business might actually be sold or the prices at which any securities may trade
at the present time or at any time in the future.
In the past, Warburg Dillon Read and its predecessors have provided
investment banking services to Olsten and received customary compensation for
the rendering of such services. In the ordinary course of its business, Warburg
Dillon Read, its successors and affiliates may trade or have traded securities
of Olsten or Adecco for their own account and, accordingly, may at any time hold
a long or short position in such securities. Warburg Dillon Read and its
affiliates, including UBS AG, may have other business relationships with Olsten
and its affiliates and Adecco and its affiliates.
Opinion of Salomon Smith Barney
Olsten retained Salomon Smith Barney to act as co-financial advisor in
connection with the proposed transaction. In connection with this engagement,
Olsten requested that Salomon Smith Barney evaluate the fairness, from a
financial point of view, of the consideration to be received in the merger and
split-off, taken together, to the holders of Olsten stock. On August 14, 1999,
at a meeting of Olsten's board of directors held to evaluate the proposed
transaction, Salomon Smith Barney delivered to Olsten's board of directors an
oral opinion to the effect that, as of the date of the opinion and based on and
subject to the matters described in the opinion, including a review of the
definitive agreements for the transaction, the consideration to be received in
the merger and split-off, taken together, was fair, from a financial point of
view, to the holders of Olsten stock. This opinion was confirmed by delivery of
a written opinion dated August 17, 1999, the date of execution of the merger
agreement.
In arriving at its opinion, Salomon Smith Barney:
o reviewed the merger agreement and related documents;
o held discussions with senior officers, directors and other
representatives and advisors of Olsten and senior officers and
other representatives and advisors of Adecco concerning the
operations and prospects of Olsten's health services, staffing
services and information services businesses and Adecco;
o examined publicly available business and financial information
relating to Olsten's health services, staffing services and
information services businesses and Adecco, as well as financial
forecasts and other information and data for Olsten's health
services, staffing services and information services businesses
and Adecco, which the managements of Olsten and Adecco provided
to or otherwise discussed with Salomon Smith Barney, including
information relating to strategic implications and operational
benefits anticipated to result from the merger;
o reviewed the financial terms of the transaction as described in
the merger agreement in relation to, among other things, current
and historical market prices and trading volumes of Olsten common
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stock, Adecco common shares and Adecco ADSs, the financial
condition and historical and projected earnings and other
operating data of Olsten's health services, staffing services and
information services businesses and Adecco, and the
capitalization of Olsten and Adecco;
o considered, to the extent publicly available, the financial terms
of other transactions recently effected which it considered
relevant in evaluating the merger;
o analyzed financial, stock market and other publicly available
information relating to the businesses of other companies whose
operations it considered relevant in evaluating Olsten's health
services, staffing services and information services businesses
and Adecco;
o evaluated the potential pro forma financial impact of the merger
on Adecco; and
o conducted other analyses and examinations and considered other
financial, economic and market criteria as it deemed appropriate
in arriving at its opinion.
In rendering its opinion, Salomon Smith Barney assumed and relied,
without independent verification, on the accuracy and completeness of all
financial and other information and data that it reviewed or considered. With
respect to these financial forecasts and other information and data, the
managements of Olsten and Adecco advised Salomon Smith Barney that they were
reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates
and judgments of the managements of Olsten and Adecco as to the future financial
performance of Olsten's health services, staffing services and information
services businesses and Adecco and the strategic implications and operational
benefits anticipated to result from the merger.
Salomon Smith Barney did not express any opinion as to what the value
of the Adecco common shares, Adecco ADSs or Olsten Health Services common stock
actually will be when issued to Olsten stockholders in the transaction or the
price at which the Adecco common shares, Adecco ADSs or Olsten Health Services
common stock will trade after the transaction. In addition, Salomon Smith Barney
did not make, and was not provided with, an independent evaluation or appraisal
of the assets or liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of Olsten's health
services, staffing services and information services businesses or Adecco, and
Salomon Smith Barney did not make any physical inspection of the properties or
assets of those businesses or Adecco.
In connection with its opinion, Salomon Smith Barney was not requested
to, and did not, solicit third party indications of interest in the possible
acquisition of all or a part Olsten, although Olsten advised Salomon Smith
Barney that third party indications of interest were solicited by other
representatives of Olsten. Salomon Smith Barney was not requested to consider,
and its opinion does not address, the relative merits of the transaction as
compared to any alternative business strategies that might exist for Olsten or
the effect of any other transaction in which Olsten might engage. Salomon Smith
Barney noted that its opinion was necessarily based on information available,
and financial, stock market and other conditions and circumstances existing and
disclosed, to Salomon Smith Barney as of the date of its opinion. Although
Salomon Smith Barney evaluated the consideration to be received in the merger
and split-off, taken together, from a financial point of view, Salomon Smith
Barney was not asked to and did not recommend the specific consideration payable
in the transaction, which was determined through negotiation between Olsten and
Adecco. No other instructions or limitations were imposed by Olsten on Salomon
Smith Barney with respect to the investigations made or procedures followed by
Salomon Smith Barney in rendering its opinion.
The full text of Salomon Smith Barney's written opinion dated August
17, 1999, which describes the assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken, is attached as Annex D-2 and incorporated
into this document by reference. We encourage you to read this opinion carefully
in its entirety. Salomon Smith Barney's opinion is directed to Olsten's board of
directors and relates only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of
the consideration to be received in the merger and split-off,
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taken together, does not address any other aspect of the split-off, merger or
related transactions and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder
as to how to vote in the merger, the form of consideration to be elected by any
shareholder in the merger or any other matter relating to the proposed
transaction. The summary of Salomon Smith Barney's opinion included in this
document is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the
opinion.
In preparing its opinion, Salomon Smith Barney performed a variety of
financial and comparative analyses, including those described below. The summary
of these analyses is not a complete description of the analyses underlying
Salomon Smith Barney's opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a
complex analytical process involving various determinations as to the most
appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of
those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, a fairness opinion
is not readily susceptible to summary description. Accordingly, Salomon Smith
Barney believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that
selecting portions of its analyses and factors or focusing on information
presented in tabular format, without considering all analyses and factors or the
narrative description of the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete
view of the processes underlying its analyses and opinion.
In its analyses, Salomon Smith Barney considered industry performance,
general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters,
many of which are beyond the control of Olsten and Adecco. No company,
transaction or business used in those analyses as a comparison is identical to
Olsten or its businesses or the proposed transaction, and an evaluation of those
analyses is not entirely mathematical. Rather, the analyses involve complex
considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics
and other factors that could affect the transaction, public trading or other
values of the companies, business segments or transactions being analyzed.
The estimates contained in Salomon Smith Barney's analyses and the
valuation ranges resulting from any particular analysis are not necessarily
indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may
be significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by the analyses. In
addition, analyses relating to the value of businesses or securities do not
necessarily purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which
businesses or securities actually may be sold. Accordingly, Salomon Smith
Barney's analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial
uncertainty.
Salomon Smith Barney's opinion and analyses were only one of many
factors considered by Olsten's board of directors in its evaluation of the
transaction and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of Olsten's
board of directors or management with respect to the proposed transaction or the
consideration payable in the transaction.
Salomon Smith Barney is familiar with Olsten, having provided
investment banking services to Olsten in the past unrelated to the proposed
transaction, for which services Salomon Smith Barney has received compensation.
In addition, Salomon Smith Barney and its affiliates, including Citigroup Inc.
and its affiliates, may maintain relationships with Olsten, Adecco and their
respective affiliates. In the ordinary course of business, Salomon Smith Barney
and its affiliates may actively trade or hold the securities of Olsten and
Adecco for their own account or for the account of customers and, accordingly,
may at any time hold a long or short position in those securities.
Joint Financial Analyses of Olsten's Financial Advisors
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses jointly
presented by Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney in connection with the
rendering of their respective opinions. The financial analyses summarized below
include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand
the financial analyses of the financial advisors, the tables must be read
together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a
complete description of the financial analyses. Consider-
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ing the data set forth below without considering the full narrative description
of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions
underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the
financial analyses of the financial advisors.
Olsten Analyses
Selected Companies Analysis. Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith
Barney reviewed and compared selected financial information and public market
multiples of Olsten and the following 14 other selected companies in the
staffing services industry:
o Adecco
o CDI Corporation
o Interim Services Inc.
o Kelly Services, Inc.
o Labor Ready, Inc.
o Manpower Inc.
o Randstadt Holding N.V.
o RemedyTemp, Inc.
o Robert Half International Inc.
o Select Appointments plc
o SOS Staffing Services, Inc.
o StaffMark, Inc.
o Vedior NV
o Westaff, Inc.
Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney reviewed, among other
things, enterprise values, calculated as the market value of fully diluted
equity securities plus indebtedness and minority interests less cash, as of
August 13, 1999, as a multiple of actual trailing 12 months and estimated
calendar 1999 and 2000 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization, commonly referred to as EBITDA. Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon
Smith Barney then compared the implied multiples derived for the selected
companies with the multiples implied in the merger for Olsten, excluding
Olsten's health services business, based on the estimated transaction value of
the merger. For purposes of determining the estimated transaction value of the
merger, Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney assumed merger
consideration of $8.75 per share of Olsten stock, approximately $750 million in
Olsten indebtedness and approximately $28 million in minority interests to be
assumed by Adecco, and net operating losses with a net present value of
approximately $55 million to be acquired by Adecco. Estimated financial data for
Olsten, as a whole, Adecco and the selected companies were based on publicly
available research analysts' estimates. Estimated financial data for Olsten,
excluding Olsten's health services business, were based on internal estimates of
the management of Olsten. This analysis indicated the following implied
multiples for the selected companies, as compared to the multiples implied in
the merger for Olsten, excluding Olsten's health services business, based on the
estimated transaction value of the merger:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Implied Range of Multiples Implied Multiples of Olsten, Excluding
of Selected Olsten's Health Services Business,
Companies Based on Transaction Value of Merger
-------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Enterprise Value Low Mean Median High
- ---------------- --- ---- ------ ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Actual trailing 12 months EBITDA 4.6x 9.1x 7.3x 20.0x 9.0x
Estimated calendar 1999 EBITDA 3.6x 7.7x 7.0x 17.1x 8.2x
Estimated calendar 2000 EBITDA 3.2x 6.6x 5.7x 14.4x 7.2x
</TABLE>
Selected Transactions Analysis. Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith
Barney reviewed and compared publicly available information relating to the
following seven selected transactions in the staffing services industry
consummated since 1996:
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Acquiror Target
-------- ------
<S> <C> <C>
o Interim Services, Inc. Norell Corporation
o StaffMark, Inc. Robert Walters plc
o Randstadt Holdings N.V. Strategix Solutions, Inc.
o The Corporate Services Group plc. Metamor Worldwide, Inc. (Corestaff Services)
o Adecco TAD Resources International
o Interim Services, Inc. Michael Page Group plc
o Adia SA Ecco SA
</TABLE>
Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney reviewed, among other
things, enterprise values as a multiple of actual trailing 12 months EBITDA and
actual trailing 12 months earnings before interest and taxes, commonly referred
to as EBIT. Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney then compared the
implied multiples derived for the selected transactions with the multiples
implied in the merger for Olsten, excluding Olsten's health services business,
based on the estimated transaction value of the merger. All multiples for the
selected transactions were based on publicly available information at the time
of the announcement of the particular selected transaction. Warburg Dillon Read
and Salomon Smith Barney noted that there had been significant general
deterioration in the performance of staffing services companies over the past 12
months. Therefore, Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney believed that
the most relevant transaction was Interim Services, Inc.'s acquisition of Norell
Corporation, which was announced on March 25, 1999 and consummated on July 2,
1999. This analysis indicated the following implied multiples for the Interim
Services/Norell transaction as compared to the multiples implied in the merger
for Olsten, excluding Olsten's health services business, based on the estimated
transaction value of the merger:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Implied Multiples of Olsten, Excluding
Implied Multiples of Interim Olsten's Health Services Business,
Enterprise Value Services/Norell Transaction Based on Transaction Value of Merger
- ---------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Actual trailing 12 months EBITDA 6.7x 9.0x
Actual trailing 12 months EBIT 8.4x 11.9x
</TABLE>
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith
Barney performed a discounted cash flow analysis, using internal estimates of
the management of Olsten, with respect to Olsten's businesses and operations
other than Olsten's health services business in order to derive an implied
enterprise value reference range for those businesses and operations as if such
businesses and operations were to continue on a stand-alone basis. This analysis
was based on:
o the present value of the estimated unlevered, after-tax free cash
flows that those businesses could generate over the five-year
period 1999 through 2003; and
o the future 2004 exit value of those businesses and operations
based on a range of multiples applied to estimated future 2004
EBITDA.
For purposes of this analysis, Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith
Barney used discount rates of 11.0% to 12.0% and terminal 2004 EBITDA multiples
of 5.5x to 6.5x. This analysis indicated an implied enterprise reference range
for Olsten's businesses and operations other than Olsten's health services
business of approximately $1,021 million to $1,251 million, as compared to the
estimated transaction value of the merger of approximately $1,438 million.
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Adecco Analyses
Selected Companies Analysis. Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith
Barney reviewed and compared selected financial information and public market
multiples of Adecco and the following 14 other selected companies in the
staffing services industry:
o CDI Corporation
o Interim Services Inc.
o Kelly Services, Inc.
o Labor Ready, Inc.
o Manpower Inc.
o Olsten
o Randstadt Holding N.V.
o RemedyTemp, Inc.
o Robert Half International Inc.
o Select Appointments plc
o SOS Staffing Services, Inc.
o StaffMark, Inc.
o Vedior NV
o Westaff, Inc.
Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney reviewed enterprise
values, as of August 13, 1999, as a multiple of actual trailing 12 months and
estimated calendar 1999 and 2000 EBITDA, and equity values, calculated as per
share closing stock prices on August 13, 1999, as a multiple of estimated 1999
and 2000 earnings per share, commonly referred to as EPS. Warburg Dillon Read
and Salomon Smith Barney then compared the implied multiples derived for the
selected companies with the multiples implied for Adecco based on the closing
stock prices of Adecco common shares on August 13, 1999. Estimated financial
data for Adecco and the selected companies were based on publicly available
research analysts' estimates. This analysis indicated the following implied
multiples for the selected companies, as compared to the implied multiples for
Adecco:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Implied Multiples of Adecco
Implied Range of Multiples Based on August 13, 1999
of Selected Companies Closing Stock Price
------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Low Mean Median High
--- ---- ------ ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Actual trailing 12 months EBITDA 4.6 9.1x 7.3x 20.0x 20.0x
Estimated calendar 1999 EBITDA 3.6x 7.7x 7.0x 17.1x 17.1x
Estimated calendar 2000 EBITDA 3.2x 6.6x 5.7x 14.4x 14.4x
Equity Value
Estimated calendar 1999 EPS 6.3x 15.4x 14.1x 28.2x 28.2x
Estimated calendar 2000 EPS 5.5x 12.8x 12.4x 22.9x 22.9x
</TABLE>
Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney also compared the ratio of
equity value per share over estimated 2000 EPS over the estimated five-year EPS
growth rates for Adecco and the selected companies, which indicated a ratio of
approximately 100% for Adecco and low, mean, median and high ratios of
approximately 32%, 71%, 76% and 114%, respectively, for the selected companies.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith
Barney performed a discounted cash flow analysis, using internal estimates of
the management of Adecco, in order to derive an implied enterprise reference
range for Adecco on a stand-alone basis, without giving effect to the merger.
This analysis was based on:
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o the present value of the estimated unlevered, after-tax free cash
flows that Adecco could generate over the five-year period 1999
through 2003; and
o the future 2004 exit value of Adecco based on a range of
multiples applied to its estimated future 2004 EBITDA.
For purposes of this analysis, Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith
Barney used discount rates of 7.5% to 8.5% and terminal 2004 EBITDA multiples of
11.5x to 12.5x. This analysis implied a per share equity reference range for
Adecco of approximately 826 Swiss francs to 930 Swiss francs, as compared to the
closing price of Adecco common shares on August 13, 1999 of 860 Swiss francs.
Pro Forma Merger Analysis
Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney analyzed the potential pro
forma financial effects of the merger on Adecco's estimated EPS for 1999 and
2000, based on internal estimates of the managements of Olsten and Adecco. This
analysis indicated that the merger could have an accretive effect on Adecco's
EPS before amortization of goodwill in 1999 and 2000. The actual results
achieved by the combined company may vary from projected results and the
variations may be material.
Other Factors
In rendering their opinions, Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith
Barney considered other factors for informational purposes, including:
o a business, financial and shareholder profile of Adecco;
o selected published analysts' reports on Adecco, including
calendar years 1999 and 2000 EPS estimates of those analysts;
o the recent trading history of Adecco ADSs and Adecco common
shares relative to the Swiss Market Index and S&P 500 Index,
including a comparison of the closing prices and trading volumes
for Adecco ADSs and Adecco common shares;
o implied trading multiples for selected health services
businesses; and
o historical and projected financial information for Olsten's
health services business prepared by the management of Olsten.
Miscellaneous
Olsten has agreed to pay Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney
for their financial advisory services upon completion of the transaction an
aggregate fee equal to a percentage of the total consideration, including
liabilities assumed, distributed in the split-off and payable in the merger. The
aggregate fee payable to Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney in
connection with the transaction is estimated to be approximately $10.6 million.
Olsten also has agreed to reimburse Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney
for their reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, including the
reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel, and to indemnify Warburg Dillon
Read, Salomon Smith Barney and related parties against liabilities, including
liabilities under the federal securities laws, arising out of their engagement.
Olsten selected Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney based on
their experience, expertise and reputation. Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon
Smith Barney are internationally recognized investment
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banking firms that regularly engage in the valuation of businesses and their
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated
underwritings, competitive bids, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted
securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other
purposes.
Interests of Certain Persons in the Transactions
Some members of Olsten's management and Olsten's board of directors may
be deemed to have interests in the merger and split-off in addition to their
general interests as Olsten stockholders. Olsten's board was aware of these
potential conflicts of interest and considered them, among other factors, in
approving the merger and the split-off. These interests include (1) accelerated
vesting of currently unvested Olsten options as a result of the consummation of
the merger and the split-off as described under "The Merger Agreement--Treatment
of Stock Options" and in the Olsten Health Services prospectus attached as Annex
A under "The Split-Off--Terms of the employee benefits allocation
agreement--Equity Based Compensation Plans," (2) the indemnification provisions
of the merger agreement as described under "The Merger Agreement--
Indemnification and Insurance," (3) accelerated vesting and payment of benefits
under the Olsten supplemental executive retirement plan, as described under
"--Treatment of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan," below, and (4) cash
payments by Adecco to Stuart Olsten, chairman of the board of Olsten, and to
four executive officers in consideration for consulting services, covenants not
to compete and, in the case of the executive officers, termination of their
rights under their change in control or employment agreement (see "--Separation,
Consulting and Non-Competition Agreements," below). Mr. Olsten will be appointed
as a director of Adecco when the merger is complete. Following the split-off,
some of the directors and officers of Olsten will be directors and officers of
Olsten Health Services, one executive officer will be retained as a consultant
of Olsten Health Services and Mr. Olsten agreed with Olsten Health Services not
to compete with that company for a period of four years for a lump sum of
$250,000, payable when the merger is completed. Mr. Blechschmidt will become
chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Olsten Health
Services. In addition, the following Olsten directors will become Olsten Health
Services directors: Messrs. Victor F. Ganzi, Stuart R. Levine, John M. May,
Stuart Olsten, Richard J. Sharoff, Raymond S. Troubh and Josh S. Weston.
As of September 17, 1999, 15 executive officers and directors of
Olsten, collectively, beneficially owned an aggregate of 325,520 shares of
Olsten common stock and 10,311,913 shares of Olsten class B common stock, in
each case, excluding shares subject to outstanding stock options. All such
shares will be treated in the merger and the split-off in the same manner as
shares of Olsten common stock and Olsten class B common stock held by other
stockholders of Olsten.
As of September 17, 1999, the executive officers of Olsten,
collectively, also held options to purchase an aggregate of 1,525,354 shares of
Olsten common stock and 3,004 shares of class B common stock pursuant to
Olsten's stock option plans, 416,067 of which options to purchase Olsten common
stock and all of which options to purchase class B common stock were exercisable
on or prior to that date. In addition, as of September 17, 1999, the
non-employee directors of Olsten, collectively, held options to purchase an
aggregate of 150,000 shares of Olsten common stock and an aggregate of 64,559
shares of class B common stock, and an employee director of Olsten who is not an
executive officer held options to purchase an aggregate of 404,800 shares of
common stock. Upon the consummation of the merger, all of the options held by
such executive officers and directors will immediately become exercisable in
full. The treatment of such options is described under "The Merger
Agreement--Treatment of Stock Options" and in the Olsten Health Services
prospectus attached as Annex A under "The Split-Off--Manner of effecting the
split-Off; Treatment of Olsten Stock Options."
Each executive officer of Olsten having a change in control agreement
who is not employed by Olsten Health Services or Adecco following the
consummation of the merger and split-off may be entitled to the change of
control payments specified in such individual's change of control agreement,
which will be triggered by the merger and the termination of such individual's
employment other than for cause. The individuals entering into separation,
consulting and non-competition agreements will have waived their rights under
the change in control agreements.
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Separation, Consulting and Non-Competition Agreements
Mr. Olsten, Mr. Blechschmidt, Anthony J. Puglisi, executive vice
president and chief financial officer, William P. Costantini, executive vice
president and general counsel, and Maureen K. McGurl, senior vice president,
human resources, have entered into separation, consulting and non-competition
agreements which will become effective only upon the completion of the merger.
Each agreement, other than Ms. McGurl's, provides that at the effective time of
the merger, the executive's employment will terminate and the executive will
become a consultant to Adecco. Each agreement has a consulting term of four
years, or, in the case of Mr. Olsten, five years. Under these agreements, each
of Messrs. Blechschmidt, Puglisi and Costantini and Ms. McGurl will receive,
when the merger is completed and in consideration of the termination of their
current change in control agreements or, in the case of Mr. Blechschmidt, his
current employment agreement, $1,350,000, $791,900, $686,600 and $577,400,
respectively.
In addition, in consideration for their agreement not to compete with
Adecco and not to solicit its employees during the term of their respective
agreements, each executive will receive after the merger is completed a lump-sum
fee and annual fees over the term of his or her agreement as follows: Mr. Olsten
($8 million lump-sum, $200,000 annual); Mr. Blechschmidt ($2.35 million
lump-sum, $50,000 annual); Mr. Puglisi ($1.7 million lump-sum, $200,000 annual);
Mr. Costantini ($1.5 million lump-sum, $150,000 annual; and Ms. McGurl ($400,000
lump-sum).
The executives are also obligated to maintain the confidentiality of
certain business information. Also, Adecco has retained Messrs. Olsten,
Blechschmidt, Puglisi and Costantini as consultants for the respective terms of
their agreements for annual consulting fees of $200,000, $200,000, $50,000 and
$100,000, respectively. The executives and their dependents will also receive
medical coverage for up to three years (five years in the case of Mr. Olsten),
and will be reimbursed for reasonable business expenses (including, in the case
of Mr. Olsten, up to $1,000 a month for automobile lease payments until the
earlier of the end of the agreement term or the lease). Messrs. Olsten and
Blechschmidt will be compensated, on an after tax basis, for excise taxes (no
more than $1 million of excise taxes in the case of Mr. Olsten) imposed by
reason of the receipt of amounts payable under the separation, consulting and
non-competition agreements or otherwise, which obligation Olsten Health Services
will assume under the separation agreement. No amounts are payable under the
agreements unless the merger is completed, at which time Olsten, which at such
time will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco, will be obligated to make such
payments as are required by the agreements.
Treatment of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Prior to the closing of the merger, Olsten will amend its supplemental
executive retirement plan to provide that employees of Olsten Health Services
and Mr. Blechschmidt shall cease accruing benefits thereunder as of a specified
transfer date. No later than the transfer date, the accrued benefits of
employees of Olsten Health Services and Mr. Blechschmidt will be vested in full.
On the transfer date, Olsten Health Services will establish a nonqualified
supplemental executive retirement plan substantially similar to the Olsten plan
and will assume all liabilities and obligations with respect to the employees of
Olsten Health Services, Mr. Blechschmidt and the former employees of Olsten.
Thereafter, but prior to the merger, the Olsten supplemental executive
retirement plan will be terminated and the accrued benefits of each participant
will be vested in full at that time and distributed in the form of a lump-sum
payment as soon as administratively practicable thereafter. The accrued benefits
of Messrs. Olsten, Blechschmidt and Puglisi under the Olsten plan at September
1, 1999 were $1,466,767, $3,700,000 and $350,231 respectively.
Appraisal Rights
You are entitled to appraisal rights under section 262 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law as to shares of common stock and class B common stock
owned by you. Set forth below is a summary description of section 262 and
attached as Annex F is section 262 represented in its entirety. All references
in this summary to a "stockholder" are to the record holder of the shares of
Olsten common stock and/or class B common stock on the record date. A person
having a beneficial interest in shares that are held of record in the name of
another person, such as a broker or nominee, must act promptly to cause the
record holder to follow the steps summarized below properly and in a timely
manner to perfect whatever appraisal rights the beneficial owner may have.
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This summary and section 262 should be reviewed carefully by any holder
who wishes to exercise statutory appraisal rights or who wishes to preserve the
right to do so because failure to comply strictly with the procedures set forth
in this document and in section 262 will result in the loss of appraisal rights.
In accordance with section 262, before the vote at the special meeting
upon the proposal to adopt the merger agreement, any stockholder may demand in
writing from Olsten the appraisal of the fair value of the stockholder's shares.
The demand must reasonably inform Olsten of the identity of the stockholder and
that the stockholder intends to demand the appraisal of the stockholder's
shares. In order to be entitled to appraisal rights with respect to any shares,
a stockholder must:
o be the record holder of the shares on the date of the demand;
o continuously hold the shares through the effective time of the
merger;
o properly demand an appraisal as described in this section; and
o not vote in favor of the proposal to adopt the merger agreement.
A stockholder who elects to exercise appraisal rights must mail or
deliver a written demand to:
Olsten Corporation
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, NY 11747
Attention: Corporate Secretary
A vote against the merger or a failure to vote for the merger would not
by itself constitute sufficient notice of a stockholder's election to exercise
appraisal rights.
Any stockholder, other than a record owner who is acting as a nominee
holder for different beneficial owners, seeking to exercise appraisal rights for
a portion, but not all, of the stockholder's shares should consult with legal
counsel before taking action. Olsten believes that Delaware law has not clearly
addressed the ability of a stockholder to exercise appraisal rights with respect
to a portion, but not all, of a stockholder's shares. Should a stockholder,
other than a record owner who is acting as a nominee holder for different
beneficial owners, seek to exercise appraisal rights with respect to a portion,
but not all, of the stockholder's shares, Olsten presently intends to assert
that by doing so the stockholder has waived appraisal rights. Stockholders
should be aware that a Delaware court may find that the stockholder has so
waived the stockholder's appraisal rights.
A demand for appraisal must be executed by or for the stockholder of
record as the stockholder's name appears on the certificate or certificates
representing his or her shares. If the shares are owned of record in a fiduciary
capacity, such as by a trustee, guardian or custodian, the demand must be
executed by the fiduciary. If the shares are owned of record by more than one
person, as in a joint tenancy or tenancy in common, the demand must be executed
by all joint owners. An authorized agent, including an agent for two or more
joint owners, may execute the demand for appraisal for a stockholder of record;
however, the agent must identify the record owner and expressly disclose the
fact that, in exercising the demand, he or she is acting as agent for the record
owner. A record owner, such as a broker, who holds shares as a nominee for
others may exercise appraisal rights with respect to the shares held for all or
less than all beneficial owners of shares as to which the person is the record
owner. In this case, the written demand must set forth the number of shares
covered by the demand. Where the number of shares is not expressly stated, the
demand will be presumed to cover all shares outstanding in the name of the
record owner. Beneficial owners who are not record owners and who intend to
exercise appraisal rights should instruct the record owner to comply strictly
with the statutory requirements with respect to the exercise of appraisal
rights.
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From and after the effective time of the merger, no stockholder who has
duly demanded appraisal in compliance with section 262 will be entitled to vote
for any purpose the shares subject to the demand or to receive payment of
dividends or other distributions on the shares, except for dividends or
distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date prior to the effective
time.
At any time within 60 days after the effective time of the merger, any
stockholder shall have the right to withdraw the stockholder's demand for
appraisal and to accept the terms offered in the merger agreement; after this
period, a stockholder may withdraw the stockholder's demand for appraisal only
with the consent of Olsten, as the surviving corporation.
Within 120 days after the effective time of the merger, either Olsten,
as the surviving corporation, or any stockholder who has complied with the
required conditions of section 262 may file a petition in the Delaware Court of
Chancery demanding a determination of the fair value of the shares of the
dissenting stockholders. If a petition for an appraisal is timely filed, after a
hearing on the petition, the Court of Chancery will determine which stockholders
are entitled to appraisal rights and will appraise the shares formerly owned by
these stockholders, determining the fair value of their shares, exclusive of any
element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger,
together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon the amount
determined to be the fair value. In determining the fair value, the Court of
Chancery is to take into account all relevant factors.
The cost of the appraisal proceeding may be determined by the Court of
Chancery and taxed against the parties as the Court of Chancery deems equitable
in the circumstances. Upon application of a dissenting stockholder, the Court of
Chancery may order that all or a portion of the expenses incurred by any
dissenting stockholder in connection with the appraisal proceeding, including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and the fees and expenses of
experts, be charged pro rata against the value of all shares entitled to
appraisal.
If no petition for appraisal is filed with the Court of Chancery within
120 days after the effective time of the merger, stockholders' rights to
appraisal shall cease, and all stockholders who had previously demanded
appraisal shall thereafter be entitled to receive Adecco ADSs, or common shares
and/or cash pursuant to the merger and Olsten Health Services common stock upon
valid surrender of the certificates that formerly represented their shares.
Because Olsten has no obligation to file a petition, and has no present
intention to do so, any stockholder who desires a petition to be filed is
advised to file it on a timely basis.
Election, Exchange and Payment Procedures
Olsten has enclosed a form of election with this proxy
statement/prospectus. In addition, Olsten has agreed to use its reasonable best
efforts to mail the form of election to all persons or entities who become
Olsten stockholders during the period between the record date for Olsten's
special stockholders meeting and 10:00 a.m., New York time, on the date five
business days prior to the anticipated closing date of the merger. Moreover,
Olsten has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to make the form of
election available to all persons or entities who become Olsten stockholders
between five business days and the end of the business day prior to the merger.
You must use the form of election that is mailed to you if you would
like to indicate to us whether, in consideration for your shares of Olsten
stock, you:
o prefer to receive the cash consideration;
o prefer to receive Adecco ADSs;
o prefer to receive Adecco common shares; or
o have no preference as to form of the merger consideration you are
to receive.
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In addition, you must complete and sign the form of election and mail it to
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, the exchange agent, no later than
4:00 p.m., New York time, on the business day prior to the closing date of the
merger in order for your form of election to be considered properly submitted.
If you do not submit your form of election or do not submit the form properly,
you will have been deemed to have indicated to us that you have no preference in
the form of consideration you are to receive. If you are a representative of
more than one stockholder, you may submit more than one form of election, but
only if you certify to us in writing that each form of election that you submit
covers all the shares of Olsten stock held by you for the corresponding
beneficial owner. You should not submit your Olsten stock certificates with your
form of election or the enclosed proxy. You should only surrender your
certificates with the letter of transmittal that will be mailed to you
separately after the merger has been completed. You will be entitled to revoke
your election until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the business day prior to the
closing date of the merger.
At least one business day prior to the consummation of the merger,
Adecco will deposit with the exchange agent the aggregate amount of ADSs, cash
and common shares, if any, to be distributed to the Olsten stockholders in the
merger. Olsten will make available to the exchange agent enough shares of Olsten
Health Services common stock and Olsten Health Services will provide cash for
payment in lieu of fractional shares for distribution to Olsten stockholders.
Promptly after the merger is consummated, if you are a record holder of
a certificate, as determined on the date of the merger, that represented shares
of Olsten common stock or class B common stock prior to the merger, the exchange
agent will mail to you a form letter of transmittal and instructions to use to
surrender your certificates. Once you surrender your certificates, together with
a duly executed letter of transmittal, you will be entitled to receive your pro
rata share of the merger consideration and shares of Olsten Health Services
common stock, and your certificates will be canceled. If you are not the
registered holder of the certificate that you are surrendering but you wish to
have shares of Adecco ADSs or common shares be issued under your name in
exchange for shares of Olsten common stock or class B common stock, the
certificates that you surrender must be properly endorsed by the registered
holder to you or otherwise be in proper form for transfer. In addition, the
registered holder may be required to pay any transfer or other taxes required by
reason of the exchange by you instead of such registered holder of such
certificate, or the registered holder may be required to establish that such tax
has been paid or is not applicable.
No dividends or other distributions that are declared and payable after
the date of the merger on Adecco common shares will be paid to you until you
surrender your certificates and are scheduled to receive shares of either Adecco
ADSs or common shares. Upon surrender, Adecco will deposit with the exchange
agent and shall cause the exchange agent to pay to you the dividends or other
distributions, excluding interest, that became payable after the date of the
merger on the Adecco ADSs or common shares that you are entitled to receive.
After the merger, there will be no transfers on the stock transfer
books of Olsten of the shares of Olsten common stock or class B common stock
that were outstanding immediately prior to the merger. If, after the merger,
certificates are presented to Adecco or Olsten, those certificates will be
canceled and exchanged for the applicable merger consideration.
None of Olsten, Adecco or Olsten Health Services will pay any interest
to you and no interest will accrue on the merger consideration payable to you.
None of Olsten, Adecco or Olsten Health Services will pay any interest on
dividends and distributions for the time between the record date and the date
Adecco or Olsten Health Services actually pays you those dividends and
distributions. In addition, neither Olsten nor Adecco will pay you any interest
on any cash payable in place of fractional shares of Adecco or Olsten Health
Services. From the effective time of the merger, all of Olsten's stock will
automatically be canceled and will cease to exist and you will not have any
right with respect to Olsten stock other than your right to receive cash, Adecco
ADSs or common shares, Olsten Health Services common stock, dividends and/or
other distributions as described above.
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None of Olsten, Adecco or Olsten Health Services will be liable to you
for any merger or split-off consideration delivered to a public official
pursuant to any applicable abandoned property or similar law. The exchange agent
will deduct from the merger and split-off consideration paid to you any amounts
that the exchange agent is required to withhold under any provision of federal,
state, local or foreign tax law.
The exchange agent will deliver cash and/or Adecco ADSs or common
shares and Olsten Health Services common stock in exchange for a lost, stolen or
destroyed Olsten certificate when it receives an affidavit of that fact by the
owner of the certificate. However, Adecco or Olsten Health Services may require
you to deliver a reasonable indemnity bond against any claim that may be made
against Adecco, Olsten Health Services or the exchange agent with respect to a
certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
Olsten or the exchange agent, if Olsten determines that the exchange
agent shall be so empowered, shall determine whether forms of election have been
properly completed, signed and submitted or revoked and whether to disregard
immaterial defects in forms of election. This determination shall be conclusive
and binding and neither Olsten nor the exchange agent shall be obligated to
notify you of any defect in any form of election you have submitted to the
exchange agent.
Delisting and Deregistration of Olsten Common Stock
If the merger is completed, Olsten common stock will be delisted from
The New York Stock Exchange and will be deregistered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
Accounting Treatment
The merger will be accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting under U.S. GAAP with Adecco as the acquiror.
Sources of Funds
The cash consideration to be paid by Adecco in connection with the
merger is anticipated to be funded with the proceeds from new bank borrowings
and the issuance of debt or convertible debt securiites. As of September 30,
1999, Adecco did not have firm commitments for such financing and refinancing.
However, based on the indicative term sheets received by Adecco from, and the
conversations with, lending institutions with respect to such debt and other
financing, Adecco currently believes that, although it has not committed to any
such proposed new financing, it will be able to obtain the debt and other
financing necessary to fund the cash portion of the merger consideration on
terms reasonably satisfactory to Adecco. See "Risk Factors - Adecco's
ability to complete the merger depends on its ability to raise additional
financing."
Regulatory Matters
As required by the HSR Act, Olsten and Adecco filed a Notification and
Report Form for review with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of
Justice on August 26, 1999. Under the HSR Act, Olsten and Adecco could not
complete the merger until they satisfy the waiting period requirements. Olsten
and Adecco received early termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act.
No additional filings or waiting period is applicable with respect to the merger
pursuant to the HSR Act and the rules promulgated under the HSR Act.
At any time before or after the effective time of the merger, the
Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission or a private person or
entity could seek under the antitrust laws, among other things, to enjoin the
merger or to cause Adecco or Olsten to divest itself, in whole or in part, of
Olsten or Adecco or of other businesses conducted by Adecco after the merger.
There can be no assurance that a challenge to the merger will not be made or
that, if such a challenge is made, Olsten and Adecco will prevail. The
obligations of Olsten and Adecco to consummate the merger are subject to the
condition that there be no temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent
injunction or other order by any court or governmental or regulatory authority
of compe-
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tent jurisdiction prohibiting consummation of the merger. Each party has
agreed to use all reasonable best efforts to have any such injunction or order
lifted.
The proposed merger was notified to the Commission of the European
Communities on September 28, 1999, as the merger constitutes a concentration
having a Community dimension as determined by Council Regulation (EEC) No.
4064/89. Comparable filings with the regulatory authorities in Brazil and Canada
will be made. In addition, as a result of antitrust laws recently adopted by
Argentina, Olsten and Adecco may be required to make comparable filings with
Argentinean antitrust regulatory authorities in connection with the merger. The
obligations of Olsten and Adecco to consummate the merger are subject to
obtaining waivers, consents and approvals from the European Commission and other
governmental authorities under applicable foreign antitrust or similar laws to
consummate the merger. There can be no assurance that unobtained regulatory
approvals will be granted or whether they will be obtained or that other actions
will not be taken under such laws.
In addition, a number of governmental filings are required in order to
complete the split-off. See "Risk Factors--Risks Related to the Split-Off--We
are required to provide notifications to, and seek approval of, certain
regulatory authorities in order to complete the split-off and the merger" in the
Olsten Health Services prospectus attached as Annex A.
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following summary of the terms of the merger agreement is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement, a copy of which is
attached as Annex B to, and is incorporated by reference in, this proxy
statement/prospectus. You are urged to read the merger agreement in its entirety
for a more complete description of the terms and conditions of the merger.
The Merger
The merger agreement provides that, following the approval of the
merger agreement by the stockholders of Olsten and the satisfaction or waiver of
the other conditions to the merger, Staffing Acquisition Corporation, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Adecco, will merge with and into Olsten, with Olsten as the
surviving corporation in the merger. As a result of the merger, Olsten will
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco.
Other than with respect to the shares of Olsten stock held by (1)
Adecco, (2) Olsten, (3) any of their respective subsidiaries or (4) any
stockholder who properly dissents from the merger, each share of Olsten stock
outstanding at the time of the merger will be converted into the right to
receive:
1) 0.25 of a share of common stock of Olsten Health Services, as part
of the split-off; and
2) either:
o $8.75 in cash, without interest;
o 0.12472 of an Adecco ADS, representing 0.01559 of an Adecco
common share, or, if elected, Adecco common shares; or
o a prorated combination of both.
For each share of Olsten stock that you hold, you may elect to receive either
cash or Adecco ADSs or common shares. Despite your election, you may receive a
prorated combination of both cash and Adecco ADSs such that a number of
outstanding shares of Olsten stock equal to approximately (a) 50% of the
aggregate number of shares of Olsten stock outstanding immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger minus (b) the number of shares of Olsten stock
owned by Adecco, Olsten or any of their respective subsidiaries will be
exchanged for cash.
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If, after having surrendered all of the shares of Olsten stock that you
own, you would receive any fractional share of an Adecco ADS or common share,
you will receive, instead of fractional shares, cash in an amount equal to the
product of (1) the fraction and (2) the arithmetic average of the closing quoted
price of Adecco ADSs or common shares during the five consecutive trading days
on the Nasdaq National Market or the Swiss Stock Exchange, respectively,
immediately prior to the date the merger is consummated. Similarly, if you would
receive any fractional share of Olsten Health Services common stock you will
instead receive cash in an amount equal to the product of (1) the fraction and
(2) the last reported sale price of Olsten Health Services common stock as
reported on the Nasdaq National Market on the first full day of trading
following the split-off.
Adecco will provide holders of Olsten stock with the option to receive
one Adecco common share for every eight Adecco ADSs such holders would be
entitled to receive.
Adecco will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the merger
consideration otherwise payable to you amounts required to be deducted and
withheld under federal, state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent that any
amount is so withheld and paid over to the appropriate taxing authority, the
withheld amount will be treated as having been paid to you in respect of shares
of Olsten common stock or class B common stock, as applicable, for which the
withholding was made.
Shares of Olsten stock held by Adecco, Olsten or any of their
respective subsidiaries will be canceled without consideration.
Effective Time
The merger will become effective at the time the certificate of merger
is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with
the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or at a later time
specified in the certificate of merger. Unless each of Adecco, Staffing
Acquisition Corporation and Olsten agree otherwise, the filing of the
certificate of merger will be made no later than the business day following the
time all of the conditions precedent to the merger, including the approval of
the merger agreement and the separation agreement by the stockholders of Olsten,
are either satisfied or waived. See "--Conditions to Completion of the Merger."
Treatment of Stock Options
Pursuant to the merger agreement, outstanding options to purchase
Olsten common stock will become, to the extent provided in its stock option
plans, fully vested and exercisable prior to or concurrently with the close of
the merger. Upon the completion of the merger, Olsten stock options held by
employees of Olsten Health Services will be converted to options to purchase
shares of Olsten Health Services pursuant to an applicable stock option plan and
the terms set forth by the board of directors of Olsten Health Services. At the
effective time of the merger, Olsten stock options held by any other former or
current employees of Olsten or non-employee director of Olsten following
consummation of the merger will be adjusted to represent options to purchase
Adecco common shares. Each of those Olsten stock options will be adjusted such
that:
o the aggregate difference after the adjustment between the fair
market value of the Adecco common shares subject to the stock
option over the aggregate exercise price of the stock option
remains the same as the aggregate difference before the
adjustment between the fair market value of the shares of common
stock subject to the stock option over the aggregate exercise
price of the stock option;
o the aggregate exercise price of the stock option remains the same
before and after the adjustment; and
o the ratio of the fair market value per share subject to the
option to exercise price per share is the same before and after
the adjustment.
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The fair market value will be determined based on the arithmetic average of the
closing quoted price, with respect to the shares of Olsten common stock, on the
NYSE and, with respect to the Adecco common shares, on the Swiss Stock Exchange,
in each case, on the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the
date of the merger.
Conduct of Business Prior to the Merger
Except as specifically contemplated by the merger agreement or the
separation agreement or as expressly agreed to in writing by Adecco, during the
period from the date of the merger agreement to the date the merger is
consummated, Olsten has agreed to:
o conduct its consolidated operations according to its ordinary and
usual course of business consistent with past practice;
o maintain its consolidated business organization;
o keep available the services of its officers and employees; and
o maintain satisfactory relationships with suppliers, vendors,
contractors, customers and others having significant business
relationships with Olsten or any of its subsidiaries.
In addition, Olsten has agreed not to take any action that would adversely
affect its ability to consummate the merger, the split-off or any other
transaction contemplated by the merger agreement or the separation agreement.
Furthermore, except as specified in the merger agreement or the separation
agreement or as expressly agreed to in writing by Adecco, Olsten has agreed
that, prior to the merger and the split-off, neither it nor any of its
subsidiaries will or will agree to:
o amend its organizational documents;
o issue additional shares or encumber any existing shares of its
common stock other than pursuant to the terms of outstanding
options, warrants and other convertible securities or rights
specifically disclosed in the merger agreement;
o split, combine or reclassify any shares of its capital stock;
o declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution on
in its capital stock;
o except pursuant to an agreement that was effective prior to the
date of the merger agreement, purchase, prepay, redeem or
otherwise acquire any shares of its own common stock or any of
its other equity securities or any of its indebtedness or debt
securities;
o except in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to an
agreement that was effective prior to the date of the merger
agreement, increase the compensation or benefits of any of its
directors, officers or other employees, pay or grant employee
benefits or enter into or amend any agreement with any of its
past or existing directors, officers or employees;
o except as may be required by law, adopt or become obligated under
any new pension plan, stock option plan or any other employee
benefits plan that was not in existence at the time the merger
agreement was executed;
o consolidate or merge with any other entity;
o other than as contemplated by the separation agreement, sell or
transfer any of its capital stock or more than 5% of its assets
to any entity;
o other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practices, directly or indirectly acquire, or make
investments in, any business organization or division or asset;
o maintain its books and records in a manner not in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice;
o except as may be appropriate to conform to changes in law or U.S.
GAAP, institute any significant change in accounting methods,
principles or practices;
o make any material change in tax election or accounting methods or
settle or otherwise dispose of any material tax matter;
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o except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice or as may be appropriate to conform to changes in law or
U.S. GAAP, revalue any of its assets;
o enter into any material agreement or arrangement with any
affiliate, other than a wholly-owned subsidiary, on terms less
favorable than those that could reasonably be expected to have
been obtained with an unaffiliated third party on an arm's length
basis;
o authorize, recommend or propose any plan of liquidation or
dissolution;
o other than with respect to capital expenditures, enter into a
supply or vendor agreement requiring annual payments in excess of
$1.5 million and not terminable by Olsten upon 60 days' or less
notice;
o enter into or amend any contract with or relating to any of its
franchisees or licensed area representatives;
o authorize or commit to make capital expenditures in excess of
$20.0 million per calendar quarter;
o permit any material insurance policy naming it as a beneficiary
to be cancelled, terminated or materially altered, unless such
policy is replaced with a comparable policy for comparable cost;
o other than as required by law or in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice, pay, discharge or satisfy
any claims, liabilities or obligations;
o create or incur indebtedness for borrowed money other than
indebtedness incurred under existing working capital facilities
to fund working capital but in no event in excess of $50.0
million in aggregate borrowings at any one time;
o except for indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice, assume, guarantee,
endorse or otherwise become liable or responsible for the
obligations of any other individual, firm or corporation;
o except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, make any loans or advances, enter into any new
commitment that would be material to Olsten and its subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, or amend any material contract;
o incur any liabilities, except for liabilities that, individually
or in the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on
Olsten and its subsidiaries on an individual or consolidated
basis;
o other than as specified in the separation agreement, engage in or
enter into any new intercompany transaction between its health
services business and its other businesses;
o except in the ordinary course of business, sell or encumber any
real or personal property; or
o make any changes in its lines of business that would materially
increase its potential liability.
Adecco has agreed not to take any action that would adversely affect
its ability to consummate the merger or any other transaction contemplated by
the merger agreement. In addition, except as specified in the merger agreement,
Adecco has agreed that, prior to the merger, neither it nor any of its
subsidiaries will or will agree to:
o amend its organizational documents;
o split, combine or reclassify any of its common shares;
o declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution on
in its capital stock;
o authorize, recommend, propose any plan of liquidation or
dissolution of Adecco or Staffing Acquisition Corporation;
o maintain its books and records in a manner not in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice;
o except as may be appropriate to conform to changes in law or U.S.
GAAP, institute any significant change in accounting methods,
principles or practices;
o except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice or as may be appropriate to conform to changes in law or
U.S. GAAP, revalue any of its assets; or
o with respect to Adecco, consolidate or merge with any other
entity or sell all or substantially all of its capital stock or
assets.
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No Solicitation
Olsten has agreed that it will not, nor will it permit any of its
subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees, representatives or agents to (1)
solicit, initiate, facilitate or encourage any proposal of an acquisition
transaction or (2) negotiate, explore or otherwise communicate or provide any
information to any person with respect to a proposal for an acquisition
transaction. An "acquisition transaction" is defined in the merger agreement to
mean any tender offer, exchange offer, merger, consolidation, sale of assets,
sales of capital stock or other business combination or the acquisition of 15%
or more of the assets or, as calculated by the number of votes acquired, 15% or
more of capital stock of Olsten and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
However, in response to an unsolicited, bona fide and written offer
with respect to a proposal for an acquisition transaction, Olsten may furnish
non-public information to, and participate in discussions or negotiations with,
any third party regarding such proposal if and only if its board of director,
after having been advised by its financial advisors and its legal counsel,
determines in good faith:
o that the proposal likely would result in a transaction which is
more favorable to its shareholders from a financial point of view
than the merger;
o that the third party making the proposal is financially capable
of consummating the proposed transaction; and
o that failure to negotiate with, and provide non-public
information to, such third party would be a breach of the
directors' fiduciary duties to their shareholders under
applicable law.
If any third party makes a proposal for an acquisition transaction to Olsten or
informs Olsten that it is considering making such a proposal, Olsten has agreed
to
o notify Adecco, as soon as practicable, of the identity of the
person making such a proposal, the terms of the proposal and the
determination of the board of directors of Olsten with respect to
such proposal.
The merger agreement defines a "superior proposal" as a bona fide,
written and unsolicited offer made by a financially responsible third party with
respect to an acquisition transaction involving the acquisition of all of
Olsten's equity interest or all or substantially all of Olsten's and its
subsidiaries assets. Even if Olsten receives a superior proposal, Olsten has
agreed not to enter into any agreements with respect to such proposal for at
least three days after Adecco has received notice of such proposal. Furthermore,
pursuant to the merger agreement, Adecco has the right to match any superior
proposal.
Olsten has also agreed to terminate all negotiations and discussions
with third parties with respect to any proposal for an acquisition transaction
if such negotiations or discussions were being conducted prior to or at the time
the merger agreement was executed.
Indemnification and Insurance
Adecco has agreed to maintain, or cause to be maintained, for at least
six years, Olsten's current director and officer liability insurance policies
with coverage at least as favorable as Olsten's present ones. However, if Adecco
is unable to obtain any such policies for 300% of the current annual premiums
paid by Olsten, Adecco will only be required to purchase the maximum coverage
available at that cost. Adecco has also agreed that all directors, officers or
employees of Olsten and Olsten's subsidiaries will enjoy the same rights of
indemnification as they were afforded by Olsten for a period of six years after
the merger.
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Covenants
In addition to the covenants described above under the sections "--
Conduct of Business Prior to the Merger," "--No Solicitation" and "--
Indemnification and Insurance," the merger agreement contains the following
covenants:
o subject to the terms of the confidentiality agreement between
Adecco and Olsten, Olsten and Adecco agree to provide the other
party and the other party's authorized representatives reasonable
access to their respective facilities and properties and
information regarding their respective businesses;
o Adecco agrees to keep its registration statement on Form F-4, of
which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part, effective
at least as long as necessary to consummate the merger;
o Olsten agrees to keep Olsten Health Services' registration
statement on Form S-4 effective at least as long as necessary to
consummate the split-off;
o Adecco and Olsten agree to obtain all blue sky permits and
approvals necessary to consummate the merger and the split-off;
o Adecco agrees to receive Olsten's approval prior to amending its
Form F-4;
o Olsten agrees to obtain Adecco's approval prior to amending its
Schedule 14A, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a
part;
o Olsten agrees to obtain Adecco's approval prior to allowing
Olsten Health Services to amend its Form S-4;
o Adecco and Olsten agree to make and to keep effective all filings
with, and obtain all approvals from, government agencies, if such
filings and approvals are necessary to consummate the merger;
o Adecco and Olsten agree to receive the other party's approval
prior to issuing any press release or other public announcements
regarding the transactions contemplated in the merger agreement
or the separation agreement;
o Adecco and Olsten agree to give notice of an allegation from a
third party that a consent from such third party will be required
to consummate the merger;
o Adecco and Olsten agree to give notice of their receipt of
written notice of any governmental complaints, investigations or
hearings or any litigation, in each case, that in their
respective good faith judgment is or, with the passage of time,
would be likely to impair their ability to consummate the merger
and the split-off or to have a material adverse effect on their
respective businesses;
o Adecco and Olsten agree to give notice of any change or event
that in their respective good faith judgment is or, with the
passage of time, would be likely to impair their ability to
consummate the merger or the split-off or to have a material
adverse effect on their respective businesses;
o Adecco and Olsten agree to give notice of any event that would
or, with the passage of time, make any of their respective
representations or warranties made in the merger agreement
untrue;
o Adecco and Olsten agree to bear their respective expenses
incurred in connection with the merger and the split-off;
o Olsten agrees (a) to notify Adecco of any person or entity who
becomes an "affiliate," as defined in Rule 145 of the Securities
Act, of Olsten if such person or entity is not disclosed in the
merger agreement and (b) to cause such affiliate to execute a
letter of acknowledgment of transfer restrictions on the
securities that will be issued in the merger and the split-off to
such person or entity;
o Adecco agrees to cause its ADSs to be issued in the merger to be
listed on the NYSE or Nasdaq;
o Olsten agrees to cause the shares of common stock of Olsten
Health Services to be issued in the split-off to be listed on
Nasdaq;
o Olsten agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain its
and each of its affiliates' release as parties or obligors under
the governmental settlement agreements;
o Adecco agrees to appoint Stuart Olsten as a director of Adecco
concurrently with the merger;
o Adecco agrees that it will, and will cause Olsten, after the
merger, to, treat the split-off for all federal, state and local
taxes purposes as an integral part of the merger and report the
split-off as a re-
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demption, for tax purposes, of a number of shares of Olsten
common stock equal in value to the value of the Olsten Health
Services common stock distributed in the split-off;
o Olsten and Adecco agree to confer and work together in good
faith, as soon as practicable after the date of the merger
agreement, to agree upon mutually acceptable employee benefit and
compensation arrangements so as to provide benefits and
compensation to persons who will be Olsten employees following
the consummation of the merger generally equivalent in the
aggregate to those provided to similarly situated employees of
Adecco;
o Olsten agrees not to make or file any election with any federal,
state or local agency or authority which, for purposes of any
income or franchise tax, would impair Olsten from carrying back
existing net operating losses to prior taxable years; and
o Olsten agrees to file all necessary tax returns in a manner
reasonably consistent with past practices and to provide a draft
of each of such tax returns to Adecco.
Termination Rights; Termination Fee
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the date of
the merger:
1) by mutual written consent of the board of directors of Adecco and
Olsten;
2) by either Adecco or Olsten if:
o (x) the merger is not consummated by March 31, 2000 or, if the
merger has not been consummated by March 31, 2000 because of a
failure to obtain the requisite consents and either Adecco or
Olsten chooses to extend the expiration date, by June 30, 2000
if all such requisite consents are not obtained and (y) the
party terminating the merger agreement did not prevent the
merger from being consummated by failing to fulfill all of its
obligations under the merger agreement;
o any court or other governmental entity has issued an order,
decree or ruling which cannot be appealed and which prohibits
the consummation of the merger or the split-off;
o the non-terminating party has failed to obtain the approval
from its shareholders necessary to consummate the merger or
the split-off; or
o the non-terminating party has materially breached the merger
agreement or the separation agreement and this breach has not
been cured within ten business days from the date of receipt
of written notice of the breach.
3) by Adecco if:
o the board of directors of Olsten has withdrawn or adversely
modified its recommendation to its shareholders to approve the
merger agreement and the separation agreement;
o the board of directors of Olsten has approved or publicly
recommended or, entered into any agreement or letter of intent
with respect to, any acquisition transaction with a third
party; or
o a tender offer or an exchange offer for the shares of common
stock of Olsten has been commenced by a third party, and
Olsten has not sent to its shareholders, within 10 business
days after such tender offer or exchange offer is made, a
statement disclosing that the board of directors recommends
the rejection of such tender offer or exchange offer.
4) by Olsten if Olsten:
o is permitted, pursuant to the covenant described under the
section "--No Solicitation," to negotiate and, provide
non-public information in response to, a superior proposal
from a third party; and
o has paid Adecco the termination fee described below in this
section.
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Olsten has agreed to pay a termination fee of $40 million to Adecco in
the event the merger agreement:
1) is terminated by Olsten as described in section (4) of the prior
paragraph;
2) is terminated by Olsten or Adecco at a time when Adecco would
have been permitted to terminate the merger agreement as
described in section (3) of the prior paragraph;
3) (x) is terminated by Olsten or Adecco at a time when Adecco would
have been permitted to terminate the merger agreement as
described in section (3) of the prior paragraph, (y) at the time
of the termination, Olsten has received and has not rejected an
outstanding proposal for an acquisition transaction by a third
party and (z) Olsten, within one year of such termination,
consummates or enters into a definitive agreement to consummate
an acquisition transaction on terms more favorable than those
proposed in the merger agreement; or
4) (x) is terminated by Adecco because (a) Olsten has failed to
obtain the approval from its shareholders necessary to consummate
the merger or the split-off or (b) Olsten has materially breached
the merger agreement or the separation agreement and this breach
has not been cured within ten business days from the date of
receipt of written notice of the breach and (y) Olsten, within
one year of such termination, consummates or enters into a
definitive agreement to consummate an acquisition transaction
with a third party on terms more favorable than those proposed in
the merger agreement.
In the event the merger agreement is terminated, no provision of the merger
agreement will survive, except for the provisions relating to confidentiality,
termination, expenses and miscellaneous provisions of general application.
Amendment; Waiver
Adecco, Staffing Acquisition Corporation and Olsten may amend the
merger agreement by written agreement prior to consummation of the merger and
the split-off, but, after the merger agreement is adopted by the stockholders of
Olsten, no amendment to the merger agreement may be made which alters the
consideration to be paid to the stockholders of Olsten in the merger.
Any provision of the merger agreement may be waived prior to the
consummation of the merger and the split-off, but only if the waiver is in
writing and signed by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective.
Conditions to Completion of the Merger
Conditions to Each Party's Obligations to Complete the Merger
The respective obligations of Adecco, Olsten and Staffing Acquisition
Corporation to consummate the merger will be subject to the following
conditions:
o the registration statement on Form F-4 of Adecco, of which this
joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part, shall be effective
and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
registration statement shall have been issued;
o the registration statement on Form S-4 of Olsten Health Services
shall have remained effective and no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the registration statement shall have been
issued;
o the merger agreement and the merger shall have been approved by a
majority vote of the stockholders of Olsten voting together as a
class;
o the issuance of additional ADSs and common shares, if any, of
Adecco in the merger and the increase in the size of the board of
directors of Adecco shall have been approved by the majority vote
of the shareholders of Adecco;
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o no writ, order, decree or injunction shall have been entered
against Olsten, Adecco or Olsten Health Services by a court of
competent jurisdiction or governmental entity which would
restrict the consummation of the merger or the split-off;
o all necessary consents and approvals of and notification and
disclosure to any governmental entity under the HSR Act or
similar foreign laws shall have been obtained and the waiting
period for all notification required in connection with the
merger under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and similar foreign laws
shall have expired;
o the ADSs and common shares, if any, of Adecco to be issued in the
merger shall have been approved for listing on either the NYSE or
the NASDAQ and the Swiss Stock Exchange, respectively; and
o the shares of common stock of Olsten Health Services to be issued
in connection with the split-off shall have been approved for
listing on NASDAQ.
Additional Conditions to Adecco's Obligations to Complete the Merger
The respective obligations of Adecco and Staffing Acquisition
Corporation to consummate the merger will be subject to the following additional
conditions:
o the representations and warranties made by Olsten in the merger
agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects at
the time the merger is completed, except that those
representations and warranties that address matters only as of a
particular date shall remain true and correct in all material
respects as of that date;
o Olsten shall have performed all of its obligations and agreements
under the merger agreement unless its failure to so comply would
not have a material adverse effect, individually or in the
aggregate, on Olsten's ability to consummate the merger and the
split-off and on Olsten's consolidated businesses;
o no event which would have a material adverse effect on Olsten and
its subsidiaries shall have occurred since the date of the merger
agreement and be continuing;
o Olsten and Olsten Health Services shall have complied in all
material respects with all of their respective obligations under
the separation agreement and shall have taken all action required
to be taken under the separation agreement prior to the
completion of the merger; and
o the representations and warranties of Olsten Health Services
contained in the separation agreement shall be true and correct
in all material respects, as of the date of the completion of the
merger as though made on that date, except that those
representations and warranties that address matters only as of a
particular date shall remain true and correct in all material
respects as of such particular date.
Additional Conditions to Olsten's Obligations to Complete the Merger
The obligations of Olsten to consummate the merger will be subject to
the following additional conditions:
o the representations and warranties made by Adecco and Staffing
Acquisition Corporation in the merger agreement shall be true and
correct in all material respects at the time the merger is
completed, except that those representations and warranties that
address matters only as of a particular date shall remain true
and correct in all material respects as of such particular date;
o each of Adecco and Staffing Acquisition Corporation shall have
performed its respective obligations and agreements under the
merger agreement unless its failure to so comply would not have a
material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on its
ability to consummate the merger and the split-off and on its
businesses on a consolidated basis; and
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<PAGE>
o no event which would have a material adverse effect on Adecco and
its subsidiaries shall have occurred since the date of the merger
agreement and be continuing.
Representations and Warranties
Other than as specifically disclosed in the merger agreement, the
merger agreement contains a number of customary and general representations and
warranties made by Adecco, Staffing Acquisition Corporation and Olsten.
THE PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
The following summary of the terms of the principal stockholders
agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the principal
stockholders agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex E, and is
incorporated by reference in, this proxy statement/prospectus. You are urged to
read the principal stockholders agreement in its entirety for a more complete
description of the terms and conditions of that agreement.
Overview
In connection with the merger agreement,
o Miriam Olsten,
o Stuart Olsten,
o Cheryl Olsten,
o 1985 Cheryl Ashburn Trust,
o 1995 Succeeding GRAT,
o Trust FBO Stuart Olsten, and
o Trust FBO Cheryl Olsten,
each a holder of shares of Olsten class B common stock and common stock, entered
into a principal stockholders agreement with Adecco on August 17, 1999. Under
the principal stockholders agreement, each of those stockholders agreed, among
other things:
o to vote in favor of the merger;
o to vote against any proposal from a third party regarding an
acquisition transaction;
o to refrain from amending, converting, pledging or transferring
their ownership of, or rights under, their respective shares of
Olsten class B stock and common stock; and
o to refrain from soliciting proposals from third parties regarding
a business combination,
in each case, so long as the merger agreement is in effect. An "acquisition
transaction," by cross-reference to the merger agreement, is defined in the
principal stockholders agreement to mean any tender offer, exchange offer,
merger, consolidation, sale of assets, sales of capital stock or other business
combination or the acquisition of 15% or more of the assets or, as calculated by
the number of votes acquired, 15% or more of capital stock of Olsten and its
subsidiaries taken as a whole.
The stockholders that entered into the principal stockholders agreement
held collectively, as of September 17, 1999, approximately 63% of the voting
power of the outstanding stock of Olsten.
Voting Agreement
In addition to agreeing to vote in favor of adoption of the merger
agreement, each of the principal stockholders has also agreed to vote against
the following matters at any Olsten stockholders meeting or in re-
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sponse to any proposed written consent of the Olsten stockholders, in which the
following matters are submitted to the Olsten stockholders for their vote:
o a proposal from a third party for an acquisition transaction;
o any action or agreement that would result in a breach under the
merger agreement, the separation agreement or the principal
stockholders agreement;
o unless otherwise agreed to in advance by Adecco, any
extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger,
consolidation or other business combination involving Olsten or
any of its subsidiaries;
o unless otherwise agreed to in advance by Adecco, any sale, lease
or transfer of a material amount of assets, including stock, of
Olsten or any of its subsidiaries;
o unless otherwise agreed to in advance by Adecco, any
restructuring, recapitalization, special dividend, dissolution or
liquidation of Olsten or any of its subsidiaries;
o unless otherwise agreed to in advance by Adecco, any change in a
majority of persons who constitute the respective board of
directors of Olsten or any of its subsidiaries;
o unless otherwise agreed to in advance by Adecco, any change in
the capitalization of Olsten or any of its subsidiaries,
including any proposal to sell a substantial equity interest in
Olsten or any of it subsidiaries;
o any amendment to the charter documents of Olsten or any of its
subsidiaries; or
o any other action that is intended, or is reasonably expected to,
adversely affect Olsten's or Adecco's ability to consummate the
merger or the split-off.
Lock-Up Agreement
The principal stockholders have agreed that they will not, and will not
consent to or enter into a contract to, offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender
or pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of any of their respective
shares of class B common stock and common stock, if any, other than a pledge or
encumbrance created as a result of a loan or an advance to the respective
principal stockholder if:
o the loan or the advance is made by an institutional lender;
o the lender agrees to become a party to, and perform all
obligations under, the principal stockholders agreement; and
o the pledge, the encumbrance or any subsequent foreclosure does
not result in the conversion of the applicable shares of class B
common stock to shares of common stock.
In addition, the principal stockholders have agreed not to grant any
proxies or powers of attorney, deposit their shares into a voting trust or enter
into a voting agreement with respect to their respective shares of class B
common stock and common stock, if any, other than a voting agreement executed by
a principal stockholder in connection with the type of loan described in the
previous paragraph.
No Solicitation
Each of the principal stockholders has agreed that it will not, nor
will it permit any of its subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees,
representatives or agents to:
o solicit, initiate, facilitate or encourage any proposal of an
acquisition transaction, or
o negotiate, explore or otherwise communicate or provide any
information to any person with respect to a proposal for an
acquisition transaction,
unless the principal stockholder, acting as a director of Olsten, is permitted
to do so under the merger agreement. See "The Merger Agreement--No
Solicitation."
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In addition, each of the principal stockholders has agreed that it will
use its respective best efforts as an Olsten stockholder to cause Olsten not to:
o solicit, initiate, facilitate or encourage any proposal of an
acquisition transaction, or
o take other action to facilitate any inquires or the making of any
proposal which constitutes or may reasonably be expected to lead
to an acquisition transaction.
Covenants
In addition to the covenants described above under the sections
"--Voting Agreement," "Lock-Up Agreement" and "--No Solicitation," the principal
stockholders agreed:
o not to take any action that would make any representation or
warranty of any principal stockholder made in the principal
stockholders agreement untrue or would result in a breach by the
stockholders and Olsten of their obligations under the merger
agreement and the separation agreement, respectively; and
o not to permit or take any action to cause any share of class B
stock held by the principal stockholders to be converted into
shares of common stock of Olsten.
Termination
The principal stockholders agreement shall terminate at the earlier of
(a) the date the merger is consummated and (b) the date the merger agreement is
terminated.
Representations and Warranties
The principal stockholders agreement contains a number of customary and
general representations and warranties made by each of the principal
stockholders regarding, among other things, ownership of their shares and
authority to enter into the principal stockholders agreement.
THE SPLIT-OFF
For purposes of the split-off and for purposes of governing the
relationships between Olsten, Olsten Health Services and Adecco after the
merger, Olsten, Olsten Health Services and Adecco have entered into a separation
agreement. The separation agreement is attached as Annex C to this proxy
statement/prospectus. You should read the separation agreement in its entirety.
Olsten Health Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Olsten. Pursuant
to the terms of the merger agreement and separation agreement, Olsten Health
Services will be split off from Olsten whereby the holders of Olsten common
stock and Olsten class B common stock will receive Olsten Health Services stock
in exchange for a portion of their Olsten stock. The separation agreement
provides for the transfer of some of Olsten's assets to and assumption of some
of Olsten's liabilities by Olsten Health Services. The separation agreement also
contains covenants by Olsten Health Services and provides for indemnification by
Olsten Health Services of Olsten and its affiliates for specified classes of
liabilities, breaches of representations and certain other matters and
indemnification by Olsten of Olsten Health Services and its affiliates for
retained liabilities and certain other matters.
Olsten's board believes that the split-off, being an integral part of
the merger, is in the best interest of the Olsten stockholders.
For a full description of the split-off, see the Olsten Health Services
prospectus attached as Annex A.
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CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Swiss franc, the French
franc and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Swiss
franc and French franc price of the Adecco common shares on the Swiss and Paris
Stock Exchanges, respectively, and, as a result, affect the market price of
Adecco ADSs in the United States. Such fluctuations will also affect the U.S.
dollar conversion by the depositary of the ADSs of any cash dividends paid in
Swiss francs on the Adecco common shares represented by the ADSs.
At June 30, 1999, Adecco's operations were carried out in over 50
countries around the world. As a result, Adecco's net income in Swiss franc
terms can be significantly affected by movements in exchange rates, and in
particular the movement of the Swiss franc against the U.S. dollar.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain
information concerning the exchange rates between Swiss francs and U.S. dollars
based on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York noon buying rate:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
Year Ended December 31, June 30,
--------------------------------------------------- ----------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(CHF per USD 1.00)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
High 1.49 1.32 1.35 1.54 1.54 1.53 1.55
Low 1.24 1.11 1.15 1.38 1.31 1.44 1.36
Average (1) (2) 1.37 1.19 1.24 1.43 1.45 1.48 1.47
Period End (1) 1.31 1.14 1.34 1.43 1.38 1.52 1.55
</TABLE>
- ----------------
(1) The noon buying rate at each period end and with respect to the average for
each period differed from the exchange rates used in the preparation of
Adecco's financial statements.
(2) The average of the noon buying rates on the last day of each month during
the period.
MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
United States
The following discussion summarizes the material U.S. federal income
tax consequences of the merger and the split-off to, and the ownership and
disposition of Adecco ADSs by, U.S. holders (as defined below) of Olsten stock.
This discussion addresses only those stockholders who hold their Olsten stock
and will hold their Adecco ADSs as capital assets and does not address all of
the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular
stockholders in light of their individual circumstances or to stockholders who
are subject to special rules under U.S. federal income tax law, including,
without limitation, financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, insurance
companies, dealers or traders in securities or foreign currencies, passthrough
entities and investors in passthrough entities, non-U.S. holders, persons who
hold their shares as a hedge against currency risk, or as part of a constructive
sale, straddle or conversion transaction, or holders who acquired their shares
upon the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation. The
discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury
Regulations, administrative rulings and court decisions, all as in effect as of
the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and all of which are subject to
change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion addresses only federal
income tax consequences and does not address any other federal tax consequences
or any state, local or foreign tax consequences.
Holders of Olsten stock are strongly urged to consult their tax
advisors as to the specific tax consequences of the merger, the split-off and
the ownership and disposition of Adecco ADSs to them, includ-
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ing the applicability and effects of federal, state, local and foreign income
and other tax laws in their particular circumstances.
For purposes of this discussion, the term "U.S. holder" means a
beneficial owner of Olsten stock that is a U.S. citizen or resident (as
determined for federal income tax purposes), a corporation created or organized
in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof,
an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for United States
income tax purposes regardless of its source, or a trust, if a U.S. court is
able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and
one or more United States fiduciaries have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust, or if the trust has elected to be taxed as a
"United States person."
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
of the Merger and the Split-Off
Consequences to Olsten Stockholders Who Participate in the Merger and the
Split-Off
The merger will be treated as a taxable acquisition of Olsten by
Adecco. Accordingly, an Olsten stockholder other than a dissenting stockholder
generally will recognize gain or loss with respect to each block of Olsten stock
exchanged in the merger equal to the difference between the fair market value of
the merger consideration, including shares of Olsten Health Services common
stock, attributable to the block (including any cash received in lieu of
fractional Adecco ADSs or Adecco common shares) and the stockholder's adjusted
tax basis in the block. A "block" of Olsten stock is a group of shares with the
same tax basis and holding period. Any recognized gain or loss will be capital
gain or loss and will be long term capital gain or loss if the stockholder has
held the block of Olsten stock at issue for more than one year at the time of
the merger.
While not entirely free from doubt, the split-off should be treated as
a redemption of the Olsten stock exchanged in the split-off. An Olsten
stockholder other than a dissenting stockholder generally should be treated as
having sold any Olsten stock exchanged in the split-off and should recognize
gain or loss with respect to each block of Olsten stock exchanged in the
split-off equal to the difference between the fair market value of the Olsten
Health Services stock received for the block (plus any cash received in lieu of
fractional shares) and the stockholder's adjusted tax basis in the block. Any
recognized gain or loss should be capital gain or loss and should be long term
capital gain or loss if the stockholder has held the block of Olsten stock at
issue for more than one year at the time of the split-off.
Consequences to Dissenting Olsten Stockholders
A dissenting Olsten stockholder will be treated as having sold its
Olsten stock for cash and will recognize gain or loss with respect to each block
of Olsten stock equal to the difference between the cash received for the block
and the stockholder's adjusted tax basis in the block. Any recognized gain or
loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long term capital gain
or loss if stockholder has held the block of Olsten stock in question for more
than one year at the time of the merger.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
In general, reporting requirements will apply to the consideration
received by Olsten stockholders in the merger and the split-off, except for
consideration received by certain exempt recipients (such as corporations), and
31% backup withholding may apply to such consideration if the U.S. holder fails
to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number or is otherwise subject to
backup withholding. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a
U.S. holder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. holder's federal income
tax liability.
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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of
Ownership and Disposition of Adecco ADSs
In general, for federal income tax purposes, U.S. holders of Adecco
ADSs will be treated as the owners of the underlying Adecco common shares that
are represented by the ADSs, and deposits and withdrawals of Adecco common
shares by U.S. holders in exchange for Adecco ADSs will not be subject to
federal income tax.
Taxation of Dividends
Subject to the following discussion of special rules applicable to a
"passive foreign investment company," or "PFIC," U.S. holders generally will
treat the gross amount of any dividends paid by Adecco, without reduction for
Swiss withholding taxes, as ordinary income for United States federal income tax
purposes. In certain circumstances, however, U.S. holders may be eligible to
receive a foreign tax credit for the Swiss withholding taxes and, in the case of
a corporate U.S. holder owning 10% or more of the voting shares of Adecco, for a
portion of the Swiss taxes paid by Adecco itself. Dividends paid by Adecco on
Adecco common shares, if any, will not qualify for the dividends received
deduction otherwise available to corporate U.S. holders.
The amount of any dividend paid in Swiss francs will equal the United
States dollar value of the Swiss francs received calculated by reference to the
exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is received by the U.S. holder,
regardless of whether the Swiss francs are converted into United States dollars
on the date of receipt. If the Swiss francs received as a dividend are not
converted into United States dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. holder will
have a basis in the Swiss francs equal to their United States dollar value on
the date of receipt. Any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or
other disposition of the Swiss francs will be treated as ordinary income or
loss.
It is possible that at some future time Adecco will be at least 50%
owned by United States persons. Dividends paid by a foreign corporation that is
at least 50% owned by United States persons may be treated as United States
source income (rather than foreign source income) for foreign tax credit
purposes to the extent the foreign corporation has more than an insignificant
amount of United States source income. The effect of this rule may be to treat a
portion of any dividends paid by Adecco as United States source income. Although
not free from doubt, the Code may permit a U.S. holder entitled to benefits
under the Switzerland-U.S. Income Tax Treaty to elect to treat any Adecco
dividends as foreign source income for foreign tax credit limitation purposes if
the dividend income is separated from other income items for purposes of
calculating the U.S. holder's foreign tax credit. U.S. holders should consult
their tax advisors about the availability of, desirability of making, and the
method of making such an election.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition
Subject to the following discussion of special rules applicable to
"PFICs," U.S. holders will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange
or other disposition of Adecco ADSs or common shares. Any such gain or loss will
be capital gain or loss and will be long term capital gain or loss if the Adecco
common shares were held for more than one year.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
A "PFIC" is any foreign corporation if, after the application of
certain "look-through" rules, (i) at least 75% of its gross income in a taxable
year is "passive income" or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of its assets
is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the
production of passive income. The determination as to PFIC status is made
annually. If a U.S. holder is treated as owning PFIC stock, the U.S. holder will
be subject to special rules generally intended to eliminate the benefit of the
deferral of U.S. federal income tax that results from investing in a foreign
corporation that does not distribute all its earnings currently.
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These rules may adversely affect the tax treatment to a U.S. holder of dividends
paid by Adecco and of sales, exchanges and other dispositions of Adecco common
shares, and may result in other adverse federal income tax consequences.
Adecco believes that it is not currently a PFIC and does not expect to
become a PFIC in the future. However, there can be no assurance that the
Internal Revenue Service will not successfully challenge Adecco's position or
that Adecco will not become a PFIC at some future time as a result of changes in
its assets, income or business operations.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
In general, reporting requirements will apply to dividends paid in
respect of Adecco common shares and proceeds of the disposition of Adecco common
shares paid within the United States (and in certain cases, outside of the
United States) to U.S. holders other than certain exempt recipients (such as
corporations), and 31% backup withholding may apply to such amounts if the U.S.
holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number or is
otherwise subject to backup withholding. The amount of any backup withholding
from a payment to a U.S. holder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S.
holder's federal income tax liability.
Swiss Tax Consequences of the Ownership of Adecco Shares
Gains on Sale
Under present Swiss law, a holder of Adecco common shares who:
o is a non-resident of Switzerland;
o during the taxable year has not engaged in a trade or business
through a permanent establishment within Switzerland; and
o is not subject to taxation by Switzerland for any other reason,
will be exempted from any Swiss federal, cantonal or municipal income or other
tax on gains realized during the year on the sale of Adecco common shares.
Stamp, Issue and Other Taxes
Switzerland generally does not impose stamp, registration or similar
taxes on the sale by a holder of Adecco common shares or ADSs unless the sale or
transfer occurs through or with a Swiss "securities dealer," as defined in the
Swiss Stamp Duty Law.
Withholding Tax
Under present Swiss law, any dividends paid on the Adecco common shares
will be subject to a Swiss withholding tax, or Anticipatory Tax, at the rate of
35%, and Adecco will be required to withhold tax at that rate from any dividend
payments made to a holder of Adecco common shares. A Swiss resident holder and
beneficial owner of Adecco common shares may qualify for a full refund of the
Swiss Anticipatory Tax withheld from such dividends. A holder and beneficial
owner of Adecco common shares who is a non-resident of Switzerland, but a
resident of a country that maintains a double taxation treaty with Switzerland,
may qualify for a full or a partial refund of the Swiss Anticipatory Tax
withheld from such dividends by virtue of the provisions of the applicable
treaty between Switzerland and the country of residence of the holder and
beneficial owner of the Adecco common shares. The current income tax treaty
between Switzerland and the United States and the regulations under that treaty
provide for a mechanism whereby a United States resident, other than a Swiss
citizen who is not also a U.S. citizen, and United States corporations, other
than U.S. corporations having a "permanent establishment,"
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as defined in the treaty, in Switzerland, generally can obtain a refund of the
Swiss Anticipatory Tax withheld from dividends in respect of Adecco common
shares, to the extent that 15% of the gross dividend is withheld as final tax
(i.e. 20% of the gross dividend may generally be refunded). In specific cases,
US companies not having a "permanent establishment" in Switzerland owning over
10% of Adecco common shares may receive a refund of Swiss Anticipatory Tax
withheld from dividends to the extent it exceeds 5% of the gross dividend (i.e.
30% of the gross dividend may be refunded). To get the benefit of a refund,
holders must beneficially own Adecco common shares at the time such dividend
becomes due. You should also note that the income tax treaty between Switzerland
and the United States was revised effective as of February 1, 1998 to amend the
definition of persons benefiting under that treaty with respect to dividend
payments.
Withholding Tax Refund Procedure Applicable to U.S. Holders
The claim for refund of the Swiss Anticipatory Tax is required to be
sent to the Federal Tax Administration of Switzerland (FTA), Eigerstrasse 65,
3003 Berne, on Swiss Tax Form 82I with respect to natural persons, Form 82C with
respect to corporations and Form 82E with respect to all other recipients, each
in triplicate, with all copies duly completed and signed before a notary public
in the United States. Swiss Tax Form 82 I/C/E may be obtained from any Swiss
Consulate General in the United States. Swiss Tax Form 82 I/C/E is required to
be filed no later than December 31 of the third year following the calendar year
in which the income tax becomes due. Tax Form 82 I/C/E must be accompanied with
suitable evidence of the deduction of Swiss Anticipatory Tax withheld at the
source to the debit of the beneficial owner. If the situation requires, the FTA
may ask for more detailed information. If the claimant, at the time of the
claim, is outside the United States, the declaration may be made before a United
States consular officer.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS OF ADDECCO
Overview
Adecco SA is the largest personnel services organization in the world
in terms of revenues, with over 3,000 offices in over 50 countries. Adecco's
personnel services include providing temporary personnel, placing permanent
employees, outsourcing, training and testing temporary and permanent employees
and providing outplacement counseling services. Adecco provides these services
through local, national and international contracts. Adecco seeks to be a leader
wherever it competes. In 1998, in terms of revenues, Adecco was first in France,
Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and Spain, second in the United Kingdom, and
third in the United States and Germany.
Adecco compares itself to its competitors based upon reported revenues,
as management believes this is the best indicator of market share and growth. In
accordance with SFAS No 131 "Disclosure about Segment of an Enterprise and
Related Information," Adecco defines its operating segments by geography.
Adecco's reportable operating segments are France, North America, Northern
Europe and all other regions. Adecco's total net service revenues in these four
geographic operating segments are set forth below.
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Net Service Revenue by Operating Segment
Six Months Ended June 30,
(CHF in millions)
1998 1999
----- -----
France 2,901 3,191
North America 2,280 2,345
Northern Europe 1,366 1,913
All Other 685 859
----- -----
Total Net Service Revenues 7,232 8,308
===== =====
During the six months ended June 30, 1999, Adecco generated 39% of its
revenues from its operations in France, 28% from North America (primarily the
United States), 23% of its revenues from Northern Europe and 10% from all other
operations. For the six months ended June 30, 1998, the comparable percentages
were 40%, 32%, 19% and 9%.
In April 1999 Adecco acquired Delphi Group plc for approximately CHF
395 million. Delphi is an information technology service and staffing business
with operations in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe. The
acquisition was financed with the proceeds of a new (pound)175 million
acquisition credit facility and was accounted for as a purchase. The results of
Delphi's operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements
beginning in April 1999.
In May 1999 Adecco acquired Career Staff Ltd. Career Staff is a
personnel services business with over 50 offices in Japan. The acquisition was
financed from an existing credit facility and other internal resources and was
accounted for as a purchase. The results of Career Staff's operations have been
included in the consolidated financial statements beginning May 1999.
Results of Operations
The unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the six months
ended June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999 have been prepared by Adecco pursuant to
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and, in the
opinion of management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation
of the results of operation. Results for interim periods are not necessarily
indicative of results for a full year.
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The following tables sets forth unaudited consolidated statements of
operations data and such data as a percentage of net sales for the six months
ended June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended June 30,
--------------------------------------------------------
1998 1999
---- ----
(CHF amounts in millions)
(unaudited)
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net service revenues 7,232 100.0% 8,308 100.0%
Direct costs of services (5,979) (82.7) (6,818) (82.1)
--------------------------------------------------------
1,253 17.3 1,490 17.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses (969) (13.4) (1,148) (13.8)
Amortization of goodwill (307) (4.2) (324) (3.9)
--------------------------------------------------------
(23) (0.3) 18 0.2
Interest and other income, net 8 0.1 11 0.1
Interest expense (48) (0.7) (55) (0.6)
--------------------------------------------------------
Loss before income taxes and
minority interests (63) (0.9) (26) (0.3)
Provision for income taxes (73) (1.0) (83) (1.0)
Income applicable to minority interests (1) -- -- --
========================================================
Net Loss (137) (1.9)% (109) (1.3)%
========================================================
</TABLE>
Adecco's net service revenues of CHF 8,308 million in the six months
ended June 30, 1999, represent an increase of 15% or CHF 1,076 million from net
service revenues of CHF 7,232 million in the six months ended June 30, 1998. Of
the total revenue growth, approximately 11% can be attributed to the growth of
existing operations, including the opening of new branches in 1999.
Approximately 5% of the increase in net service revenues can be attributed to
the 1999 acquisitions of Delphi and Career Staff. The strengthening of the Swiss
franc against most currencies during the period had a negative impact on revenue
of approximately 1%. Most countries in which Adecco operates posted strong
revenue gains, as measured in local currency and including the effects of the
acquisitions. Revenues increased in France (11%), United States (4%), Belgium
(23%), Canada (6%), United Kingdom (34%), Spain (29%), Australia (10%),
Switzerland (41%), Germany (27%) and Japan (154%). As measured in Swiss francs
including the effect of the acquisitions, revenues in France grew by 10%; North
America grew by 3%; Northern Europe grew by 40%; and all other grew by 25%.
Direct cost of services provided increased 14% or CHF 839 million to
CHF 6,818 million in the six months ended June 30, 1999, from CHF 5,979 million
in the six months ended June 30, 1998. Gross margin in 1999 increased slightly
by 0.6% from 17.3% to 17.9% as a result of growing contribution of speciality
services (including the 1999 integration of Delphi) and an increase in the gross
margin percentage in France. Conversely, gross margins were negatively impacted
by Adecco's expansion of its market in high volume customer contracts, which
experienced industry-wide erosion due to competitive bidding. The negative
impact on gross margins was moderated by lower operating expenses associated
with servicing large volume accounts.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) in the six months
ended June 30, 1999 increased 18% or CHF 179 million to CHF 1,148 million from
CHF 969 million in the six months ended June 30, 1998, and increased as a
percentage of sales to 13.8% in the six months ended June 30, 1999 compared with
13.4% in
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the six months ended June 30, 1999. Despite the opening of additional
branches SG&A expenses increased only slightly as a percentage of sales.
Goodwill amortization increased in the six months ended June 30, 1999
by CHF 17 million to CHF 324 million compared to CHF 307 million in the six
months ended June 30, 1998. The increase was primarily due to goodwill resulting
from the acquisitions of Delphi and Career Staff for which the amortization
periods began in April 1999 and May 1999. Adecco amortizes goodwill on a
straight-line basis over a five year period.
Interest expense increased by CHF 7 million in the six months ended
June 30, 1999 compared to the six months ended June 30, 1998. This increase in
interest expense primarily related to financing costs in connection with
aforementioned acquisitions.
Adecco provided for income taxes on income before amortization of
goodwill at a rate of 28% in the six months ended June 30, 1999 compared to 30%
in the six months ended June 30, 1998. The rate decrease primarily reflects the
deductibility of goodwill arising from the acquisitions.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At June 30, 1999, Adecco had cash and cash equivalents of CHF 516
million and short-term and long-term debt totaling CHF 1,852 million compared to
CHF 540 million and CHF 991 million at December 31, 1998. Increases in long and
short-term debt resulted from borrowings to finance operations and acquisitions
and from assumption of CHF 158 million of indebtedness of acquired companies.
Net cash flow from operations in the six months ended June 30, 1999 was
CHF 68 million. Net cash expended in investing activities for the six months
ended June 30, 1999 was CHF 473 million, primarily for the purchase of Delphi
and Career Staff and additions of fixed assets. Net cash provided by financing
activities for the six months ended June 30, 1999 was CHF 515 million, primarily
resulting from debt incurred under a short-term credit facility for
acquisitions.
On August 17, 1999, Adecco agreed to acquire Olsten Corporation's
("Olsten") generalist and information technology staffing business for a
combination of cash and common stock. Olsten's health services business will be
split off to the Olsten shareholders as a separate entity. In connection with
the acquisition, Adecco expects to issue common shares and increase its
consolidated debt. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information
of Adecco SA and Olsten Corporation."
To finance the Olsten acquisition (including approximately CHF 547
million to acquire Olsten common stock, approximatley CHF 311 million to satisfy
certain contractual obligations and pay transaction costs associated with the
merger, and approximatley CHF 512 million to pay certain Olsten debt), to
finance its operations, and to refinance approximatley CHF 900 million of Adecco
debt maturing in February 2000, Adecco expects to incur in the near future up to
approximatley CHF 2.7 billion of indebtedness through new bank borrowings and
the issuance of debt or convertible debt securities. Based on the indicative
term sheets received by Adecco from, and the conversations with, lending
institutions with respect to such proposed issuance of debt and/or convertible
debt securities of Adecco as well as with respect to alternative forms of debt
financing, Adecco's management currently believes that, although Adecco has not
committed to any such proposed new financing, it will be able to obtain the debt
and other financing necessary to fund the cash portion of the merger
consideration and its other cash requirements on terms reasonably satisfactory
to Adecco. However, as of September 30, 1999, Adecco did not have firm
commitments for such new financing and refinancing.
At the annual meeting on April 20, 1999 Adecco shareholders voted to
authorize the issuance of up to 600,000 Adecco common shares for sale for cash
no later than April 20, 2000, and an additional 1,400,000 shares to finance
mergers and acquisitions. At a special meeting on September 10, 1999, Adecco
shareholders voted to authorize an additional 700,000 shares to be issued in the
combination with Olsten, but limited the aggregate number of shares to be issued
under the April and September authorizations to 1,400,000, including through
the issuance of convertible securities. Adecco may issue common shares for cash
or convertible debt securities, as market conditions permit.
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In the ordinary course, Adecco's principal funding requirements are
associated with financing working capital and capital expenditures. Working
capital requirements are primarily in the form of accounts receivable and are
offset by accounts payable and accrued expenses, all of which increase as
revenues increase. The level of working capital financing is primarily dependent
upon accounts receivable turnover, which varies by location, and capital
expenditures are primarily related to new office openings and expenditures for
information systems. Cash disbursement activity is predominantly associated with
scheduled payroll payments for its temporary personnel, and Adecco has limited
flexibility to adjust its disbursement schedule. Conversely, collection of
related accounts receivable from customers may be considerably delayed,
resulting in steeply rising working capital requirements during periods of
growth. As of June 30, 1999, the accounts receivable had been outstanding for an
average of 62 days. Short-term cash requirements are funded primarily through
local collections of receivables and bank lines of credit maintained within the
respective countries. Management believes that these lines of credit, typically
uncommitted, are adequate to meet short-term liquidity requirements.
Foreign Exchange
Management evaluates its foreign currency exposures and hedges certain
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies by purchasing various
foreign exchange contracts (forwards and swaps). Adecco does not engage in any
speculative foreign currency trading activity. Foreign exchange gains and losses
resulting from this foreign currency risk management are included in Adecco's
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Adecco is domiciled in Switzerland and prepares its consolidated
financial statements in Swiss francs. Because substantially all of Adecco's
operations are conducted outside of Switzerland, fluctuations in the value of
foreign currencies against the Swiss franc may have a significant impact on
Adecco's reported results. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign
currencies are translated into Swiss francs using weighted average rates for the
year. Consequently, as the value of the Swiss franc changes relative to other
currencies in Adecco's major markets, the resulting translated revenues,
expenses and operating profits are affected. Fluctuations in currency exchange
rates may also impact shareholders' equity. Assets and liabilities denominated
in foreign currencies are translated into Swiss francs using year-end rates of
exchange. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in shareholders'
equity as accumulated other comprehensive income.
Each of Adecco's local operations primarily derives revenues, incurs
expenses and is financed within the currency of its domiciled location.
Consequently, these subsidiaries do not incur currency risks in connection with
the conduct of their normal business operations. Foreign currency exposure to
the group is created as a result of financing within the group which is often in
the form of intercompany loans. With few exceptions, the intercompany loans
provided by Adecco SA are denominated in the functional currency of its local
subsidiaries, thereby eliminating currency exposure at the local operating
level. The foreign currency exposure related to this activity is actively
managed by Adecco SA. Related to this intercompany loan activity, as of June 30,
1999 Adecco had short-term foreign exchange contracts outstanding with an
aggregate notional amount of CHF 502 million and an aggregate fair value of CHF
504 million. CHF 499 million would be required to close the positions at June
30, 1999. These contracts primarily hedge intercompany lending activity with the
respective gains and losses being included in interest expense.
The table below summarizes the foreign currency forward contracts
outstanding as of June 30, 1999. The table presents the notional amounts, at
contract exchange rates, purchased or sold and the weighted average contractual
foreign currency exchange rates. All forward contracts mature in less than six
months and settle in exchange for Swiss francs.
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Forward Exchange Contracts
(CHF equivalents in millions)
Notional Average
Currency Amount Contract Rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Australian Dollar 37 1.0120
Canadian Dollar 21 1.0400
British Pound Sterling 114 2.4383
Japanese Yen 114 0.0129
Norwegian Krona 3 0.1956
Euro 25 1.5956
Swedish Krona 2 0.1816
U.S. Dollar 186 1.5321
Interest Rate Risk
Adecco manages its exposure to changes in interest rates through the
use of fixed and variable rate debt in a number of currencies and by utilizing
interest rate swaps to hedge certain underlying debt obligations.
The information below summarizes Adecco's market risks associated with
debt obligations and interest rate swaps as of June 30, 1999. For debt
obligations the table below presents principal cash flows and related interest
rates by fiscal year of maturity. For interest rate swaps, the table presents
the notional amounts and related interest rates by fiscal year of maturity.
Expected Fiscal Year of Maturity
(CHF equivalents in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
There-
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 after Total
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Debt
Fixed Rate -- 6 6 20 21 390 443
Average Interest Rate -- 5.70% 5.70% 6.61% 6.57% 4.58% 4.79%
Variable Rate 551 858 -- -- -- -- 1409
Average Interest Rate 5.42% 5.43% -- -- -- -- 5.42%
Interest Rate Swaps
Variable to Fixed -- -- -- -- -- 134 134
Average Pay Rate -- -- -- -- -- 7.07% 7.07%
Average Receive Rate -- -- -- -- -- 5.61% 5.61%
</TABLE>
EURO
On January 1, 1999, eleven of the fifteen member countries of the
European Union established fixed conversion rates between the existing sovereign
currencies and the Euro, adopting the Euro as the common legal currency. The
Euro trades on currency exchanges and is available for non-cash transactions.
The existing sovereign currencies are scheduled to remain legal tender in the
member countries as denominations of the Euro during the transition period
between January 1, 1999 and January 1, 2002. During that transition period,
public and private parties may pay for goods and services using either the Euro
or the participating country's existing sovereign currency.
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Adecco is continuing to evaluate the impact of the Euro on business
operations in all member countries of the European Union during the transition
period. Because Adecco's labor costs and prices are generally determined on a
local basis, the current impact of the Euro is related to meeting customer
invoicing requirements and making information systems modifications. Such
modifications relate to converting currency values and operating in a dual
currency environment during the transition period. Modifications of information
technology and other systems will occur during and after the transition period
when non-member countries of the European Union convert to the Euro and will be
coordinated with other systems upgrades and enhancements. The costs of such
modifications are not expected to be material to the results of operations and
will be expensed as incurred.
Adecco is currently assessing the future competitive implications of
increased price transparency on its business and that of its customers resulting
from the adoption of the Euro. Historically the market for personnel services
has been very competitive due to low barriers to entry, with competition limited
to firms with offices in close proximity to a customer's particular market.
National and multinational customers' assessment of the impact of the Euro on
cross border pricing may lead to changes in workforce requirements to remain
competitive. Relocation or consolidation of economic activity may in turn cause
dislocation of employment. Adecco believes its wide network of offices will
accommodate some of this dislocation and shifting labor patterns in Europe. To
remain competitive, Adecco is currently evaluating opportunities to consolidate
operations, to pursue economies of scale and to reduce administrative costs by
treating Europe as a single market.
The Euro will reduce the costs of currency exchange and eliminate
currency exchange risk between the participating countries but will not have a
major impact on Adecco since its subsidiaries' business is within each country
and there is limited cross border trading. Treasury and lending activities may
be simplified by use of the Euro and Adecco is evaluating a number of cash
pooling and other financing opportunities resulting from the introduction of the
Euro.
Adecco has historically used derivatives to hedge currency exposures in
the member countries of the European Union. Adecco believes the advent of the
Euro will not have a significant impact on hedging activities and may, in fact,
create additional funding opportunities.
Year 2000 Readiness
In 1998, Adecco initiated a program to address the Year 2000 issues
that affect its operations. Essentially, the Year 2000 problem consists of
computer applications using only the last two digits to refer to a year rather
than all four digits. As a result, these applications could fail or create
erroneous results if they recognize "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year
2000. Adecco's program is designed to identify and correct these problems.
The program has been developed with the help of consultants and
consists of various steps of evaluations and remediation in the affected areas
of Adecco. These areas include information systems, facilities, customers and
suppliers. Third parties with whom there are system interactions, including
outsourced services and customers and suppliers, are being surveyed to determine
Year 2000 compliance or the need for remediation. As of the end of August 1999,
approximately 85% of Adecco's worldwide systems were Year 2000 compliant with
the remaining areas targeted for compliance by the end of fiscal 1999. The total
cost of this project is estimated to be CHF 18 million, of which a majority had
been expensed at June 30, 1999. The total costs have not had, nor are expected
to have, a material effect on Adecco's financial position, results of operations
or cash flows in any of the affected years. Adecco does not anticipate incurring
significant obligations related to Year 2000 difficulties on behalf of its
customers or suppliers.
In the event that the efforts of this program do not address all
potential systems problems, Adecco is currently evaluating contingency plans to
ensure it will be able to operate the critical areas of its business. This
process includes developing alternative plans to engage in business activities
with customers and suppliers should they
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not be Year 2000 compliant. These plans will continue to be monitored for
completion as the year 2000 approaches.
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BUSINESS OF OLSTEN
Olsten operates through subsidiaries in the United States and thirteen
other countries and engages in and derives substantially all of its revenues
from three industry segments: staffing services, information technology services
and health services. After completion of the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement, the health services business will be split off and operate
independently of the staffing services and information technology services
businesses. Olsten was incorporated in Delaware in 1967 as the successor to a
business founded in 1950. The staffing services and information technology
services businesses are sometimes referred to herein as Olsten staffing. For a
discussion of the health services business please see page 45 of the Olsten
Health Services prospectus attached as Annex A hereto.
Olsten's staffing services in the United States and Canada, and other
staffing operations in Europe and Latin America, provide supplemental staffing
to business, industry and government. In addition, Olsten staffing's specialty
staffing division provides a full spectrum of accounting and financial
professionals and support-level candidates to a wide array of clients and
further provides attorneys, paralegals and legal support staff to law firms,
corporate law departments and government.
Olsten staffing's information technology services business, with
operations in North America and Europe, provides services for the design,
development and maintenance of information systems.
Olsten staffing's owned, licensed and franchised staffing and
information technology services operation currently conducts business through
approximately 1100 offices in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United
Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico.
The staffing services and information technology services businesses
revenues accounted for approximately 61% and 9%, respectively, of Olsten's
revenues for the six months ended July 4, 1999, and 62% and 9%, respectively, of
Olsten's 1998 revenues, approximately 58% and 7%, respectively, of Olsten's 1997
revenues and approximately 54% and 5%, respectively, of Olsten's 1996 revenues.
Olsten provides assignment employees in a full spectrum of skills, from
entry level workers to seasoned professionals and managers. Service areas
include: supplemental staffing, evaluation and training for office technology;
general office and administrative services, accounting and other financial
services; legal, scientific, engineering and technical services, including
production technical training; call centers; production/distribution/assembly
services; training and pre-employment services; retail services; marketing
support and teleservices; manufacturing, construction and industrial services;
and managed services for corporations. The provision of staffing services is not
generally subject to extensive federal and state regulation.
Olsten provides information technology consultants on either a project
management or consulting basis to assist clients in the design, development and
maintenance of computer systems, including focused solutions, comprising both
horizontal practices and vertical industry offerings, including particular
strength in the financial services and telecommunications industries.
Health services provides home health care through its licensed health
care personnel, such as registered nurses. Health services offers a broad range
of services, including physician-prescribed skilled nursing, patient and family
education, care management and coordination, pediatric and prenatal care,
physical, occupational, neurological and speech therapies, administration of
drugs, nutrients and other solutions intravenously and orally, disease
management programs, institutional, occupational and alternate site staffing and
marketing, distribution and staffing solutions for pharmaceutical, biotechnology
and medical device firms.
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BUSINESS OF ADECCO
General
Adecco is the largest personnel services organization in the world in
terms of revenues with over 3,000 offices in over 50 countries. Adecco is
primarily engaged in providing temporary personnel, placing permanent employees,
outsourcing, training and testing temporary and permanent employees, and
providing outplacement counseling services.
Adecco's personnel services are offered under the Adecco brand and
under several specialty brands. Adecco's primary brands include:
Adecco (General Staffing Services). Under the Adecco brand, Adecco
offers temporary and full-time employment opportunities from offices in
over 50 countries. In France, Adecco offers similar services under the
Adia brand.
Accountants on Call (Accounting and Finance Personnel). Accountants on
Call specializes in the temporary and permanent placement of a wide
range of specialized finance personnel from controllers and CPA's,
accounting clerks and bookkeepers to financial analysts and finance
managers. Accountants on Call operates in the United States, Canada,
the United Kingdom and as "Accountants" in Spain.
Adecco/TAD Technical (Technical Personnel). Adecco/TAD Technical is a
full-service provider of technical professionals, engineers, project
managers and support staff to businesses with technical staffing needs
in the United States. Adecco/TAD Technical's personnel include software
and hardware engineers, technical, electrical and mechanical
technicians, MIS professionals, help desk staff, CAD
designers/drafters, publication professionals and research and
development technicians.
Ajilon (Information Technology Personnel and Services). Ajilon provides
information technology staffing services ranging from providing
temporary or permanent employees to hiring a complete team to assess
systems compliance and implement needed conversions. Ajilon services
are also branded as ICON (Australia and South East Asia), PFI
(Singapore), Skillbase (Spain), and Computer People in the United
Kingdom and several other European countries.
Jonathan Wren (Banking and Finance). Jonathan Wren provides specialized
temporary help, executive search services and on-site workforce
management for the banking and finance industries in the United Kingdom
and continental Europe.
Lee Hecht Harrison (Outplacement and Career Transition). Lee Hecht
Harrison offers outplacement services, career transition services,
career development seminars, executive coaching and flexible workforce
management in the United States and in several European and Asian
countries.
Roevin (Engineering and Technical Services). Roevin provides temporary
and fulltime employment in the technical and engineering fields. Roevin
is based in the United Kingdom and serves major clients throughout
Europe.
TAD Telecom (Telecommunications Personnel and Services). TAD Telecom
provides engineering, management and installation personnel and
services to the communication industry (including the voice, data and
video sectors) in the United States.
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Strategy and Competitive Strengths
Adecco seeks to be a leader everywhere it competes. Adecco believes
that in 1998, in terms of revenues, it ranked among personnel services
companies:
o first in France, Canada, Australia, Switzerland and Spain;
o second in the United Kingdom;
o third in the United States and Germany; and
o seventh in Japan.
Adecco seeks to achieve revenue leadership and improve operating
margins through a combination of acquisitions, organic growth, and superior
service and technology:
o Acquisitions. Adecco is the product of the 1996 merger of Adia
S.A. and Ecco S.A. In addition to a number of smaller
acquisitions in each year since that merger, Adecco acquired TAD
in 1997 and Delphi Plc and Career Staff Ltd. in 1999, and has
entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the staffing and
information technology businesses of Olsten Corporation.
o Organic Growth. Adecco has, from internal growth, increased the
number of its offices and its revenues in each fiscal year since
1996, and continues to expand in new and existing markets.
o Service and Technology. Adecco aspires to provide superior
performance to its customers through the provision of motivated
and talented personnel and advanced technical resources that
increase productivity and enable it to efficiently deliver its
product.
o Specialty Services. Specialty services, such as information
technology and accounting services, are generally more profitable
than non-specialty services, and demand for such services has
been strong. Adecco has enhanced its capabilities in these areas
through the acquisition of TAD, Delphi, and other companies and
will further augment its resources through the acquisition of
Olsten.
Adecco believes that its competitive strengths include:
o a consistently high level of quality at competitive prices;
o a broad scope of services;
o a diverse pool of applicants;
o the largest network of branches for customers and candidates; and
o a diversified global culture, as evidenced by its top management
that includes six different nationalities among its top ten
executives.
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Operations
North America
As of December 31, 1998, Adecco operated from over 800 offices in
numerous states, Canadian provinces and the District of Columbia. In addition,
services are provided through "on-site offices" located at customer sites, which
arrangements allow Adecco to more cost efficiently expand its volume of
business. In 1998, Adecco derived approximately 30% of its revenues from
operations in North America.
France
As of December 31, 1998, in France, Adecco operated over 1,000 offices.
In 1998, temporary workers comprised approximately 2% of the total French
workforce, making France the second largest marketplace worldwide for temporary
personnel services. In 1998, Adecco derived approximately 41% of its revenues
from France.
Other Europe
As of December 31, 1998, Adecco operated over 1,100 offices throughout
the rest of Europe. Approximately 24% of Adecco's 1998 revenues came from
European countries other than France. The five largest countries by revenues for
1998 were as follows:
o The United Kingdom. At December 31, 1998, in the United Kingdom
Adecco operated over 230 offices.
o Switzerland. At December 31, 1998, in Switzerland Adecco operated
over 70 offices.
o Spain. At December 31, 1998, in Spain Adecco operated over 200
offices. Adecco entered the Spanish market in 1994, following
deregulation, and has enjoyed strong growth since operations
began.
o Germany. At December 31, 1998, in Germany, Adecco operated over
100 offices. Certain German legal restrictions governing job
categories and the length of contracts in the temporary
employment industry limit demand for temporary services in
Germany.
o Netherlands. At December 31, 1998, in the Netherlands, Adecco
operated through over 220 offices. The Netherlands has the
highest penetration of temporary personnel in the world.
Australia and Japan
Adecco's two principal marketplaces outside of North America and Europe
are in Australia and Japan, which together accounted for approximately 5% of
revenues in 1998. As of December 31, 1998, in Australia, Adecco operated over 50
offices.
In Japan, Adecco operates principally in the Tokyo area, servicing
customers at over 15 offices as of December 31, 1998. Despite little growth in
the Japanese economy and strict regulations on the use of temporary personnel,
demand for temporary personnel increased in 1998. Adecco anticipates that demand
for its temporary personnel will remain strong in Japan, especially given the
expected further easing of legal restrictions on temporary staffing.
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Recruiting, Quality Control and Marketing
Personnel services firms act as intermediaries in matching available
workers to employer assignments on a temporary or permanent basis. Personnel
services firms compete with one another not only in recruiting and retaining
available workers, but also in attracting a customer base that needs to hire
these workers.
Adecco recruits employment candidates through a wide variety of means,
including personal referrals, advertisements, the internet, and its "Job Shop"
computerized kiosks located in busy public venues, as well as through an
attractive compensation package which includes vacation and holiday pay,
incentive plans and recognition programs.
Adecco's first step toward providing its customers with quality service
is employing a highly motivated permanent staff, properly training such staff on
the methods of recruiting and matching candidates to assignments, and
effectively using proprietary and other systems that have been developed to
support this process. Adecco trains its staff to promptly fill assignments,
effectively match an individual worker to a specific assignment, monitor the
performance of the worker in that assignment, and to offer its customers other
options to help manage their use of personnel services.
Adecco provides its customers with advanced testing of potential
employees to assess their skills and to ensure that they match the skill profile
requested by the customer. For example, Adecco measures a number of
computer-related skills by allowing the candidate to operate in the actual
software program environment. Adecco's internally developed Xpert system is a
state-of-the-art evaluation and testing tool, and its MAX Adia Office Automation
& Design(TM) system integrates the results of Adecco's skills testing with
personal attributes and work history and automatically matches available
candidates with customer requirements. MAX also allows Adecco to track the
performance of temporary personnel and provide quality reports to customers,
thereby documenting the level of performance.
As of December 31, 1998, Adecco was certified under the international
quality standard ISO 9002 in the following countries: Austria, Australia,
Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan,
Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the
United Kingdom, and the United States. Adecco is currently in the process of
seeking certification for its remaining offices in other countries under this
standard. In addition, Ajilon, Adecco's information technology subsidiary, is
ISO 9001 certified. Adecco believes it was among the first in the industry to
become certified for its consistent level of quality and believes that this
gives it a marketing advantage over many of its competitors.
Adecco differentiates itself from its competitors by providing a
broader scope of services to its customers. Adecco uses various methods to
market its personnel services to customers depending on the customers' perceived
need for workers, the skill levels required and the local labor supply.
Marketing tools include branch specialization to better match supply and demand
in specific market niches, investments in brand awareness through media
advertising, and intense sales activity with a highly trained and monitored
sales force.
Competition
With more than 15,000 firms competing, the personnel services industry
throughout the world is highly competitive and has low barriers to entry. In
addition to Adecco, large publicly-owned companies specializing in personnel
services include Manpower Inc. (US), Kelly Services, Inc. (US), Randstadt (the
Netherlands), Vedior/BIS (the Netherlands) and Interim Services (US). Although
some countries have a higher concentration level of personnel services
companies, with 3-4 companies accounting for more than 60% of the business,
Adecco believes no single company has greater than an 8% share of the worldwide
industry. Moreover, only Adecco and Manpower have significant shares in all of
the major personnel services countries in the world.
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Competition generally varies from country to country because many
customers contract for their personnel services locally. In most major
countries, competitors generally include large publicly traded companies and
numerous regional and local competitors, some of which may operate only in a
single country. Competition may also be provided by governmental entities, such
as the state employment offices in many European countries.
In France, changes in French law in December 1997 reduced the amount of
certain employment tax abatements. The effect of this change was to increase the
cost of temporary employees. Adecco implemented price increases to offset this
cost increase, but due to the intensely competitive environment, the increases
were initially insufficient to forestall margin erosion.
Many customers use more than one personnel services company, and it is
common for a major customer to use several personnel services companies at the
same time. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in
the number of large customers consolidating their temporary personnel hiring
with a single supplier or with a small number of firms. Adecco's customer base
is large and diverse, with no customer accounting for a significant portion of
revenues.
Regulation
Personnel services firms are generally subject to one or more of the
following types of government regulation:
o regulation of the employer/employee relationship between a firm
and its temporary personnel;
o registration, licensing, record keeping and reporting
requirements; and
o substantive limitations on its operations.
In most countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and
France, personnel services firms are considered the legal employers of their
temporary personnel. Therefore, the firm is governed by laws regulating the
employer/employee relationship, such as tax withholding or reporting, social
security or retirement, anti-discrimination and workers' compensation. In other
countries, personnel services firms, while not the direct legal employers of
temporary personnel, are still responsible for collecting taxes and social
security deductions and transmitting such amounts to the taxing authorities.
In many countries, particularly in continental Europe, entry into the
personnel services market is restricted by the requirement to register with or
obtain licenses from a government agency. In addition, a wide variety of
administrative requirements may be imposed, such as record keeping, written
contracts and reporting.
The personnel services industry is closely regulated in all of the
major markets in which Adecco operates except the United States, the United
Kingdom and Canada. In addition to licensing or registration requirements, many
countries impose substantive restrictions on temporary employment services. Such
restrictions include:
o regulations affecting the type of work permitted; for example,
Germany prohibits the use of temporary workers in construction
work, and Japan limits temporary work to certain defined
categories of workers, which exclude, among other categories,
industrial work,
o restricting the maximum length of a temporary assignment; for
example, varying from 3 to 24 months,
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o imposing requirements as to wage levels; for example, in France
and Austria, wages paid to temporary workers must be the same as
those paid to permanent workers, or
o restricting the circumstances under which the temporary personnel
may be employed: for example, in Germany, they must be fully
employed without time limit.
In some countries special taxes, fees or costs are imposed in
connection with the use of temporary personnel. For example, in France, to
compensate for the precarious nature of their employment, temporary personnel
are entitled to a 10% allowance which is inapplicable if a new assignment is
offered to them within three days. In some countries, the placement by private
companies of permanent workers for a fee is prohibited.
Trademarks
Adecco maintains a number of trademarks, trade names, service marks and
other intangible rights. The principal marks are the Adecco service mark and
logo and the specialty brand service marks and logos, including Accountants on
Call, Ajilon, Lee Hecht Harrison, Jonathan Wren, and TAD. Adecco has filed
applications to register and/or registration has been obtained for these
trademarks and service marks in the major markets and in the countries where
Adecco operates as appropriate. Adecco is not currently aware of any infringing
uses that would be likely to significantly harm these rights.
Employees
Adecco had approximately 16,500 permanent full-time employees as of
December 31, 1998. During 1998, Adecco had on average over 375,000 temporary
workers employed at worldwide client locations on any given day. Adecco believes
that relations with its employees are good.
Corporate History
Adecco resulted from the August 1996 merger of Adia S.A. and Ecco S.A.,
pursuant to which each Ecco stockholder received Adia common shares or cash for
each share of Ecco common stock they held. In connection with the merger, Adia
changed its name to Adecco.
The Ecco merger was accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. For accounting purposes only and in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States, Ecco was deemed the
acquiror of Adia as its former shareholders received a majority of the shares of
Adecco. As a result, the historical financial statements of Adecco for the
periods prior to the Ecco merger are those of Ecco and the operations of Adia
have been included in the consolidated financial statements of Adecco beginning
in August 1996.
Henri Lavanchy founded Adia in 1957 in Lausanne, Switzerland, to
provide temporary personnel to businesses in that country. Beginning in the
1960's and continuing through 1996, Adia expanded throughout Europe, the United
States, Mexico, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and into the People's Republic of
China.
In 1964, Philippe Foriel-Destezet, Adecco's current Chairman, founded
Ecco in Lyon, France. By the early 1970's, Ecco had become the third largest
supplier of temporary personnel in France.
Adecco is a societe anonyme organized under the laws of Switzerland,
with its corporate headquarters at 1275 Cheserex, Switzerland. Its telephone
number is 41 21 321 66 66.
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DESCRIPTION OF ADECCO COMMON SHARES
The following is a summary of the material terms relating to the equity
capital of Adecco, including brief summaries of certain provisions of Adecco's
statuts, which is its charter, and the Swiss Code of Obligations. This
description is only a summary of the material terms of, and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to, the copy of Adecco's charter which has been filed with
the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part.
You are encouraged to read the English translation of Adecco's charter in its
entirety.
Object
Adecco's charter provides that Adecco's principal corporate purpose is
to acquire and manage organizations that supply employees or that provide
supervision, inspection or consulting services.
General
As of September 15, 1999, Adecco's equity capitalization consisted of
the following:
o 17,177,710 common shares, par value CHF10.00 per share, of which
109,066 were represented by 872,528 Adecco ADSs; and
o 24,500 Class A participation certificates, par value CHF 2.00 per
participation certificate.
Except as noted below, Adecco's charter confers on the holders of
Adecco common shares equal rights, including equal voting rights, and equal
obligations.
On April 20, 1999, Adecco shareholders voted to approve a change in
form of Adecco shares from bearer form to registered form. Upon request of a
holder of outstanding bearer shares, or upon issue or transfer of registered
shares, the shares are registered in the share register with the right to vote,
provided that the holders declare to have acquired the registered shares in
their own name and for their own account. However, the board of directors of
Adecco may register nominees who hold shares for beneficial owners and,
therefore, are not able to make the declaration.
No person or entity, including those who hold beneficial ownership
through a nominee, is permitted to be registered with the right to vote more
than 5% of the registered share capital, except those persons or entities who
held such shares prior to April 20, 1999. Registered shares held by a nominee
that exceeds the 5% limit, however, may be registered in the share register if
the nominee discloses shareholder information of the beneficial owners for whose
account the nominee holds 0.5% or more of the registered share capital.
Corporate bodies and partnerships or other groups of persons or joint
owners who are interrelated to one another through capital ownership, voting
rights, uniform management or otherwise linked or who act in concert to
circumvent the regulations concerning the limitation of participation or the
nominees, are treated as one single person or nominee for the purposes of
determining whether the 5% limit has been exceeded.
The 5% limitation for registration in the share register also applies
to shares acquired or subscribed by the exercise of subscription, option or
conversion rights.
The participation certificates confer no voting rights, and the holders
of participation certificates do not have the right to attend general meetings
of the shareholders. However, when dividends or liquidation proceeds are
declared, holders of participation certificates are entitled to receive per
participation certificate one-fifth of the dividend payments to be made on each
common share. See "--Allocation of Annual Net Profits" for a summary of Adecco's
dividend policies.
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General Meetings of Shareholders
Under Swiss corporate law, an ordinary general meeting of the
shareholders must be held within six months after the end of each fiscal year.
Extraordinary general meetings of the shareholders may be called by the board of
directors or, if necessary, by Adecco's statutory auditors. In addition, an
extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders may be called by a resolution
of the shareholders adopted during any prior general meeting of the shareholders
or, at any time, by holders of common shares representing at least ten percent
of the share capital. Holders of Adecco common shares with a nominal value of at
least CHF1.0 million have the right to request that a specific proposal be
discussed and voted upon at the next general meeting. Notice of a general
meeting may be provided to the shareholders by publishing notice of such meeting
in the Swiss Commercial Gazette and other newspapers at least 20 days prior to
the meeting.
There is no quorum requirement for general meetings.
Holders of at least a majority of Adecco common shares represented in a
general meeting must vote in favor of a resolution in order for such resolution
to be adopted. In addition, in order to adopt a resolution regarding:
o changes to Adecco's corporate purpose;
o the creation or rescission of provisions in the Adecco charter
requiring a qualified quorum or majority for resolutions at the
general meeting;
o the creation of shares with privileged voting rights;
o restrictions on the transferability of registered shares;
o an authorized or conditional increase in Adecco's equity capital;
o an increase in Adecco's equity capital by recourse to equity,
against contribution in kind, or for the acquisition of assets
and the granting of special benefits;
o restriction or elimination of subscription rights;
o relocation of Adecco's domicile; or
o dissolution of Adecco without liquidation,
holders of at least two thirds of Adecco common shares represented at such
general meeting must vote in favor of such resolution.
In addition to the powers described above, the general meeting has the
power to vote on amendments to Adecco's charter (including to convert registered
shares to bearer shares), to elect the directors and the statutory auditors, to
approve the annual report, including the statutory financial statements and the
annual group accounts, and to set the annual dividend. In addition, the general
meeting has competence in connection with the special inspection and the
liquidation of Adecco.
Each Adecco common share represents one vote. In addition, a
shareholder may only be represented by (1) the shareholder's legal
representative, (2) another shareholder with the right to vote, (3) a corporate
body of Adecco, (4) independent proxy or (5) a depositary. At general meetings,
votes are taken on a show of hands unless a ballot is ordered by the chairman of
the meeting or requested by holders of Adecco common shares representing at
least five percent of Adecco's share capital.
Transfer of Adecco Shares
Adecco shares are evidenced either by share certificates in registered
form or by registration in the share register. Adecco may renounce the printing
and delivery of certificates. However, any shareholder may demand the issuance
of a certificate. Adecco shares are transferred by delivery combined with an
endorsement or a written as-
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signment. Shares not represented by a certificate may only be transferred by way
of written assignment. To be valid, the corporation must be notified of the
assignment. The right to vote and the other rights associated with an Adecco
share may only be exercised by a shareholder who is registered in the share
register. Adecco's charter provides that no person or entity shall be registered
in the share register with the right to vote for more than 5% of the share
capital of Adecco except persons or entities who held such shares prior to April
20, 1999.
Allocation of Annual Net Profits
Swiss law requires that Adecco retain at least five percent of its
annual net profits as general reserves as long as such reserves amount to less
than twenty percent of Adecco's nominal equity capital. Any remaining net
profits may be distributed as dividends, pursuant to a shareholders resolution,
ratably between the holders of common shares and participation certificates,
with holders of participating certificates receiving one fifth of the dividend
payment per certificate that holders of common shares receives per share.
Pursuant to Swiss law, Adecco is permitted to make only one dividend
payment, if any, per fiscal year. Interim dividends may only be paid with
shareholder approval. See "Comparative Rights of Shareholders of Adecco and
Olsten."
Preemptive Rights
Under Swiss corporate law, each holder of common shares and
participation certificates has preemptive rights to subscribe for any new
issuance of common shares and participation certificates in proportion to the
respective nominal amount of common shares and participation certificates held
by such holder. Any new issuance of participation certificates or common shares,
whether for a cash or non-cash consideration, must be approved by the
shareholders. However, the shareholders' preemptive rights may be suspended for
important reasons if the suspension is approved by at least two-thirds of the
votes of the common shares represented at a general meeting.
Borrowing Powers
Neither Swiss law nor Adecco's charter limits Adecco's ability to
borrow and raise funds as to amount or otherwise.
Conflicts of Interests
Swiss corporate law does not have a general provision on conflict of
interests. However, the Swiss Code of Obligations contains a provision which
requires directors to safeguard the interests of the corporation, and to adhere
to a duty of loyalty and a duty of care. Breach of this provision may result in
the personal liability of the directors through the corporation. In addition,
Swiss law contains a provision under which payments made to a shareholder not at
arm's length must be repaid to the corporation.
Repurchase of Adecco Shares
Swiss law limits the amount of its common shares that Adecco may hold
or repurchase. Adecco may only repurchase its common shares if it has free
reserves to cover the purchase price and if the nominal value of the common
shares to be repurchased does not exceed ten percent of Adecco's equity capital.
In addition, Adecco common shares repurchased by Adecco may not be voted in a
general meeting. Furthermore a reserve must be created on the balance sheet in
the amount of the purchase price of the acquired shares. Moreover, free
reserves corresponding to the purchase price of the acquired shares must be
reclassified as a blocked reserve which prevents the distribution of the
corresponding amount to shareholders.
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Duration; Liquidation
Although Adecco's charter does not limit the term of Adecco's corporate
existence, Adecco may be dissolved at any time by a resolution of a general
meeting adopted by at least two-thirds of all of the outstanding Adecco common
shares. Under Swiss law, Adecco may also be dissolved by a court order based
upon the request of holders of Adecco common shares representing at least ten
percent of Adecco's share capital if such request is based on important grounds,
such as matters relating to misuse of a shareholder's majority position. In
addition, the court may grant alternative relief such as a mandatory redemption
by Adecco or by its majority shareholder at fair market value of all the Adecco
common shares held by minority shareholders.
Return of Capital upon Liquidation
Swiss law requires that any proceeds from Adecco's liquidation, after
all obligations to its creditors have been satisfied, be used first to repay the
nominal equity capital of Adecco. Thereafter, any remaining proceeds are to be
distributed to holders of Adecco common shares and participation certificates in
proportion to the nominal value of those Adecco common shares and participation
certificates.
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DESCRIPTION OF ADECCO
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the deposit
agreement pursuant to which Adecco American Depositary Shares evidenced by
American Depositary Receipts will be issued in the merger. The deposit agreement
is among Adecco, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company, as depositary, and the
registered holders from time to time of ADRs evidencing ADSs. The deposit
agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
proxy statement/prospectus is a part and we encourage you to read it in its
entirety. The following summary is subject to and qualified by the provisions of
the deposit agreement. Copies of the deposit agreement are available for
inspection at the depositary's address set forth below.
General
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York as depositary will issue
Adecco ADSs evidenced by ADRs to holders of Olsten common stock and Class B
common stock who are entitled to receive them upon completion of the merger.
Each ADS represents at the date hereof the right to receive one eighth of one
Adecco common share. Adecco will deposit common shares underlying the ADSs with
the custodian, which currently is the Zurich, Switzerland office of Bank Leu,
Ltd. The Corporate Trust Office of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York is
located at 60 Wall Street, 36th Floor, New York, New York 10260.
Common Share Dividends and Other Distributions
How will you receive dividends and other distributions on Adecco common shares
underlying your ADSs?
If you are an Adecco ADS holder on the record date for a distribution,
Morgan Guaranty will pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions the
custodian receives on Adecco common shares or other deposited securities, after
deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in
proportion to the number of Adecco common shares your ADSs represent.
o Cash. Morgan Guaranty will distribute, if permissible and
practicable, U.S. dollars available resulting from a cash
dividend or other cash distribution or the net proceeds from the
sale of any other distribution. Before making a distribution,
Morgan Guaranty will convert, if reasonable, any foreign currency
to U.S. dollars, and will make appropriate adjustments to the
distribution to account for taxes withheld and expenses incurred.
If Morgan Guaranty determines that any foreign currency cannot
reasonably be converted into U.S. dollars and transferred to the
United States, the deposit agreement provides that Morgan
Guaranty may distribute the foreign currency or choose to hold
the foreign currency for your benefit, uninvested and without
liability for interest.
o Common shares. Morgan Guaranty will distribute additional Adecco
ADSs evidenced by ADRs representing any common shares Adecco
distributes as a dividend or free distribution. It may sell
Adecco common shares which would result in a fractional ADS, and
distribute the net proceeds to the holders entitled to those
common shares.
o Rights to receive additional shares. If Adecco offers holders of
securities any rights, including rights to subscribe for
additional Adecco common shares, Morgan Guaranty will take
actions necessary to make these rights available to holders of
Adecco ADSs if Adecco provides satisfactory evidence that this
granting or issuance of rights is lawful. If the granting or
issuance of rights is not proven lawful, Morgan Guaranty will
sell the rights, if practicable, and distribute U.S. dollars
resulting from the sale to holders. Morgan Guaranty may allow
rights that are not distributed or sold to lapse.
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o Other distributions. Morgan Guaranty will distribute to holders
any other distributions on deposited securities by any means that
Morgan Guaranty believes are legal, fair and practical. If it
cannot make the distribution in that way, Morgan Guaranty may
decide to sell what Adecco distributed - for example by public or
private sale - and distribute the net proceeds to holders.
To the extent that Morgan Guaranty determines in its discretion that
any distribution is impermissible or impracticable with respect to any ADS
holder, Morgan Guaranty may:
o make such distribution as it so determines is practicable,
including the distribution of foreign currency, securities or
property or appropriate documents evidencing the right to receive
foreign currency, securities or property, or
o retain the distribution as deposited securities for an ADS
holder, uninvested and without liability for interest.
We cannot guarantee that Morgan Guaranty will be able to convert any
foreign currency into U.S. dollars, or will be able to sell any shares, property
or other right distributed by Adecco quickly or at any specific rate or price,
or at all.
Setting a Record Date
After consulting with Adecco, Morgan Guaranty may fix a record date in
order to determine the holders of ADSs that are entitled to:
(1) receive any distribution as described above,
(2) receive notice of any meeting, or
(3) act on any other matters.
Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation
How does the depositary issue ADSs?
Morgan Guaranty will issue the ADSs evidenced by ADRs that you are
entitled to receive in the merger in book-entry form, unless you specifically
request to receive your ADRs in certificated form, against deposit with the
custodian of the underlying Adecco common shares. Morgan Guaranty will issue
additional ADSs if you deposit common shares, along with any appropriate
instruments of transfer or endorsement, with the custodian. Upon payment of its
fees and of any taxes or charges, such as stock transfer taxes or fees, Morgan
Guaranty will register the appropriate number of ADSs in the names you request
and will deliver the ADSs at its Corporate Trust office to the persons you
request. The fees and expenses of Morgan Guaranty will not be payable by Olsten
stockholders in connection with their receipt of Adecco ADSs pursuant to the
merger agreement, however, if any Adecco ADSs are to be issued to a person other
than the person in whose name the surrendered certificate is registered, then
the person requesting the exchange shall pay any transfer or other taxes
required by reason of the exchange.
At the request, risk and expense of the person making the deposit,
Morgan Guaranty may accept deposits to be forwarded to the custodian and may
deliver ADSs at a place other than its office.
How do ADS holders cancel an ADS and obtain common shares?
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You may at any time surrender your ADSs and request to withdraw the
underlying deposited securities. Once you surrender your ADSs and pay all fees,
governmental charges and taxes, you are entitled to receive the amount of
deposited securities represented by your surrendered ADSs at the office of the
custodian. At your risk and expense, you may have Morgan Guaranty forward to you
the share certificates and any other documents of title. You may not surrender
ADSs which together represent less than a whole Adecco common share.
You have the right to cancel your ADSs and withdraw the underlying
shares at any time except:
o due to temporary delays caused by Morgan Guaranty or Adecco
closing its transfer books, the deposit of Adecco common shares
in connection with voting at a shareholders, meeting, or the
payment of dividends;
o when you owe money to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; or
o when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply
with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADSs or
to the withdrawal of Adecco common shares or other deposited
securities.
Voting Rights
If you are an ADS holder on a record date fixed by Morgan Guaranty, you
may attend, speak and vote at Adecco shareholder meetings of holders of the same
class of securities as the Adecco shares represented by your ADSs.
Morgan Guaranty will enable you to attend, speak and vote at a meeting
by appointing you its proxy for the Adecco common shares underlying your ADSs.
If you do not wish to attend a meeting, you may appoint Morgan Guaranty or
another person as your substitute proxy to attend, speak and vote on your
behalf.
If you hold ADSs through a brokerage account or otherwise in "street
name," you will not be entitled to attend or speak at a meeting, but you will be
able to vote your ADSs through Morgan Guaranty.
As soon as practicable after receiving a written request in writing by
Adecco, Morgan Guaranty will mail to you a notice and other materials providing
you with information about a meeting, including its time, place, and the matters
to be voted on. This notice will also tell you how you may instruct Morgan
Guaranty to exercise your right to vote your shares or deposited securities
underlying your ADSs as you direct it if you choose to appoint Morgan Guaranty
as your substitute proxy. For instructions to be valid, Morgan Guaranty must
receive them on or before the date specified in the instructions. Morgan
Guaranty will, if practical and permitted under applicable law, the deposited
securities and the Adecco charter, vote the underlying Adecco common shares or
other deposited securities as you instruct. Morgan Guaranty will only vote as
you instruct. All voting rights with respect to the underlying common shares
will be subject to Swiss law.
Morgan Guaranty and its agents are not responsible for any failure to
carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting
instructions.
Reports and Other Communications
Morgan Guaranty will allow you to inspect any reports and
communications received from Adecco at its office that are:
(1) received by Morgan Guaranty as the holder of the deposited
securities and
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(2) made generally available by Adecco to holders of deposited
securities.
Morgan Guaranty will send you copies of these reports directly when provided by
Adecco under the deposit agreement. All of there reports and communications will
be in English.
Fees and Expenses
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR: ADS HOLDERS MUST PAY:
- ------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
o Each issuance of an ADS, including as a result of $5.00 per each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)
a distribution of shares or rights or other
property
o Each surrender of an ADS for withdrawal of $5.00 per each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)
deposited securities
</TABLE>
Morgan Guaranty may sell sufficient securities and property received as
distributions from Adecco prior to deposit in order to pay for these charges.
Adecco will pay all other charges and expenses of Morgan Guaranty except:
o Stock transfer or other taxes and governmental charges, which are
payable by holders of the Adecco ADSs or persons depositing
Adecco common shares;
o Cable, telex and facsimile transmission expenses, which are
payable by holders of the Adecco ADSs or persons depositing
Adecco common shares;
o Transfer and registration fees for the registration or transfer
of deposited securities, which are payable by the person
depositing the Adecco common shares or the ADS holder withdrawing
the underlying Adecco common shares; and
o Expenses of Morgan Guaranty in connection with the conversion of
foreign currency into U.S. dollars, which are paid out of the
foreign currency.
Payment of Taxes
Morgan Guaranty may deduct the amount of any taxes owed from any
payments to you. It may also restrict the registration or registration of
transfer of your ADSs or restrict the withdrawal of your underlying deposited
securities until you pay any taxes owed on your ADSs or underlying securities.
It may also sell deposited securities to pay any taxes owed. You will remain
liable if the proceeds of the sale are not enough to pay the taxes. If Morgan
Guaranty sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number
of ADSs held by you to reflect the sale and pay to you any proceeds, or send to
you any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.
Reclassification, Recapitalization and Mergers
If Adecco:
o changes the par value of any Adecco common shares,
o reclassifies, splits, cancels or consolidates any of the
deposited securities,
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o distributes securities or property on any of the deposited
securities that are not distributed to you, or
o recapitalizes, reorganizes, merges, sells its assets, or takes
any similar action,
then:
(1) The cash, shares or other securities received by Morgan Guaranty will
become new deposited securities under the deposit agreement, and each
ADS will automatically represent its equal share of the new deposited
securities; and
(2) Morgan Guaranty may amend the form of ADS or distribute additional or
amended ADSs with or without asking you to surrender your outstanding
ADSs or cash, securities or property.
Disclosure of Interests
As a holder of Adecco ADSs you will be deemed to have agreed to:
o comply with all disclosure requirements and ownership limitations
to the extent that they are imposed by provisions of, or
regulations governing, the Adecco ADSs or the underlying Adecco
common shares; and
o cooperate with Morgan Guaranty in Morgan Guaranty's compliance
with any Adecco instruction in respect of disclosure requirements
and ownership limitations.
Failure to comply with these provisions may result in a loss of voting
rights connected with that holder's Adecco common shares.
Amendment and Termination
How may the agreement be amended?
Adecco and Morgan Guaranty may agree to amend the deposit agreement and
the ADSs without your consent. If the amendment adds or increases fees or
charges, except for:
o stock transfer or other taxes,
o other governmental charges,
o transfer or registration fees, or
o transmission or delivery costs or like expenses,
or otherwise prejudices any substantial existing right of ADS holders, it will
only become effective thirty days after Morgan Guaranty notifies you of the
amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by
continuing to hold your ADSs, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the
agreement as amended. No amendment may impair the right of ADS holders to
surrender their ADSs and receive the underlying Adecco common shares unless
required to comply with applicable law. Any amendment made in order to comply
with any new laws or regulations will become effective prior to the provision of
notice to ADS holders as required.
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<PAGE>
How may the agreement be terminated?
Morgan Guaranty will terminate the deposit agreement and the ADSs if
Adecco asks it to do so in writing, in which case it must notify you by mail at
least 30 days before termination. If any ADSs remain outstanding after
termination, Morgan Guaranty will stop registering the transfer of ADSs, will
stop distributing dividends to ADS holders, and will not give any further
notices or do anything else under the deposit agreement other than:
(1) receive and hold, or sell, distributions on the deposited
securities, and
(2) deliver deposited securities being withdrawn.
As soon as practicable after six months after termination of the
deposit agreement, Morgan Guaranty will sell any remaining deposited securities.
After that, Morgan Guaranty will hold, as long as it is lawful, the money it
received on the sale, as well as any cash it is holding under the agreement, for
the pro rata benefit of the ADS holders that have not surrendered their ADSs. It
will not invest the money and has no liability for interest. Morgan Guaranty's
only obligations will be to account for the money and cash. After termination,
Adecco's only obligations will be with respect to Morgan Guaranty and its
agents.
Limitations on Obligations and Liability to ADS Holders
The deposit agreement expressly limits the obligations of Adecco and
Morgan Guaranty. It also limits the liability of Adecco and Morgan Guaranty.
Adecco and Morgan Guaranty:
o are not liable if either of them is prevented, delayed or
subjected to criminal or civil penalties under the law, any
provision of the depositary agreement or circumstances beyond
their control from performing their obligations under the
agreement;
o are not liable if either of them exercises, or fails to exercise,
discretion permitted under the deposit agreement or the ADSs;
o are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in
the ADSs and the deposit agreement without gross negligence or
bad faith;
o have no obligation to become involved in a lawsuit or proceeding
related to any deposited securities or the ADSs (in the case of
Adecco, only if Adecco believes that the lawsuit or proceeding
will involve expense or liability and that satisfactory indemnity
is unavailable); and
o may rely upon any advice of or information from any legal
counsel, accountants, any person depositing Adecco common shares,
any ADS holder or any other person whom they believe is competent
to give them that advice or information.
In the deposit agreement, Adecco and Morgan Guaranty agree to indemnify
each other under specified circumstances.
Morgan Guaranty, its agents and Adecco may rely and shall be protected
in acting upon any written notice, request, direction or other document believed
by them to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party
or parties. Morgan Guaranty and its agents may own and deal in any class of
securities of Adecco and its affiliates and in Adecco ADSs.
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Requirements for Depositary Actions
Before Morgan Guaranty will issue, register or register the transfer of
an ADS, make a distribution on an ADS, or permit withdrawal of any deposited
securities, Adecco, Morgan Guaranty or the custodian may require:
o payment of taxes, including stock transfer taxes or other
governmental charges, and transfer or registration fees charged
by third parties for the transfer of any shares or other
deposited securities;
o production of satisfactory proof of the identity of the person
presenting Adecco common shares for deposit or ADSs upon
withdrawal, and of the genuineness of any signature or other
information they deem necessary; and
o compliance with regulations Morgan Guaranty may establish
consistent with the deposit agreement, including presentation of
transfer documents.
Morgan Guaranty may refuse to deliver, transfer, or register transfers
of ADSs generally when the transfer books of Morgan Guaranty are closed or at
any time if Morgan Guaranty or Adecco thinks it advisable to do so.
Pre-Release of ADSs
Morgan Guaranty may issue ADSs evidenced by ADRs before deposit of the
underlying Adecco common shares. This is called a pre-release of ADSs. Morgan
Guaranty may pre-release ADSs only under the following conditions:
(1) the pre-release must be fully collateralized with cash or U.S.
government securities held by Morgan Guaranty held for the
benefit of ADS holders;
(2) each recipient of pre-released ADSs agrees in writing with Morgan
Guaranty that he or she:
(a) owns the Adecco common shares,
(b) assigns all beneficial rights, title and interest in the
Adecco common shares to Morgan Guaranty,
(c) holds the common shares of Adecco for the account of
Morgan Guaranty and
(d) will deliver the Adecco common shares to the custodian as
soon as possible, or immediately if demanded; and
(3) all pre-released ADSs evidence not more than 30% of all ADSs
(excluding those evidenced by pre-released ADSs) unless Morgan
Guaranty changes or disregards this limit as it deems
appropriate.
Morgan Guaranty may keep for itself any earnings on collateral for
pre-released ADSs and its charges for their issuance.
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COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF
STOCKHOLDERS OF ADECCO AND OLSTEN
As a result of the merger, some stockholders of Olsten will receive
Adecco ADSs or common shares. The following is a summary of certain material
differences between the rights of the stockholders of Olsten and holders of
Adecco ADSs or Adecco common shares, respectively, arising from the differences
between the corporate laws of the State of Delaware and of Switzerland, as well
as from the governing instruments of the two corporations. This summary is not,
and does not purport to be, complete and does not purport to identify all
differences that may, under the given fact situations, be material to
stockholders of Olsten. This summary is qualified in entirety by reference to
the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Swiss Code of Obligations and the
respective governing instruments of Olsten and Adecco.
Voting Rights
Under Delaware law, each stockholder of a corporation is entitled to
one vote per share of common stock, unless the certificate of incorporation
provides otherwise. Under Olsten's certificate of incorporation, each share of
common stock is entitled to one vote and each share of class B common stock to
ten votes.
Each Adecco common share confers an entitlement to one vote, provided,
however, that no person or entity is permitted to be registered in the share
register with the right to vote for more than 5% of the share capital of Adecco
unless that person or entity holds the shares for beneficial owners, or unless
the person owned the shares prior to April 20, 1999, as did Jacobs AG and Akila
SA. Holders of Adecco common shares can be represented only by (1) the
shareholder's legal representative, (2) another shareholder with the right to
vote, (3) a corporate body of Adecco, (4) independent proxy or (5) a depositary.
In a general meeting of holders of Adecco common shares, resolutions generally
require the approval of a majority of the Adecco common shares represented at
such meeting. A resolution adopted at a general meeting passed with a
supermajority of at least two-thirds of the Adecco common shares represented at
such general meeting is required for:
(a) changes to the corporate purpose of Adecco;
(b) creation or rescission of provisions in the Adecco charter
requiring a qualified quorum or majority for resolutions at
general meetings;
(c) creation of shares with privileged voting rights;
(d) restrictions on the transferability of registered shares, if any;
(e) an authorized or conditional increase in Adecco's equity capital;
(f) an increase in Adecco's equity capital by recourse to equity,
against contribution in kind, or for the acquisition of assets
and the granting of special benefits;
(g) restriction or elimination of subscription rights;
(h) relocation of Adecco's domicile; or
(i) dissolution of Adecco without liquidation.
A special quorum at a special meeting is also required to approve the
voluntary liquidation of Adecco.
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Each Adecco ADS will confer upon its holder an entitlement to direct
the vote on one-eighth of one Adecco common share held by Morgan Guaranty in the
manner described in this proxy statement/prospectus. As a holder of the Adecco
common shares underlying the ADSs, Morgan Guaranty will, as provided by the
deposit agreement, vote such Adecco common shares as directed by the holders of
ADSs.
Actions by Written Consent
Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in a corporation's
certificate of incorporation, any action required to be taken at any annual or
special meeting of stockholders of a corporation may be taken without a meeting,
without prior notice and without a vote, if the holders of outstanding stock,
having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to
authorize or take such action, consent in writing. Olsten's certificate of
incorporation does not prohibit any such actions by stockholders by written
consent.
Swiss law does not allow any actions by written consent which would
replace a general meeting.
Number of Directors
Delaware law provides that the board of directors must consist of at
least one director, with the corporation having the option of specifying a fixed
or a variable number of directors within a fixed range. Olsten's by laws provide
that the board shall consist of no more than twelve directors and no less than
three directors.
Adecco's charter provides that the board must consist of a minimum of
five and a maximum of nine directors. In addition, although Swiss law generally
provides that at least a majority of the directors must be citizens of
Switzerland who are also domiciled in Switzerland, Adecco has obtained an
exemption from this requirement.
Sources and Payments of Dividends
Delaware law permits the payment of dividends on common stock, subject
to the prior rights of holders of preferred stock, without stockholder consent,
out of a corporation's surplus (i.e., the excess of net assets over paid-in
capital) or out of net profits for the current and preceding fiscal years,
unless net assets are less than the capital represented by the outstanding stock
having a preference upon a distribution of assets.
Swiss law requires that at least five percent of the annual net profits
of Adecco must be retained by Adecco as general reserves for so long as these
reserves amount to less than twenty percent of Adecco's equity capital. Any net
profits remaining are at the disposal of the general meeting to be distributed
as dividends, provided that any distribution is made ratably between the Adecco
common shares and the Adecco participation certificates, with each Adecco
participation certificate conferring one-fifth of the rights of one Adecco
common share. Payment of a dividend, however, is subject to shareholder
approval.
Rights of Purchase and Redemption
Under Delaware law, a corporation may purchase shares of any class of
its capital stock or redeem shares of any class or series of preferred stock
unless its capital is impaired or would become impaired as a result of such
purchase or redemption.
Under Swiss law, redemption of shares is only possible if Adecco's
shareholders approve a reduction of the share capital and if certain
prerequisites of Swiss law concerning the protection of creditors are met.
Redemption of Adecco common shares by Adecco is limited to 10% of Adecco's total
equity capital and may only be made if an unrestricted capital surplus in the
amount of the purchase price is available.
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Rights of Appraisal
Under Delaware law, stockholders who follow prescribed statutory
procedures are entitled, in the event of certain mergers or consolidations, to
surrender their shares to the corporation in exchange for the judicially
determined "fair value" of such shares. A stockholder, however, is not entitled
to such appraisal rights if the corporation's shares of stock are listed on a
national securities exchange, designated as a "National Market System Security"
or held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders, unless the agreement of
merger or consolidation converts such shares of stock into anything other than
shares of stock of the surviving corporation or depositary receipts in respect
thereof or shares of stock of any other corporation or depositary receipts in
respect thereof that at the effective date of the merger or consolidation are
listed on a national securities exchange, designated as a National Market
Security or held of record by more than 2,000 holders or cash in lieu of
fractional shares of such stock or fractional depositary receipts or any
combination of such shares, depositary receipts and cash in lieu of such
fractional shares or fractional depositary receipts in the merger or
consolidation.
There are no appraisal rights under Swiss law.
Preemptive Rights
Pursuant to Delaware law, unless the certificate of incorporation
provides otherwise, stockholders of a Delaware corporation do not have
preemptive rights. Olsten's certificate of incorporation does not provide
shareholders of Olsten with any preemptive rights.
Under Swiss law, holders of common shares and participation
certificates have preemptive rights to subscribe for issuance of new shares and
participation certificates of the corporation in proportion to the nominal
amount of shares and participation certificates held. Any issuance of shares or
participation certificates, whether for a cash or non-cash consideration, is
subject to the prior approval of shareholders at a general meeting. A resolution
adopted at a general meeting may with a supermajority suspend such preemptive
rights for certain important reasons only.
The preemptive rights of holders of American depositary shares will be
preserved under the deposit agreement.
Right of Inspection
Delaware law allows any stockholder to inspect the shareholder list and
the corporation's other books and records for a purpose reasonably related to
such person's interest as a stockholder.
Swiss law allows any shareholder to seek information from the board of
directors during the general meeting provided no preponderant interests of the
corporation, including business secrets, are at stake and the information
requested is required for the exercise of shareholders' rights. Shareholders may
only obtain access to the books and records of the corporation if authorized by
the board of directors or the general meeting. Should the corporation refuse to
provide the information requested, shareholders may seek a court order to gain
access to such information. In addition, if the shareholders' inspection and
information rights prove to be insufficient, each shareholder may petition the
general meeting to appoint a special commissioner which shall examine certain
specific transactions or any other facts in a so-called special inspection. If
the general meeting approves such request, the corporation or any shareholder
may ask the court of competent jurisdiction at the corporation's domicile to
appoint a special commissioner within thirty days. Should the general meeting
deny such request, one or more shareholders who hold at least ten percent of the
equity capital or shares with an aggregate nominal value of at least CHF 2
million may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to order the appointment
of a special commissioner. Such request must be granted and a special
commissioner appointed if such court finds prima facie evidence that the board
of directors breached the law or did not act in accordance with the
cor-
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poration's charter documents. The costs of the investigation are generally
allocated to the corporation and only in exceptional cases to the petitioner(s).
Directors' Conflicts of Interest
Pursuant to Delaware law, contracts or transactions between a
corporation and one or more of its directors or between a corporation and any
other entity in which one or more of its directors are directors or have a
financial interest are not void or voidable solely because of such interest or
because such interested director is present at or participates in the meeting of
the board that authorizes the transaction or because his or her vote is counted,
as long as one of the following three conditions is satisfied:
o the interest is disclosed and a majority of the disinterested
directors approve the transaction (this constituting not only
approval, but also a quorum); or
o the interest is disclosed and the transaction is approved "in
good faith" by vote of the stockholders; or
o the transaction is fair to the corporation as of the time it is
authorized, approved or ratified by the board of directors, a
committee thereof or the stockholders.
Swiss corporate law does not have a general provision on conflict of
interests. However, the Swiss Code of Obligations contains a provision which
requires directors to safeguard the interests of the corporation, and to adhere
to a duty of loyalty and a duty of care. Breach of this provision entails
personal liability of the directors vis-a-vis the corporation. In addition,
Swiss law contains a provision under which payments made to a shareholder not at
arm's length must be repaid to the corporation.
Liability of Directors, etc.
Delaware law permits a Delaware corporation to include in its
certificate of incorporation a provision eliminating the personal liability of a
director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for certain
breaches of his or her fiduciary duty as a director. However, a Delaware
corporation may not eliminate or limit director monetary liability for:
o breaches of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or
its stockholders;
o acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
o unlawful dividends, stock repurchases or redemptions; or
o transactions from which the director received an improper
personal benefit.
Such limitation of liability provision also may not limit a director's liability
for violation of, or otherwise relieve the corporation or its directors from the
necessity of complying with, federal or state securities laws, or affect the
availability of non-monetary remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.
Olsten's certificate and bylaws contain a provision which limits the liability
of its directors to the full extent permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law.
Swiss law contains mandatory provisions for personal liability of
directors and statutory auditors for damages incurred by the corporation (or in
specific cases by shareholders and creditors) caused by intentional or negligent
breach of the duties of the directors or statutory auditors. A Swiss
corporation's charter documents
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may not restrict such liability. During a general meeting, however, shareholders
can grant discharge to the directors. Such discharge bars liability claims for
the period for which discharge has been granted. Swiss courts have held,
however, that a general meeting may not validly discharge directors without
being fully informed of potential breaches of the directors' fiduciary duties.
Shareholders' Suits
Under Delaware law, a stockholder may institute a lawsuit on behalf of
the corporation. An individual stockholder also may commence a class action suit
on behalf of himself and other similarly situated stockholders where the
requirements for maintaining a class action under Delaware law have been met.
As a general principle, the board of directors of a Swiss corporation
has the power of attorney of the corporation to institute law suits on behalf of
the corporation. Such authority may also be granted to specific
attorneys-in-fact. A shareholder may not by virtue of his interest as
shareholder institute a derivative action on behalf of the corporation. However,
such shareholders may invoke the personal liability of the directors if an
action by the directors damages the corporation.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF ADECCO
The following table sets forth information, as of September 1, 1999,
regarding the beneficial ownership of Adecco common shares with respect to each
beneficial owner of more than 10.0% of outstanding common shares and all
directors and executive officers of Adecco as a group:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Shares
Beneficially Owned
Name of Beneficial Owner Shares Percentage
------------------------ ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Jacobs AG 4,048,148 23.47%
Akila SA 3,780,702 22.01%
All officers and directors as a group (18 members) 7,931,423 (1) 46.07% (1)
</TABLE>
(1) Includes 93,966 shares purchasable within 60 days upon exercise of
options held by seven officers and directors. Also includes 4,048,148
and 3,780,702 shares owned by Jacobs AG and Akila SA, respectively, of
which Klaus J. Jacobs, vice chairman and director of Adecco, and
Philippe Foriel-Destezet, chairman and director of Adecco, may be
deemed to be beneficial owners, respectively. Each of Messrs. Jacobs
and Foriel-Destezet disclaims ownership of such shares. Excluding the
shares held by Jacobs AG and Akila SA, all officers and directors as a
group beneficially owned 102,573 shares, or less than 1.0% of all
common shares outstanding.
Adecco is not aware of any beneficial owners of more than 10.0% of the
outstanding Adecco ADSs. In addition, as of September 1, 1999, no officers or
directors held any Adecco ADS.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF
ADECCO SA AND OLSTEN CORPORATION
The following unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information of
Adecco and Olsten Corporation was prepared to illustrate the estimated effects
of the split-off of Olsten Health Services and the merger for balance sheet
purposes as of June 30, 1999 and for the purpose of the statements of operations
for the year ended December 31, 1998 and the six months ended June 30, 1999.
Based upon the terms of the merger agreement, and the resulting
attributes of the merger, the Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements have
been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The balance sheet and statements of operations of Olsten Corporation
have been summarized and reclassified to present on a basis consistent with the
presentation adopted for purposes of the Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Statements.
As more fully described in Note 2 to the Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Statements, the Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet gives effect to
the transactions set out in the merger agreement, including the split-off of
Olsten Health Services, as though they had occurred on June 30, 1999. The Pro
Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1998
and the six months ended June 30, 1999 give effect to these transactions as if
they had occurred on January 1, 1998. The Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would
have been achieved if the transactions reflected therein had been completed on
the dates indicated or the results which may be obtained in the future.
The allocation of the aggregate purchase price reflected in the
unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements is preliminary. The final
allocation will be based upon Adecco management's evaluation of the fair values
of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed following the effective date and
may differ materially from the preliminary allocation included herein.
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Unaudited Pro forma Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited in CHF millions)
June 30, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Olsten Pro forma Pro forma
Notes Staffing Adecco Subtotal Adjustments Consolidated
----- -------- ------ -------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents....... 2.5 23 516 539 (556) 530
2.6 547
Trade accounts receivable, net.. 928 3,188 4,116 -- 4,116
Other current assets............ 2.8 (14) 421 407 45 516
2.16 64
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total current assets...... 937 4,125 5,062 100 5,162
Property, equipment and leasehold
improvements, net............. 2.1 280 348 628 (5) 623
Goodwill, net................... 2.3 542 1,989 2,531 (542) 3,688
2.5 1,699
Other assets.................... 2.2 13 194 207 15 222
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
1,772 6,656 8,428 1,267 9,695
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses.................... 2.1 407 2,752 3,159 223 3,404
2.5 22
Restructuring............... 23 -- 23 -- 23
Short-term debt and current
maturities of long-term debt. -- 1,386 1,386 -- 1,386
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total current liabilities....... 430 4,138 4,568 245 4,813
Long term debt.................. 2.6 1,042 466 1,508 547 2,100
2.7 45
Other liabilities............... 2.1 105 147 252 (12) 304
2.16 64
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total liabilities............. 1,577 4,751 6,328 889 7,217
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Common shares................... 2.4 11 144 155 (11) 161
2.5 17
Additional paid-in capital...... 2.4 (331) 1,921 1,590 331 2,477
2.5 556
2.7 (45)
2.8 45
Accumulated other
comprehensive income.......... 2.4 (13) 48 35 12 47
Retained earnings............... 2.1 528 (208) 320 (216) (207)
2.2 15
2.3 (542)
2.4 216
Total shareholders' equity ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
195 1,905 2,100 378 2,478
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
1,772 6,656 8,428 1,267 9,695
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Unaudited Pro forma Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In CHF millions except per share data) For the year ended December 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Olsten Combined Pro forma Pro forma
Notes Staffing Adecco Subtotal adjustments consolidated
----- -------- ------ -------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net service revenues ............ 2.12 4,484 15,308 19,792 (249) 19,543
Direct costs of services......... 2.12 (3,551) (12,664) (16,215) 249 (15,966)
--------- -------- ------- ------ ---------
933 2,644 3,577 -- 3,577
Selling, general and administrative
expenses ...................... 2.9 (740) (1,997) (2,737) (10) (2,747)
Amortization of goodwill ........ 2.10 (18) (601) (619) (280) (899)
Interest and other income, net... -- 26 26 -- 26
Interest expense ................ 2.11 (19) (91) (110) (24) (152)
2.15 (18)
Income (loss) before income taxes
and minority interest.......... 156 (19) 137 (332) (195)
Benefit (provision) for income
taxes ......................... 2.15 5
2.14 (53) (174) (227) 10 (212)
Income applicable to minority
interest ...................... 2.13 (12) (2) (14) 5 (9)
Net income (loss) ............... 91 (195) (104) (312) (416)
========== ========= ======= ======= ==========
Net earnings (loss) per share
Basic and fully diluted....... 1.11 (11.61) (23.88)
Weighted average number of shares
Basic and fully diluted....... 81,300,000 16,790,025 17,424,100
Note 1: Pro forma income before goodwill amortization was CHF 483 million.
</TABLE>
-96-
<PAGE>
Unaudited Pro forma Consolidated Statements of Operations (In CHF millions
except per share data) For the six months ended June 30, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Olsten Combined Pro forma Pro forma
Notes Staffing Adecco Subtotal adjustments consolidated
----- -------- ------ -------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net service revenues ............ 2.12 2,666 8,308 10,974 (159) 10,815
Direct costs of services ........ 2.12 (2,125) (6,818) (8,943) 159 (8,784)
541 1,490 2,031 -- 2,031
Selling, general and administrative
expenses....................... 2.9 (498) (1,148) (1,646) (6) (1,652)
Amortization of goodwill ........ 2.10 (13) (324) (337) (157) (494)
Interest and other income, net... -- 11 11 -- 11
Interest expense ................ 2.11 (17) (55) (72) (14) (95)
2.15 (9)
Income (loss) before income taxes
and minority interest.......... 13 (26) (13) (186) (199)
Benefit (provision) for income 2.15 3
taxes ......................... 2.14 (5) (83) (88) 5 (80)
Income applicable to minority
interest ...................... 2.13 (6) -- (6) 5 (1)
Net income (loss) ............... 2 (109) (107) (173) (280)
Net earnings (loss) per share
Basic and fully diluted....... 0.02 (6.39) (15.81)
Weighted average number of shares
Basic and fully diluted....... 81,285,000 17,077,269 17,711,344
Note 1: Restructuring charges for the Olsten staffing business was $29 million.
Note 2: Income before goodwill amoritzation was CHF 214 million.
</TABLE>
-97-
<PAGE>
ADECCO SA AND OLSTEN CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(CHF, tabular amounts in millions except per share data)
1. Basis of Presentation
The Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared
using the purchase method of accounting for the merger. The total purchase price
will be allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their
respective fair values. The allocation of the aggregate purchase price reflected
in the Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements is preliminary and is based
upon Adecco management's preliminary evaluation of the fair values of the assets
to be acquired and liabilities to be assumed. The final allocation of the
purchase price upon closing may differ materially from the preliminary
allocation included herein.
The accompanying Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Operations for the
year ended December 31, 1998 have been prepared by management of Adecco based on
the audited consolidated statement of operations of Adecco for the year ended
December 31, 1998 and the consolidated statement of operations of Olsten
Corporation for the year ended January 3, 1999, adjusted to reflect
classifications consistent with the presentation adopted by Adecco.
The accompanying Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of
Operations as of and for the six months ended June 30, 1999 have been prepared
by management of Adecco based on the interim unaudited consolidated balance
sheet and statement of operations of Adecco as of and for the six months ended
June 30, 1999 and the interim unaudited consolidated balance sheet and statement
of operations of Olsten Corporation as of and for the six months ended July 4,
1999 adjusted to reflect classifications consistent with the presentation
adopted by Adecco. The interim unaudited consolidated balance sheet and
statement of operations of Adecco as of and for the six months ended June 30,
1999 are included elsewhere in this proxy/prospectus.
The accounting policies used in the preparation of the Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Statements are those disclosed in the Adecco Annual
Report on Form 20-F. The consolidated financial statements of Adecco and Olsten
Corporation have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Olsten
Corporation Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statements of Operations as of and
for the six months ended July 4, 1999 were translated from U.S. dollars to
Swiss Francs using the June 30, 1999 exchange rate of $0.64 per CHF 1.00. The
Olsten Corporation Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended
January 3, 1999, was translated from U.S. dollars to Swiss francs using the
December 31, 1998 exchange rate of $0.73 per CHF 1.00.
In the opinion of management of Adecco, these Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments necessary for fair
presentation of pro forma financial statements.
The Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements also are not
necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have been achieved if
the transactions reflected therein had been completed on the dates indicated or
the results which may be obtained in the future. In preparing these Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Statements, no adjustments have been made to reflect
transactions which have occurred since the dates indicated or to reflect the
operating benefits and general and administrative cost savings expected to
result from combining the operations of Adecco and Olsten Corporation.
The Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in
conjunction with the description of the merger in this proxy
state-
-98-
<PAGE>
ment/prospectus, the audited consolidated financial statements of Adecco as
of and for the year ended December 31, 1998 and notes thereto, incorporated by
reference in this proxy statement/prospectus, and the audited consolidated
financial statements of Olsten as of and for the year ended January 3, 1999, and
notes thereto, also incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement/prospectus.
2. Pro Forma Assumptions and Adjustments
The Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements incorporate the
following assumptions:
-- Completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement, more fully described elsewhere herein, resulting in
the combination of the businesses of Adecco and Olsten
Corporation, including the split-off of Olsten Health Services,
as described elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus.
-- Absence of any material transactions by, or changes in
operations of, Adecco and Olsten subsequent to June 30, 1999.
These Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements give effect to the
following assumptions and adjustments (as if the merger and split-off of Olsten
Health Services had occurred on June 30, 1999 in respect of the Pro Forma
Consolidated Balance Sheet and on January 1, 1998 in respect of the Pro Forma
Consolidated Statements of Operations):
Transactions Giving Effect to the Merger and Agreements Related Thereto
2.1 To record increase (decrease) in fair value of Olsten
Corporation's assets and liabilities and record obligations under contractual
terms of the combination as follows:
Capitalized software................................... (11)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements......... 6
Obligation to acquire minority interest in
subsidiary and contingent payment based on
earnings of subsidiary................................. (176)
Eliminate minority interest payable.................... 12
Olsten executive compensation.......................... (47)
2.2 To record the tax effect of adjustments described in 2.1
2.3 To eliminate the historical goodwill of Olsten Corporation.
2.4 To eliminate on consolidation the shareholders' equity of
Olsten Corporation after giving effect to the adjustments described in 2.1-2.3
above.
2.5 To compute goodwill and record the transactions resulting from
the merger.
Fair value of Adecco shares to be issued.............. 556
Cash payment by Adecco ............................... 556
Fair value of options assumed......................... 17
Estimated transaction costs........................... 22
-------
Total purchase price......................... 1,151
=======
Shareholders' equity acquired, before adjustments..... 195
Deduct adjustments, including historical goodwill
(Note 2.1 - 2.3)................................... (743)
-------
Adjusted fair value of net tangible assets
-99-
<PAGE>
(liabilities) acquired..................... (548)
Add fair value of intangible assets acquired:
Goodwill........................................... 1,699
-------
Total fair value of identifiable assets acquired... 1,151
=======
The above assumes a pro rata issuance of approximately 634,075 common
shares by Adecco and $8.75 per share of cash in exchange for all the issued and
outstanding shares of Olsten Corporation and the issuance of approximately
80,000 Adecco common stock options in exchange for Olsten Corporation common
stock options for option holders who are not employees of Olsten Health
Services. All of Olsten Corporation's outstanding options vest immediately upon
closing of the merger. The value of common shares issued by Adecco to effect the
merger is based upon the average of the closing prices for Adecco common stock
for the three days before the merger was announced and the three days after the
merger was announced.
Estimated transaction costs include
Legal.................................................. 4
Accounting and Tax..................................... 4
Investment bankers..................................... 14
------=
Total.................................................. 22
=======
2.6 To record the additional debt that Adecco will issue in
connection with financing the acquisition of Olsten.
2.7 To record additional borrowings which will be contributed as
paid in capital to Olsten Health Services resulting from estimated net debt of
Olsten of CHF 1,177 million ($750 million) at October 31, 1999. This amount is
to be paid at closing.
2.8 In accordance with the tax sharing agreement, any net
operating losses generated up to the split-off will be carried back and utilized
by Olsten. As a result, the deferred tax asset is recorded by Olsten and the
amount of Olsten contribution to paid in capital of Olsten Health Services is
reduced.
2.9 To record the change in depreciation amortization expense
resulting from the fair value adjustments described in 2.1. Capitalized software
will be amortized over its estimated useful life of 5 years.
2.10 To record amortization of acquired goodwill as a result of the
purchase price allocation described in 2.5 above. Goodwill will be amortized
over its estimated useful life of 5 years.
2.11 To record additional interest expense resulting from the issuance
of debt using the rate expected of approximately 5% from financing alternatives
being considered.
2.12 To net the subcontracting revenue and cost of revenue to
conform to the presentation adopted by Adecco.
2.13 To eliminate income applicable to minority interest resulting
from Olsten's obligation to acquire minority interest.
2.14 To record the tax effect of interest expense. Other fair value
adjustments and associated change in depreciation and amortization are not
likely to have an associated tax provision or benefit.
-100-
<PAGE>
2.15 Olsten Health Services paid Olsten Corporation CHF 18 million per
year for interest expense on intercompany debt. Since all intercompany debt has
been contributed to Olsten Health Services as paid in capital, this interest
expense has been added back to arrive at the appropriate interest expense for
purposes of these pro forma statements of operations. This amount is tax
deductible and has been tax effected in these pro formas.
2.16 To reclassify Olsten Corporation deferred tax assets related
to Olsten Health Services to other current assets to conform to the presentation
of Olsten Health Services.
Note 1: Adecco restructuring costs of CHF 19 million related to
expected branch and headquarters closures, and CHF 30 million related to
severance have not been included in this pro forma. These costs are expected to
be incurred within one year of the effective date of the merger.
Note 2: The amortization adjustments reflected in the Pro Forma
Consolidated Statements of Operations are preliminary and may change materially
based upon the final allocation of the purchase price and the final
determination of the estimated useful life of each intangible asset acquired.
The actual amortization of intangibles will commence subsequent to the effective
date of the merger.
3. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Under U.S. GAAP, basic earnings per share is calculated as net earnings
(loss) divided by the daily weighted average number of common shares outstanding
during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated using the
treasury stock method. Earnings (loss) per share in U.S. dollars is disclosed
for the convenience of the reader. The calculation of earnings (loss) per share
under U.S. GAAP is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six months ended June 30, 1999 Adecco Olsten Pro Forma
------ ------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings (loss) per share
Basic and diluted..................... CHF (6.39) CHF (0.17) CHF (15.81)
Basic and diluted - US$............... $ (4.08) $ (0.11) $ (10.12)
Weighted average number of shares
Basic and diluted..................... 17,077,269 81,285,000 17,711,344
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31, 1998 Adecco Olsten Pro Forma
------ ------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings (loss) per share
Basic and diluted..................... CHF (11.61) CHF (0.60) CHF (23.88)
Basic and diluted - US$............... $ (8.48) $ (0.44) $ (17.43)
Weighted average number of shares
Basic and diluted..................... 16,790,025 81,300,000 17,424,100
</TABLE>
4. Conversion of Olsten Financial Statements
The following table illustrates the reclassification and foreign
currency translation of Olsten's Consolidated Financial Statements. Olsten's
Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the six months ending June 30, 1999 was
translated from U.S. dollars to Swiss francs using an exchange rate of $0.64 per
CHF 1.00. Olsten's Consolidated Statements of Operations for the six months
ended June 30, 1998 and 1999 and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and
1998 were translated from U.S. dollars to Swiss francs using an exchange rate of
$0.68, $0.64, $0.74, $0.70 and $0.73 per CHF 1.00.
-101-
<PAGE>
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Six Months Ended
July 4, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Olsten Olsten Olsten Olsten
Corporation Healthcare Staffing Staffing
----------- ---------- -------- --------
($, millions except per share data) (CHF millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net service revenue.......................... 2,447 741 1,706 2,666
Direct costs of services..................... (1,848) (488) (1,360) (2,125)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (571) (252) (319) (498)
Amortization of goodwill..................... (13) (5) (8) (13)
Interest expense............................. (20) (9) (11) (17)
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
minority interest.......................... (5) (13) 8 13
Benefit (provision) for income taxes......... -- 3 (3) (5)
Income applicable to minority interest....... (4) -- (4) (6)
----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)............................ (9) (10) 1 2
========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per
share.................................... (0.11) (0.12) 0.01 0.02
Basic and diluted weighted average common
shares................................... 81,285,000 81,285,000 81,285,000 81,285,000
</TABLE>
-102-
<PAGE>
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended January 3, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Olsten Olsten Olsten Olsten
Corporation Healthcare Staffing Staffing
----------- ---------- -------- --------
($, millions except per share data) (CHF millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net service revenue.......................... 4,603 1,330 3,273 4,484
Direct costs of services..................... (3,501) (909) (2,592) (3,551)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (1,083) (543) (540) (740)
Amortization of goodwill..................... (23) (10) (13) (18)
Interest expense............................. (31) (17) (14) (19)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
minority interest.......................... (35) (149) 114 156
Benefit (provision) for income taxes......... 8 47 (39) (53)
Income applicable to minority interest....... (9) -- (9) (12)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)............................ (36) (102) 66 91
========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic and diluted net (loss) per share.... (0.44) (1.25) 0.81 1.11
Basic and diluted weighted average common
shares................................... 81,300,000 81,300,000 81,300,000 81,300,000
</TABLE>
-103-
<PAGE>
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet at July 4, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Olsten Olsten Olsten Olsten
Corporation Healthcare Staffing Staffing
----------- ---------- -------- --------
($, millions except per share data) (CHF millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents ...................... 15 -- 15 23
Trade accounts receivable, net ................. 1,147 553 594 928
Other current assets ........................... 141 150 (9) (14)
Total current assets ..................... 1,303 703 600 937
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements ... 238 59 179 280
Goodwill, net .................................... 596 249 347 542
Other assets ..................................... 10 2 8 13
2,147 1,013 1,134 1,772
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses ........ 450 190 260 407
Restructuring ................................ 78 63 15 23
Total current liabilities ................. 528 253 275 430
Long-term debt ................................... 746 79 667 1042
Other liabilities ................................ 105 38 67 105
Total liabilities ......................... 1,379 370 1,009 1,577
Shareholders' Equity
Common Stock ................................. 8 1 7 11
Additional paid-in capital ................... 448 660 (212) (331)
Retained earnings ............................ 322 (16) 338 528
Accumulated other comprehensive income ....... (10) (2) (8) (13)
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 2,147 1,013 1,134 1,772
</TABLE>
-104-
<PAGE>
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations for the six months ended
June 28, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Olsten Olsten Olsten Olsten
Corporation Healthcare Staffing Staffing
----------- ---------- -------- --------
($, millions except per share data) (CHF millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net service revenue.......................... 2,176 647 1,529 2,249
Direct costs of services..................... (1,667) (456) (1,211) (1,781)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (508) (254) (254) (374)
Amortization of goodwill..................... (13) (5) (8) (12)
Interest expense............................. (13) (9) (4) (6)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
minority interest.......................... (25) (77) 52 76
Benefit (provision) for income taxes......... 10 26 (16) (24)
Income applicable to minority interest....... (4) -- (4) (6)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net loss..................................... (19) (51) 32 46
========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic and diluted net loss per share...... (0.24) (0.63) 0.39 0.57
Basic and diluted weighted average common
shares................................... 81,361,000 81,361,000 81,361,000 81,361,000
</TABLE>
-105-
<PAGE>
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Olsten Olsten Olsten Olsten
Corporation Healthcare Staffing Staffing
----------- ---------- -------- --------
($, millions except per share data) (CHF
millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net service revenue.......................... 4,113 1,434 2,679 3,827
Direct costs of services..................... (3,016) (913) (2,103) (3,004)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (892) (451) (441) (630)
Amortization of goodwill..................... (23) (10) (13) (19)
Interest expense............................. (21) (17) (4) (6)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes and minority
interest................................... 161 43 118 168
Provision for income taxes................... (63) (16) (47) (67)
Income applicable to minority interest....... (5) -- (5) (7)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income................................... 93 27 66 94
========== ========== ========== ==========
Earnings per share
Basic ..................................... 1.15 0.33 0.82 1.16
Diluted ................................... 1.15 0.32 0.82 1.16
Weighted average number of shares
Basic.................................... 81,237,000 81,237,000 81,237,000 81,237,000
Diluted.................................. 83,115,000 83,115,000 83,115,000 83,115,000
</TABLE>
-106-
<PAGE>
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 29, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Olsten Olsten Olsten Olsten
Corporation Healthcare Staffing Staffing
----------- ---------- -------- --------
($, millions except per share data) (CHF millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net service revenue.......................... 3,378 1,374 2,004 2,708
Direct costs of services..................... (2,422) (862) 1,560 2,108
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (745) (411) (334) 451
Amortization of goodwill..................... (22) (10) (12) (16)
Merger, integration and other non-recurring
charges.................................... (80) (75) (5) (7)
Interest expense............................. (13) (13) -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes and minority
interest................................... 96 3 93 126
Provision for income taxes................... (39) (7) (32) (43)
Income applicable to minority interest....... (2) 1 (3) (4)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income................................... 55 (3) 58 79
========== ========== ========== ==========
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic ..................................... 0.71 (0.04) 0.75 1.02
Fully diluted ............................. 0.71 (0.04) 0.75 1.02
Weighted average number of shares
Basic.................................... 77,362,000 77,362,000 77,362,000 77,362,000
Fully diluted............................ 82,025,000 82,025,000 82,025,000 82,025,000
</TABLE>
-107-
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
Olsten Stock
Olsten has outstanding two classes of common equity securities: (1)
Olsten common stock and (2) class B common stock. Olsten common stock is listed
on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OLS." There is no established
public trading market for the class B common stock, which is subject to
significant restrictions on its sale. Olsten class B common stock, which has ten
votes per share, is convertible at any time on a share for share basis into
Olsten common stock, which has one vote per share.
On August 11, 1999, the last trading day before Olsten's public press
release reporting that it is in discussions with a third party involving a
significant transaction, and on August 17, 1999, the last trading date prior to
the public announcement by Adecco and Olsten of the execution of the merger
agreement, the last reported sale prices on the NYSE Composite Tape for Olsten
common stock were $9.875 and $9.50, respectively.
Price Range of Olsten Common Stock
The following table sets forth, for the fiscal quarters indicated, the
range of high and low sale prices of Olsten common stock as reported on the NYSE
Composite Tape. Olsten has a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending the Sunday closest
to December 31.
High Low
---- ---
Calendar Year 1997
First Quarter........................................ $19.25 $14.38
Second Quarter....................................... $21.13 $15.75
Third Quarter........................................ $23.00 $16.69
Fourth Quarter....................................... $20.00 $13.69
Calendar Year 1998
First Quarter........................................ $17.63 $14.31
Second Quarter....................................... $16.06 $11.06
Third Quarter........................................ $11.75 $ 5.63
Fourth Quarter....................................... $ 9.56 $ 4.50
Calendar Year 1999
First Quarter........................................ $8.50 $5.19
Second Quarter....................................... $9.44 $5.94
Third Quarter through , 1999........... $ $
On , 1999, the most recent practicable date prior to the printing of
this proxy statement/prospectus, the last sale price as reported by the NYSE was
$ per share of Olsten common stock.
Stockholders Are Urged To Obtain Current Market Quotations For Olsten
Common Stock.
-108-
<PAGE>
Olsten Dividends
In 1997 and 1998 Olsten paid quarterly dividends on its common stock
and class B common stock. Olsten recently authorized the discontinuance of its
dividend.
Fiscal Year
Dividends per share 1998 1997
---- ----
Olsten common stock.................... $ .22 $ .28
Olsten class B common stock............ .22 .28
Olsten Holders of Record
On September 17, 1999 there were approximately 1,500 holders of record
of Olsten common stock (including brokerage firms holding Olsten common stock in
"street name" and other nominees) and 600 holders of record of Olsten class B
common stock.
Adecco Common Shares and ADSs
Adecco common shares are listed and principally traded on the Swiss
Stock Exchange. In addition, Adecco common shares are listed on the Paris Stock
Exchange. The prices for the Adecco common shares as quoted in the official list
of the Swiss Stock Exchange and the Paris Stock Exchange are expressed in Swiss
francs and French francs, respectively. Adecco ADSs are traded on the Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol "ADECY." Each ADS represents one-eighth of one
Adecco common share deposited with Morgan Guaranty, pursuant to a deposit
agreement among Adecco, the depositary, and the holders from time to time of
ADRs evidencing ADSs.
Price Range of Adecco Common Shares and ADSs
The following table sets forth, for the fiscal quarters indicated,
o the reported high and low sales prices quoted in Swiss francs
for the Adecco common shares on the Swiss Stock Exchange,
rounded to the nearest Swiss franc,
o the reported high and low sales prices quoted in French francs
for the Adecco common shares on the Paris Stock Exchange,
rounded to the nearest French franc, and
o the high and low sales prices for Adecco ADSs in U.S. dollars on
the Nasdaq National Market.
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Swiss franc, the French franc and
the US dollar affect the US dollar equivalent of the Swiss franc and French
franc price of the Adecco common shares on the Swiss and Paris Stock Exchanges
and, as a result, affect the market price of Adecco ADSs.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Price per common share in CHF Price per ADS in USD Price per common share in FRF
------------------------------ ------------------------------- ------------------------------
High Low High Low High Low
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997
First Quarter 482 345 40.19 32.50 1,884 1,300
Second Quarter..... 588 438 51.00 38.25 2,400 1,704
Third Quarter...... 620 507 51.75 43.38 2,500 2,070
Fourth Quarter..... 590 349 50.50 30.63 2,398 1,472
-109-
<PAGE>
1998
First Quarter...... 585 405 47.87 34.25 2,380 1,681
Second Quarter..... 710 534 58.25 45.00 2,841 2,170
Third Quarter...... 802 500 66.37 52.75 3,200 2,020
Fourth Quarter..... 610 345 59.25 33.37 2,579 1,450
1999
First Quarter...... 800 599 68.88 54.00 3,247 2,459
Second Quarter..... 870 710 70.25 59.75 3,529 2,916
Third Quarter through
, 1999...
</TABLE>
On __________, 1999, the most recent practicable date prior to the
printing of this proxy statement/ prospectus, the last sale price as reported by
the Swiss Stock Exchange and the Paris Stock Exchange was CHF ________ and FRF ,
respectively, per Adecco common share. In addition, on ________, 1999, the last
sale price as reported by Nasdaq was $___ per Adecco ADS.
Stockholders are urged to obtain current market quotation for each of
Adecco common shares and ADSs.
Adecco Dividends
In 1997 and 1998, Adecco paid annual dividends on its common shares as
follows:
Fiscal Year
Cash dividend per common share 1997 1998
---- ----
(CHF)
Adecco common share.................... 5.00 5.50
Adecco Holders of Record
On _________, 1999 there were approximately ________ holders of record
of Adecco common shares and approximately ________ holders of record of Adecco
ADSs (including brokerage firms holding Adecco common shares or ADSs in "street
name" and other nominees).
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
UNDER THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW
Adecco is a societe anonyme organized under the laws of Switzerland.
Certain directors, officers and controlling persons of Adecco and certain of the
experts named in this proxy statement/prospectus reside outside of the United
States. A substantial portion of Adecco's assets is located outside of the
United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for investors:
o to effect service of process within the United States upon the
persons named above or
o to enforce against them in U.S. courts or courts outside of the
United States judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon the civil
liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.
-110-
<PAGE>
There is doubt as to the enforceability, in original actions in Swiss
courts or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of civil
liabilities predicated solely upon the U.S. federal securities laws. In the
merger agreement, Adecco has agreed to submit itself and its property to the
jurisdiction of Delaware state courts and U.S. courts sitting in the State of
Delaware in any legal action relating to the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
OTHER MATTERS
We do not expect that any matters other than those described in this
proxy statement/prospectus will be brought before the meeting. If any other
matters are presented, however, we intend to vote your proxy in accordance with
our discretion.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Adecco common shares to be issued in the merger is
being passed upon for Adecco by Baer & Karrer, Zurich, Switzerland.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Adecco for each of the fiscal years in the
five year period ended December 31, 1998 incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement/prospectus have been audited by Arthur Andersen SA, independent
auditors, as stated in their reports attached to such financial statements. The
financial statements incorporated in this proxy statement/prospectus by
reference to the annual report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended January 3, 1999
have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
If the merger is completed, Olsten will become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Adecco. If that occurs, Olsten will not hold an annual meeting of
stockholders in the year 2000. If Olsten's stockholders do not adopt the merger
agreement or if the merger otherwise does not occur, Olsten's board would
anticipate holding its next annual meeting of stockholders on or about May 2,
2000. In that event, any proposal of stockholders intended for inclusion in
Olsten's proxy statement and form of proxy for that annual meeting would have to
be received by Olsten's corporate secretary no later than December 15, 1999.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Olsten files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements
and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Adecco files
annual and special reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This
proxy statement/prospectus is Olsten's proxy statement for the special meeting,
Adecco's prospectus for the issuance of its common shares, and Olsten Health
Services' prospectus for the issuance of its common stock. Adecco ADSs are
registered under a registration statement on Form F-6 filed by Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York. The registration statements, of which the proxy
statement/prospectus is a part, contains additional relevant information. As
allowed by Securities and Exchange Commission rules, this proxy
statement/prospectus does not contain all the information contained in the
registration statement.
-111-
<PAGE>
You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information
Olsten or Adecco files at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public
Reference Rooms at the following locations:
Public Reference Room New York Regional Office Chicago Regional Office
450 Fifth Street, N.W. 7 World Trade Center Citicorp Center
Room 1024 Suite 1300 500 West Madison Street
Washington, DC 20549 New York, NY 10048 Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60661-2511
Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330
for further information on the operation of the public reference rooms. Olsten's
Securities and Exchange Commission filings are also available to the public from
commercial document retrieval services and at the web site maintained by the
Securities and Exchange Commission at "http://www.sec.gov."
In addition, Olsten's filings can be inspected at the offices of the
New York Stock Exchange and Adecco's filings can be inspected at the offices of
the Nasdaq National Markets.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The Securities and Exchange Commission allows Olsten and Adecco to
"incorporate by reference" information into this proxy statement/prospectus,
which means that they can disclose important information to you by referring you
to other information Olsten and Adecco have filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be
part of this proxy statement/prospectus, except for any information superseded
by information in this proxy statement/prospectus.
This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the documents
set forth below that Olsten and Adecco have previously filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period or
Olsten's SEC Filings (File No. 1-8279) Date Filed
- --------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Annual Report on Form 10-K except for Items 1, 3, Year ended: January 3, 1999
6, 7, 7A, 8 and 14
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A containing Items 1, 3, Year ended: January 3, 1999
6, 7, 7A, 8 and 14
Current Report on Form 8-K Dated: March 30, 1999
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q Quarter ended: April 4, 1999
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A Quarter ended: April 4, 1999
Proxy Statement Dated: April 13, 1999
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q Quarter ended: July 4, 1999
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A Quarter ended: July 4, 1999
Current Report on Form 8-K Dated: July 26, 1999
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period or
Adecco's SEC Filings (File No. 0-25004) Date Filed
- --------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Annual Report on Form 20-F Year ended: December 31, 1998
Current Report on Form 6-K Dated: February 5, 1999
Current Report on Form 6-K Dated: April 5, 1999
Current Report on Form 6-K Dated: April 29, 1999
Current Report on Form 6-K Dated: May 11, 1999
-112-
<PAGE>
Current Report on Form 6-K Dated: August 2, 1999
Current Report on Form 6-K Dated: August 18, 1999
Current Report on Form 6-K Dated: August 24, 1999
Current Report on Form 6-K Dated: August 27, 1999
</TABLE>
Additionally, Olsten and Adecco are incorporating by reference any
additional documents that Olsten and Adecco may file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission between the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and the
date of the meeting. These documents include periodic reports, such as, with
respect to Olsten, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q
and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements and, with respect
to Adecco, annual reports on Form 20-F and current reports on Form 6-K.
You can request a free copy of all or any of these documents, other
than the exhibits to these documents unless those exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into these documents, by writing to or calling:
With respect to Olsten's filings: With respect to Adecco's filings:
Olsten Corporation Adecco SA
175 Broad Hollow Road c/o Adecco, Inc.
Melville, NY 11747 100 Redwood Shores Parkway
(516) 844-7800 Redwood City, CA 94065
(650) 610-1000
If you would like to request documents from Olsten or Adecco, please do
so by , 1999 to receive these before the special meeting.
Olsten has provided all information in this document, and the documents
incorporated by reference herein relating to Olsten and its business. Adecco has
provided all information in this document and the documents incorporated by
reference herein relating to Adecco and its business. Olsten Health Services
Holding Corp. has provided the information set forth in Annex A.
-113-
<PAGE>
INDEX TO ADECCO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1999 (Unaudited)
and December 31, 1998................................................. F-2
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998............................... F-3
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998....................... F-4
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for
the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 ......................... F-5
F-1
<PAGE>
Adecco SA
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In CHF millions, except for share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, June 30,
1998 1999
---------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 540 516
Trade accounts receivable, net 2,611 3,188
Other current assets 342 421
---------------------------------
Total current assets 3,493 4,125
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements 248 348
Goodwill, net 1,730 1,989
Other assets 136 194
---------------------------------
5,607 6,656
=================================
LIABILITIES:
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt 303 1,386
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2,399 2,752
---------------------------------
Total current liabilities 2,702 4,138
Long term debt 688 466
Other liabilities 144 140
---------------------------------
Total liabilities 3,534 4,744
Minority interests 5 7
---------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, CHF 10 par value-
Authorized: 19,807,519 and 17,858,367 shares
Issued: 17,197,948 and 17,178,532 shares
Outstanding: 17,130,768 and 17,084,614 shares 171 171
Additional paid-in capital 1,904 1,921
Retained earnings (deficit) 23 (160)
---------------------------------
2,098 1,932
Less: Treasury Stock (30) (27)
---------------------------------
2,068 1,905
=================================
5,607 6,656
=================================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-2
<PAGE>
Adecco SA
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In CHF millions, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30,
-----------------------------------------------
1998 1999
--------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net service revenues 7,232 8,308
Direct costs of services (5,979) (6,818)
--------------------- --------------------
1,253 1,490
Selling, general and administrative expenses (969) (1,148)
Amortization of goodwill (307) (324)
--------------------- --------------------
(23) 18
Interest and other income, net 8 11
Interest expense (48) (55)
--------------------- --------------------
Loss before income taxes and minority interest (63) (26)
Provision for income taxes (73) (83)
Income applicable to minority interest (1) --
===================== ====================
Net loss (137) (109)
===================== ====================
Basic and diluted net loss per share (8.30) (6.39)
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares 16,529,002 17,077,269
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
Adecco, S.A.
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flow
(In CHF millions)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six months ended
June 30,
---------------------------
1998 1999
--------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss (137) (109)
Adjustments to reconcile loss from operations to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 346 368
Other (15) 14
Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of acquisitions and sales of
subsidiaries:
Trade accounts receivable (320) (225)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 109 79
Other current assets and liabilities, net 114 (59)
---------------------------
Cash flows from operating activities 97 68
---------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements (59) (99)
Cash paid for Delphi, net of cash acquired of CHF 99 -- (296)
Other acquisitions and investing activity (29) (78)
---------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities (88) (473)
---------------------------
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt (35) 518
Net increase in long-term debt 159 149
Dividends paid to shareholders (91) (120)
Common stock options exercised 12 19
Other acquisitions and investing activity 6 (51)
---------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities 51 515
---------------------------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES CHANGES ON CASH (27) (134)
---------------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 33 (24)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period 439 540
===========================
End of period 472 516
===========================
Cash paid for interest 23 13
---------------------------
Cash paid for taxes 17 100
---------------------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-4
<PAGE>
Adecco SA
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. Accounting Policies
The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by
Adecco SA ("Adecco") pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments
necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, financial position
and cash flows for each period presented. Results for interim periods are not
necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The year-end balance sheet
data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all
disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.
Although for presentation purposes Adecco has indicated its year-end as
December 31, Adecco's fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to December 31. For
1998, the fiscal year contained 53 weeks ended January 3, 1999. For the interim
data in 1998 and 1999, the periods ended June 28, 1998 and July 4, 1999.
2. Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net losses and foreign currency
translation adjustments as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30,
1998 1999
----------------------------------
(In CHF millions)
Net loss (137) (109)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 8 45
==================================
Total comprehensive loss (129) (64)
==================================
3. Net loss Per Share
Adecco computes basic and diluted net loss per share using the weighted
average number of common stock and dilutive potential common stock. Potential
common stock includes stock options.
Loss Shares Loss
(Numerator) (Denominator) Per Share
----------------------------------------------
(In CHF millions, except share and per share data)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
1998 (137) 16,529,002 (8.30)
1999 (109) 17,077,269 (6.39)
4. Acquisitions
In April 1999 Adecco acquired Delphi Group plc ("Delphi") for
approximately CHF 395 million. Delphi is an information technology service and
staffing business with operations in the United Kingdom, the United States, and
Europe. The acquisition was financed from bank borrowings and was accounted for
as a purchase. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net
assets acquired was CHF 308 million and
F-5
<PAGE>
was recorded as goodwill. The results of the operations of Delphi have been
included in the financial statements beginning April 1999.
The following unaudited pro forma information shows consolidated
operating results as if the acquisition of Delphi had occurred at the beginning
of 1998.
December 31, June 30,
1998 1999
------------------- --------------
(In CHF millions, except
per share data)
Revenues 16,047 8,518
Net loss (221) (112)
Basic and diluted net loss per share 13.16 6.56
In May 1999 Adecco acquired Career Staff Co. Ltd. ("Career Staff"), a
personnel services business in Japan. The acquisition was financed using
existing credit facilities and internal resources and is accounted for as a
purchase. The results of operations of Career Staff have been included in the
financial statements beginning May 1999.
In August of 1999, Adecco agreed to acquire Olsten's generalist and
information technology staffing business for a combination of cash and Adecco
common stock. Olsten Health Services will be split off to Olsten shareholders as
a separate publicly traded entity. In the transaction, holders of Common Stock
of Olsten will receive shares of the new health services company, which will
continue to conduct the health care business of Olsten; American Depositary
Receipts ("ADR") which each represent 1/8th of a share of Adecco Common Stock,
and cash. Stockholders may elect to receive 0.12472 Adecco ADRs for half of the
Olsten shares, and $8.75 per share cash for the remainder, subject to proration.
The Agreement is subject to a number of conditions, including stockholder and
regulatory approvals, and is expected to close late in the year. There can be no
assurance that the transaction will be consummated.
5. Long-Term Debt
In February 1997, Adecco entered into a three year CHF 500 million
unsecured multicurrency revolving credit facility due in February 2000. Amounts
drawn bear interest at LIBOR plus .175% plus an annual commitment fee on the
undrawn portion of the facility of 0.085%. Adecco draws amount for terms of one
to three months. Adecco funded the acquisition of Career Staff primarily with
borrowings under this credit facility.
In February 1999, Adecco entered into a (pound)175 million unsecured
credit facility, which bears an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.3% and is due
February 2000. At June 30, 1999 the company had borrowed CHF 395 million at an
interest rate of 5.7%. The proceeds of this facility were used in connection
with the Delphi acquisition. The outstanding long-term debt of Delphi consisted
of a $50 million senior loan note bearing an interest rate of 7.1% due in 2007.
At June 30, 1999 the outstanding balance of the senior loan note amounted to CHF
78 million.
6. Shareholders' Equity
At the annual meeting of shareholders on April 20, 1999, the Adecco
shareholders voted to, among other things, authorize up to 600,000 additional
Adecco Shares to be issued no later than April 20, 2000 for cash as may be
advisable to strengthen Adecco's financial condition, and authorize up to
1,400,000 additional Adecco common shares to finance possible mergers and
acquisition and to convert all Adecco shares from bearer shares to registered
shares. At a special meeting of shareholders on September 10, 1999, the Adecco
shareholders
F-6
<PAGE>
voted to authorize up to 700,000 additional Adecco common shares to be used in
connection with the proposed merger of Olsten, and to limit the total number of
shares to be issued under the April and September distributions to 1.4 million.
On April 20, 1999, Adecco's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend
of CHF 7.00 per share which was paid on April 26, 1999 to the shareholders of
record on April 26, 1999.
7. Segment Reporting
Adecco has adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for
reporting information about operating segments in annual financial statements.
It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and
services and geographic areas. Operating segments are defined as components of
an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is
evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to
allocate resources and measure performance. Adecco's chief operating
decision-maker is the chief executive officer. The operating segments of Adecco
are defined by geography. Adecco's reportable operating segments are France,
North America and Northern Europe. Adecco evaluates performance based on country
contribution which is defined as the amount of segment profit or loss before
intercompany charges, interest income and expense charges, goodwill amortization
and income taxes. The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same
as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Adecco
delivers general staffing services and specialty services within its segments.
Specialty services include accounting and finance, information technology,
engineering and technical, and outplacement and career transition.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NORTH NORTHERN ALL OTHER
FRANCE AMERICA(1) EUROPE (2) (3) TOTAL
------------ ---------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
(In CHF millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
As of and for the six months ended
June 30, 1998
Sales 2,901 2,280 1,366 685 7,232
Depreciation and amortization 12 79 18 237 346
Country contribution 103 114 51 62 330
Fixed asset additions 11 16 31 1 59
Segment assets 2,042 1,240 710 1,994 5,986
Long lived assets(4) 99 37 93 192 421
June 30, 1999
Sales 3,191 2,345 1,913 859 8,308
Depreciation and amortization 12 80 26 250 368
Country contribution 130 137 74 1 342
Fixed asset additions 13 36 37 13 99
Segment assets 1,885 1,228 954 2,589 6,656
Long lived assets(4) 89 119 92 232 532
</TABLE>
(1) Consists primarily of operations in the United States
(2) Consists primarily of operations in the United Kingdom, Netherlands,
Germany and Switzerland
(3) Consists of operations in Southern Europe, Pacific Rim, South America
and Corporate
(4) Long-lived assets include all non-current assets except deferred taxes
of CHF 32 and CHF 59, and goodwill of CHF 1,968, CHF 2,012 at June 30,
1999 and 1998
F-7
<PAGE>
June 30,
Sales by Service 1998 1999
----------------
--------------------------
(In CHF millions)
General Staffing 6,432 7,098
Specialty 800 1,210
----- -----
7,232 8,308
===== =====
8. Restructuring Reserve
The activity in the restruturing reserve for the period ended June 30, 1999 was
as follows:
(In CHF millions)
Balance at December 31, 1998 22
Additions 26
Deductions (22)
---
Balance at June 30, 1999 26
===
<PAGE>
ANNEX A
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be
changed. These securities are not to be sold until the registration statement
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary
prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek to buy these securities in
any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, Dated October 7, 1999
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP.
(to be renamed)
Common stock
Par value $.10 per share
This prospectus is being furnished to stockholders of Olsten
Corporation in connection with the proposed split-off of all of the shares of
common stock of Olsten Health Services Holding Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Olsten, to stockholders of Olsten in exchange for a portion of their shares
of Olsten common stock and class B common stock, which we collectively refer to
as the Olsten stock. As a result of the split-off, Olsten Health Services will
become an independent, publicly owned company.
Prior to the split-off, Olsten will transfer to Olsten Health Services
all of the assets and liabilities of the health services business of Olsten and
its subsidiaries pursuant to the separation agreement dated as of August 17,
1999, among Olsten, Olsten Health Services and Adecco SA, a societe anonyme
organized under the laws of Switzerland. Olsten is proposing to consummate the
split-off as part of the merger of Olsten with a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Adecco pursuant to a merger agreement dated as of August 17, 1999. The merger
and the split-off are conditioned upon each other. The proxy
statement/prospectus of Olsten and Adecco which accompanies this prospectus
describes the terms of the merger and related transactions. The merger agreement
and the separation agreement are attached as annexes to the proxy
statement/prospectus.
Holders of Olsten common stock and class B common stock who do not
properly dissent from the merger will receive .25 shares of common stock of
Olsten Health Services, together with the merger consideration, in exchange for
each share of Olsten stock held by them at the time of the split-off. The merger
consideration is described in the proxy statement/prospectus.
The information contained in this prospectus relates to the shares of
Olsten Health Services common stock being issued in the split-off. There is
currently no public trading market for the shares of Olsten Health Services
common stock. Olsten Health Services intends to apply for its shares to be
approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market.
You are encouraged to read about the risks in connection with the
split-off and the risks associated with the health services business beginning
on page 8 of this prospectus under the heading "Risk Factors".
The securities issued in connection with the split-off have not been
approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state
securities commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Warburg Dillon Read LLC is serving as the dealer manager in connection
with the offer and sale of our common stock pursuant to the split-off. If you
have any questions please contact the dealer manager at (212) 821-2881.
--------------------------
The date of this prospectus is , 1999.
<PAGE>
We provide home health care services through a network of more than 400
locations in 44 states and 5 provinces of Canada. We provide caregivers for home
health care and institutions; home care management and coordination for the
managed care community; home infusion and other therapies; institutional,
occupational and alternate site health care staffing; and marketing and
distribution services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device
firms.
[Map of Locations in the United States of
operations of Olsten Health Services Holding Corp.]
i
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES CORP. PROSPECTUS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
Prospectus Summary...........................................................1
Risk Factors.................................................................8
The Split-Off...............................................................19
Capitalization..............................................................28
Dividend Policy.............................................................29
Olsten Health Services Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data..........................30
Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of Olsten
Health Services Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries...........................36
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................................38
Business....................................................................45
Management..................................................................56
Principal Stockholders......................................................61
Description of Olsten Health Services Capital Stock.........................63
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.............................................66
Tax Consequences............................................................66
Legal Matters...............................................................67
Experts.....................................................................67
Additional Information......................................................67
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................F-1
ii
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information regarding Olsten Health
Services, the split-off and the related transactions. You should read this
entire prospectus, including our financial statements and the notes to our
financial statements, for more detailed information relating to the split-off
and our company after giving effect to the split-off and the related
transactions. You are also encouraged to read the proxy statement/prospectus of
Olsten and Adecco accompanying this prospectus, including the annexes attached
to the proxy statement/prospectus, for more information relating to the merger,
the merger consideration and the businesses of Olsten and Adecco. Except where
otherwise indicated, the description of Olsten Health Services and its
businesses contained in this prospectus assumes the completion of the split-off
and the merger.
Olsten Health Services
We are currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Olsten. In order to
effect the split-off, all of the assets and liabilities of the health services
business in the United States and Canada of Olsten and its subsidiaries, which
we refer to as the health services business, will be transferred to our company.
Following the split-off, we will be an independent, publicly owned company.
We are the leading provider of home health care services in the United
States based on revenues. Since 1971, we have built a reputation for high
quality health care for our patients with a commitment to being a "one-stop
shop" for home health care covering a broad spectrum of services. We currently
maintain over 400 locations in the United States and Canada and serve
approximately 450,000 patient/client accounts annually with approximately 70,000
caregivers and administrative staff.
We offer high quality services through three business lines which are
(1) home care infusion services, (2) home care nursing services and (3) staffing
services. Through these three business lines we offer a broad range of products
and services including: treatments for patients with chronic diseases;
intravenous and oral administration of drugs, nutrients and other solutions;
skilled nursing care; pediatric/maternal care programs; rehabilitation and other
therapies; disease management programs; and home health aide care, assistance
with personal care and institutional, occupational and alternate site staffing.
Through our network of 38 pharmacies located throughout the United
States, including two national distribution centers, we offer the leading and
most comprehensive infusion therapy solutions in the industry. In addition,
through our four intake and claims processing centers, we provide network
services including care management and coordination of managed care customers
desiring a single source for centralized intake and billing, claims
adjudication, quality assurance and data reporting and analysis.
In fiscal 1998, we generated approximately $1.3 billion of revenue, of
which approximately 62 percent was attributable to commercial pay sources, 23
percent was attributable to Medicaid reimbursement, state reimbursed programs
and other state/county funding programs and 15 percent was attributable to
Medicare reimbursement. For the six months ended July 4, 1999, we generated
approximately $741 million in revenue, of which approximately 64 percent was
attributable to commercial pay sources, 20 percent was attributable to Medicaid
reimbursement, state reimbursed programs and other state/county funding programs
and 16 percent was attributable to Medicare reimbursement.
Our business is part of the $48 billion home health care industry,
which is comprised of four primary segments, nursing and related services (72
percent), infusion therapy (13 percent), respiratory therapy (8 percent) and
medical equipment (7 percent). The nursing and related services segment, which
represents approximately $35 billion annually, provides patient care to
individuals with acute illnesses, long-term chronic health conditions, permanent
disabilities, terminal illnesses or post-procedural needs. These services are
provided both in the home and to hospitals and other health care organizations.
Infusion therapy, a roughly $6
<PAGE>
billion market, provides care to patients requiring the administration of
medication either intravenously or through a device such as a feeding tube.
Respiratory therapy, an approximately $4 billion segment, includes the delivery
and the preparation of prescribed therapy or equipment to patients with severe
and chronic pulmonary diseases. The remaining market segment, representing
approximately $3 billion, is medical equipment, which involves the sale of
various types of medical equipment to patients for use in their homes.
Our industry is dramatically changing, with the number of people over
the age of 65 growing by approximately 55 percent between 1999 and 2020. People
over the age of 65 consume over 53 percent of all home health care services
although they represent only 13 percent of the current U.S. population. Because
the demand for home health care is directly related to the number of elderly
people in the population, especially those over the age of 65, the home health
care industry is expected to encounter a significant increase in demand as a
result of the aging of the U.S. population. Other factors that we believe will
continue to contribute to the development and growth of the home health care
industry include: recognition by the medical community and health care insurers
that home health care can be a cost-effective alternative to lengthy, more
expensive institutional care; technological advances that allow more health care
procedures to be provided at home; increasing consumer awareness and interest in
home health care; and the medical community's recognition of the psychological
benefits of recuperating from an illness or accident in one's own home.
Our business strategy is to enhance our position as the leading
provider of quality, cost-effective, comprehensive home health care services. We
intend to take advantage of our leading industry position, breadth of service
offerings and changing industry dynamics by continuing to pursue the following
strategy:
o Offer clients a comprehensive range of services while continuing
to pursue cross-selling opportunities. We are a "one-stop shop"
provider offering home care nursing services, home care infusion
services and staffing services and, through subcontractors, other
healthcare products and services as needed to serve our patients.
o Expand our growing staffing services business. We believe there
exists significant opportunities in aiding hospitals and health
care institutions with qualified candidates.
o Continue to develop relationships with managed care, insurance
and private pay clients for our home health care services.
o Continue to invest in our information technology in order to
support all aspects of our business including streamlining
administrative operations, providing timely and accurate decision
support data for care management, improving outcomes analysis and
helping to detect and analyze new business opportunities.
o Strengthen our billing, collection and inventory management
procedures.
Our principal executive office is located at 175 Broad Hollow Road,
Melville, New York 11747-8905, and the telephone number at that address is (516)
844-7800.
The Transactions
Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Olsten will merge with a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco. Following the merger, Olsten will be a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco. As a condition to the merger, Olsten will
transfer the health services business of Olsten and its subsidiaries to us and
will cause all of the outstanding shares of our common stock to be issued to
Olsten's stockholders in the merger in exchange for a portion of each of their
outstanding shares of Olsten stock. The split-off will not be consummated unless
the merger is completed. The separation agreement, together with the related
agreements referred to in the
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<PAGE>
separation agreement, govern the terms of the transfer of the health service
business to us and the relationship among us, Olsten and Adecco prior to and
after the split-off.
Subject to the terms of the merger agreement, at the effective time of
the merger each issued and outstanding share of Olsten common stock and class B
common stock will be exchanged for (i) .25 shares of our common stock, par value
$.10 per share, for each share of Olsten stock held by an Olsten stockholder at
the time of the split-off and (ii) the merger consideration described in the
proxy statement/prospectus under the heading "The Merger Agreement" and in the
merger agreement attached to the proxy statement/prospectus as Annex B. You are
urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus for more information relating to
the merger.
The information above is a brief summary of certain terms of the
split-off and the related transactions. The split-off and the separation
agreement are more fully described in this prospectus under the heading "The
Split-Off". A more complete description of the merger and the merger agreement
may be found in the proxy statement/prospectus under the heading "The Merger
Agreement". The merger agreement, the separation agreement and the other related
agreements are attached as annexes to the proxy statement/prospectus which
accompanies this prospectus.
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<PAGE>
The Split-Off
Parent corporation prior to
the split-off......................... Olsten Corporation, which will merge
with a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Adecco pursuant to the merger
agreement.
Split-off corporation................... Olsten Health Services Holding Corp.,
which will hold all of the assets of,
and will assume all of the
liabilities associated with, the
health services business of Olsten
and its subsidiaries.
Split-off ratio......................... .25 shares of our common stock for
each share of Olsten common stock and
class B common stock owned of record
as of the effective date of the
split-off.
Fractional shares of our common stock... You will receive, instead of
fractional shares, cash in an amount
equal to the number of fractional
shares of our common stock you would
receive in the split-off multiplied
by the last reported sale price of
our common stock as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market on the first
full trading day following the
split-off.
Securities to be split off to
Olsten stockholders................... 20,326,397 shares of our common
stock, based on the number of issued
and outstanding shares of Olsten
stock as of September 17, 1999 and
the split-off ratio.
Trading market and symbol............... There is currently no public market
for our common stock. We intend to
apply for our common stock to be
approved for quotation on the Nasdaq
National Market.
Tax consequences........................ The material tax consequences of the
split-off and the merger are
described in the proxy
statement/prospectus under the
heading "Material Tax Consequences".
Indemnification obligations after
the split-off and merger.............. We and Olsten have agreed to
indemnify each other after the
split-off with respect to certain
losses, damages, claims and
liabilities arising out of our
respective businesses. We have also
agreed to indemnify Olsten for other
liabilities set forth under the
headings "The Split-Off -- Terms of
the separation agreement --
Indemnification" and "-- Sales and
other transfer taxes".
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<PAGE>
Relationship with Olsten after
the split-off and merger............ For one year following the split-off,
Olsten has agreed to provide us with
certain transitional services
pursuant to the separation agreement.
The terms of the ongoing relationship
between us and Olsten are set forth
under the heading "The Split-Off".
Procedure for surrendering Olsten
stock............................... Your Olsten stock should be
surrendered to Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York, the exchange
agent, following the split-off in
accordance with the terms of the
merger agreement. The proxy
statement/prospectus which
accompanies this prospectus describes
the procedures for exchanging your
Olsten stock for our common stock in
the split-off and the merger
consideration in the merger.
Risk factors.......................... You should carefully read the section
entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on
page 8 for a discussion of risks
related to the split-off.
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<PAGE>
Summary Financial Data of Olsten Health Services Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries
The following table provides summary consolidated financial data of
Olsten Health Services as of and for each of the fiscal years in the three-year
period ended January 3, 1999 and as of and for the six-month periods ended July
4, 1999 and June 28, 1998. The data as of and for each of the fiscal years in
the three-year period ended January 3, 1999 have been derived from our audited
financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The
consolidated financial data as of and for the six months ended July 4, 1999 and
June 28, 1998 have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial
statements, and they include, in the opinion of our management, all adjustments
necessary to present fairly the data for those periods. The historical
consolidated financial information presents Olsten Health Services' results of
operations and financial position as if we were a separate entity for all
periods presented. The historical financial information may not be indicative of
our future performance and may not necessarily reflect what the financial
position and results of operations of Olsten Health Services would have been had
we operated as a separate stand-alone entity during the periods covered. Also
set forth below is certain unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data of
Olsten Health Services for the year ended January 3, 1999 and as of and for the
six months ended July 4, 1999. The pro forma consolidated financial data present
the results of operations of Olsten Health Services assuming the split-off
occurred as of the date of the balance sheet, for the balance sheet data, and as
of the first day of fiscal 1998 for purposes of the statement of operations data
and reflect adjustments to the historical financial data giving effect to
estimated costs and expenses, the transfer of cash and the issuance of Olsten
Health Services shares of common stock associated with the split-off. This
summary should be read in conjunction with our historical and pro forma
consolidated financial statements and notes to those financial statements, which
are included elsewhere in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
---------------------------- -------------------------------
For the Six Months Fiscal Year Six Months
Fiscal Year Ended Ended Ended Ended
-------------------------------------- ---------------------------- -------------------------------
June 28, July 4, January 3, July 4,
1996 1997 1998 1998 1999 1999 1999
------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------- -------------
(53 weeks) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
(In thousands except share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Service sales,
management fees and
other income........ $1,374,353 $1,433,854 $1,330,303 $647,167 $ 740,733 $ 1,329,403 $ 741,333
Gross profit ......... 511,940 520,586 421,407 190,935 252,916 420,507 253,516
Net income (loss) .... (2,877) 26,847 (101,465) (50,796) (10,371) (99,065) (11,071)
Net income (loss) per
share............... (28,770) 268,470 (1,014,650) (507,960) (103,710) (4.87) (0.54)
Average shares
outstanding......... 100 100 100 100 100 20,335,705 20,335,705
Other Data:
Earnings (loss) before
interest, taxes,
depreciation and
amortization(1). ... $ 42,906(2) $ 89,825 $ (99,720)(3) $(53,166)(4) $ 12,895(5) $ (105,820)(3) $ 10,895(5)
Balance Sheet Data
(at end of period):
Working capital ...... $ 334,512 $ 346,135 $ 367,915 $362,024 $ 449,218 $ 441,818
Total assets ......... 785,341 783,478 945,738 815,921 1,012,465 1,011,565
Long-term debt ....... 86,250 86,250 86,250 86,250 78,562 78,562
Shareholders' equity . 541,737 530,270 561,859 541,424 642,234 634,834
</TABLE>
(1) Earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization ("EBITDA") is not intended to represent cash flow in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and does not
represent the measure of cash available for distribution. EBITDA is
presented supplementally because we believe it allows for a more complete
analysis of results of operations. EBITDA is commonly used to analyze
companies on the basis of operating performance, leverage and liquidity.
EBITDA is not intended as an alternative to earnings from continuing
operations or net
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<PAGE>
income and should not be considered as an indicator of overall financial
performance.
(2) EBITDA in fiscal 1996 reflects merger, integration and other non-recurring
charges totaling approximately $75 million. These charges resulted from the
Quantum acquisition of $39 million; $30 million of allowances for a change
in the methodology used by Medicare for computing reimbursements in prior
years and Quantum's charge of $5.5 million related to the settlement of
shareholder litigation. See Note 4 to the Olsten Health Services'
Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) EBITDA in fiscal 1998 reflects non-recurring charges and other adjustments
of $66 million related to the restructuring of Olsten Health Services'
businesses and a special charge of $56 million for the settlement of two
federal investigations. These provisions include a reduction in revenues of
$14 million, a charge to cost of sales of $15 million and $93 million in
selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 4 to the Olsten
Health Services' Consolidated Financial Statements.
(4) EBITDA for the six months ended June 28, 1998 reflects non-recurring
charges and other adjustments of approximately $64 million related to the
restructuring of Olsten Health Services' businesses. This provision
includes a reduction in revenues of $14 million, a charge to cost of sales
of $15 million and $35 million in selling, general and administrative
expenses. See Note 4 to the Olsten Health Services' Consolidated Financial
Statements.
(5) EBITDA for the six months ended July 4, 1999 reflects a special charge of
$17 million for the realignment of business units as part of a new
restructuring plan. These charges are included in selling, general and
administrative expenses. See Note 4 to the Olsten Health Services'
Consolidated Financial Statements.
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<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in this prospectus, you
should carefully consider the following risk factors with respect to the
split-off and related transactions and our business.
RISKS RELATED TO THE SPLIT-OFF
We have no operating history as a stand-alone company
After the split-off, we will be an independent, publicly owned company
operating through various subsidiaries. We have historically relied on the
earnings, assets and cash flow of Olsten for liquidity and capital requirements
and administrative services. Our intercompany balance at July 4, 1999 was
approximately $463 million which will be contributed to our capital upon the
consummation of the split-off. Although Olsten has agreed to provide to us, for
one year following the split-off, tax, legal, procurement and other services on
a cost basis as agreed between Olsten and us, we will need to establish our
company as a stand-alone entity and will not be entitled to rely on Olsten other
than for limited transitional services. We may or may not be able to establish
the departments and services necessary to conduct our business in an efficient
and timely manner on terms and conditions that are favorable to us after the
split-off.
As an independent, publicly owned company, we will face new issues and
challenges that we did not experience when we were part of Olsten. Those issues
and challenges may include:
o increased costs for hiring and retaining employees in
departments previously shared by the health service
business and the other businesses of Olsten, including
the legal, risk management, tax, treasury, human
resources and public relations departments;
o difficulty in obtaining financing on terms satisfactory
to us;
o challenges in developing and promoting new name
recognition and inability to rely on the Olsten name,
long term financial strength and goodwill;
o difficulty in obtaining insurance on terms that are
acceptable to us;
o inability to rely on the experience and business
relationships of certain personnel who will not be
continuing employment with our company; and
o generally increased overhead and administrative costs as
a result of establishing a stand-alone company.
Subsequent to the split-off, we will be a smaller and less diversified
company than Olsten was prior to the split-off. Consequently, the results of
operations of our company will be more susceptible to competitive and market
factors specific to our core business. Additionally, we will not have the
benefit of the diversified source of revenues which Olsten experienced and our
results of operations and prospects, as well as stock price, may be affected by
factors that are different from those that have affected Olsten in the past.
Our historical financial information may not be representative of our results as
a separate company
The historical financial information we have included in this
prospectus may not reflect what our results of operations, financial position
and cash flows would have been had we been a separate, stand-alone company
during the periods presented or what our results of operations, financial
position and cash flows will
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<PAGE>
be in the future. This is because, in addition to the factors described above
under "-- We have no operating history as a stand-alone company":
o various adjustments and allocations were made to the historical
financial statements in this prospectus because Olsten did not
account for us as a single stand-alone business for any period
presented;
o the historical information does not reflect many significant
changes that will occur in our financial condition, capital
structure and operations as a result of our separation from
Olsten; and
o the historical information does not reflect the indebtedness
under our new credit facility and the costs associated with
borrowing under that facility.
We cannot assure you that the adjustments and allocations we have made
in preparing our historical financial statements appropriately reflect our
operations during the periods presented as if we had operated as a stand-alone
company, nor can we predict what the actual effect of our separation from Olsten
will be.
The loss of key personnel may have an adverse effect on our success
After the split-off, it is expected that certain of the executive
officers of Olsten will resign from Olsten and become our initial executive
officers, but certain executive officers of Olsten will not continue with us.
There can be no assurance that the transition of certain senior management to
our company or the loss of certain other members of senior management of
Olsten's health services business will not disrupt, at least temporarily, the
operations of our business.
There is no existing trading market for our common stock
There is no existing trading market for our common stock to be received
by Olsten stockholders in the split-off and there can be no assurance that an
active trading market will be established. We expect to apply for approval for
quotation of our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market. Our common stock
may experience volatility following the split-off until trading values become
established. As a result, it could be difficult to make purchases or sales of
our common stock in the market at any particular time. There can be no assurance
either as to the price at which our common stock will trade following the
split-off.
Certain factors may depress the trading value of our common stock
Immediately after the split-off, we will have the same stockholders as
Olsten had at the time of the split-off and you will own the same proportional
interest in Olsten Health Services as you did in Olsten. Some stockholders who
will receive our common stock in the split-off may decide that they do not want
to maintain an investment in a company almost exclusively involved in home
health care services. If these stockholders decide to sell all or a portion of
their shares, or the market perceives that those sales could occur, the trading
value of your shares may decline. In addition, our stock may not be followed as
closely by market analysts or the investment community as the Olsten stock had
been in the past. If there is only a limited following by market analysts or the
investment community, that may reduce the amount of market activity in our
common stock and make it more difficult for you to sell your shares.
We will only be permitted to use Olsten's intellectual property for a one-year
period
We have a non-exclusive royalty-free license on certain Olsten logos
and names for one year. The Olsten logo and name have been important to our
marketing activities. We will need to change the name of our company and devote
substantial resources towards building a new brand name prior to the expiration
of
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<PAGE>
our license with Olsten. We cannot predict with certainty the extent to which
the substitution of a new name may adversely affect our ability to retain and
attract patients and entities with which we do business.
More information relating to the license is contained in this
prospectus under the caption "The Split-Off -- Terms of the separation agreement
- -- Intellectual property".
We are subject to potential indemnification liabilities
Pursuant to the separation agreement and other related agreements, we
and Olsten have agreed to indemnify each other and other related persons from
and after the split-off with respect to liabilities related to our respective
businesses and obligations and breaches of obligations under the separation
agreement. We have also agreed to indemnify Olsten for certain additional
matters specified in the separation agreement. We are unable to predict the
costs that may be incurred by us to satisfy these indemnification obligations.
The indemnification provisions of the separation agreement are described in this
prospectus under the headings "The Split-Off -- Terms of the separation
agreement -- Indemnification" and "-- Sales and other transfer taxes".
In addition, pursuant to the tax sharing agreement we entered into with
Olsten and Adecco, we have agreed to indemnify Olsten for certain tax
liabilities that may be imposed on Olsten (or entities that will be subsidiaries
of Olsten immediately after the split-off) and for the denial of certain tax
refunds that will be claimed by Olsten. These indemnification obligations are
described in this prospectus under the heading "The Split-Off -- Terms of the
tax sharing agreement".
We are required to provide notifications to, and seek approval of, certain
regulatory authorities in order to complete the split-off and the merger
The ownership, management and operation of our business is subject to
extensive federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances which are
administered by the relevant regulatory agency or agencies in each jurisdiction
where we operate. These laws, regulations and ordinances vary from jurisdiction
to jurisdiction, but generally concern the certification of home health agencies
and related Medicare and Medicaid participation; the prevention of fraud and
abuse through certain prohibitions on physician referrals, the offering of
remuneration in return for referrals and the filing of false claims; certificate
of need and licensure requirements; the reimbursement of clinical services
provided under Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS and/or any other federal health care
program and managed care reimbursement and contracting. In connection with the
split-off and merger, regulatory notifications and/or approval filings will need
to be submitted or secured in order to transfer assets and/or change the
ownership of our company. We are in the process of filing the requisite
applications or notifications with each of the applicable regulatory authorities
and over 30 states have responded that this transaction does not trigger any
change of ownership or prior approval requirement. Nonetheless, there can be no
assurance that we will secure any required approvals on a timely basis, if at
all. If we are unable to secure approvals on a timely basis where required, we
may be subject to fines and penalties and limitations on our ability to operate
in such states until approvals are secured. Other regulatory issues are
described in this prospectus under the heading "-- We are subject to stringent
government regulation" and "Business -- Regulation".
We may be subject to potential liabilities due to fraudulent transfer
considerations
The split-off may be subject to federal and state fraudulent conveyance
laws. Under these laws, if a court in a lawsuit by an unpaid creditor or a
representative of creditors of Olsten were to determine that, after giving
effect to the split-off and any related transactions, Olsten:
o was insolvent or would be rendered insolvent,
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<PAGE>
o had unreasonably small capital with which to carry on its
business and all businesses in which it intended to engage, or
o intended to incur, or believed it would incur, debts beyond its
ability to repay such debts as they would mature,
then such court could invalidate, in whole or in part, the split-off as a
fraudulent conveyance and order Olsten's stockholders to return the value of the
merger consideration and any dividends paid or require us to fund various
liabilities of Olsten for the benefit of creditors or require Olsten to fund
various liabilities of ours for the benefit of creditors.
The measure of insolvency for purposes of the fraudulent conveyance
laws will vary depending on which jurisdiction's law is applied. Generally,
however, an entity would be considered insolvent if the present fair saleable
value of its assets is less than (1) the amount of its liabilities (including
contingent liabilities), or (2) the amount that will be required to pay its
probable liabilities on its existing debts as they become absolute and mature.
No assurance can be given as to what standard a court would apply in determining
insolvency or that a court would not determine that Olsten or any of its
subsidiaries was "insolvent" at the time of or after giving effect to the
split-off.
Provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law could delay or
prevent a change in control of our company, which could adversely affect the
price of our common stock
The existence of certain provisions in our organizational documents and
Delaware law could delay or prevent an unsolicited change in control of our
company, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock. These
provisions may also have the effect of making it more difficult for third
parties to cause a replacement of the current management of our company without
the concurrence of our board of directors. Our certificate of incorporation and
bylaws contain provisions that may make the acquisition of control of our
company more difficult, including but not limited to, provisions relating to:
o the classification of our board of directors into three classes,
each class serving "staggered" terms of office from one to three
years,
o limitations on the removal of directors,
o the board of directors' ability to issue shares of preferred
stock and determine the terms of the preferred stock without
stockholder approval, and
o limitations on the right of stockholders to call meetings and
present proposals at meetings.
Delaware law also imposes restrictions on mergers and other business
combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our outstanding common
stock. For a discussion of these and other provisions of our organization
documents and Delaware corporation law, see "Description of Olsten Health
Services Capital Stock".
We will need to relocate our headquarters and enter into new leases for real
property in certain locations
Pursuant to the separation agreement, we will relocate our headquarters
within six months after the date of the split-off. Additionally, we currently
have eleven leases for real property that we share with the businesses to be
retained by Olsten. Those leases will need to be modified, assigned or
terminated in order to
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<PAGE>
cease operations of both Olsten's retained businesses and our business in the
same location. We may be required to enter into new leases or subleases for
those eleven locations. We cannot assure you that we will obtain new leases in a
timely manner or that the terms of the new leases or subleases will be
satisfactory to us.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
We may have difficulty obtaining required financing on satisfactory terms
Prior to the split-off, we will need to obtain a committed credit
facility with a line of at least $100 million to provide for our working capital
needs and for general corporate purposes. In addition, by October 1, 2000 we
will need to refinance approximately $78.6 million in aggregate principal amount
of outstanding 4 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due October 1, 2000 of
Quantum Health Resources, Inc. The debentures are described in this prospectus
under the heading "The Split-Off -- Certain indebtedness of our company". After
the split-off we will no longer benefit from any financing arrangements with, or
cash advances from, Olsten. We may have difficulty obtaining financing on terms
that are acceptable to us, if at all. Failure to obtain the requisite financing
would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We have been the subject of government investigations and have entered into
agreements with the government
The health services business has been subject to extensive federal and
state governmental investigations regarding, but not limited to:
o the preparation of Medicare costs reports which we refer to as
the cost reports investigation;
o the relationship between Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation and
the health services business in connection with the purchase,
sale and operation of certain home health agencies which were
owned by Columbia/HCA and managed under contract by a unit of
Olsten, which we refer to as the Columbia/HCA investigation; and
o certain health care practices of Quantum Health Resources, one of
our health services business subsidiaries, including alleged
improper billing and fraud against various federally funded
medical assistance programs, which largely occurred during the
period prior to Olsten's acquisition of Quantum Health Resources
in June 1996, which we refer to as the Quantum investigation.
On July 19, 1999, Olsten entered into written civil and criminal
agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice (and, as to the civil agreement,
the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services) finalizing the settlement of the civil and criminal aspects of the
cost reports investigation and the Columbia/HCA investigation. Pursuant to the
settlement:
o Olsten paid on August 11, 1999 the sum of $61 million to the
Department of Justice, including approximately $10.1 million in
criminal fines and penalties;
o in connection with the Columbia/HCA investigation, a subsidiary
of ours, Kimberly Home Health Care, Inc., pled guilty in the
United States District Courts for the Northern District of
Georgia, the Southern District of Florida and the Middle District
of Florida, respectively, to a criminal violation of the federal
mail fraud, conspiracy and kickback statutes;
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o Kimberly Home Health Care, Inc. has been permanently excluded
from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all other federal
health care programs as defined in 42 U.S.C. ss.1320a-7b(f); and
o Olsten has executed a corporate integrity agreement with the
Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.
In October 1998, Olsten entered into a final settlement agreement with
several government agencies investigating certain past practices of Quantum. The
agreement was entered into with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of
the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the
U.S. Secretary of Defense (for the CHAMPUS/Tricare program), and the Attorneys
General for the States of New York and Oklahoma. Pursuant to the settlement,
Olsten reimbursed the government approximately $4.5 million for certain disputed
claims under the Medicaid and CHAMPUS programs and has entered into a corporate
integrity agreement with several government agencies.
In connection with the split-off, we have agreed to assume, to the
extent permitted by law and the terms of the liabilities, and indemnify Olsten
for, all liabilities of the health services business, including the ongoing
governmental investigations and any future governmental investigations relating
to the health services business. We and our subsidiaries have also agreed to
comply with and be subject to the provisions of the settlement agreements and
corporate integrity agreements entered into with the government, which will
require the expenditure of significant resources over a five year period in
order to comply with the various agreements.
Although substantially all of these pending governmental investigations
have been settled, there can be no assurance that new investigations will not be
conducted, that additional civil or criminal charges related to these or other
unrelated investigations will not be pursued or that other pending government
investigations or any of the terms of the existing settlement agreements and
corporate integrity agreements will not have a material adverse effect on our
business.
For more information on the governmental investigations, see "Business
- -- Government investigations" and for more information on our agreements with
the government, see "Business -- Corporate integrity agreements with the
government".
We are subject to stringent government regulation and the provisions of our
agreements with the government
Our business is subject to extensive federal and state regulations
which govern, among other things, Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS and other
government-funded reimbursement programs, reporting requirements, certification
and licensure standards for certain home health agencies and, in some cases,
certificate-of-need and pharmacy-licensing requirements, and may affect our
participation in Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS and other federal health care
programs. We are also subject to a variety of federal and state regulations
which prohibit fraud and abuse in the delivery of health care services,
including, but not limited to, prohibitions against the offering or making of
direct or indirect payments for the referral of patients, physicians making
referrals under Medicare for clinical services to a home health agency with
which the physician or an immediate family member has certain types of financial
relationship, and the filing of false claims. As part of our business and under
our corporate integrity agreements, we are subject to periodic audits,
examinations and investigations conducted by or at the direction of governmental
investigatory and oversight agencies. Violation of the applicable federal and
state health care regulations can result in a health care provider being
excluded from participation in the Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS and/or any other
federal health care programs, and can also subject the provider to civil and/or
criminal penalties.
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Periodic and random audits conducted by intermediaries may result in a
delay in receipt, or an adjustment to the amounts of reimbursement due or
received under Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS and other federal health care
programs. We have received a Notice of Amount of Program Reimbursement for our
1997 Medicare cost reports from our Medicare fiscal intermediary notifying us
that it disagrees with our methodology of allocating a portion of our overhead.
The Health Care Financing Administration has indicated that it agrees with the
fiscal intermediary. The notice indicates a possible disallowance of
approximately $7 million of costs in 1997. Since we used the same or a similar
methodology for allocating overhead costs in 1998 and 1999, a comparable
disallowance could result for these years. We believe our cost reports are
accurate and consistent with past practice accepted by our Health Care Financing
Administration fiscal intermediary, and will appeal the notice to the Provider
Reimbursement Review Board. We are unable to predict the outcome of the appeal.
In addition, in connection with the government's cost reports
investigation and Columbia/HCA investigation referred to under the heading "--
We have been the subject of government investigations and have entered into
agreements with the government", Olsten executed a corporate integrity agreement
in July 1999 with the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health
and Human Services, which governs certain of our actions until August 18, 2004.
In connection with certain past practices of Quantum referred to under the
heading "-- We have been subject to government investigation and have entered
into agreements with the government", Olsten executed a corporate integrity
agreement in October 1998 with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of
Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S.
Secretary of Defense (for the CHAMPUS/Tricare Program) and the Attorneys General
for the States of New York and Oklahoma which governs certain of our actions
until December 31, 2001. Pursuant to each of the corporate integrity agreements,
we are required, among other things, to maintain a Corporate Compliance Officer
to develop and implement compliance programs, to retain an independent review
organization to perform annual reviews, and to maintain our compliance program
and reporting systems, as well as provide certain training to our employees. The
corporate integrity agreement entered into in connection with the Quantum
investigation applies to our home care infusion business and focuses on the
training and billing of blood factor products for hemophiliacs. The corporate
integrity agreement entered into in connection with the cost reports
investigation and the Columbia/HCA investigation applies to our businesses that
bill the federal government health programs directly for services, such as our
home care nursing business and focuses on issues and training related to cost
report preparation, contracting, medical necessity, and billing of claims. Our
compliance program will be implemented for all newly established or acquired
business units if their type of business is covered by the corporate integrity
agreements. Reports under each integrity agreement will be filed annually with
the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. After
each corporate integrity agreement expires, we will file a final annual report
to the government. If we fail to comply with the terms of either of our
corporate integrity agreements we will be subject to penalties ranging from
$1,500 to $2,500 a day for each day of the breach.
For a more detailed description of the corporate integrity agreements,
see "Business -- Corporate integrity agreements with the government".
We are subject to uncertainty associated with health care reform
In addition to extensive government health care regulation, there are
numerous initiatives on the federal and state levels for comprehensive reforms
affecting the payment for and availability of health care services. It is not
clear at this time what proposals, if any, will be adopted or, if adopted, what
effect the proposals may have on our future business. Aspects of certain of
these health care proposals such as cutbacks in Medicare and Medicaid programs,
containment of health care costs on an interim basis by means that could include
a short-term freeze on rates paid to health care providers, changes in
reimbursement under Medicare and Medicaid programs through the implementation of
prospective payment systems and permitting greater flexibility to the states in
the administration of Medicaid could adversely affect us. Risks related to
payments
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for our services are described in the section of this prospectus under the
heading "-- We are subject to risk involved with reimbursement by government
payors". There can be no assurance that currently proposed or future health care
legislation or other changes in the administration or interpretation of
governmental health care programs will not have an adverse effect on us. Concern
about the potential effects of the proposed reform measures has contributed to
the volatility of the prices of securities of health care companies and
companies in related industries, including our company, and may similarly affect
the price of our common stock in the future to a greater degree. A description
of the various regulations which affect our business is contained in this
prospectus under the heading "Business -- Regulation".
We are involved in various litigations
Olsten and its subsidiaries have been involved in various litigations
arising out of the health services business. In particular, but without
limitation, Olsten and certain of its directors and officers are defendants in:
o a class action asserting claims for violations of the Securities
Act and the Securities Exchange Act and
o a derivative lawsuit arising out of alleged breach of fiduciary
duties in connection with the class action described above and
the governmental investigations described above.
In connection with the split-off, we have agreed to assume, to the
extent permitted by law, and indemnify Olsten for, these actions together with
any other liabilities arising out of the health services business prior to or
after the split-off. We are unable to assess the materiality or costs associated
with these actions at this time. We cannot assure you that these actions, or any
future actions relating to the health services business will not have a material
adverse effect on the health services business. For more information on the
pending litigation described above and certain other litigation in which we are
involved, see "Business -- Legal proceedings".
We are subject to risk involved with reimbursement by government payors
The profitability of our business depends on payment and reimbursement
from governmental and non-governmental third party payors. For the six months
ended July 4, 1999, we derived approximately 16% of our net patient revenue from
Medicare, and 20% of our net patient revenue from Medicaid, state reimbursed
programs and other state/county funding programs, and we expect to continue to
derive a significant portion of our revenue from federal and state reimbursement
programs. Governmental payor sources have instituted cost containment measures
designed to limit payments made to health services providers, and we cannot
assure you that future measures will not adversely affect both the timing and
amount of reimbursement we receive. There can be no assurance that payments
under state or federal governmental programs will remain at levels comparable to
present levels or will be sufficient to cover the costs allocable to patients
eligible for reimbursement pursuant to such programs, particularly with respect
to individual state-administered Medicaid programs, which sometimes provide
lower reimbursement rates than the Medicare program. In addition, we cannot
assure you that the services that we provide and the facilities that we operate
will meet or continue to meet the requirements for participation in such
programs. Some states' Medicaid agencies have instituted review processes for
claims submitted for patients dually eligible under both the Medicare and the
Medicaid programs. These reviews have focused on whether Medicaid paid for
services that should have, instead, been covered by Medicare. We can give no
assurances as to whether these state initiatives may result in any repayment by
us to the state medicaid programs.
Our accounts receivable are subject to collectibility risks
There may be risks that our accounts receivable will be settled for
less than the recorded balances. Most payors have introduced and continue to
introduce cost containment measures designed to limit payments to providers of
health services. Most claims for services under government programs are subject
to audit and final settlement which, because of cost containment initiatives and
the associated uncertainties, may be reim-
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bursed in an amount less than our recorded expected reimbursement amounts.
Managed care providers and traditional indemnity insurers are imposing
increasing pressures on health care providers to reduce costs and share in the
financial risks of providing care, and are increasing the medical review of
claims. The impact of these steps has reduced profit margins, extended the
payment period and made it more difficult to obtain some authorizations and
approvals which could affect the ultimate collectibility of the recorded
accounts receivable balances. During the past year we have made major internal
changes to consolidate billing and collection processing centers, convert to new
software and implement new operating models. While these changes are designed to
improve future operations, they may also create collection risks for the current
accounts receivable balances. Management has assessed these risks associated
with collection for the current accounts receivable balances from third-party
payors and adjusted the recorded balances accordingly.
The industry in which we operate is subject to certain risks
In recent years, the health care industry has undergone significant
changes driven by various efforts to reduce costs, including national health
care reform, trends toward managed care, limits in Medicare coverage and
reimbursement levels, consolidation of health care services companies and
collective purchasing arrangements by office-based health care practitioners. As
a result, in recent years almost 2,000 home health care agencies have gone out
of business.
In October 1997 as part of the Balanced Budget Act, the government
enacted the Interim Payment System for reimbursement of home care services
provided under Medicare. Under this system, the government imposed increased
limitations on reimbursement. As a result, provider reimbursements have been
reduced, and may be subject to further reductions. It also imposed a requirement
that effective on October 1, 2000, the per-visit cost limits should be reduced
by 15%. In the event that a new prospective payment reimbursement system is
implemented for home care services, such a system is expected to result in
overall cost savings to the Medicare reimbursement system of 15% with respect to
home care. While there are industry lobbying efforts to mitigate or change these
requirements, we are unable to predict whether these efforts will be successful.
Our inability to predict accurately or react to changes in the health care
industry could adversely affect our operating results. Continued growth in
managed care and capitated plans have pressured health care providers to find
ways of becoming more cost competitive. Managed care organizations have grown
substantially in terms of the percentage of the population that is covered by
such organizations and in terms of their control over an increasing portion of
the health care economy. Managed care organizations have continued to
consolidate to enhance their ability to influence the delivery of health care
services and to exert pressure to control health care costs.
Commercial payors, such as managed care organizations and traditional
indemnity insurers increasingly are requesting fee structures and other
arrangements providing for the assumption by health care providers of all or a
portion of the financial risk of providing care. The interrelated lowering of
reimbursement rates, increasing medical review of bills for services and
negotiating for reduced contract rates could have a material adverse effect on
our results of operations and liquidity. No assurance can be given that pricing
pressures will not continue or that our business, financial condition and
results of operations will not be adversely affected by these trends. A rapid
increase in the percentage of revenue derived from managed care payors or under
capitated arrangements without a corresponding decrease in our operating costs
could have an adverse impact on our profit margins.
In addition, the health care industry is characterized by a significant
delay between the provision of services and the reimbursement or payment for
such services. This makes working capital management, including prompt and
diligent billing and collection, an important factor in a health care provider's
results of operations and liquidity. There can be no assurance that trends in
the industry will not further extend the collection period and impact our
working capital.
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We operate in a highly competitive industry
The segments of the health care market in which we operate are highly
competitive and fragmented and there are relatively few barriers to entry in our
health care market segments. We could encounter increased competition in the
future from existing competitors or new entrants that may limit our ability to
maintain or increase our market share. Additional information regarding our
competitors is contained in this prospectus under the heading "Business --
Competition".
We may have existing competitors, as well as a number of potential new
competitors, who have greater name recognition, and significantly greater
financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. This may allow them to
devote greater resources than we can to the development and promotion of their
services. These competitors may also engage in more extensive research and
development, undertake more far-reaching marketing campaigns and adopt more
aggressive pricing policies and make more attractive offers to existing and
potential employees and patients. In addition, we compete with a number of
tax-exempt nonprofit organizations which can finance acquisitions and capital
expenditures on a tax-exempt basis or receive charitable contributions
unavailable to us.
We expect that industry forces will likewise impact our competitors,
but that they will strive to improve their service offerings and price
competitiveness. We also expect our competitors to develop new strategic
relationships with providers, referral sources and payors, which could result in
increased competition. The introduction of new and enhanced services,
acquisitions and industry consolidation and the development of strategic
relationships by our competitors could cause a decline in sales or loss of
market acceptance of our services or price competition, or make our services
less attractive. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete
successfully against current or future competitors or that competitive pressures
will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Year 2000 complications may arise
The Year 2000 issue concerns the inability of information systems to
properly recognize and process date-sensitive information beyond January 1,
2000.
Systems critical to our business which have been identified as non-Year
2000 compliant are being replaced as part of a project which is also being
implemented to increase efficiencies. The new infrastructure, which is Year 2000
compliant, is scheduled to be completed by October 31, 1999. Due to the general
uncertainty relating to Year 2000 issues, we are unable to determine whether the
consequences of Year 2000 failures will have a material impact on our results of
operations, liquidity or financial condition, although we do not expect our Year
2000 issues to have such an effect. However, the failure of third parties to
remedy Year 2000 problems could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial conditions and results of operations. For more information on Year
2000 issues, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations".
We are dependent on relationships with certain third parties
The profitability of our business depends in part on our ability to
establish and maintain close working relationships with managed care
organizations, private and governmental third party payors, hospitals,
physicians, physician groups, home health agencies, long-term care facilities
and other institutional health providers, insurance companies and large
self-insured employers, as well as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other
product suppliers. In particular, we are dependent on our relationships with
certain managed care organizations and other commercial payors. In fiscal 1998,
Cigna Healthcare accounted for approximately 9 percent of our revenues. For the
six months ended July 4, 1999, Cigna Healthcare accounted for approximately 11
percent of our revenues. Our three year contract with Cigna Healthcare had an
expiration date of
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December 31, 1998. The contract was amended to extend until
such time that, after 60 days' notice, either party terminated the contract. We
are currently negotiating with Cigna Healthcare to enter into a new contract.
There can be no assurance that we will be successful in improving and
maintaining our relationships or that our existing relationships will be
successfully maintained or that additional relationships will be successfully
developed and maintained in existing or future markets. The loss of any existing
relationships or the failure to continue to develop such relationships in the
future could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations. For additional information on our relationships with
third party payors see "Business -- Payors".
We are dependent on the recruitment and retention of trained personnel
The continued operation of our business, as well as our future growth
and success, depends upon our ability to recruit and retain a staff of
professional personnel, including registered nurses. Some parts of the United
States, including states in which we have operations, are currently experiencing
a shortage of these licensed professionals. We have been affected by this
shortage and have experienced higher labor costs as a result. A continued
prolonged shortage of professionals could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are subject to potential professional liability exposure
The services performed by us involve an inherent risk of professional
liability. While we maintain insurance consistent with industry practice, there
can be no assurance that the amount of insurance currently maintained will
satisfy any claims made against us or that we will be able to obtain insurance
in the future at commercially reasonable rates or in adequate amounts. We cannot
predict the effect that any such claims, regardless of their ultimate outcome,
might have on our business or reputation or on our ability to attract and retain
clients and employees. For more information on our insurance policies after the
split-off, see "The Split-Off -- Terms of the Separation Agreement --
Insurance".
This prospectus includes forward-looking statements which are subject to
uncertainty
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements about the financial
condition, results of operations and business of our company. All statements,
other than statements of historical fact, included in this prospectus, including
without limitation the statements under the headings "Prospectus Summary --
Olsten Health Services", "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business" are, or may be deemed to be,
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You can find
many of these statements by looking for words such as "believes", "expects",
"anticipates", "estimates" or similar expressions used in this prospectus.
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from the forward-looking statements in this prospectus are set forth under the
caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus and also include factors
which are outside of our control, such as changes in government regulations,
industry trends, instability in financial markets and Year 2000 issues. In
addition, our future results are subject to uncertainties relating to our
ability to consummate our business strategy and our ability to function
effectively as a stand-alone public company. All forward-looking statements
attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in
their entirety by those cautionary statements. You are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on such statements.
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THE SPLIT-OFF
This section of this prospectus describes the proposed split-off and
the related transactions. The descriptions set forth below are summaries of the
split-off and the related transactions. We urge you to read the separation
agreement, the merger agreement, the tax sharing agreement and the employee
benefits allocation agreement, each of which is attached to the proxy
statement/prospectus as annexes. We also urge you to read the proxy
statement/prospectus for more information relating to the merger and the other
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
Transfer of health services business to our company
The separation agreement provides a general framework for the transfer
of Olsten's health services business to our company. The separation agreement
also sets forth the terms on which Olsten will conduct its businesses prior to
the split-off, as well as the terms regarding certain relationships between us,
Olsten and Adecco prior to and following the split-off. We encourage you to read
the separation agreement which is attached as Annex C to the proxy
statement/prospectus accompanying this prospectus.
Prior to the split-off and the merger and subject to the terms of the
separation agreement, Olsten will transfer all of the assets and liabilities
relating exclusively to its health services business to us and Olsten will
retain all of the assets and liabilities relating to the staffing services and
the information technology services businesses. As a result, at the effective
time of the split-off and the merger, the health services business will be
conducted by us and our subsidiaries, and the staffing services and the
information technology services businesses will not be transferred to us.
In consideration for the assets transferred to us, we will:
o issue a sufficient number of shares of our common stock to
consummate the split-off and
o assume all the liabilities specified in the separation agreement.
In return, Olsten will transfer to us all of the assets exclusively
used in the health services business, including, but not limited to, the
following assets:
o all of the assets reflected on our balance sheet as of July 4,
1999;
o all shares of capital stock of any subsidiary of Olsten whose
operations relate exclusively to the health services business;
o all contracts and agreements that relate exclusively to the
health services business;
o all leases for real property at locations where the operations
relate exclusively to the health services business;
o all intellectual property that is used exclusively by the health
services business, except intellectual property including the
name "Olsten";
o all books, records and files relating exclusively to the health
services business and
o all insurance policies that exclusively cover the health services
business.
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Olsten will also assign to us, and we will assume, specified
liabilities, including, all liabilities arising out of or associated with the
operations of the health services business, whether arising before or after the
split-off, including, but not limited to, the liabilities described under the
headings "Business -- Governmental investigations" and "-- Legal proceedings",
the debentures of Quantum Health Services, Inc. described under the heading "The
Split-Off -- Certain indebtedness of our company", all other indebtedness
appearing on the balance sheet of the health services business and the
liabilities of Olsten with respect to any excise tax obligations under Messrs.
Blechschmidt's and Olsten's agreements described under the heading "Interests of
Certain Persons in the Transactions" in the proxy statement/prospectus.
Prior to the split-off, Olsten will take certain actions as our sole
stockholder to establish us as an independent company. These actions include:
o adopting the amended and restated certificate of incorporation
and bylaws of Olsten Health Services to be in effect at the time
of the split-off;
o electing as our directors the individuals named in this
prospectus and causing the appointment of officers of Olsten
Health Services to serve in the capacities stated in this
prospectus and
o adopting various compensation and benefit plans for our
directors, officers and employees to be in effect immediately
following the split-off.
Terms of the separation agreement
The separation agreement contains provisions for the operation of our
company prior to the split-off and governs various continuing relations between
Olsten, Adecco and us, including, but not limited to, the provisions described
below.
Insurance
Olsten has agreed to maintain in effect through the time of the
split-off all insurance that was in force as of the date of the execution of the
separation agreement. Following the split-off, Olsten and Adecco will be
responsible for providing insurance coverage for the businesses retained by
Olsten and we will be responsible for providing insurance coverage for the
health services business. Olsten has agreed to assist us in obtaining insurance
which will provide coverage to us, our subsidiaries and the health services
business comparable to the coverage in effect prior to the split-off.
Prior to the split-off, Olsten will transfer to us all insurance
policies that are exclusively for the benefit of the health services business
and Olsten will retain all other insurance policies. With respect to the
policies of Olsten and its subsidiaries on the date of the separation agreement
that cover both the health services business and the businesses retained by
Olsten, which we refer to as the shared policies, we and our subsidiaries will
be entitled to the benefits of those policies for all liabilities arising out of
actions and conduct prior to the time of the split-off. With respect to the
shared policies, from and after the split-off, Olsten will be responsible for
all claims administration and financial administration of all policies. We have
agreed to pay all premiums for the shared policies with respect to any
liabilities of the health services business. We have also agreed to compensate
Olsten for all expenses and costs of administration incurred by them on our
behalf in connection with the shared policies.
Following the split-off, we are required to promptly notify Olsten of
all claims covered by a shared policy that are asserted after the date of the
split-off that relate to occurrences prior to the split-off and Olsten will be
responsible for notifying the appropriate insurance carrier. Olsten will have
final authority to compromise and settle any claim under any shared policy so
long as it obtains a release on our behalf and, if the
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settlement includes a remedy other than monetary damages within coverage limits,
Olsten will be required to obtain our consent. Olsten will be responsible for
allocating all insurance proceeds received by it under shared policies. In
instances where we and Olsten have a common claim, the insurance proceeds will
be allocated pro rata between Olsten and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and
us and our subsidiaries, on the other hand, except in the event the proceeds
relate to a claim against both Olsten and us relating to the health services
business prior to the split-off. In those instances, Olsten will be paid in full
with respect to the claim prior to any proceeds being distributed to us.
Intellectual property
Olsten will transfer to us all rights and ownership in names,
trademarks and service marks used exclusively by the health services business,
other than, without limitation, names, trademarks and service marks bearing the
name "Olsten". With respect to those names, trademarks and service marks that
are used by the health services business and include the name "Olsten" as well
as certain other names, trademarks and service marks which are not being
transferred to us, Olsten has granted us a royalty-free license to use those
names for a period of one year from the date of the split-off. We also have the
right, pursuant to the license, to utilize existing brochures, supplies and
other materials bearing the Olsten names for up to one year from the date of the
split-off.
Transitional services
For one year after the split-off, Olsten has agreed to provide or make
available to us and our subsidiaries, on a cost basis as agreed to by the
parties, certain transition services as may be requested by us. Those services
include tax preparation and filing, legal services, information technology
support and administrative services, procurement services and other services as
agreed to between us, Olsten and Adecco.
Leases of real property
Olsten has agreed to provide office space for our headquarters at the
Olsten headquarters at 175 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, New York 11747-8905
without charge for a period of six months from the date of the split-off. We
have also agreed to use our best efforts to relocate our headquarters promptly,
but in no event later than six months after the date of the split-off. In
addition, prior to the split-off, all leases for real property used exclusively
by the health services business will be transferred to us and our subsidiaries
and any leases for real property shared by the health services business and the
businesses retained by Olsten will be modified, transferred or terminated as
agreed by us and Olsten.
Covenants
We and Olsten have also agreed that, between the date of the separation
agreement and the effective time of the merger, the health services business and
the staffing services and information technology businesses of Olsten and its
subsidiaries will be operated in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice in nature, manner and amount, including, to the extent
practicable, levels and relationships of asset, liability, revenue, expense, and
cash flow items and totals within the respective businesses. Additionally, with
respect to our company, prior to October 31, 1999 and Olsten and its
subsidiaries and its retained businesses prior to the effective time of the
merger, neither Olsten nor our company nor any of their or our subsidiaries
will, without the prior written consent of Adecco:
o make or fail to make any capital expenditure other than pursuant
to the approved capital expenditure plan;
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o make any change to the billing processes for services, other than
as may be related to planned system improvement;
o discount, securitize or consign accounts receivable;
o change the aging of accounts payable in effect as of the date of
the separation agreement or payment practices for them; or
o except for cash transfers made in the ordinary course of business
through and reflected in the intercompany balance, transfer or
encumber assets except in the ordinary course of business in arms
length transactions.
Intercompany loan balance
The separation agreement provides that on October 31, 1999:
(1) the intercompany loan balance which reflects cash transfers
between Olsten and the health services business will be frozen;
(2) Olsten will establish a new intercompany account to record
intercompany transactions for the period from October 31, 1999
through the date of the merger;
(3) if the sum of (a) indebtedness for borrowed money, (b) the
deferred purchase price of property and (c) up to $10 million of
transaction fees related to the transactions contemplated by the
separation agreement and the merger agreement, less cash on hand
(referred to as net debt) of Olsten and its subsidiaries (after
giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the separation
agreement) is (i) greater than $750 million, then the new
intercompany account will reflect a payable by us to Olsten equal
to the amount of the excess, or (ii) less than $750 million, then
Olsten will pay to us cash on October 31, 1999, in an amount
equal to the shortfall or (iii) equal to $750 million, then the
new intercompany account will open with a zero balance; and
(4) on November 1, 1999, Olsten will establish a cash management
system for the health services business and related accounts and
the health services business will cease participation in Olsten's
cash management system.
Between October 31, 1999 and the effective time of the merger (1) all
cash receipts and disbursements of the health services business will be required
to be made through the health services business cash management account and (2)
all transfers of cash or other assets (other than those contemplated by the
separation agreement) or transactions, including management fees and
intercompany loans between the retained business of Olsten, on the one hand, and
the health services business, on the other, will be reflected in the new
intercompany account and (3) management fees will be paid by us to Olsten on the
same basis as prior to October 31, 1999.
In addition, we and Olsten have agreed that, at the time of the merger,
(1) the intercompany balance as of October 31, 1999 will be contributed to the
capital of the health services business and (2) the new intercompany account
balance will be settled by either us or Olsten, as the case may be, by
delivering to the other cash in an amount equal to the amount, if any, owing to
the other together with simple interest at 6% per annum from October 31, 1999 on
the average daily balance.
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Indemnification
From and after the date of the split-off, we will indemnify and hold
harmless Olsten and its subsidiaries and each of its directors and officers from
and against any losses arising out of or related to: (1) any liabilities of our
company and our subsidiaries assumed under the separation agreement including
all liabilities arising out of or associated with the operation of the health
services business, whether arising before or after the split-off, (2) any
material misstatements or omissions with respect to information in the proxy
statement/prospectus or this prospectus related to our business or the
split-off, (3) any misrepresentation or breach of any warranty in the separation
agreement made by us, (4) any breach of any agreement or covenant under the
separation agreement made by us, (5) liabilities resulting from any Olsten
stockholder exercising appraisal rights in connection with the split-off and (6)
any cash paid to Olsten stockholders in lieu of fractional shares of our common
stock.
From and after the split-off, Olsten will indemnify and hold harmless
our company and our subsidiaries and each of our directors and officers from and
against any losses arising out of or related to any liabilities of the staffing
services and information technology businesses assumed under the separation
agreement and any breach of any agreement or covenant under the separation
agreement made by Olsten after the date of the split-off.
Sales and Other Transfer Taxes
All sales and other transfer taxes (excluding any income or franchise
taxes) payable in connection with the merger shall be borne 100% by Olsten. All
other sales and other transfer taxes payable in connection with the transactions
contemplated by the separation agreement shall be borne 100% by Olsten Health
Services.
Expenses
All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and
implementation of the separation agreement and the transactions contemplated by
the separation agreement will be paid by the party incurring the expense.
Olsten's chief financial officer has final authority in determining which entity
incurred the expense.
Amendments
The separation agreement may not be amended without the written consent
of Olsten, Adecco and our company.
Manner of effecting the split-off
At the effective time of the merger, each stockholder of Olsten common
stock and class B common stock who does not properly dissent from the merger
will receive .25 shares of our common stock, together with the merger
consideration, in exchange for each share of Olsten stock owned by them. In the
event an Olsten stockholder would receive a fraction of a share of our common
stock as a result of the split-off, the Olsten stockholder will receive,
instead, cash in an amount equal to the number of fractional shares of our
common stock they would receive in the split-off multiplied by the last reported
sale price of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on the
first full trading day following the split-off. In order to receive shares of
our common stock and the merger consideration, holders of Olsten stock must
surrender their certificates and follow the other instructions contained in the
letter of transmittal which will be sent to you by the exchange agent after the
date of the split-off and merger.
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<PAGE>
Certain indebtedness of our company
Quantum debentures
The following summary of certain provisions of Quantum Health
Resources, Inc.'s 4 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures does not purport to
be complete and is subject to, and qualified by reference to all of the
provisions of the indenture referred to below. Following the split-off, the
debentures will continue to be Quantum's debt and will not be assumed by nor
will Olsten be liable for the debentures.
Quantum, a subsidiary of ours, has approximately $78.6 million
aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 4 3/4% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures. The debentures mature on October 1, 2000. The debentures were issued
under an indenture dated October 8, 1993, as amended on June 28, 1996, between
Quantum and First Trust National Association, as Trustee. Initially, Quantum
issued approximately $86.3 million debentures, of which approximately $7.7
million debentures were retired in January 1999. Interest on the debentures is
payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The payment of the
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the debentures are
subordinate and subject to the prior payment in full of all senior indebtedness
of Quantum.
The debentures are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of
Quantum, at a redemption price of 100.68% of the principal amount to be
redeemed. If a change of control of Quantum occurs without prior approval of the
board of directors, each holder of debentures will have the right, at the
holder's option, to require Quantum to repurchase all or any portion of such
holder's debentures at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of
the debentures to be repurchased.
The debentures are convertible into class B common stock of Olsten at
$52.26 per share. Following the split-off, the debentures will be convertible,
on or prior to September 1, 2000, into (1) our stock, as the split-off
consideration, and (2) the merger consideration as if the holder of the
debenture held the number of shares of Olsten's class B common stock that the
debentures would have been convertible into, in accordance with the indenture,
immediately prior to the merger and the split-off and as if the holder made a
non-election (as defined in the merger agreement) of cash and Adecco American
Depositary Shares. The merger consideration consists of $8.75 in cash or .12472
American Depositary Shares or a combination thereof and the split-off
consideration of .25 shares of our common stock, in each case, for each share of
class B common stock. Quantum will pay Adecco the fair market value of any
Adecco American Depositary Shares issued in accordance with the indenture prior
to Adecco issuing such shares to the debenture holder.
The indenture contains certain covenants, including a restriction,
subject to certain limitations, on Quantum's ability to consolidate with or
merge into any other person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and
assets substantially as an entirety to any person. The debentures contain
certain customary events of default, including, but not limited to:
(1) a default in any payment of interest or principal (including due
to a required repurchase) on the debentures,
(2) failure of Quantum to perform any covenant or warranty in the
indenture,
(3) a default under any indebtedness for borrowed money of Quantum or
any of its subsidiaries and such indebtedness being accelerated
and
(4) certain bankruptcy events.
-24-
<PAGE>
Senior credit facility
We are currently negotiating with lenders to obtain a committed credit
facility of at least $100 million.
Listing of our common stock; Restrictions on resale
We will apply for approval for quotation of our common stock on the
Nasdaq National Market. The Olsten Health Services common stock you will receive
in the split-off will be freely tradeable under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, except for shares received by persons who may be deemed "affiliates" of
ours within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act or who may be
deemed to have been affiliates of ours within the meaning of Rule 145 under the
Securities Act. Persons who may be deemed to be affiliates of ours after the
split-off generally include individuals or entities that control, are controlled
by, or are under common control with our company or, prior to the split-off,
Olsten, and may include the directors and executive officers of our company or,
prior to the split-off, Olsten and our or, prior to the split-off, Olsten's
principal stockholders. Persons who are affiliates of ours will be permitted to
sell their shares of our common stock only pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act. The registration statement of
which this prospectus forms a part will not cover resales of our common stock by
our affiliates. You are encouraged to read the information in this prospectus
described under the heading "Shares Eligible for Future Sales".
Terms of the employee benefits allocation agreement
General
In connection with the separation agreement, we entered into an
employee benefits allocation agreement with Olsten in order to set forth our
respective rights and obligations concerning employees, former employees and
certain employee benefits and other matters related to plans, programs and
practices maintained by Olsten prior to the split-off for the benefit of
employees, officers and directors of Olsten and its affiliates. We encourage you
to read the employee benefits allocation agreement, which is attached as an
exhibit to Annex C of the proxy statement/prospectus.
Prior to the split-off, our company and Olsten will allocate the
employees of Olsten and its subsidiaries between our company and Olsten.
Employees who are primarily engaged in the health services business will become
our employees after the split-off and employees who are primarily engaged in
Olsten's retained businesses will not become our employees after the split-off.
All employees that are not engaged primarily in one particular business of
Olsten prior to the split-off will be allocated on terms acceptable to Olsten
and us. Subject to the terms of the employee benefits allocation agreement, we
have agreed to assume all obligations and liabilities for wages, salaries,
welfare, pension, incentive compensation and other employee-related liabilities
with respect to employees who will become our employees after the split-off and
former employees of our business. The following is a summary of certain
provisions of the employee benefits allocation agreement.
Compensation Benefits Plans
Effective as of the date of the split-off, we will generally retain all
benefit obligations with respect to our employees and former employees of our
business and Olsten will have no further liability with respect to them. Our
employees will not continue to participate in Olsten's plans and instead will be
eligible to participate in our plans. We will treat each of our employee's
service with Olsten and its subsidiaries prior to the split-off as service with
our company for purposes of determining eligibility to participate, eligibility
for benefits and vesting under our compensation benefit plans.
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<PAGE>
Qualified Savings Plans
We will establish one or more qualified savings plans for the benefit
of our employees, and we will give credit to our employees for all service with
Olsten and its subsidiaries prior to the split-off for purposes of determining
eligibility and vesting under our savings plans. As soon as practicable after
the split-off, Olsten will cause all assets for the benefit of our employees and
former employees of our business under Olsten's qualified savings plans to be
transferred to our new qualified savings plans. We and our qualified savings
plans will then assume all liabilities with respect to our employees under our
savings plans and Olsten's qualified savings plans and Olsten will have no
further liability with respect to those employees' and former employees' rights
under the Olsten plans. Prior to the split-off, we will be responsible for
making required contributions to the Olsten savings plans for our employees.
Nonqualified Retirement and Savings Plans
As soon as practicable after the split-off, we will provide our
employees with benefits under our new nonqualified retirement and savings plans,
and we will assume all liabilities and obligations to our employees and former
employees of our business for benefits under Olsten's nonqualified plans. Our
employees will cease accruing benefits under Olsten's nonqualified plans. In
addition, following the split-off we will establish one or more trusts in
connection with our nonqualified plans, and assets attributable to benefits of
our employees and former employees of our business will be transferred from
Olsten's corresponding trusts to our trusts.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Prior to the closing of the merger, we will establish a nonqualified
supplemental executive retirement plan substantially similar to the Olsten plan
and shall assume, all liabilities and obligations with respect to employees of
Olsten Health Services, Mr. Blechschmidt and former employees of Olsten.
We will be liable for the funding of liabilities under the Olsten Health
Services Plan to the extent, if any, that these liabilities are in excess of the
assets transferred to Olsten Health Services.
Welfare Benefit Plans
Effective as of the date of the split-off, we will establish or
otherwise maintain for our employees medical, dental and other employee welfare
benefit plans with substantially similar terms as those maintained by Olsten
prior to the split-off. All of our employees will be eligible for immediate
participation in our plans and all employment with Olsten will be credited for
each employee. Effective as of the split-off, we will assume all liabilities
relating to claims and premiums under those welfare benefit plans with respect
to our employees or former employees of our business.
Equity Based Compensation Plans
Pursuant to the employee benefits allocation agreement, effective as of
the date of the split-off, all options to purchase stock of Olsten held by our
employees and former employees of our business will be assumed by us and either
retired, to the extent permitted by Olsten's plans and applicable option
agreements, in exchange for cash, or converted into options to purchase our
common stock in accordance with our plans. It is expected that options to
purchase Olsten stock held by our employees will be converted into options to
purchase our common stock.
Bonus Plans
We will be responsible for all annual bonus payments for our employees
in respect of the calendar year when the split-off is consummated.
Terms of the tax sharing agreement
In connection with the separation agreement, we entered into a tax
sharing agreement with Olsten and Adecco, to allocate liability for certain
taxes and to address certain other tax matters. We encourage you to read the tax
sharing agreement, which is attached as an exhibit to Annex C of the proxy
statement/prospectus. The tax sharing agreement will become effective at the
effective time of the merger. If the merger agreement
-26-
<PAGE>
is terminated for any reason, the tax sharing agreement shall terminate and no
party shall have any liability under the agreement.
The tax sharing agreement provides that Olsten shall be liable for, and
shall indemnify us for, all taxes not specifically allocated to us.
With respect to all income taxes attributable to taxable periods prior
to the split-off that were imposed on Olsten and/or one or more subsidiaries of
Olsten on a consolidated or combined basis, we will generally be liable, and
will indemnify Olsten, only for the portion of those income taxes that is
attributable to us or entities that will be subsidiaries of ours immediately
after the split-off. However, we have also agreed to indemnify Olsten (1) for
any incremental income taxes imposed on Olsten as a result of the distribution
of our stock pursuant to the split-off, (2) for any incremental income taxes
imposed on Olsten as a result of a disallowance of certain income tax deductions
related to the health services business and (3) if certain refunds to be claimed
by Olsten are denied due to the disallowance of certain net operating losses of
ours or entities that will be subsidiaries of ours immediately after the
split-off. We have also agreed to bear 50% of any incremental income taxes
imposed on Olsten, us or our or their affiliates that result from (i)
pre-split-off transfers of assets or liabilities pursuant to the separation
agreement or (ii) the triggering of certain deferred gains as a result of the
split-off, other than any deferred gain in our common stock for which we are
100% liable (as described in the preceding sentence).
Olsten generally is entitled to 100% of any tax refunds or other tax
benefits received with respect to consolidated or combined income taxes
attributable to taxable periods prior to the split-off.
All taxes attributable to taxable periods prior to the split-off other
than consolidated or combined income taxes described above shall remain the
responsibility of the entity on whom primary legal liability for the tax is
imposed.
Other agreements with Olsten directors and officers
Mr. Stuart Olsten has agreed not to compete with our company for a
period of four years from the date of the merger for a lump sum payment of
$250,000, payable upon consummation of the merger. In addition, one executive
officer of Olsten will be retained as a consultant of our company for a period
of six months from the date of the merger for a payment of $200,000 payable
during the term of the consulting period.
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<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our historical and pro forma
capitalization as of July 4, 1999 on an actual basis and as adjusted to give
effect to the split-off and the issuance of our shares of common stock in
connection with the split-off.
July 4, 1999
-------------------------
Historical As Adjusted
------------- ------------
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Long-term debt:
Senior credit facility ............. $ -- $ -- (1)
--------- ---------
Quantum debentures ................. 78,562 78,562
Total long-term debt ............. $ 78,562 $ 78,562
--------- ---------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock ....................... $ -- $ 2,034(2)
--------- ---------
Additional paid-in-capital (2)(3) .. 660,195 657,261
---------
Accumulated deficit ................ (15,655) (15,655)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,306) (2,306)
--------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity ....... 642,234 641,334
--------- ----------
Total capitalization ............. $ 720,796 $ 719,896
========= =========
(1) On or prior to the date of the split-off we will enter into a committed
credit facility with a line of credit of at least $100 million for our
working capital and other general corporate purposes. If on the date of the
split-off, the new intercompany account reflects an amount due to Olsten,
we may borrow under the credit facility to satisfy the obligation.
(2) To adjust Olsten Health Services common stock based upon 81,342,820 of
outstanding shares of Olsten at July 4, 1999, adjusted for the .25 shares
of common stock of Olsten Health Services that each Olsten shareholder will
receive upon consummation of the split-off.
(3) As adjusted additional paid-in-capital reflects $28,600 of cash from Olsten
offset by a $29,500 deferred tax asset resulting from net operating losses
which will be utilized by Olsten as indicated on the Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Balance Sheet.
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<PAGE>
DIVIDEND POLICY
We do not expect to pay any dividends on our common stock for the
foreseeable future. Any future payments of dividends and the amount of the
dividend will be determined by our board of directors from time to time based on
our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future
prospects and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
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<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following provides unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data
of Olsten Health Services for the year ended January 3, 1999 and as of and for
the six months ended July 4, 1999, reflecting adjustments to the historical
consolidated financial data giving effect to estimated costs and expenses,
transfers of cash and the issuance of Olsten Health Services shares of common
stock associated with the split-off.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements have been
prepared assuming that the split-off and related transactions occurred as of the
date of the balance sheet, for purposes of the pro forma consolidated balance
sheet and as of the first day of fiscal 1998, for purposes of the pro forma
consolidated statements of income.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements do not
reflect the consolidated results of operations or financial position that would
have existed had the split-off been effected on the dates specified nor are they
necessarily indicative of future results. The unaudited pro forma consolidated
financial statements and adjustments should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and our historical consolidated financial statements and the notes
thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.
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<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Six Months Ended July 4, 1999
(In thousands, except share data)
Pro Forma
Historical Adjustments Pro Forma
---------- ----------- ---------
Service sales, management fees
and other income.............. $ 740,733 $ 600(1) $741,333
Cost of services sold............ 487,817 -- 487,817
---------- --------- -----------
Gross profit.................. 252,916 600 253,516
Selling, general and
administrative expenses....... 257,427 2,600(2) 260,027
Interest expense, net............ 2,057 5,600(3) 7,657
Interest expense on intercompany
debt.......................... 6,500 (6,500)(4) --
---------- --------- -----------
Loss before income taxes...... (13,068) (1,100) (14,168)
Income tax benefit............... (2,697) (400)(5) (3,097)
----------- --------- -----------
Net loss...................... $ (10,371) $(700) $ (11,071)
========== =========== ===========
Share Information:
Basic and diluted loss per share. $ (103,710) $ (0.54)
Average shares outstanding(6).... 100 20,335,705
- ---------------------------
(1) To reflect the estimated net change in Medicare reimbursement as a result
of the split-off from Olsten and the creation of new corporate functions
for Olsten Health Services.
(2) Represents management's estimate of the incremental costs associated with
becoming a stand-alone public entity. Such costs relate primarily to the
following corporate departments which must be developed: legal, risk
management, tax, treasury, human resources and public relations, as well as
other activities.
(3) Represents interest expense on weighted average outstanding bank borrowings
of approximately $150 million for the six months ended July 4, 1999. Such
level of borrowings assumes that Olsten Corporation will have net debt on
October 31, 1999 of $800 million. Based on this assumption, Olsten Health
Services will receive from Olsten approximately $29 million of cash at
October 31, 1999. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(4) Reflects the elimination of interest expense relating to intercompany debt,
which was contributed to the capital of our company.
(5) To reflect the tax effect of the above pro forma adjustments.
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<PAGE>
(6) The number of shares used to compute pro forma basic and diluted loss per
share is based upon the number of outstanding shares of Olsten adjusted for
the .25 shares of common stock of Olsten Health Services that each Olsten
shareholder will receive upon consummation of the split-off.
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<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended January 3, 1999
(In thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
Historical Adjustments Pro Forma
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service sales, management fees and
other income.................... $ 1,330,303 $ (900)(1) $ 1,329,403
Cost of services sold.............. 908,896 -- 908,896
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit.................. 421,407 (900) 420,507
Selling, general and
administrative expenses......... 552,528 5,200(2) 557,728
Interest expense, net.............. 4,414 3,200(3) 7,614
Interest expense on inter-
company debt.................... 13,000 (13,000)(4) --
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before income taxes...... (148,535) 3,700 (144,835)
Income tax benefit................. (47,070) 1,300(5) (45,770)
------------ ----------- -----------
Net loss...................... $ (101,465) $ 2,400 $ (99,065)
=========== ========== ===========
Share Information:
Basic and diluted loss per share... $ (1,014,650) $ (4.87)
Average shares outstanding(6)...... 100 20,335,705
</TABLE>
- ---------------------------
(1) To reflect the estimated net change in Medicare reimbursement as a result
of the split-off from Olsten and the creation of new corporate functions
for Olsten Health Services.
(2) Represents management's estimate of the incremental costs associated with
becoming a stand-alone public entity. Such costs relate primarily to the
following corporate departments which must be developed: legal, risk
management, tax, treasury, human resources and public relations, as well as
other activities. In connection with the split-off, Olsten Health Services
will incur approximately $10 million of financial advisory fees, payments
of $250,000 to a director of Olsten and $200,000 to an executive officer of
Olsten pursuant to the agreements described under the heading "The
Split-Off -- Other agreements with Olsten directors and executive officers"
and the cost of reimbursing certain excise tax under Mr. Blechschmidt's
agreement described under the heading "Interests of Certain Persons in the
Transactions" in the proxy statement/prospectus, which could approximate
$2.6 million. Such costs have not been included as an adjustment in the pro
forma consolidated statement of income. Such costs have not been included
as adjustments in the pro forma consolidated statement of income.
(3) Represents interest expense on weighted average outstanding bank borrowings
of approximately $40 million for the year ended January 3, 1999. Such level
of borrowings assumes that Olsten Corporation will have net debt on October
31, 1999 of $800 million. Based on this assumption, Olsten Health Services
will receive from Olsten approximately $29 million of cash at October 31,
1999. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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<PAGE>
(4) Reflects the elimination of interest expense relating to intercompany debt.
(5) To reflect the tax effect of the above pro forma adjustments.
(6) The number of shares used to compute pro forma basic and diluted loss per
share is based upon the number of outstanding shares of Olsten adjusted for
the .25 shares of common stock of Olsten Health Services that each Olsten
shareholder will receive upon consummation of the split-off.
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<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
As of July 4, 1999
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
Historical Adjustments Pro Forma
ASSETS
Current assets
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash ...................................... $-- $ 28,600(1) $ 28,600
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful
accounts .................................. 552,619 -- 552,619
Other current assets ...................... 149,932 (29,500)(2) 120,432
----------- ----------- -----------
Total current assets ................ 702,551 (900) 701,651
Fixed assets, net ............................ 59,198 -- 59,198
Intangibles, principally goodwill, net ....... 248,665 -- 248,665
Other assets ................................. 2,051 -- 2,051
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 1,012,465 $ (900) $ 1,011,565
=========== =========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Accrued expenses ............................. $ 148,474 $ 6,500(3) $ 154,974
Other current liabilities .................... 104,859 -- 104,859
----------- ----------- -----------
Total current liabilities ........... 253,333 6,500 259,833
Long-term debt ............................... 78,562 -- 78,562
Other liabilities ............................ 38,336 -- 38,336
Shareholder's equity
Common stock ................................. -- 2,034(4) 2,034
Additional paid-in capital(1)(2)(3) ....... 660,195 (2,934) 657,261
Accumulated deficit ....................... (15,655) (6,500) (22,155)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ...... (2,306) -- (2,306)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total shareholder's equity ..... 642,234 (7,400) 643,834
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 1,012,465 $ (900) $ 1,011,565
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
(1) This cash from Olsten assumes that Olsten has net debt on October 31, 1999
of $800 million. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) In accordance with the tax sharing agreement, any net operating losses
generated up to the split-off will be carried back and utilized by Olsten.
As a result, the deferred tax asset is charged against additional paid in
capital.
(3) To accrue for approximately $10 million of financial advisory fees which
Olsten Health Services will incur in connection with the split-off. Such
accrual is reflected net of related tax benefit.
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<PAGE>
(4) To adjust Olsten Health Services common stock based upon 81,342,820
outstanding shares of Olsten at July 4, 1999, adjusted for the .25 shares
of common stock of Olsten Health Services that each Olsten shareholder will
receive upon consummation of the split-off. Does not reflect the amount, if
any, by which liabilities of Olsten Health Services under the supplemental
executive retirement plan it will establish prior to the closing of the
merger exceed funds transferred to Olsten Health Services with respect to
these liabilities.
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<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
OF OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
The following table provides selected consolidated financial data of
Olsten Health Services for each of the fiscal years in the five-year period
ended January 3, 1999 and for the six-month periods ended July 4, 1999 and June
28, 1998. The data as of and for each of the fiscal years in the three-year
period ended January 3, 1999 have been derived from our audited consolidated
financial statements, included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated
financial data as of and for each of the fiscal years in the two-year period
ended December 31, 1995 and the six months ended July 4, 1999 and June 28, 1998
have been derived from our unaudited financial statements, and they include, in
the opinion of our management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the
data for those periods. The historical consolidated financial information
presents Olsten Health Services' results of operations and financial position as
if we were a separate entity for all periods presented. The historical financial
information may not be indicative of our future performance and may not
necessarily reflect what the financial position and results of operations of
Olsten Health Services would have been had we operated as a separate stand-alone
entity during the periods covered. You should read this data in conjunction with
our financial statements and notes to the financial statements, which are
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended For the Six Months Ended
--------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------
June 28, July 4,
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -------- ----------
(unaudited) (unaudited) (53 weeks) (unaudited) (unaudited)
(In thousands except share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations
Data:
Service sales,
management fees and
other income .......... $ 1,422,315 $ 1,369,382 $ 1,374,353 $ 1,433,854 $1,330,303 $647,167 $ 740,733
Gross profit ............ 523,360 525,261 511,940 520,586 421,407 190,935 252,916
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 410,308 436,674 421,222 460,254 552,528 259,332 257,427
Net income (loss) ....... 67,621 45,163 (2,877) 26,847 (101,465) (50,796) (10,371)
Net income (loss) per
share ................. 676,210 451,630 (28,770) 268,470 (1,014,650) (507,960) (103,710)
Average shares
outstanding ........... 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Other Data:
Earnings (loss) before
interest, taxes,
depreciation and
amortization(1) ....... $ 133,724 $ 113,161 $ 42,906(2) $ 89,825 $ (99,720)(3) $(53,166)(4) $ 12,895(5)
Depreciation and
amortization .......... 20,672 24,574 27,008 29,493 31,401 15,231 17,406
Balance Sheet Data
(at end of period):
Working capital ......... $ 226,899 $ 326,681 $ 334,512 $ 346,135 $ 367,915 $362,024 $ 449,218
Total assets ............ 645,556 739,438 785,341 783,478 945,738 815,921 1,012,465
Long-term debt .......... 86,250 86,250 86,250 86,250 86,250 86,250 78,562
Shareholder's equity .... 384,935 516,716 541,737 530,270 561,859 541,424 642,234
----------
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
- ---------------------
(1) EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flow in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and does not represent the measure of cash
available for distribution. EBITDA is commonly used to analyze companies on
the basis of operating performance, leverage and liquidity. EBITDA is not
intended as an alternative to earnings from continuing operations or net
income.
(2) EBITDA in fiscal 1996 reflects merger, integration and other non-recurring
charges totaling approximately $75 million. These charges resulted from the
Quantum acquisition of $39 million; $30 million of allowances for a change
in the methodology used by Medicare for computing reimbursements in prior
years related to our home health care business; and Quantum's charge of
$5.5 million related to the settlement of shareholder litigation. See Note
4 to the Olsten Health Services' Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) EBITDA in fiscal 1998 reflects non-recurring charges and other adjustments
of $66 million related to the restructuring of our businesses and a special
charge of $56 million for the settlement of two federal investigations.
These provisions include a reduction in revenues of $14 million, a charge
to cost of sales of $15 million and $93 million in selling, general and
administrative expenses. See Note 4 to the Olsten Health Services'
Consolidated Financial Statements.
(4) EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 1998 reflects non-recurring
charges and other adjustments of approximately $64 million related to the
restructuring of Olsten Health Services businesses. This provision includes
a reduction in revenues of $14 million, a charge to cost of sales of $15
million and $35 million in selling, general and administrative expenses.
See Note 4 to the Olsten Health Services' Consolidated Financial Statement.
(5) EBITDA for the six months ended July 4, 1999 reflects a special charge of
$17 million for the realignment of business units as part of a new
restructuring plan. This charge is included in selling, general and
administrative expenses. See Note 4 to the Olsten Health Services'
Consolidated Financial Statements.
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<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction
with the selected historical consolidated financial data and consolidated
financial statements, including the notes to the financial statements, appearing
in this prospectus. The following discussion and analysis contains certain
"forward-looking statements" which are subject to certain risks, uncertainties
and contingencies, including, but not limited to, those set forth under the
heading "Risk Factors", which could cause our actual business, results of
operations or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in,
or implied by, those statements.
General
We are and until the split-off will continue to be a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Olsten. Olsten provides certain administrative services to us,
including legal, risk management, tax, treasury, human resources, public
relations and other functions. In addition, we have historically participated in
Olsten's centralized cash management system. After October 31, 1999, we will
operate our own cash management system. Prior to the split-off, all of the
assets and liabilities of the health services business of Olsten and its
subsidiaries will be transferred to us pursuant to the terms of the separation
agreement. Simultaneously with the merger of Olsten and Adecco, Olsten will
split-off to its stockholders all of the outstanding common stock of Olsten
Health Services in exchange for a portion of their shares of Olsten and we will
become an independent, publicly owned company. As an independent company, we
expect we may incur additional legal, risk management, tax, treasury, human
resources and administrative and other expenses that we and our subsidiaries did
not experience as wholly-owned subsidiaries of Olsten. The historical
consolidated financial information presents Olsten Health Services' results of
operations and financial position as if the health services business was a
separate entity for all periods presented. The historical financial information
may not be indicative of our future performance and may not necessarily reflect
what the financial position and results of operations of Olsten Health Services
would have been had we operated as a separate stand-alone entity during the
periods covered.
We provide home health care through our caregivers, including licensed
health care personnel, such as registered nurses. We offer a broad range of
services, including physician-prescribed skilled nursing; pediatric and
perinatal care; physical, occupational, neurological and speech therapies;
assistance with personal hygiene; feeding, dressing and housekeeping;
intravenous and oral administration of drugs, nutrients and other solutions;
institutional, occupational and alternate site staffing and disease management
programs.
The home healthcare industry in which we operate has undergone
significant changes due to government regulation. In October 1997, as a part of
the Balanced Budget Act, the government enacted the Interim Payment System
("IPS") for reimbursement of home care services provided under Medicare. Prior
to enactment of the IPS, home care services were reimbursed based on cost
subject to a per-visit limit determined by the Health Care Financing
Administration. The IPS reimburses home care services based on costs, subject to
both a per-beneficiary limit and a per-visit limit. Further, the IPS reduced the
per-visit limit to 1994 levels. It also imposed a requirement that effective on
October 1, 2000 the per visit cost limits be reduced by 15 percent.
As a result of these cuts, provider reimbursements have been reduced.
In order to operate at the lowered reimbursement rates, home health care
companies reduced the services provided to patients by providing fewer patient
visits and decreasing utilization. In addition, the regulatory climate that
ensued in home health care caused a lower level of physician referrals.
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<PAGE>
Results of operations
General
On March 30, 1999, we announced plans to take a special charge
aggregating $56 million, which was recorded in the year ended January 3, 1999,
for the settlement of two federal investigations focusing on our Medicare home
office cost reports and certain transactions with Columbia/HCA, which was
finalized and signed on July 19, 1999. On August 11, 1999 Olsten paid $61
million pursuant to the settlement, approximately $5 million of which was
previously accrued as part of the 1996 merger, integration and other
non-recurring charges. In the quarter ended April 4, 1999, Olsten Health
Services recorded a special charge aggregating $17 million for the realignment
of business units as part of a new restructuring plan, including compensation
and severance costs of $5 million to be paid to operational support staff,
branch administrative personnel and management, asset write-offs of $7 million,
related primarily to fixed assets being disposed of in offices being closed and
facilities being consolidated as well as fixed assets and goodwill attributable
to our exit from certain businesses, and integration costs of $5 million,
primarily related to obligations under lease agreements for offices and other
facilities being closed. As of the end of the second quarter of 1999, 80 percent
of the closures and consolidation of facilities have been completed and
approximately 75 percent of the expected 525 terminations have occurred. We
expect that the realignment of the business units will achieve a reduction of
expenses of approximately $4 million in 1999, due to reduced employee, lease and
depreciation expenses.
In 1998, we also recorded non-recurring charges and other adjustments
of $66 million, of which approximately $64 million and $2 million were recorded
in the second and third quarters, respectively, related to the restructuring of
our business. These charges, which were primarily for 60 office closings and
consolidations in the United States, were taken to help position us to operate
more efficiently under the new IPS. In addition, we also made significant
technological investments in order to improve operational efficiencies and
employee retention levels. The benefit of the restructuring began to be realized
in the second quarter of 1998.
Included in this provision was $24 million charged to selling, general
and administrative expenses, which included lease payments of $3 million,
employee severance of $4 million, fixed asset and software write-offs of $5
million to reflect the loss incurred upon our decision to dispose of the assets
in certain closed offices, and an increase in the allowance for doubtful
accounts of $12 million. All closures and consolidations of facilities and
employee terminations, related to this charge, have been completed. The
allowance for doubtful accounts was increased because the collection of
receivables is highly dependent on the service provider's ability to provide
certain evidence of service and authorization documentation to a variety of
third-party payors. The office closings, consolidation of certain business
service centers and the termination of employees are all events that, in our
experience, impair the ability to provide the aforementioned documentation and
to collect on receivables. Olsten Health Services also recorded other
adjustments to selling, general and administrative expenses of $13 million which
included professional fees and related costs resulting from the settlement with
several government agencies regarding certain past business practices of
Quantum, the level of effort required to respond to the significant inquiries
conducted by the government, and costs incurred to redesign the credit and
collection process of the home health services business.
In addition, upon final announcement of the per-beneficiary limits by
the government, we recorded a reduction in revenues in the second quarter of
1998 for the six month period ended June 28, 1998 of $14 million in anticipation
of lower Medicare reimbursements resulting from the new per-visit and
per-beneficiary limits that were imposed by Medicare under the IPS.
We recorded a charge to cost of sales of $15 million to reflect the
estimated increase in costs that have been incurred, but not yet reported, based
upon a change in the actuarial estimates utilized to determine the level of
service to patients covered under our capitated contracts.
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<PAGE>
In 1996, we recorded merger, integration and other non-recurring
charges totaling approximately $75 million. These charges resulted from the
Quantum acquisition of $39 million; $30 million of allowances for a change in
the methodology used by Medicare for computing reimbursements in prior years
related to our home health services business; and Quantum's charge of $5.5
million related to the settlement of shareholder litigation. The $39 million
charge, related to the Quantum acquisition, included transaction costs of $7
million, compensation and severance costs of $8.6 million; asset write-downs of
$8.2 million, primarily comprised of fixed assets and an unrecoverable
majority-interest investment in a software development company held by Quantum;
and integration costs, for employee relocation, obligations under lease
agreements for planned vacancies and other activities required to consolidate
the operations of $15.5 million.
At July 4, 1999, approximately $68 million, consisting primarily of
settlements, remain unpaid and were included in accrued expenses.
Revenues
Revenues increased 14 percent, or $94 million, during the six months
ended July 4, 1999 compared to the prior period driven by growth in home care
infusion services of 24 percent, or $69 million, and staffing services of 39
percent, or $14 million, and home care nursing services of 3 percent, or $11
million. Included in home care nursing services revenues is an increase in
revenue attributable to our acquisition of Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation's
home health care operations in the state of Florida, which was partially offset
by declines in Medicare-related home care visits and reimbursement due to the
implementation of the IPS.
Revenues in 1998 decreased 7 percent, or $104 million, compared to
1997, primarily as a result of a 23 percent, or $197 million, decrease in home
care nursing services revenues resulting from the reduction in Medicare related
home care visits due to the implementation of IPS, partially offset by a 14
percent, or $74 million, increase in home care infusion services revenues and a
32 percent, or $19 million, increase in the staffing services business.
Revenues in 1997 increased 4 percent, or $60 million, as compared to
1996, primarily as a result of a 35 percent, or $134 million, increase in home
care infusion services and a 27 percent, or $13 million, increase in the
staffing services business, partially offset by a 9 percent, or $87 million,
decrease in home care nursing services.
Gross Profit
Gross profit margins increased in the first six months of 1999 to 34
percent from 30 percent for the first six months of 1998 primarily as a result
of productivity enhancements, rate increases and a change of payor mix in the
home care nursing services business, partially offset by greater growth in the
lower margin staffing services business.
Gross profit margins decreased in 1998 to 32 percent from 36 percent in
1997 primarily as a result of a change in the business mix reflecting growth in
lower margin staffing services business and revenue decline in the Medicare
portion of the home care nursing business. The negative influences on gross
profit margins were partially offset by growth in the home care infusion
services.
Gross profit margins decreased in 1997 to 36 percent from 37 percent in
1996, primarily as a result of a change in the business mix reflecting volume
growth in both the lower margin managed care business in the home care business
as well as lower margin staffing services business and revenue declines in the
Medicare business in the home care nursing business. These declines in gross
profit margins were partially offset by margin improvements in the home care
infusion services.
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<PAGE>
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $257 million,
or 35 percent of sales, for the six months ended July 4, 1999 from $259 million,
or 40 percent of sales, for the comparable prior year period. Excluding the
effects of the non-recurring charges and other adjustments recorded in both
periods, selling, general and administrative expenses were 32 percent of sales
during the six months ended July 4, 1999, a 2 percent decrease compared to the
same period in 1998, primarily as a result of the impact of efficiency
improvement efforts in home care nursing services and corporate administrative
support departments partially offset by increased information systems
development costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1998 was $553 million,
or 42 percent of sales, as compared to $460 million, or 32 percent of sales, in
1997. Excluding the effects of the non-recurring charges and other adjustments,
selling, general and administrative expenses were $460 million, or 35 percent of
sales, for 1998. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as
a percent of sales was primarily attributable to investments in infrastructure,
including new information systems and increased expenses incurred to grow the
home care infusion services and staffing services businesses. These increases
were partially offset by the cost reduction initiatives, including closing and
consolidating offices in the home care services business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1997 was $460 million,
or 32 percent of sales, as compared to $421 million, or 31 percent of sales in
1996. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses were
attributable to legal costs incurred related to the then ongoing government
investigation, increase in expenses incurred to support growth in home care
infusion services and investment in information systems and receivables
management. These increases were partially offset by cost reductions in the home
care nursing business related to lower patient volume.
Interest expense
Interest expense of $8.6 million during the first six months of 1999
was slightly lower than interest expense of $8.7 million for the same period in
1998 due to the retirement of $7.7 million of Quantum's 4 3/4% Convertible
Subordinated debentures in January 1999. Interest expense was $17.4 million in
both 1998 and 1997 for interest on the debentures outstanding and intercompany
borrowings with Olsten in both periods and net interest expense of $12.7 million
in 1996 reflects the interest on the debentures and intercompany borrowings with
Olsten offset by interest income on investments of $4 million.
Income taxes
The effective income tax rates on income (loss) were for the first six
months of 1999 and 1998, 21 percent and 34 percent, respectively. For the years
1998, 1997 and 1996, the effective income tax rates on income (loss) were 32
percent, 38 percent, and 209 percent, respectively. The rates differ from
statutory rates primarily because of non-deductible goodwill amortization and
other non-deductible items.
Year 2000
The Year 2000 issue concerns the inability of information systems to
properly recognize and process date-sensitive information beyond January 1,
2000.
Our technical infrastructure, encompassing all business applications,
is planned to be Year 2000 ready. Systems not directly related to the financial
operations of the business, primarily voice communications, are also being
upgraded to help ensure readiness.
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<PAGE>
Systems critical to the business, which have been identified as
non-year 2000 compliant, are being replaced as part of a project, referred to as
Project REO, which is also being implemented to increase efficiencies and
improve our ability to provide services to customers. The new infrastructure,
which is Year 2000 compliant, is currently being implemented in field offices
and is scheduled for completion by October 31, 1999. Other systems, which
require remediation, are expected to be completed by October 31, 1999. The total
cost of our remediation plan (exclusive of Project REO costs) is estimated to be
approximately $2.5 million.
With respect to the risks associated with our systems, we believe that
the most reasonably likely worst case scenario is that we may experience minor
system malfunctions and errors in the early days and weeks of the Year 2000. We
do not expect these problems to have a material impact on our ability to place
and pay caregivers or bill patients or payors.
As part of our Year 2000 readiness activities, we are contacting our
significant vendors and third parties to determine the extent to which we are
vulnerable to their potential failure to remediate their own systems to address
the Year 2000 issues. The Health Care Financing Administration, which
administers Medicare and Medicaid programs, has stated that it is Year 2000
compliant and that it does not expect any disruption in Medicare or Medicaid
payments after January 1, 2000, provided claims are submitted in Year 2000
compliant format.
With respect to the risks associated with the third parties, we believe
that the most reasonably likely worst case scenario is that some of our vendors
and customers will not be compliant. We believe that the number of such third
parties will have been minimized by our program of contacting significant
vendors and large customers. Despite our diligence, there can be no guarantee
that significant vendors and third parties that we rely upon to conduct day to
day business will be compliant. Failure by these companies, or any governmental
entities, to remediate their systems on a timely basis could impact cash flow
from operations.
Due to the general uncertainty inherent in the Year 2000 issue
resulting, in part, from the uncertainty of the Year 2000 readiness of
third-party payors, suppliers and customers, and government agencies, we are
unable to determine at this time whether the consequences of Year 2000 failures
will have a material impact on our results of operations, liquidity or financial
condition. The continuing Year 2000 effort is expected to help reduce our level
of uncertainty about the Year 2000 issue and, in particular, about the Year 2000
readiness. We believe that the implementation of new business systems and the
completion of our Year 2000 plan as scheduled should help reduce the likelihood
of significant interruptions of normal operations.
Our plan is to address our significant Year 2000 issues prior to being
affected by them. Should we identify significant risks related to our Year 2000
readiness or our progress deviates from the anticipated timeline, we will
develop contingency plans as deemed necessary at that time.
The failure to correct a material Year 2000 problem could result in an
interruption or a failure of certain normal business activities or operations.
Such failures could materially and adversely affect our results of operations,
liquidity and financial condition.
Liquidity and capital resources
Historically, our business has relied on cash flow from operations and
advances and other financial resources from Olsten to meet its operating and
investing activities. In the past, when our liquidity needs exceeded our cash
flow, Olsten provided us with the necessary funds. Following the split-off, we
will no longer be able to utilize Olsten's resources to meet our needs but will
require third party financing. We intend, and are required under the separation
agreement, to enter into a committed credit facility with a line of credit of at
least $100 million for our working capital needs and other general corporate
purposes.
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<PAGE>
Working capital at July 4, 1999 was $449 million, an increase of 22
percent versus $368 million at January 3, 1999. Net receivables increased $100
million, or 22 percent, predominantly due to growth in the home care infusion
business, which has a historically longer collection period than our other
businesses.
Although no assurance can be given, our management believes cash flows
from operations and our new credit facility will be adequate to support our
ongoing operations and meet our debt service and principal repayment
requirements for the foreseeable future. We intend to make investments and other
expenditures to, among other things, upgrade our computer technology and system
infrastructure and relocate our headquarters. If cash flows from operations or
availability under our new credit facility fall below expectations, we may be
forced to delay planned capital expenditures, reduce operating expenses, or
consider alternatives designed to enhance liquidity.
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
Other than intercompany transactions between the United States and our
Canadian subsidiary, we generally do not have significant transactions that are
denominated in a currency other than the functional currency applicable to each
entity.
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<PAGE>
BUSINESS
General
We are the leading provider of home health care services in the United
States based on revenues. Since 1971, we have built a reputation for high
quality health care for our patients with a commitment to being a "one-stop
shop" for home health care covering a broad spectrum of services. We currently
maintain over 400 locations in the United States and Canada and serve
approximately 450,000 patient/client accounts annually with approximately 70,000
administrative staff and caregivers.
We offer high quality services through three business lines which are
(1) home care infusion services, (2) home care nursing services and (3) staffing
services. Through these three business lines we offer a broad range of products
and services including:
o treatments for patients with chronic diseases;
o intravenous and oral administration of drugs, nutrients and other
solutions;
o skilled nursing care;
o pediatric/maternal care programs;
o rehabilitation and other therapies;
o disease management programs;
o home health aide and personal services care; and
o institutional, occupational and alternate site staffing.
Through our network of 38 pharmacies located throughout the United
States, including two national distribution centers, we offer the leading and
most comprehensive infusion therapy solutions in the industry. In addition,
through our four intake and claims processing centers, we provide network
services including care management and coordination of managed care customers
desiring a single source for centralized intake and billing, claims
adjudication, quality assurance and data reporting and analysis. The following
is a more complete listing of the broad range of services provided by our three
business lines:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Home Care Infusion Services Home Care Nursing Services Staffing Services
--------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
o Chronicare services for chronic diseases: o General skilled nursing care o Institutional, occupational and alternate
- Hemophilia and related coagulation disorders o Pediatric care site health care staffing, including:
- Primary pulmonary hypertension o Rehabilitation services - Critical care and neonatal
- Immuno deficiency/autoimmune disorders o Other therapy services - Pediatric
- Growth disorders o Disease management programs - Psychiatric
o Antibiotic therapies o Home health aide care - Operating room
o Total parenteral and enteral nutrition o Personal care - Medical/surgical
o Chemotherapy o Network services - Occupational health
o Pain management - Utilization review
o Marketing and distribution services - Case management
for pharmaceutical, biotechnology
and medical device firms
</TABLE>
Home Care Infusion Services. Our home care infusion services business
includes (i) the distribution of drugs and other biological and pharmaceutical
products and professional support services for individuals
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<PAGE>
with chronic diseases, such as hemophilia, primary pulmonary hypertension,
autoimmune deficiencies and growth disorders, (ii) the administration of
antibiotics, chemotherapy, nutrients and other medications for patients with
acute or episodic disease states and (iii) marketing and distribution services
for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical service firms.
Our home care infusion services business combines clinical expertise
and core nursing strength with a network of 38 pharmacies across the United
States, including two distribution centers located in Warrendale, Pennsylvania
and Fort Worth, Texas. We deliver, manage and administer our products in the
home setting, perform patient, family and home environmental assessments and
evaluate equipment needs.
We provide a wide range of home infusion therapies. Home infusion
therapy involves the administration of medications intravenously (into veins),
subcutaneously (under the skin), intramuscularly (into muscle), intraecally or
epidurally (via spinal routes) or through feeding tubes into the digestive
tract. Infusion therapy often begins during hospitalization of a patient and
continues in the home environment.
Our home care infusion services include therapeutic, socioeconomic,
psychosocial and professional support services for individuals with some of the
following rare, chronic diseases:
o Hemophilia which is a hereditary bleeding disorder in which a
plasma protein known as factor, which is necessary for normal
blood clotting, is either missing or dysfunctional. Hemophilia is
treated by intravenously infusing anti-hemophilic factor,
consisting of factor concentrates and sterile water, to replace
deficient clotting factor. This disease is diagnosed at birth and
has no known cure, but hemophiliacs can lead relatively long and
healthy lives with proper treatment.
o Primary pulmonary hypertension which is a chronic pulmonary
disease for which there is no known cure. This disease is treated
by the infusion of Flolan, which is an epoprostenol sodium
product, for a patient's lifetime or until the patient receives a
lung transplant.
o Immunodeficiency/autoimmune disorders which are a classification
of chronic disorders arising when the body's immune system fails
to produce sufficient antibodies to protect against infection.
These disorders include multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis and
lupus. These disorders are generally incurable but the symptoms
can be treated with a therapy consisting of intravenous immune
globulin prepared from human plasma (IVIG).
o Growth disorders which result from damage to or malformation of
either the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland. This disorder is
treated by injecting growth hormone therapy into the patient.
Some of our other significant home care infusion services include:
o Antibiotic therapies which are the infusion of antibiotic
medications into a patient's bloodstream. These medications are
typically used to treat a variety of serious infections and
diseases.
o Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) which is the long-term provision
of nutrients for patients with chronic gastrointestinal
conditions. These nutrients are infused through surgically
implanted central vein catheters or through peripherally inserted
central catheters. Enteral nutrition is the infusion of nutrients
through a feeding tube inserted directly into a patient's
digestive tract. This long-term therapy is prescribed for
patients who are unable to eat and drink normally.
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<PAGE>
o Chemotherapy which is the infusion of drugs in a patient's
bloodstream to treat various forms of cancer.
o Pain management which involves the infusion of certain drugs into
the bloodstream of patients suffering from acute or chronic pain.
We also assist pharmaceutical companies with clinical trials of new
drug therapies awaiting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, as well as
offer our distribution network to the manufacturers after government approval is
secured. Distribution programs currently involve the first new drug for
rheumatoid arthritis in 20 years, a new hand-held device for monitoring blood
clotting time, and pharmaceuticals for chemotherapy and white blood cell
stimulation, the treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension, and management of
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), multiple sclerosis
and severe muscle wasting. We strategically partner with drug companies to
distribute new products and meet specialized distribution requirements. In
addition, we provide certain logistical and handling functions, including
pharmacy mail order services, clinical support, reimbursement management and
data management.
Home Care Nursing Services. Our home care nursing services business
includes (i) professional and paraprofessional services, including skilled
nursing, rehabilitation and other therapies, home health aide and personal care
services, to individuals with acute illnesses, long-term chronic health
conditions, permanent disabilities, terminal illnesses or post procedural needs
and (ii) care management and coordination for managed care organizations and
self-insured employees.
We provide high quality home care nursing services as evidenced by
patient satisfaction levels in our company studies that have exceeded 95 percent
over the past three years. Nursing excellence has made our company the leading
provider of home care nursing services in the U.S. and an effective competitor
in Canada. Our home care nursing services provide insurers with an avenue to
save thousands of dollars in costs by reducing patient visits to physicians
offices and patient stays in hospitals.
Our home care nursing services include:
o General skilled nursing care that is provided by registered
nurses and licensed practical nurses who periodically assess the
appropriateness of home health care, perform clinical procedures
and instruct the patient and family regarding necessary
treatments. Patients receiving such care typically include
stabilized post-operative patients in recovery at home, patients
who are acutely ill but who do not require hospitalization and
patients who are chronically or terminally ill.
o Pediatric services consist of nursing services specializing in
care for children. These services include early NICU discharge to
the home, prenatal, maternal/infant care and phototherapy.
o Rehabilitation services consist of programs and services that
address a wide range of neurologic and orthopedic diagnoses,
including head or traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
and other complex rehabilitation cases.
o Other therapy services that consist of physical, occupational,
speech and respiratory therapy to patients recovering from
strokes, traumas or certain surgeries, services for high risk
pregnancies, post-partum care, mental health care, AIDS therapy
and various medical social services.
o Disease management programs that are administered by nurses who
provide specialty care regimens to patients in their home. These
nurses instruct patients and their families in the
self-administration of certain therapies and procedures, such as
wound care and infection control, emergency procedures and the
proper handling and usage of medication, medical supplies and
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<PAGE>
equipment as well as teach disease state management programs at
home to patients with asthma, diabetes and other illnesses.
o Home health aide care that involves basic patient care from
taking temperatures and blood pressure to assisting with daily
living activities. Our home health aides must pass certain
competency tests and are supervised by a registered nurse.
o Personal care services consist of unskilled homemaker services
which are provided to the elderly or the disabled. These services
may include housekeeping, shopping and assistance with personal
hygiene, dressing and meals.
We also provide network services to managed care organizations through
our four intake and claims processing centers in the United States. These
services involve care management and coordination for managed care customers
desiring a single source for referrals, centralized intake and billing, claims
adjustment, utilization review, quality assurance and data reporting and
analysis.
Staffing Services. Our staffing services business includes services to
institutional, occupational and alternate site health care organizations by
providing health care professionals to meet supplemental staffing needs.
Our staffing services business provides these organizations with the
ability to better control costs by using our health care professionals for
temporary assignments to cover peak periods and illness and vacation time of
their permanent staff. Our health care professionals include registered nurses,
licensed practical nurses, physical, speech and occupational therapists,
certified nursing assistants, medical assistants and medical technologists.
These professionals typically work in hospitals, industrial settings, long-term
care facilities, clinics, schools, physicians' offices, laboratories, home care
agencies and insurance companies. We arrange for their assignments from over 40
locations throughout the United States.
Through our Flying Nurses(R) division in Dallas, Texas, we also make
special arrangements for our health care professionals to travel to virtually
any location for special assignments. This provides health care organizations in
Florida, for example, with an economical way to manage peak demand during the
winter season.
Industry
Our business is part of the $48 billion home health care industry that
is comprised of four primary segments: nursing and related services (72
percent), infusion therapy (13 percent), respiratory therapy (8 percent) and
medical equipment (7 percent). The nursing and related services segment, which
represents approximately $35 billion annually, provides patient care to
individuals with acute illnesses, long-term chronic health conditions, permanent
disabilities, terminal illnesses or post-procedural needs. These services are
provided both in the home and to hospital and other health care organizations.
Infusion therapy, a roughly $6 billion market, provides care to patients
requiring the administration of medication either intravenously or through a
device such as a feeding tube. Respiratory therapy, an approximately $4 billion
segment, includes the delivery and the preparation of prescribed therapy or
equipment to patients with severe and chronic pulmonary diseases. The remaining
market segment, representing approximately $3 billion, is medical equipment that
involves the sale of various types of medical equipment to patients for use in
their homes.
Our industry is dramatically changing, with the number of people over
the age of 65 estimated to grow by approximately 55 percent between 1999 and
2020. People over the age of 65 consume over 53 percent of all home health care
services although they represent only 13 percent of the current U.S. population.
Because the demand for home health care is directly related to the number of
elderly people in the population,
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the home health care industry is expected to encounter a significant increase in
demand as a result of the aging of the U.S. population. Other factors that we
believe will continue to contribute to the development and growth of the home
health care industry include: recognition by the medical community and health
care insurers that home health care can be a cost-effective alternative to
lengthy, more expensive institutional care; technological advances that allow
more health care procedures to be provided at home; increasing consumer
awareness and interest in home health care; and the medical community's
recognition of the psychological benefits of recuperating from an illness or
accident in one's own home.
Aging Population. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that while the
overall population of the United States will increase by approximately 9 percent
between 1999 and 2010, the population of persons between the ages of 50 and 64,
is expected to increase by approximately 43 percent over the same period.
Likewise, the elderly population (persons 65 years of age or over) is expected
to grow at a faster rate than the overall population and is estimated to
increase by over 14 percent between 1999 and 2010 and that by 2015 the
population covered by Medicare will have increased by 33 percent to over 45
million people (15 percent of the total population). This aging of the
population is due in part to increases in longevity, which is represented in the
growth of the age group over 65. The home health care industry is expected to
encounter a significant increase in demand as a result of the aging U.S.
population.
Cost effectiveness of home health care services. National health care
expenditures increased dramatically in the last 10 years. In response to rapidly
rising costs, up until recently governmental and private payors have adopted
cost containment measures which encouraged reduced hospital admissions and
reduced lengths of stay in hospitals. The result of this policy was an increased
number of people who received health services in their homes. Due to recent
revisions under the prospective payment system hospitals now have an incentive
to keep patients longer, however, there has been no discernible change in the
average length of hospital stays. Home care, however, remains a cost efficient
alternative. Treating patients at home is significantly cheaper than
facility-based care. The national median cost for home care per day is
approximately $100, compared to $400 per day for a skilled nursing facility and
$2,000 per day for a hospital stay.
Advanced technology. Technological advances have enabled patients who
previously required hospitalization to be treated at home. The number of medical
conditions that can now be treated in the home has grown significantly. In
addition, technological advances such as telephonic vital sign monitoring and
medication compliance reminders have increased the number of patients who can be
treated in their homes. We believe that the use of technology will increase the
number of patients that utilize home health care because it is viewed as a
cost-effective alternative.
Increased acceptance. We believe that a result of the previously
discussed factors, home health care has gained increased acceptance from
patients, physicians and payors. Additionally, the American Medical Association
Councils on Scientific Affairs and Medical Education have recommended that
training in home health care be incorporated into the undergraduate, graduate
and continuing education of physicians which we believe will lead to the
increased utilization of home health care options. We believe cost conscious
managed care and other third-party payors will continue to encourage home care
as a cost-effective alternative to extended hospital stays.
Marketing and sales
In general, we obtain clients through personal and corporate sales
presentations, telephone marketing calls, direct mail solicitation, referrals
from other clients and advertising in a variety of local and national media,
including the Yellow Pages, newspapers, magazines, trade publications and
television. Our marketing efforts also involve personal contact with case
managers for managed health care programs, such as those involving health
maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs),
insurance
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company representatives and employers with self-funded employee health
benefit programs. We do not seek reimbursement from government payors for
unallowable marketing and sales expenses.
Managed care and other non-governmental payors, which are an
increasingly significant source of referrals for home health care services,
accounted for 62 percent of our net revenues in fiscal 1998. The Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations ("JCAHO") accredits all
of our over 400 locations. We believe JCAHO accreditation enhances our ability
to obtain contracts with certain managed care organizations. We are also
targeting referrals from managed care organizations by offering disease
management programs for the treatment of asthma, diabetes and other chronic
illnesses, as well as outcome and utilization reports. We expect managed care
contracts will generate an increasing number of referrals as the penetration of
managed care accelerates in our markets. We believe that we have the local
relationships, the knowledge of the regional markets in which we operate, and
the cost-effective, comprehensive services and products required to compete
effectively for managed care contracts and other referrals.
We believe that our success in furnishing caregivers is based, among
other factors, on our reputation for quality and local market expertise combined
with the resources of our extensive office network. We also empower our branch
directors with a high level of responsibility, providing strong incentives to
manage the business effectively at the local level, one of the central
ingredients in a business where relationships are vital to success.
Patient services
We have historically received high satisfaction ratings from our
patients and referral sources. We also provide educational information to
physicians and their staffs, hospital management, hospital discharge planners
and nursing home supervisors.
Payors
In fiscal 1998, Medicare accounted for 15 percent of our revenue and
Medicaid programs, state reimbursed programs and other state/county funding
programs accounted for 23 percent of our revenue. In fiscal 1998, the remaining
62 percent of our revenue was derived from commercial payors, including
insurance companies, managed care organizations, healthcare institutions and
private payors. For the six months ended July 4, 1999, Medicare accounted for 16
percent of our revenue and Medicaid programs, state reimbursed programs and
other state/county funding programs accounted for 20 percent of our revenue. For
the six months ended July 4, 1999, the remaining 64 percent of our revenue was
derived from commercial payors. In fiscal 1998, Cigna Healthcare accounted for
approximately 9 percent of our revenues. For the six months ended July 4, 1999,
Cigna Healthcare accounted for approximately 11 percent of our revenues. Our
three year contract with Cigna Healthcare had an expiration date of December 31,
1998. The contract was amended to extend until, after 60 days' notice, either
party terminated the contract. We are currently negotiating with Cigna
Healthcare to enter into a new contract. Except for these payors, no other payor
accounts for as much as 10 percent of our revenues. The revenues from commercial
payors are primarily generated under fee for service contracts which are
traditionally one year in term and renewable automatically on an annual basis,
unless terminated by either party.
Caregivers
To maximize the cost effectiveness and productivity of our caregivers,
we utilize customized systems and procedures that we have developed and refined
over the years. These processes include the recruitment and selection of
applicants who fit the patients' individual parameters for skills, experience
and other criteria. Personalized matching is achieved through initial applicant
profiles, personal interviews, skill evaluations and background and reference
checks. We generally employ caregivers on an as-needed basis to meet client
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mand. Specialized recruitment and retention programs are offered to caregivers
as incentives for them to remain in our employ.
Caregivers are recruited through a variety of sources, including
advertising in local and national media, job fairs, solicitations on web sites,
direct mail and telephone solicitations, as well as referrals obtained directly
from clients and other caregivers. Our caregivers are generally paid by us on an
hourly basis for time actually worked, subject to a four-hour daily minimum on
the days worked. The wages we pay may vary in different geographic areas to
reflect the prevailing wages paid for the particular skills in the community
where the services are performed. Although conditions may vary in different
areas of the country and with respect to different skill requirements,
availability of caregivers was generally about the same during 1999 as compared
to the preceding year.
Canadian operations
Through subsidiaries, we have provided home health services in Canada
for many years. In fiscal 1998, our Canadian operations represented
approximately 3 percent of revenues.
Trademarks
We have various trademarks registered or in the process of being
registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office including
CHRONICARE(R). In addition, we have a royalty-free license from Olsten which
permits us to use, for a period of one year, certain trademarks, service marks
and names that will not be transferred to us in the split-off, including
OLSTEN(R). Prior to the expiration of this license, we intend to develop our new
name and further develop the health services business trademarks.
Competitive position
The segments of the health care market in which we operate are highly
competitive and fragmented. There are approximately 15,000 home care agencies
operating in the United States, in which the five largest providers represented
only 13 percent of the national market in 1998. The market is comprised of a few
national companies, hundreds of regional companies and thousands of
locally-based independent home health care organizations. These companies range
from facility-based (hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation facility, government
agency) agencies to independent companies to visiting nurse associations and
nurse registries. They can be not-for-profit organizations or for-profit
organizations. In addition, there are relatively few barriers to entry in the
segments of the health care market in which we operate. We could encounter
increased competition in the future from existing competitors or new entrants
that may limit our ability to maintain or increase our market share. Our primary
national competitors are Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. and Coram Healthcare
Corp., and our primary regionally-based competitors are hospital-based home
health agencies and visiting nurse associations.
We compete with other home health care providers on the basis of
availability of personnel, quality and expertise of services and the value and
price of such services. We believe that we have a favorable competitive
position, attributable mainly to our widespread office network and the
consistently high quality and targeted services we have provided over the years
to our clients, as well as to our screening and evaluation procedures and our
training programs.
We may have existing competitors, as well as a number of potential new
competitors, who have greater name recognition, and significantly greater
financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. This may allow them to
devote greater resources than we can to the development and promotion of their
services. These competitors may also engage in more extensive research and
development, undertake more far-
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reaching marketing campaigns and adopt more aggressive pricing policies and make
more attractive offers to existing and potential employees and clients.
We expect that industry forces will likewise impact our competitors,
but that they will strive to improve their service offerings and price
competitiveness. We also expect our competitors to develop new strategic
relationships with providers, referral sources and payors, which could result in
increased competition. The introduction of new and enhanced services,
acquisitions and industry consolidation and the development of strategic
relationships by our competitors could cause a decline in sales or loss of
market acceptance of our services or price competition, or make our services
less attractive. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete
successfully against current or future competitors or that competitive pressures
will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Employees
At July 4, 1999, we had over 5,200 full-time administrative staff and
approximately 800 full time caregivers. We also employ caregivers on a temporary
basis, as needed, to provide home healthcare services. In fiscal 1999, the
average number of temporary caregivers on a weekly basis is 18,000. In British
Columbia some of our caregivers are unionized by the British Columbia Government
Services' Employee Union under the master collective bargaining agreement which
applies to all home health agencies in British Columbia. In addition, we are in
the process of negotiating our first collective bargaining agreement to unionize
all caregivers in the Thunder Bay, Ontario office with the Services' Employees
International Union, Local 268. In our Windsor, Ontario location, the Canadian
Union of Public Workers has alleged in a letter to us dated September 20, 1999
that it is the bargaining agent for our caregivers. We are reviewing their
allegations. In addition, the Services' Employees International Union, Local 880
has filed a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board
covering three home health services offices in Chicago, Illinois with
approximately 700 caregivers. A hearing was held before the National Labor
Relations Board on August 31, 1999, at which Olsten argued that the
representation petition should be dismissed. In the event an election is
directed, we anticipate the election date will be in October 1999. We believe
that our relationships with our employees are generally good.
With respect to administrative staff and caregivers, we pay the
employer's share of Social Security taxes, federal and state unemployment taxes,
workers' compensation insurance and other similar costs. Administrative staff
and caregivers are covered by general liability insurance and by a fidelity bond
maintained by us. In addition, caregivers are covered by professional medical
liability insurance. We believe that we maintain insurance coverages which are
adequate for the purposes of our business. For more information regarding our
insurance coverage you should read the section of this prospectus entitled "The
Split-off -- Terms of the separation agreement -- Insurance".
Properties
In connection with the split-off, Olsten has agreed to provide office
space to us without charge at 175 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, New York
11747-8905 for our corporate headquarters for a period of six months after the
split-off. We have also agreed to use our best efforts to relocate our corporate
headquarters promptly, but in no event later than six months after the date of
the split-off. In addition, prior to the split-off, all leases for real property
used exclusively by the health services business will be transferred to us and
our subsidiaries and all leases for real property shared by the health services
business and the businesses retained by Olsten will be modified, transferred or
terminated as agreed by us and Olsten. The leases for the operating offices we
and our subsidiaries use and will use expire at various dates. We believe that
our facilities are adequate for our immediate needs. We do not anticipate that
we will have any problem obtaining additional or replacement space if needed in
the future.
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Regulation
Our business is subject to extensive federal and state regulations
which govern, among other things, Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS and other
government-funded reimbursement programs, reporting requirements, certification
and licensure standards for certain home health agencies and, in some cases,
certificate-of-need and pharmacy-licensing requirements and may affect our
participation in Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS and other federal health care
programs. We are also subject to a variety of federal and state regulations
which prohibit fraud and abuse in the delivery of health care services,
including, but not limited to, prohibitions against the offering or making of
direct or indirect payments for the referral of patients, physicians making
referrals under Medicare for clinical services to a home health agency with
which the physician has certain types of financial relationship, and the filing
of false claims. As part of the extensive federal and state regulation of our
home health care business, and under our corporate integrity agreements we are
subject to periodic audits, examinations and investigations conducted by, or at
the direction of, governmental investigatory and oversight agencies. Violation
of the applicable federal and state health care regulations also can result in a
health care provider's being excluded from participation in the Medicare,
Medicaid and/or CHAMPUS programs and can subject the provider to substantial
civil and/or criminal penalties. One of our subsidiaries has been permanently
excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all other federal health
care programs pursuant to a plea agreement.
Periodic and random audits conducted by intermediaries may result in a
delay in receipt, or an adjustment to the amounts of reimbursement due or
received under Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS and other federal health care
programs. We have received a Notice of Amount of Program Reimbursement for our
1997 Medicare cost reports from our Medicare fiscal intermediary notifying us
that it disagrees with our methodology of allocating a portion of our overhead.
The Health Care Financing Administration has indicated that it agrees with the
fiscal intermediary. The notice indicates a possible disallowance of
approximately $7 million of costs in 1997. Since we used the same or a similar
methodology for allocating overhead costs in 1998 and 1999, a comparable
disallowance could result for these years. We believe our cost reports are
accurate and consistent with past practice accepted by our HCFA fiscal
intermediary, and will appeal the notice to the Provider Reimbursement Review
Board. We are unable to predict the outcome of the appeal.
Government investigations
We have been subject to several federal and state governmental
investigations. Some of those investigations are still pending, although
substantially all of them have been settled. In connection with the split-off we
have agreed to assume, to the extent permitted by law and the terms of the
liabilities, and indemnify Olsten for, all liabilities associated with any
pending or future governmental investigation of the home health services
business and have also agreed to comply with and be subject to all related
settlement agreements and corporate integrity agreements or other operational
agreements with the government, which will require the expenditure of
significant resources over a five year period in order to comply with the
various agreements.
We have cooperated with the Office of Investigations section of the
Office of Inspector General (an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services) and the U.S. Department of Justice in connection with the cost
reports investigation. We have also cooperated with the U.S. Department of
Justice and other federal agencies investigating the relationship between
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation and us in connection with the Columbia/HCA
investigation.
We continue to cooperate with various state and federal agencies,
including the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of the Attorney General of
New Mexico and the New Mexico Health Care Anti-Fraud Task Force in connection
with their investigations into certain health care practices of Quantum Health
Resources. Among the matters the federal agencies are or were inquiring are
allegations of improper billing and fraud against various federally-funded
medical assistance programs on the part of Quantum and its post-acquisition
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successor, the home care infusion services business of ours (referred to as the
Quantum New Mexico investigation). Most of the time period that we believe to be
at issue in the Quantum New Mexico investigation predates Olsten's June 1996
acquisition of Quantum.
In October 1998, Olsten entered into a final settlement agreement with
several government agencies investigating certain past practices of Quantum. The
agreement was entered into with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of
the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the
U.S. Secretary of Defense (for the CHAMPUS/Tricare program), and the Attorneys
General for the States of New York and Oklahoma. Pursuant to the settlement,
Olsten reimbursed the government approximately $4.5 million for certain disputed
claims under the Medicaid and CHAMPUS programs for reimbursement for the
provision of anti-hemophilia factor products to patients covered by certain
federal health care programs and entered into a corporate integrity agreement.
In January 1999, Olsten was advised by the United States Attorney's
Office for the District of New Mexico that, in connection with the Quantum New
Mexico investigation, it had dropped its criminal investigation into certain
past practices of Quantum. The criminal aspect of the Quantum New Mexico
investigation had focused on allegations of improper billing and fraud against
various federally funded medical assistance programs on the part of Quantum
during the period between January 1992 and April 1997. By letter dated February
1, 1999, the New Mexico U.S. Attorney's Office advised Olsten that, having ended
its criminal inquiry, the Office has referred the Quantum matter to its
Affirmative Civil Enforcement ("ACE") Section. We intend to cooperate fully with
that Office's ACE Section in connection with its civil inquiry into the Quantum
matter.
By letter dated June 30, 1999, the Medicare Fraud Control Unit of the
New Mexico Attorney General's Office notified Olsten that it has declined to
criminally prosecute the so-called "J-Code issue" relating to Quantum's past
practices in seeking government health care reimbursement.
On July 19, 1999, Olsten entered into written civil and criminal
agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice (and, as to the civil agreement,
the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services) finalizing the settlement of the civil and criminal aspects of the
cost reports investigation and the Columbia/HCA investigation. Pursuant to the
settlement, (a) Olsten paid on August 11, 1999 the sum of $61 million to the
U.S. Department of Justice, including approximately $10.1 million in criminal
fines and penalties; (b) in connection with the Columbia/HCA investigation, a
subsidiary of ours, Kimberly Home Health Care, Inc., pled guilty in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the Southern
District of Florida and the Middle District of Florida, respectively, to a
criminal violation of the federal mail fraud, conspiracy and kickback statutes;
(c) Kimberly Home Health Care, Inc. has been permanently excluded from
participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all other federal health care programs
as defined in 42 U.S.C. ss. 1320a-7b(f); and (d) Olsten has executed a corporate
integrity agreement with the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services.
Corporate integrity agreements with the government
In connection with the government's Cost Reports investigation and
Columbia/HCA investigation referred to under the heading "-- Government
investigations", Olsten executed a corporate integrity agreement, with the
Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services,
which will govern certain of our actions until August 18, 2004. In connection
with certain past practices of Quantum referred to under the heading "--
Government investigations", Olsten executed a corporate integrity agreement in
October 1998 with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of Inspector
General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Secretary
of Defense (for the CHAMPUS/Tricare Program) and the Attorneys General for the
States of New York and Oklahoma which governs certain of our actions until
December 31, 2001. Pursuant to each of the corporate integrity agreements, we
are required, among other
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things, to maintain a Corporate Compliance Officer to develop and implement
compliance programs, to retain an independent review organization to perform
annual reviews, and to maintain our compliance program and reporting systems, as
well as provide certain training to our employees. The corporate integrity
agreement entered into in connection with the Quantum investigation applies to
our home care infusion business and focuses on the training and billing of blood
factor products for hemophiliacs. The corporate integrity agreement entered into
in connection with the cost reports investigation and the Columbia/HCA
investigation applies to our businesses that bill the federal government health
programs directly for services, such as our home care nursing business (but
excluding the home care infusion business) and focuses on issues and training
related to cost report preparation, contracting, medical necessity and billing
of claims. Our compliance program will be implemented for all newly established
or acquired business units if their type of business is covered by the corporate
integrity agreements. Reports under each integrity agreement will be filed
annually with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector
General. After each corporate integrity agreement expires, we will file a final
annual report to the government. If we fail to comply with the terms of either
of our corporate integrity agreements, we will be subject to penalties ranging
from $1,500 to $2,500 a day for each day of the breach.
Legal proceedings
In connection with the split-off, we have agreed to assume, to the
extent permitted by law and the terms of the liabilities, and indemnify Olsten
for all liabilities, whether or not pending at the time of the split-off, of the
health services business of Olsten and its subsidiaries, including, but not
limited, to those listed below.
On or about September 8, 1998, a Consolidated Amended Class Action
Complaint (the "Amended Complaint") was filed in the U.S. District Court for the
Eastern District of New York, captioned In re Olsten Corporation Securities
Litigation, No. 97-5056, by certain plaintiffs against Olsten and certain of its
officers and directors (the "Class Action"). The Amended Complaint, which
consolidated four purported class action lawsuits filed in April, August and
September 1997 against Olsten and certain of its officers and directors, asserts
claims under Sections 10(b) (including Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder), 14(a)
and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and
15 of the Securities Act of 1933 related to the home health services business.
On October 19, 1998, Olsten and the individual defendants served a motion
seeking an order dismissing the Amended Complaint. That motion was fully briefed
on December 23, 1998. The Amended Complaint seeks certification of the proposed
class, a judgment declaring the conduct of the defendants to be in violation of
the law, unspecified compensatory damages and unspecified costs and expenses,
including attorneys' fees and experts' fees. While we are unable at this time to
assess the probable outcome of the Class Action or the materiality of the risk
of loss in connection with the class action (given the preliminary stage of the
Class Action and the fact that the Amended Complaint does not allege damages
with any specificity), Olsten believes that it acted responsibly with respect to
its shareholders and has vigorously defended the Class Action. Following the
split-off we intend to vigorously defend the Class Action.
On or about May 11, 1999, a Complaint was filed in the Delaware
Chancery Court in a derivative suit against certain current and former directors
of Olsten, captioned Rubin v. May, et al., No. 17135-NC (the "Derivative
Lawsuit"). The Complaint, which names Olsten as a nominal defendant, alleges a
claim for breach of fiduciary duties arising out of the Class Action and the
government investigations described above. The plaintiffs seek a judgment (1)
requiring the defendants to account to Olsten for unspecified alleged damages
resulting from the defendants' alleged conduct; (2) directing the defendants to
establish and maintain effective compliance programs; and (3) awarding
plaintiffs the costs and expenses of the lawsuit, including reasonable
attorneys' fees. On September 10, 1999, the defendants in the Derivative Lawsuit
filed a motion to dismiss or, in the alternative, stay the lawsuit.
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On January 14, 1999 Kimberly Home Health Care, Inc. (referred to as
"KHHC") initiated three arbitration proceedings against hospitals owned by
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp. (referred to as "Columbia") with which KHHC had
management services agreements to provide services to the hospitals' home health
agencies. The basis for each of the arbitrations is that Columbia sold the home
health agencies without assigning the management services agreements, while the
management services agreements had periods ranging from approximately 18 to 42
months prior to expiration and that, as a result, Columbia has breached the
management services agreements. In response to the arbitrations, Columbia has
asserted that the arbitration be consolidated and stayed, in part based upon its
alleged claims against KHHC for breach of contract and requesting indemnity and
possibly return of management fees. Columbia has not yet formally presented
these claims in the arbitrations or other legal proceedings, and has not yet
quantified the claims.
In July 1999, we received notification that the Indiana Attorney
General's Office filed a civil complaint against Olsten requesting the court to
determine if Quantum violated the Indiana law with respect to Medicaid claims.
The complaint alleges that (1) overpayment was made to Quantum due largely to
advances paid by Medicaid that were not properly credited by Quantum; (2)
Quantum supplied the Indiana Attorney General's Office with insufficient
documentation regarding services provided by one of our pharmacies; and (3)
deliveries exceeded the amounts of physicians' orders. The alleged violations
predate Olsten's acquisition of Quantum in June 1996. The complaint filed with
the Indiana Attorney General's Offices seeks an unspecified amount of monetary
damages, double or treble damages, penalties and investigative costs.
In addition to the above pending legal proceedings, various claims and
legal proceedings generally incidental to the normal course of business are
pending or threatened against us. While we cannot predict the outcome of these
matters, our management believes that any matters of this nature will not have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
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MANAGEMENT
Directors and executive officers
We are in the process of considering additional executive officers of
our company and we will include information regarding other executive officers
in the definitive proxy statement.
The following table sets forth certain available information regarding
our executive officers and directors immediately following the split-off. None
of our executive officers will continue to serve as executive officers for
Olsten or Adecco.
Name Age Position
- ------------------------------------- --- -----------------------------
Edward A. Blechschmidt 47 President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of the
Board of Directors
Victor F. Ganzi 52 Director
Steven E. Grabowski 44 Director
Stuart R. Levine 52 Director
John M. May 71 Director
Stuart Olsten 47 Director
Richard J. Sharoff 53 Director
Raymond S. Troubh 73 Director
Josh S. Weston 70 Director
Edward A. Blechschmidt
Mr. Blechschmidt has served as the chief executive officer and a
director of Olsten since February 1999, the President of Olsten since October
1998 and served as the Chief Operating Officer of Olsten from October 1998 to
February 1999. From August 1996 to October 1998 he was president and chief
executive officer of Siemens Nixdorf Americas, an information technology
company. From January 1996 to July 1996 he was senior vice president and chief
financial officer of Unisys Corporation, a provider of information technology
and consulting services. From January 1995 to December 1995 he was senior vice
president and president of the United States and Canada division of Unisys
Corporation and from 1990 to December 1994 he was senior vice president and
president of the Pacific Asia Americas Division of Unisys Corporation.
Victor F. Ganzi
Mr. Ganzi has served as a director of Olsten since 1998. He has been
executive vice president of The Hearst Corporation, a diversified communications
company with interests in magazine, newspaper, and business publishing and
television and radio stations, since March 1997 and its chief operating officer
since March 1998. From 1992 to 1997, at various times Mr. Ganzi served as
Hearst's senior vice president, chief financial officer and chief legal officer.
From March 1995 until October 1999 he was group head of Hearst's Books/Business
Publishing Group. He is a director of Hearst-Argyle Television, Inc.
Steven E. Grabowski
Mr. Grabowski is currently a Vice President in the Private Client Group
of PaineWebber, Inc., a member of the New York Stock Exchange, where he has
worked since 1991. Mr. Grabowski currently serves on the board of a
not-for-profit entity named VITA Education Services. Mr. Grabowski is the
brother-in-law of Mr. Olsten, a director of our company.
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Stuart R. Levine
Mr. Levine has served as a director of Olsten since 1995. He has served
as the chairman and chief executive officer of Stuart Levine & Associates LLC,
an international training company since June 1996. From September 1992 to June
1996 he was Chief Executive Officer of Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc., a
global provider of corporate training in leadership and personal development.
Mr. Levine currently serves as a Trustee of Long Island Jewish Health Care, and
for 15 years, until 1995, he served as a Vice Chairman of North Shore Hospital.
Mr. Levine is a member of the board of directors of European American Bank.
John M. May
Mr. May has served as a director of Olsten since 1989. He has been an
independent management consultant for more than five years. Mr. May serves as a
member of the board of directors of each of Long Island University, Eastern Long
Island Hospital and Peconic Health Corporation.
Stuart Olsten
Mr. Olsten has served as a director of Olsten since 1986. He has been
the chairman of the board of directors of Olsten since February 1999. He was
vice chairman of Olsten from August 1994 to February 1999 and was president of
Olsten from April 1990 to February 1999. After the merger and split-off Mr.
Olsten will also be appointed to the board of directors of Adecco. Mr. Olsten is
the brother-in-law of Mr. Grabowski, a director of our company.
Richard J. Sharoff
Mr. Sharoff has served as a director of Olsten since 1994. He has been
president and chief executive officer of MagCorp., Inc., a franchisor of
restaurants, since November 1996. From January 1996 to November 1996 he was
chairman and chief executive officer of Superior Pasta, L.L.C., a developmental
stage company in the food industry. From July 1995 to December 1995 he was a
consultant in the food industry. From January 1992 to June 1995, he was
president and chief executive officer of Haifoods, Inc., a holding company in
the food and beverage industries.
Raymond S. Troubh
Mr. Troubh has served as a director of Olsten since 1993. He has been a
financial consultant for more than five years. He is a director of ARIAD
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Becton Dickinson and Company, Diamond Offshore Drilling,
Inc., Foundation Health Systems, Inc.s General American Investors Company,
Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Triarc Companies and WHX Corporation.
Josh S. Weston
Mr. Weston has served as a director of Olsten since 1995. He has been
honorary chairman of Automatic Data Processing, Inc., a provider of computerized
transaction processing, data communication and information services, since May
1998. He was chairman of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. from 1982 to April 1998
and was chief executive officer of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. from 1982 to
August 1996. He is a director of Automatic Data Processing, Inc., J. Crew Inc.,
Russ Berri Corp., Shared Medical Systems, Inc. and a trustee of Atlantic Health
Systems, Inc.
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<PAGE>
Classified board of directors
Following the split-off, our board of directors will be divided into
three classes, consisting of Victor F. Ganzi, John M. May, Richard J. Sharoff
and Josh S. Weston, each as class 1 directors with an initial term expiring at
the first annual stockholders meeting for election of directors after the
split-off; Edward A. Blechschmidt, Steven E. Grabowski and Raymond S. Troubh,
each as class 2 directors with an initial term expiring at the second annual
stockholders meeting for election of directors after the split-off; and Stuart
R. Levine and Stuart Olsten, each as class 3 directors with an initial term
expiring at the third annual stockholders meeting for the election of directors
after the split-off.
Committees of the board of directors
Following the split-off, our board of directors will establish an audit
committee, a human resources committee and an executive committee. The audit
committee will recommend the appointment of auditors, oversee accounting and
audit functions and other key financial matters of our company and oversee the
implementation of the corporate integrity agreements described under the heading
"Business -- Corporate integrity agreements with the government". Messrs. Ganzi,
May and Sharoff will serve as the audit committee's members. The human resources
committee will oversee compensation and benefit programs. Messrs. Levine, Troubh
and Weston will serve as members of the human resources committee. The executive
committee will act for the entire board of directors between board meetings.
Messrs Blechschmidt, Ganzi, May, Olsten and Weston will serve as members of the
committee.
Director compensation
Each non-employee member of the board of directors will receive an
annual retainer of $25,000 in shares of our common stock. In addition, any
non-employee directors who act as chair of a committee of the board will receive
$2,000 annually for acting as a chairperson. Non-employee directors will also
receive $1,000 for each board or committee meeting they attend. All directors,
regardless of whether or not they are our employees, will receive reimbursement
for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings. Upon
initial election to the board, each non-employee director will receive stock
options exercisable for up to 3,750 shares of our common stock with future
grants to be determined by our board of directors.
Executive compensation
Set forth below is information regarding the compensation during
Olsten's last fiscal year for the person who will serve as the chief executive
officer of Olsten Health Services (collectively referred to as the named
officers). During this period, the named officers were employees of Olsten or a
subsidiary of Olsten and all compensation was paid by Olsten or a subsidiary of
Olsten. Following the split-off, the named officers will be employees of Olsten
Health Services and the compensation of the named officers and all other
officers of Olsten Health Services will be determined by our human resources
committee. We anticipate that the compensation to the named officers and all
other executive officers will initially be generally comparable to present
levels of compensation received by them from Olsten, although there can be no
assurance that changes will not be made to the compensation practices and
policies if deemed appropriate by our human resources committee and management.
Summary compensation table. The summary compensation table set forth
below contains information regarding compensation of each of the named officers
for services rendered to Olsten in all capacities during Olsten's last fiscal
year. We are in the process of identifying other executive officers and will
include further information in the definitive proxy statement.
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long Term Compensation
-------------------------------------
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
-------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ---------
Securities
Restricted Underlying
Other Annual Stock Options/ LTIP All Other
Name and Principal Position Year(1) Salary($) Bonus($) Compensation($)(2) Award(s)($) SARS(#) Payouts($) Compensation($)(3)
- --------------------------- ------- --------- -------- ------------------ ----------- ------- ---------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward A. Blechschmidt,(4)
Chairman of the Board
of Directors, President
and Chief Executive Officer.. 1998 $95,192 $235,000 378 -- 200,000 -- --
- ------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Since Olsten Health Services was not a reporting company during the three
immediately preceding fiscal years, Olsten information with respect to the
most recently completed fiscal year is reflected in the table.
(2) Gross-up of taxable portion of fringe benefit.
(3) Represents profit sharing and matching contributions by Olsten for the
named officers pursuant to Olsten's Non-Qualified Retirement Plan for
selected management employees.
(4) Mr. Blechschmidt commenced employment with Olsten in October 1998 as
president and chief operating officer.
Option grants. The table below sets forth further information concerning the
grant of stock options to the named officers by Olsten during Olsten's last
fiscal year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Olsten Stock Option Grants in Fiscal 1998
Individual Grants
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Potential Realizable Value at
Number of % of Total Assumed Annual Rates of Stock
Securities Options Price Appreciation for Option Term3
Underlying Granted to -----------------------------------
Options Employees in Exercise Price Expiration
Name Granted (#)(1) Fiscal Year(2) ($/Sh) Date 5%($) 10%($)(3)
- ----------------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ---------- ----- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward A. Blechschmidt,
Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief
Executive Officer... 200,000 10.1% 5.9375 10/19/08 746,807 1,892,566
- --------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market
values of Olsten's common stock on the date of the grant. The options have
a ten-year term and become exercisable over a five-year period in
increments of 20% per year beginning with the first anniversary of the date
of the grant. In fiscal 1999, Olsten granted Mr. Blechschmidt options to
purchase 150,000 shares at an exercise price of $7.25 per share with an
expiration date of February 10, 2009.
(2) The percentages shown are based upon the total options granted to Olsten
employees.
(3) The dollar amounts under the indicated columns are the result of
calculations at the 5% and 10% rates set forth by the Securities and
Exchange Commission and are not intended to forecast possible future
appreciation of Olsten's or our company's stock price.
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<PAGE>
Aggregated option exercises in Olsten's last fiscal year and fiscal year end
option values. The table below sets forth information with respect to the named
officers concerning the exercise of stock options during Olsten's last fiscal
year and unexercised options held as of the end of that year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options at Fiscal Value of Unexercised In-the-Money
Year End (#) Options at Fiscal Year End ($)
-------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Shares
Acquired on Value
Name Exercise (#) realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ------------------------ ------------ -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward A. Blechschmidt,
Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief
Executive Officer... -- -- -- 200,000 -- $287,500
- ------------------------
</TABLE>
Employee benefit plans, agreements and programs
We are currently determining the terms of our employee benefit plans,
agreements and programs and will include information regarding these
arrangements in the definitive proxy statement.
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<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth as of September 17, 1999, the amount of
our common stock, as adjusted to give effect to the split-off, expected to be
beneficially owned by (1) each director and director nominee of our company, (2)
the named officers of our company, (3) all officers and directors of our company
as a group and (4) all persons who beneficially own more than 5 percent of our
common stock. The amounts and percentages are derived from the amount of Olsten
stock beneficially owned by the persons listed in the table, assuming all Olsten
class B common stock had been converted into Olsten common stock, as of
September 17, 1999. We will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Olsten until the
consummation of the split-off. Because all of the shares of our common stock now
held by Olsten will be split-off to stockholders of Olsten, the number of shares
of our common stock shown below to be owned beneficially by the persons listed
below will depend upon the number of shares of Olsten stock held by such person
at the time of the split-off.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Post-Split-Off
Beneficial Ownership of
Olsten Health Services Common Stock
-----------------------------------------
Percent
Number of Owned
Name of Beneficial Owner Shares Owned (if more than 1%)
- --------------------------------------------------- ------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward A. Blechschmidt(1)...................... 38,000
Victor F. Ganzi................................ 750
Steven Grabowski(2)............................ 1,311,277 6.5%
Stuart Levine.................................. 2,063
John M. May.................................... 4,125
Stuart Olsten(3)............................... 1,559,998 7.7%
Richard J. Sharoff............................. 2,130
Raymond S. Troubh.............................. 18,649
Josh S. Weston................................. 2,487
Cheryl Olsten(4)............................... 1,310,852 6.4%
Miriam Olsten(5)............................... 1,020,578 5.0%
Robert L. Riedinger(6)......................... 1,489,762 7.3%
P.O. Box 404
Monticello, GA
Pacific Financial Research(7).................. 1,533,350 7.5%
9601 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA
First Manhattan Co.(8)......................... 1,245,455 6.1%
437 Madison Avenue
New York, NY
All executive officers and directors as a group
(9 persons)(9)................................. 2,275,020 11.2%
</TABLE>
- -----------------------------------
(1) Mr. Blechschmidt's holding includes 23,000 shares owned directly and 5,000
shares owned by his wife, as to which shares he disclaims beneficial
ownership, and 10,000 shares that may be acquired within 60 days through
the exercise of options.
(2) Mr. Grabowski's holdings include 425 shares owned directly and 1,310,852
shares beneficially owned by his wife, Cheryl Olsten, as to which shares he
disclaims beneficial ownership. See footnote (4).
(3) Mr. Stuart Olsten's holdings include 483,057 shares owned of record and 300
shares owned of record by his wife, as to which shares he disclaims
beneficial ownership. Mr. Olsten has shared voting and investment power as
a trustee with respect to 630,709 shares owned by a trust for his and his
sister's benefit and
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<PAGE>
390,951 shares owned by a trust for his benefit. He has shared voting and
investment power as a trustee with respect to 11,250 shares owned by a
trust for the benefit of his son, 22,500 shares owned by two trusts for the
benefit of his niece and nephew and 20,901 shares owned by a trust for the
benefit of his descendants, as to which shares he disclaims beneficial
ownership. His holdings further include 330 shares held in a custodial
account for his daughter, as to which shares he disclaims beneficial
ownership.
(4) Ms. Cheryl Olsten owns of record 234,541 shares and has shared voting and
investment power as a trustee with respect to 630,709 shares owned by a
trust for her and her brother's benefit and 390,951 shares owned by a trust
for her benefit. Ms. Olsten has shared voting and investment power as a
trustee with respect to 22,500 shares owned by two trusts for the benefit
of her two children, 11,250 shares held by a trust for the benefit of her
nephew and 20,901 shares owned by a trust for the benefit of her
descendants, as to which shares she disclaims beneficial ownership.
(5) Mrs. Miriam Olsten owns 786,376 shares. She has sole voting and investment
power with respect to 234,202 shares held under a trust for the benefit of
one of her children, of which she is trustee, and as to which shares she
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(6) Mr. Riedinger holds directly 56,250 shares. He has shared voting and
investment power as a trustee with respect to 630,709 shares owned by a
trust for the benefit of Stuart Olsten and Cheryl Olsten, 390,951 shares
owned by a trust for the benefit of Stuart Olsten, 390,951 shares owned by
a trust for the benefit of Cheryl Olsten and 20,901 shares owned by a trust
for the benefit of descendants of Ms. Olsten, as to which shares Mr.
Riedinger disclaims beneficial ownership.
(7) Based on a Schedule 13G dated February 11, 1999 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, Pacific Financial Research held sole
voting power and sole dispositive power as to all of such shares.
(8) Based on a Schedule 13G dated February 11, 1999 and filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, First Manhattan Co. held sole voting
power and sole dispositive power as to 35,000 of such shares, shared voting
power as to 1,145,697 of such shares and shared dispositive power as to
1,210,455 of such shares.
(9) Includes 10,000 shares that may be acquired by Mr. Blechschmidt within 60
days through the exercise of options.
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<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES
CAPITAL STOCK
Capital Stock
Authorized capital stock
Our authorized capital stock immediately after the split-off will
consist of shares of common stock, $0.10 par value, and shares of
preferred stock, $ par value. Based on the number of shares of Olsten
stock outstanding at September 17, 1999, 20,326,397 shares of our common stock
will be issued to Olsten stockholders on the date of the split-off. On the date
of the split-off, those shares of our common stock will be the only shares of
our common stock outstanding and no preferred stock will be outstanding.
Common stock
The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote on each share
on all matters and proposals presented to our stockholders on which the holders
of our common stock are entitled to vote. Except as otherwise provided by
Delaware law or in the certificate of incorporation, the holders of our common
stock have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors, an
increase or decrease in the authorized shares of preferred stock and on all
other matters or proposals presented to our stockholders. Matters submitted for
stockholder approval generally require a majority vote of the shares of our
common stock present and voting. Subject to the preferences that may be
applicable to preferred stock outstanding at the time, holders of our common
stock are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available at such
times and in such amounts as the board of directors may determine from time to
time. Our common stock is not subject to preemptive rights and is not subject to
redemption or conversion. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our
company, the assets legally available for distribution to stockholders will be
distributed ratably among the holders of our common stock after payment of the
liquidation preferences, if any, on the outstanding preferred stock and payment
of other claims of creditors. The transfer agent and registrar for our common
stock is
Preferred stock
The board of directors is authorized to issue, subject to the
limitations prescribed by Delaware law, preferred stock in one of more series.
The board of directors may establish the number of shares to be included in each
series and fix the designation, powers, privileges, preferences and rights of
the shares of each series and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions
thereon.
The board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock
with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or
other rights of the holders of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock,
while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other
corporate purposes could, among other things, under certain circumstances, have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control in our
company. We have no current intent to issue any preferred stock.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Certificate of incorporation and bylaws
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may
delay or make more difficult unsolicited acquisitions or changes of control.
Such provisions could have the effect of discouraging third par-
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<PAGE>
ties from making proposals involving an unsolicited acquisition or change of
control of our company, although such proposals, if made, might be considered
desirable by a majority of our stockholders. Such provisions may also have the
effect of making it more difficult for third parties to cause the replacement of
our current management without the concurrence of our board of directors. These
provisions include:
o the division of our board of directors into three classes, each
class serving staggered terms of office of three years;
o the availability of authorized shares of preferred stock for
issuance from time to time and the determination of rights,
powers and preferences of the preferred stock at the discretion
of our board of directors without the approval our stockholders;
o provisions allowing the removal of directors only for "cause";
o the requirement of a meeting of stockholders to approve all
action to be taken by the stockholders;
o limitations on stockholders' rights to call meetings;
o requirements for advance notice for raising business or making
nominations at stockholders meetings;
o limitations on the minimum and maximum number of directors that
constitutes our board of directors;
o requirements relating to the committees of our board of directors
and the constitution of these committees.
Our bylaws establish an advance notice procedure with regard to
business to be brought before an annual or special meeting of our stockholders
and with regard to the nomination, other than by or at the direction of our
board of directors, of candidates for election as directors. Although our bylaws
do not give the board of directors any power to approve or disapprove
stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals for action,
they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors
or the consideration of stockholder proposals if the proper procedures are not
followed, and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a
solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its
proposal without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or proposals
might be harmful or beneficial to our company and its stockholders.
The Delaware Business Combination Act
As a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, we
are subject to Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware which imposes a three-year moratorium on business combinations between
a Delaware corporation and an "interested stockholder", in general, a
stockholder owning 15 percent or more of a corporation's outstanding voting
stock, or an affiliate or associate thereof unless:
o prior to the interested stockholder becoming such, the board of
directors of the corporation approved either the business
combination or the transaction resulting in the interested
stockholder becoming such;
o upon consummation of the transaction resulting in the interested
stockholder becoming such, the interested stockholder owned 85
percent of the voting stock outstanding at the time the
transaction
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<PAGE>
commenced, excluding from the calculation of shares outstanding
those shares beneficially owned by directors who are also
officers and certain employee benefit plans; or
o on or after the interested stockholder becomes such, the business
combination is approved by the board of directors and the holders
of at least 66-2/3 percent of the outstanding shares other than
those shares beneficially owned by the interested stockholder at
a meeting of stockholders.
The Delaware Business Combination Act defines the term "business
combination" to encompass a wide variety of transactions with, or caused by, an
interested stockholder in which the interested stockholder receives or could
receive a benefit on other than a pro rata basis with other stockholders. These
transactions include mergers, certain asset sales, certain issuances of
additional shares to the interested stockholder, transactions with us which
increase the proportionate interest of the interested stockholder or
transactions in which the interested stockholder receives certain other
benefits.
By a provision in its original certificate of incorporation or an
amendment thereto or to its bylaws adopted by a majority of the shares entitled
to vote thereon, a corporation may elect not to be governed by the Delaware
Business Combination Act, provided that any amendment to the certificate of
incorporation will not become effective until 12 months after its adoption. We
have not made such an election in our certificate of incorporation.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of
Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents
Our certificate of incorporation limits, to the maximum extent
permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL,
the liability of directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary
duties as directors, except in some circumstances involving wrongful acts such
as a director's breach of their duty of loyalty or acts or omissions which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law.
Section 145 of the DGCL permits a company to indemnify officers,
directors, employees or agents against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts
paid in settlement in connection with legal proceedings if the acted in good
faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was
unlawful, provided that with respect to actions by, or in the right of the
corporation against, these individuals, indemnification is not permitted as to
any matter as to which this person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which such legal
proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the
adjudication of liability, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper. Individuals who are
successful in the defense of any legal proceeding are entitled to
indemnification against expenses reasonably incurred in connection therewith.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that we will
indemnify our directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent
permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL. In addition, our certificate of
incorporation and bylaws provide that we may advance any and all expenses to any
director, officer, employee or agent reasonably incurred by such person in
connection with any legal proceedings in connection with their position with us.
We plan to maintain standard insurance policies under which coverage is
provided for payments made by us to our directors, officers, employees and
agents in respect of the indemnification provisions in our certificate of
incorporation and bylaws.
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<PAGE>
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
We estimate that approximately 20,326,397 shares of our common stock
will be outstanding after the split-off, based on the number of shares of Olsten
stock outstanding on September 17, 1999. All of our shares of common stock will
be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the
Securities Act, except to the extent such shares are held by our "affiliates"
(within the meaning of Rule 144 or Rule 145 promulgated under the Securities
Act), which will be subject to the limitations of Rule 144 or Rule 145, as
applicable, promulgated under the Securities Act. In general, under Rule 144 as
currently in effect, persons who may be deemed our affiliates or affiliates of
Olsten prior to the split-off, as that term is defined in the Securities Act,
would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that
does not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of our common
stock (approximately 203,263 shares immediately after the split-off) or the
average weekly trading volume during the four calendar weeks preceding a sale by
such person. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain provisions
relating to the manner and notice of sale and availability of current public
information about us. In general, under Rule 145 as currently in effect,
affiliates of ours (which generally is defined to include affiliates of Olsten
prior to the split-off) would also be subject to the above restrictions on sales
of our common stock. Following the split-off, 442,298 shares of our common stock
will be issuable upon the exercise of options held by our directors and
employees and former employees based on options outstanding as of September 17,
1999.
TAX CONSEQUENCES
The material tax consequences of the split-off and merger are described
in the proxy statement/prospectus under the heading "Material Tax Consequences".
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<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the common stock
offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Cahill Gordon & Reindel (a
partnership including a professional corporation), New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The financial statements as of January 3, 1999 and December 28, 1997
and for each of the three years in the period ended January 3, 1999 included in
this prospectus have been included in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-4
(together with all amendments, schedules and exhibits thereto, the "registration
statement") under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of our common
stock described in this prospectus. This prospectus, which is part of the
registration statement, does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement, certain portions of which are omitted as permitted by
the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information pertaining
to us and our common stock offered hereby, reference is made to the registration
statement, including the exhibits thereto and the financial statements, notes
and schedules filed as a part thereof. Statements made in this prospectus
regarding the contents of any contract or other document referred to herein or
therein are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to
the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement or such other document, each such statement being
qualified in all respects by such reference.
Following the split-off, we will be subject to the informational
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and, in accordance
therewith, will file reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the
registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, may be inspected,
without charge, at the public reference facility maintained by the Commission at
Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and
at the Commission's regional offices located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite
1300, New York, NY 10048. Copies of such material may also be obtained from the
Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Such materials can also be
inspected at the offices of The Nasdaq National Market at 33 Whitehall Street,
8th Floor, New York, NY 10004-4087 or on the Commission's site on the Internet
at http://www.sec.gov.
We intend to furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing
audited financial statements for each fiscal year.
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<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page No.
--------
Report of Independent Accountants...................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 28, 1997,
January 3, 1999 and July 4, 1999 (unaudited)........................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three years
ended January 3, 1999 and for the six months ended
June 28, 1998 (unaudited) and July 4, 1999 (unaudited)................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
for the three years ended January 3, 1999 and
for the six months ended July 4, 1999 (unaudited)...................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three
years ended January 3, 1999 and for the six months ended
June 28, 1998 (unaudited) and July 4, 1999 (unaudited)................. F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................. F-7
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Olsten Health Services Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying
index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Olsten
Health Services Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries at January 3, 1999 and December
28, 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended January 3, 1999, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the
financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly,
in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in
conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial
statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 28, 1999, except as to the information presented in Notes 4, 8 and 15,
for which the date is September 29, 1999.
F-2
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 28, 1997 January 3, 1999 July 4, 1999
----------------- --------------- ------------
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash $ -- $ 799 $ --
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$19,200, $25,596 and $28,660, respectively 407,056 452,318 552,619
Inventories 56,893 90,276 91,087
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 32,893 83,746 58,845
-------- -------- --------
Total current assets 496,842 627,139 702,551
Fixed assets, net 50,459 60,877 59,198
Intangibles, principally goodwill, net of accumulated
amortization of $74,775, $85,305 and $89,900,
respectively 234,563 256,116 248,665
Other assets 1,614 1,606 2,051
-------- -------- --------
$783,478 $945,738 $1,012,465
======== ======== =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accrued expenses $ 74,196 $ 159,900 $ 148,474
Insurance costs 28,835 23,278 31,913
Accounts payable 30,825 51,937 58,271
Payroll and related taxes 16,851 24,109 14,675
-------- -------- --------
Total current liabilities 150,707 259,224 253,333
Long-term debt 86,250 86,250 78,562
Other liabilities 16,251 38,405 38,336
Shareholder's equity
Common stock, $.10 par value; authorized
2,000 shares; issued 100 shares as
of December 28, 1997,
January 3, 1999, and July 4, 1999 -- -- --
Additional paid-in capital 436,318 569,560 660,195
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 96,181 (5,284) (15,655)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,229) (2,417) (2,306)
-------- -------- --------
Total shareholder's equity 530,270 561,859 642,234
-------- -------- --------
$783,478 $ 945,738 $1,012,465
======== ======== =========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Fiscal Years Ended For the Six Months Ended
-------------------------- ------------------------
1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(53 Weeks) (unaudited) (unaudited)
---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Service sales, management fees and
other income $ 1,374,353 $ 1,433,854 $ 1,330,303 $ 647,167 $ 740,733
Cost of services sold 862,413 913,268 908,896 456,232 487,817
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 511,940 520,586 421,407 190,935 252,916
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 421,222 460,254 552,528 259,332 257,427
Interest expense, net 687 4,351 4,414 2,185 2,057
Interest expense on intercompany
debt 12,000 13,000 13,000 6,500 6,500
Merger, integration and other
non-recurring charges 74,820 -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income
taxes and minority interest 3,211 42,981 (148,535) (77,082) (13,068)
Income tax expense (benefit) 6,716 16,298 (47,070) (26,286) (2,697)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before minority
interest (3,505) 26,683 (101,465) (50,796) (10,371)
Minority interest 628 164 -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ (2,877) $ 26,847 $ (101,465) $ (50,796) $ (10,371)
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
SHARE INFORMATION:
Basic and diluted earnings (loss)
per share
Net income (loss) $ (28,770) $ 268,470 $(1,014,650) $ (507,960) $ (103,710)
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Average shares outstanding 100 100 100 100 100
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-4
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(In thousands, except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Retained Accumulated
Additional earnings other
Common Stock paid-in (accumulated comprehensive
Shares Amount capital deficit) loss Total
------ ------ ------- -------- ---- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1995 $ 100 $-- $ 446,481 $ 72,211 $ (1,976) $ 516,716
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss and cumulative
translation adjustment -- (2,877) (82) (2,959)
Net transactions with Olsten 27,980 27,980
------ ------ ------- -------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 29, 1996 100 -- 474,461 69,334 (2,058) 541,737
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income and cumulative
translation adjustment -- 26,847 (171) 26,676
Net transactions with Olsten -- (38,143) (38,143)
------ ------ ------- -------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 28, 1997 100 -- 436,318 96,181 (2,229) 530,270
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss and cumulative
translation adjustment -- (101,465) (188) (101,653)
Net transactions with Olsten 133,242 133,242
------ ------ ------- -------- --------- ---------
Balance at January 3, 1999 100 -- 569,560 (5,284) (2,417) 561,859
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net loss and cumulative
translation adjustment
(unaudited) -- -- (10,371) 111 (10,260)
Net transactions with Olsten
(unaudited) 90,635 90,635
------ ------ ------- -------- --------- ---------
Balance at July 4, 1999 (unaudited) $ 100 $-- $ 660,195 $ (15,655) $ (2,306) $ 642,234
====== ====== ========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Fiscal Year Ended For the Six Months Ended
----------------------------------------- ----------------------------
1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(53 Weeks) (unaudited) (unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ (2,877) $ 26,847 $(101,465) $ (50,796) $ (10,371)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amoritization 27,008 29,493 31,401 15,231 17,406
Provision for doubtful accounts 18,430 25,884 24,046 10,497 12,408
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 4,248 2,944 4,202 837 330
Deferred income taxes (2,227) 2,679 (17,556) (23,982) (2,968)
Minority interest in results of operations of
consolidated subsidiaries 628 164 -- -- --
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects
from acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts receivable (61,645) (89,089) (53,454) (17,555) (112,710)
Inventories, prepaid expenses
and other current assets (6,273) 4,296 (24,310) (6,298) (2,456)
Current liabilities 15,870 15,274 70,425 21,450 23,623
Other, net (842) 1,708 2,836 1,847 3,829
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (7,680) 20,200 (63,875) (48,769) (70,909)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions of business, net of cash acquired (25,065) (4,256) (33,989) (170) (1,655)
Purchases of fixed assets, net (24,727) (23,072) (34,579) (12,432) (11,182)
Proceeds from sale of investment securities -- 9,415 -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities (49,792) (17,913) (68,568) (12,602) (12,837)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net transactions with Olsten 27,980 (38,143) 133,242 61,371 90,635
Retirement of long-term debt -- -- -- -- (7,688)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 27,980 (38,143) 133,242 61,371 82,947
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash (29,492) (35,856) 799 -- (799)
Cash at beginning of period 65,348 35,856 -- -- 799
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Cash at end of period $ 35,856 $ -- $ 799 $ -- $ --
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash payments for interest $ 4,096 $ 4,096 $ 4,096 $ 2,048 $ 1,865
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Note 1. Background and Basis of Presentation
Background
On August 18, 1999, Olsten Corporation ("Olsten") announced its intention to
create a separate publicly traded company (the "Split-off") of Olsten's health
services business (the "Company") and to merge its Staffing and Information
Technology businesses (the "Retained Businesses") with those of Adecco S.A.
("Adecco") pursuant to the Merger Agreement, (the "Merger" and, together with
the Split-off, the "Transactions"). Upon the consummation of the Merger, Olsten
will issue all of its shares of common stock in the Company to its shareholders
in exchange for the redemption by Olsten of a portion of each share of Olsten
stock and Adecco will deliver to the Olsten shareholders $8.75 in cash or .12472
Adecco American Depository Shares (ADS - each ADS representing one-eighth of an
Adecco common share), or a combination thereof determined in accordance with the
formula described in the Merger Agreement, in exchange for the remaining portion
of each Olsten share held.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the results of
operations, financial position, changes in shareholder's equity and cash flows
of the Company as if it were a separate entity for all periods presented. The
consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the historical basis
in the assets and liabilities and historical results of operations related to
the Company. Additionally, the Company's selling, general and administrative
expenses include a management fee, which represents an allocation of certain
general corporate overhead expenses of $5 million in each year related to
Olsten's corporate headquarters. Management believes the allocations related to
general corporate overhead expenses are reasonable, however, the costs of these
items deemed to be charged to the Company are not necessarily indicative of the
costs that would have been incurred if the Company had been a stand-alone
entity. Subsequent to the Split-Off, the Company will perform these functions
using its own resources or purchased services and will be responsible for the
costs and expenses associated with the management of a public corporation.
Management estimates that had the Company been a separate entity for each year
presented, selling, general and administrative expenses would have been
approximately $5 million greater than the amounts presented in these historical
financial statements.
Interest expense shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income reflects the
interest associated with the Convertible Subordinated Debentures discussed in
Note 6 and $12 million in 1996 and $13 million in 1997 and 1998 relating to the
intercompany balances with Olsten. Such intercompany balances have been
reflected as a contribution to capital at the end of each period presented in
these consolidated financial statements. Additionally, income taxes are
calculated on a separate company basis. The Company's financial statements
include the costs experienced by the Olsten benefit plans for employees for whom
the Company will assume responsibility. As part of the Transactions, the
Company, Olsten and Adecco have entered into the Separation Agreement, Tax
Sharing Agreement and an Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement, which address
the allocation of assets and liabilities and govern future relationships between
them.
The financial information in these financial statements is not necessarily
indicative of results that would have occurred if the Company had been a
separate stand-alone entity during the periods presented or of future results of
the Company.
F-7
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company's fiscal year ends
on the Sunday nearest to December 31st, which was January 3, 1999 for 1998,
December 28, 1997 for 1997 and December 29, 1996 for 1996.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
The accompanying interim consolidated balance sheet as of July 4, 1999 and the
statements of income and cash flows for the six months ended July 4, 1999 and
June 28, 1998 together with the related disclosures and amounts set forth in the
notes are unaudited but include all adjustments, consisting of only normal
recurring adjustments, which the Company considers necessary to present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position as of July 4,
1999, and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the six
months ended June 28, 1998 and July 4, 1999. These results are not necessarily
indicative of results for the entire year.
Revenue Recognition
Service and product sales and related costs, including labor, payroll taxes,
fringe benefits and products and supplies, are recognized in the period in which
the services and products are provided. Sales are recorded based on
fee-for-service or contractual arrangements, including capitated agreements,
with customers and third party payors, estimates of expected reimbursement under
arrangements with Medicare and state reimbursed programs, and management fees
generated from services provided to hospital based home health agencies and are
adjusted in future periods as final settlements are determined. Sales from state
reimbursed programs amounted to 21 percent, 20 percent and 23 percent of total
consolidated sales in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
Medicare reimbursement is based on reasonable, allowable costs incurred in
providing services to eligible beneficiaries. These costs are reported in annual
cost reports which are filed with the Medicare fiscal intermediary and are
subject to audit. Sales representing estimated reimbursement of allowable costs
from Medicare amounted to 22 percent, 19 percent and 15 percent of total
consolidated sales in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
Under capitated agreements with managed care customers, the Company recognizes
revenue based on a predetermined contractual rate for each member of the managed
care plan. Costs are determined based on estimates of expected service and
product requirements. These estimates are developed by applying actuarial
assumptions and historical patterns of utilization to authorized levels of
service. Sales from capitated agreements with managed care payors represented 1
percent, 5 percent and 5 percent of total consolidated sales in 1996, 1997 and
1998, respectively.
Sales adjustments result from differences between estimated and actual
reimbursement amounts, an inability to obtain appropriate billing documentation
or authorizations acceptable to the payor and other reasons unrelated to credit
risk. Sales adjustments are deducted directly from gross accounts receivable.
Included in accounts receivable is a receivable of $1 million in 1998 and a
payable of $3.3 million for 1997 related to net contractual adjustments and
third party settlements. Management prepares various analyses to evaluate its
receivable valuation accounts. Such analyses include accounts receivable aging
trends, historical collection and write-off data and other statistical
information.
F-8
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Inventories
Inventories consist primarily of biological and pharmaceutical products and
supplies held for sale or distribution to patients through prescription. The
Company records inventories at the lower of cost (weighted average cost) or
market.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets, including external costs of Company developed software, are stated
at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the
straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of
the life of the lease or the life of the improvement.
Intangibles
Intangibles, principally goodwill, associated with acquired businesses are being
amortized on a straight-line basis primarily over 40 years. When events and
circumstances so indicate, all long-term assets, including intangibles, are
assessed for recoverability based upon undiscounted operating cash flow
forecasts. No impairment losses have been recognized in any of the periods
presented.
Foreign Currency Translation
Financial statements of the Company's Canadian subsidiary are translated into
U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and
liabilities and a weighted average exchange rate for each period for revenues,
expenses, gains and losses and cash flows. Translation adjustments are recorded
within accumulated other comprehensive income/loss. Transaction gains and losses
that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a
currency other than the functional currency are not significant.
Earnings Per Share
Historical earnings per share data has been computed based upon 100 shares of
common stock outstanding, all of which are owned by Olsten.
Income Taxes
The Company has been included, where applicable, in the consolidated income tax
returns of Olsten for the respective periods. The provisions for income taxes in
the Consolidated Statements of Income have been calculated on a separate company
basis. The Company provides for taxes based on current taxable income and the
future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting
and income tax carrying values of its assets and liabilities. Under Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, assets and liabilities acquired
in purchase business combinations are assigned their fair values, and deferred
taxes are provided for lower or higher tax bases.
F-9
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Newly Issued Accounting Standards
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income." This statement establishes standards for the reporting
and presentation of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of
financial statements. As shown in the Statement of Changes in Shareholder's
Equity, comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in equity during a
period, except those resulting from investments by and distributions to the
Company's shareholder. As this standard only requires additional information in
the financial statements, it does not affect the Company's results of operations
or financial position.
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes
standards for the way that publicly held companies report information about
operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those
enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim
financial reports issued to shareholders. It also establishes standards for
related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major
customers. The adoption of SFAS No. 131 did not impact the Company's results of
operations or financial position, but did affect the disclosure of segment
information.
Note 3. Acquisitions
In 1998, the Company acquired all of Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation's home
health care operations in the state of Florida and several other companies in
asset transactions approximating $35 million in cash. Assets acquired in these
transactions were $4 million, with the excess of the purchase price over the
fair value of assets acquired recorded as goodwill.
In 1997, the Company acquired several home care operations, providing skilled
nursing services for an aggregate purchase price of $4.6 million in cash
primarily related to goodwill.
Goodwill associated with these acquisitions is being amortized on a
straight-line basis, primarily over 40 years. The results of operations of the
acquired companies are included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of
Income from the dates of acquisition. Pro forma results of operations are not
presented as the pro forma impact of the purchased acquisitions, which were
accounted for by the purchase method of accounting, was not significant to the
Company's Financial Statements.
F-10
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Note 4. Merger, Integration and Other Non-Recurring Charges
On March 30, 1999, the Company announced plans to record a $56 million special
charge for the settlement of two federal investigations (described in Note 8),
focusing on the Company's Medicare home office cost reports and certain
transactions with Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation ("Columbia/HCA") which was
finalized and signed on July 19, 1999. On August 11, 1999, Olsten paid $61
million pursuant to the settlement, approximately $5 million of which was
accrued as part of the Company's 1996 merger, integration and other
non-recurring charges. Such amount is included in accrued expenses at January 3,
1999 and July 4, 1999.
In the quarter ended April 4, 1999, the Company recorded a special charge
aggregating $17 million. The charge is for the realignment of business units as
part of a new restructuring plan, including compensation and severance costs of
$5 million to be paid to operational support staff, branch administrative
personnel and management, asset write-offs of $7 million related primarily to
fixed assets being disposed of in offices being closed and facilities being
consolidated as well as fixed assets and goodwill attributable to the Company's
exit from certain businesses previously acquired but not within the Company's
strategic objectives and integration costs of $5 million, primarily related to
obligations under lease agreements for offices and other facilities being
closed. The Company expects that the realignment of the business units will
achieve a reduction of expenses of approximately $4 million for the last three
quarters of 1999, due to reduced employee, lease and depreciation expenses. As
of July 4, 1999, 80 percent of closures and consolidations of facilities have
been completed and approximately 75 percent of the 525 expected terminations
have occurred.
In 1998, as a part of the Balanced Budget Act, the government enacted the
Interim Payment System ("IPS") for reimbursement of home care services provided
under Medicare effective October 1, 1997. Prior to enactment of the IPS, home
care services were reimbursed based on cost subject to a cap determined by the
Health Care Financing Administration. The IPS reimburses home care services
based on costs, subject to both a per-beneficiary limit and a per-visit limit.
Further, the IPS reduced the per-visit limit to 1994 levels. As a result of
these cuts in reimbursement, provider reimbursements have been reduced. In order
to operate at the lowered reimbursement rates, home health care companies
reduced the services provided to patients by providing fewer patient visits and
decreasing utilization. In addition, the regulatory climate that ensued in home
health care caused a lower level of physician referrals.
As a consequence of these circumstances, in 1998, the Company recorded
non-recurring charges and other adjustments of $66 million, of which
approximately $64 million and $2 million were recorded in the second and third
quarters of 1998, respectively, related to the restructuring of the Company's
businesses. These charges, which were primarily for 60 office closings and
consolidations in the United States, were taken to help position the Company to
operate more efficiently under the new IPS. In addition, the Company has also
made significant technological investments in order to improve operational
efficiencies and employee retention levels. The benefit of the restructuring
began to be realized in the second quarter of 1998.
F-11
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Included in this provision was $24 million charged to selling, general and
administrative expenses, which included lease payments of $3 million, employee
severance of $4 million, fixed asset and software write-offs of $5 million to
reflect the loss incurred upon the Company's decision to dispose of the assets
in certain closed offices, and an increase in the allowance for doubtful
accounts of $12 million. All closures and consolidations of facilities and
employee terminations related to this charge have been completed. The allowance
for doubtful accounts was increased because the collection of receivables is
highly dependent on the service provider's ability to provide certain evidence
of service and authorization documentation to a variety of third-party payors.
The office closings, consolidation of certain business service centers and the
termination of employees are all events that, in the Company's past experience,
impair the ability to provide the aforementioned documentation and to collect
receivables
The Company also recorded other adjustments to selling, general and
administrative expenses of $13 million which included professional fees and
related costs resulting from the settlement with several government agencies
regarding certain past business practices of Quantum Health Resources
("Quantum"), the level of effort required to respond to the significant
inquiries conducted by the government, and costs incurred to redesign the credit
and collection process of the home health services business.
In addition, upon final announcement of the per-beneficiary limits by the
government, the Company recorded a reduction in revenues of $14 million in the
second quarter of 1998 for the six month period ended June 28, 1998 in
anticipation of lower Medicare reimbursements resulting from the new per-visit
and per-beneficiary limits that have been imposed by Medicare under the IPS.
The Company recorded a charge to cost of sales of $15 million in the second
quarter of 1998 to reflect the estimated increase in costs that have been
incurred, but not yet reported, based upon a change in the actuarial estimates
utilized to determine the level of service to patients covered under the
Company's capitated contracts.
In 1996, the Company recorded merger, integration and other non-recurring
charges totalling approximately $75 million. These charges resulted from the
Quantum acquisition of $39 million; $30 million of allowances for a change in
the methodology used by Medicare for computing reimbursements in prior years
related to the Company's home health services business; and Quantum's charge of
$5.5 million related to the settlement of shareholder litigation. The $39
million charge, related to the Quantum acquisition, included transaction costs
of $7 million; compensation and severance costs of $8.6 million; asset
write-downs of $8.2 million, primarily comprised of fixed assets and an
unrecoverable majority-interest investment in a software development company
held by Quantum; and integration costs, for employee relocation, obligations
under lease agreements for planned vacancies and other activities required to
consolidate the operations, of $15.5 million.
The major components, as well as the activity during the years ended 1996, 1997
and 1998 and the six months ended July 4, 1999 (unaudited), of the charges were
as follows:
F-12
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Accounts Compensation
Receivables and and Severance Integration
Settlements Other Assets(1) Costs Costs Other Total
----------- -------------- ------------- ----------- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charge - 1996 $ 10,700 $ 33,000 $ 8,600 $ 15,500 $ 7,020 $ 74,820
Cash expenditures (5,500) -- (2,611) (5,572) (6,035) (19,718)
Non-cash write-offs -- (27,268) -- -- -- (27,268)
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 29, 1996 5,200 5,732 5,989 9,928 985 27,834
Cash expenditures -- -- (5,633) (9,021) (985) (15,639)
Non-cash write-offs -- (5,670) -- -- -- (5,670)
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 28, 1997 5,200 62 356 907 -- 6,525
Cash expenditures -- -- (356) (813) -- (1,169)
Non-cash write-offs -- (62) -- -- -- (62)
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance at January 3, 1999 5,200 -- -- 94 -- 5,294
Cash expenditures -- -- -- (94) -- (94)
Non-cash write-offs -- -- -- -- -- --
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance at July 4, 1999 5,200 -- -- -- -- 5,200
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Charge - 1998 56,000 17,309 4,000 34,641 10,050 122,000
Cash expenditures -- -- (3,739) (33,839) (9,574) (47,152)
Non-cash write-offs -- (17,211) -- -- -- (17,211)
Balance at January 3, 1999 56,000 98 261 802 476 57,637
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash expenditures (330) -- (150) (450) (476) (1,406)
Non-cash write-offs -- (83) -- -- -- (83)
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance at July 4, 1999 55,670 15 111 352 -- 56,148
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Charge - 1999 -- 6,490 5,020 5,190 -- 16,700
Cash Expenditures -- -- (1,748) (2,221) -- (3,969)
Non-cash write-offs -- (5,712) -- -- -- (5,712)
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance at July 4, 1999 -- 778 3,272 2,969 -- 7,019
---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance of all charges
combined at July 4, 1999 $ 60,870 $ 793 $ 3,383 $ 3,321 -- $ 68,367
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
(1) Amounts represent contra assets.
Note 5. Fixed Assets, Net
1997 1998
---- ----
Computer equipment and software $ 60,293 $ 67,025
Furniture and fixtures 43,339 38,658
Buildings and improvements 13,658 15,850
Machinery and equipment 13,226 14,597
------- -------
130,516 136,130
Less accumulated depreciation (80,057) (75,253)
------- -------
$ 50,459 $ 60,877
======= =======
Depreciation expense was approximately $17 million in 1996, $19 million in 1997
and $21 million in 1998.
F-13
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Note 6. Long-Term Debt
In 1993, the Company's Quantum subsidiary, issued $86.3 million of 4 3/4%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures maturing on October 1, 2000. The debentures
are convertible into Class B common stock of Olsten at $52.26 per share.
Subsequent to the consummation of the Transactions, the debentures will be
exchangeable into shares of the Company and the merger consideration as if the
holder of the debenture held the number of shares of Olsten's Class B common
stock that the debentures would have been convertible into, immediately prior to
the Transactions. The merger consideration is either $8.75 in cash or .12472
Adecco Depository Shares or a combination thereof determined in accordance with
the Merger Agreement and the Split-Off consideration is .25 shares of the
Company for each share of common stock. As such, if holders present the
debentures for conversion, the Company will purchase Adecco ADS's at fair market
value. Quantum is also a guarantor with respect to Olsten's revolving credit
facility. In accordance with the terms of the Separation Agreement, Quantum's
guarantee is expected to be released upon the closing of the Transactions.
In January 1999, $7.7 million of the convertible subordinated debentures were
retired at 88.5 percent of the principal amount, resulting in a gain of
approximately $.9 million. Interest expense is net of interest income of $4
million in 1996, $310 thousand in 1997 and $120 thousand in 1998.
Note 7. Transactions with Olsten
Net transactions with Olsten, included in shareholder's equity, include the
accumulated excess of cash outlays made on the Company's behalf and management
fees charged to the Company by Olsten over cash receipts generated by the
Company. In accordance with the terms of the Separation Agreement, intercompany
balances at October 31, 1999 will be contributed to the Company's capital in its
entirety. Intercompany loans, that occur subsequent to October 31, 1999 through
the date of the consummation of the Split-Off, are payable in full with interest
of 6% per annum. The Separation Agreement provides that on October 31, 1999 if
the sum of (a) indebtedness for borrowed money, (b) the deferred purchase price
of property and (c) up to $10 million of transactions fees related to the
transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement and the Merger Agreement,
less cash on hand (referred to as net debt) of Olsten and its subsidiaries
(after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Separation
Agreement) is (i) greater than $750 million, then the new intercompany account
will reflect a payable by us to Olsten equal to the amount of excess, or (ii)
less than $750 million, then Olsten will pay to us cash on October 31, 1999, in
an amount equal to the shortfall or (iii) equal to $750 million, then the new
intercompany account will open with a zero balance.
Olsten uses a centralized cash management system. As a result, cash and cash
equivalents (other than actual cash on hand) were not allocated to the Company.
On October 31, 1999, the Company will cease participation in Olsten's cash
management system and will establish its own cash management system.
Included in selling, general and administrative expenses are $1.4 million, $1.6
million, and $1.4 million, in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively, relating to
staffing services provided to the Company by Olsten.
F-14
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Note 8. Legal Matters
Government Investigations
The Company has been subject to several federal and state governmental
investigations. Some of those investigations are still pending, although
substantially all of them have been settled. In connection with the Split-Off,
the Company has agreed to assume, to the extent permitted by operation of law
and the terms of the liabilities, and indemnify Olsten for all liabilities
associated with any pending or future governmental investigation of the health
services business and has also agreed to comply with and be subject to all
related settlement agreements and corporate integrity agreements or other
operational agreements with the government.
The Company has cooperated with the Office of Investigations section of the
Office of Inspector General (an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services) and the U.S. Department of Justice in connection with the
government's investigation into the Company's preparation of Medicare cost
reports (the "cost reports investigation"). The Company has also cooperated with
the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal agencies investigating the
relationship between Columbia/HCA and the Company in connection with the
purchase, sale and operation of certain home health agencies which had been
owned by Columbia/HCA and managed under contract with a unit of Olsten Health
Services that provides management to hospital based home health agencies (the
"Columbia/HCA investigation.")
The Company continues to cooperate with various state and federal agencies,
including the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of the Attorney General of
New Mexico and the New Mexico Health Care Anti-Fraud Task Force in connection
with their investigations into certain health care practices of Quantum. Among
the matters the federal agencies are or were inquiring are allegations of
improper billing and fraud against various federally-funded medical assistance
programs on the part of Quantum and its post-acquisition successor, the Home
Care Infusion Therapy Services business of Olsten Health Services (the "Quantum
New Mexico investigation"). Most of the time period that the Company understands
to be at issue in the Quantum New Mexico investigation predates Olsten's June
1996 acquisition of Quantum.
On July 19, 1999, Olsten entered into written civil and criminal agreements with
the U.S. Department of Justice (and, as to the civil agreement, the Office of
Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
finalizing the understanding that it announced on March 30, 1999 to settle the
civil and criminal aspects of the cost reports investigation and the
Columbia/HCA investigation. Pursuant to the settlement, (a) Olsten paid on
August 11, 1999 the sum of $61 million to the U.S. Department of Justice,
including approximately $10.1 million in criminal fines and penalties; (b) in
connection with the Columbia/HCA investigation, a subsidiary of the Company,
Kimberly Home Health Care, Inc., pled guilty in the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Georgia, the Southern District of Florida and the
Middle District of Florida, respectively, to a criminal violation of the federal
mail fraud, conspiracy and kickback statutes; (c) Kimberly Home Health Care,
Inc. has been permanently excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and
all other federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S.C. ss. 1320a-7b(f);
and (d) Olsten has executed a corporate integrity agreement with the Office of
Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
By letter dated June 30, 1999, the Medicare Fraud Control Unit of the New Mexico
Attorney General's Office notified Olsten that it has declined to criminally
prosecute the so-called "J-Code issue" relating to Quantum's past practices in
seeking government health care reimbursement.
F-15
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
On January 28, 1999, Olsten announced that it had been advised by the United
States Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico ("New Mexico U.S.
Attorney's Office") that, in connection with the Quantum New Mexico
Investigation, it had dropped its criminal investigation into certain past
practices of Quantum. The criminal aspect of the Quantum New Mexico
Investigation had focused on allegations of improper billing and fraud against
various federally funded medical assistance programs on the part of Quantum
during the period between January 1992 and April 1997. By letter dated February
1, 1999, the New Mexico U.S. Attorney's Office advised Olsten that, having ended
its criminal inquiry, the Office has referred the Quantum matter to its
Affirmative Civil Enforcement ("ACE") Section. As it had done with the Criminal
Division of the New Mexico U.S. Attorney's Office, the Company intends to
cooperate fully with that Office's ACE Section in connection with its civil
inquiry into the Quantum matter that has been referred to it. At this date, it
is too early to ascertain what relief the ACE Section will seek in connection
with the investigation, but such relief could include money damages and/or civil
penalties.
On October 28, 1998, Olsten announced that it entered into a final settlement
agreement with several government agencies investigating certain past practices
of Quantum. The agreement was entered into with the U.S. Department of Justice,
the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, the U.S. Secretary of Defense (for the CHAMPUS/Tricare program), and
the Attorneys General for the States of New York and Oklahoma. Pursuant to the
settlement, Olsten reimbursed the government approximately $4.5 million for
certain disputed claims under the Medicaid and CHAMPUS programs for
reimbursement for the provision of anti-hemophilia factor products to patients
covered by certain federal health care programs and entered into a corporate
integrity agreement.
Legal Proceedings
In connection with the Split-Off, the Company has agreed to assume, to the
extent permitted by operation of law and the terms of the liabilities, and
indemnify Olsten for all liabilities, whether or not pending at the time of the
Split-Off, of the health services business of Olsten and its subsidiaries,
including, but not limited, to those listed below.
In April 1997, a purported class action captioned Gail Weichman v. Olsten
Corporation, et al., No. CV 97-1946, was filed in the United States District
Court for the Eastern District of New York against Olsten, Miriam Olsten, Frank
Liguori and Anthony Puglisi. In August 1997, two additional proposed class
action lawsuits, captioned Esta S. Goldman v. Olsten Corporation, et al., No. CV
97-4501, and Elliott Waldman v. Olsten Corporation, et al., No. CV 97-5056, were
filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
against the same defendants named in the Weichman lawsuit, plus Stuart Olsten.
In September 1997, a fourth proposed class action lawsuit, captioned Michael
Cannold v. Olsten Corporation, et al., No. CV 97-5408, was filed in the United
States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Olsten,
Miriam Olsten, Stuart Olsten, Frank Liguori and Anthony Puglisi. (The Weichman,
Goldman, Waldman and Cannold actions are referred to collectively as the "Class
Actions"). On or about September 8, 1998, a Consolidated Amended Class Action
Complaint (the "Amended Complaint") was filed in the U.S. District Court for the
Eastern District of New York, captioned In re Olsten Corporation Securities
Litigation, No. 97-5056, by above plaintiffs against Olsten, Miriam Olsten,
Stuart Olsten, Frank Liguori and Anthony Puglisi. The Amended Complaint asserts
claims under Sections 10(b) (including Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder), 14(a)
and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and
15 of the Securities Act of 1933, alleging that, as a result of certain alleged
misstatements and omissions by certain of the defendants, Olsten's common stock
was artificially inflated during the proposed class period (which is defined in
the Amended Complaint as the period from February 5, 1996 though July 22, 1997).
On October 19, 1998, Olsten and the individual defendants served a motion
seeking an order dismissing the Amended Complaint. That motion was fully briefed
on December 23, 1998.
F-16
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
The Amended Complaint seeks certification of the proposed class, a judgment
declaring the conduct of the defendants to be in violation of the law,
unspecified compensatory damages and unspecified costs and expenses, including
attorneys' fees and experts' fees. While the Company is unable at this time to
assess the probable outcome of the Class Actions or the materiality of the risk
of loss in connection with the class action (given the preliminary stage of the
Class Actions and the fact that the Amended Complaint does not allege damages
with any specificity), Olsten believes that it acted responsibility with respect
to its shareholders and has vigorously defended the Class Action.
On or about May 11, 1999, a Complaint was filed in the Delaware Chancery Court
in a derivative lawsuit, captioned Rubin v. May, No. 17135-NC, against certain
current and former directors of Olsten (the "Derivative Lawsuit"). The
Complaint, which names Olsten as a nominal defendant, alleges a claim for breach
of fiduciary duties arising out of the Class Action and the government
investigations described above. The plaintiffs seek a judgment (1) requiring the
defendants to account to Olsten for unspecified alleged damages resulting from
the defendants' alleged conduct; (2) directing the defendants to establish and
maintain effective compliance programs; and (3) awarding plaintiffs the costs
and expenses of the lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys' fees. On September
10, the defendants in the Derivative Lawsuit filed a motion to dismiss or, in
the alternative, stay the lawsuit.
On January 14, 1999, Kimberly Home Health Care, Inc. ("KHHC") initiated three
arbitration proceedings against hospitals owned by Columbia/HCA with which one
of the Company's subsidiaries had management services agreements to provide
services to the hospitals' home health agencies. The basis for each of the
arbitrations is that Columbia/HCA sold the home health agencies without
assigning the management services agreements, while the management services
agreements had periods ranging from 18 to 42 months prior to expiration and that
as a result Columbia/HCA has breached the management services agreements. In
response to the arbitrations, Columbia/HCA has asserted that the arbitration be
consolidated and stayed, in part based upon its alleged claims against KHHC for
breach of contract and requests indemnity and possibly return of management fees
paid under the disallowance provision of the management services agreements.
Columbia/HCA has not yet fully presented these claims in the arbitrations or
other legal proceedings, and has not yet quantified the claims.
In July 1999, the Company received notification that the Indiana Attorney
General's Office filed a civil complaint against Olsten requesting the court to
determine if Quantum violated Indiana law with respect to Medicaid claims. The
complaint alleges that (1) overpayment was made to Quantum due largely to
advances paid by Medicaid that were not properly credited by Quantum; (2)
Quantum supplied the Indiana Attorney General's Office with insufficient
documentation regarding services provided by one of our pharmacies; and (3)
deliveries exceeded the amounts of physicians' orders. The alleged violations
predate Olsten's acquisition of Quantum in June 1996.
Note 9. Lease Commitments
The Company rents certain properties under noncancellable, long-term operating
leases, which expire at various dates. Certain of these leases require
additional payments for taxes, insurance and maintenance and, in many cases,
provide for renewal options. Rent expense under all leases was $24,545 in 1996,
$25,524 in 1997 and $26,937 in 1998.
F-17
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Future minimum rental commitments for all noncancellable leases having a
remaining term in excess of one year at January 3, 1999 are as follows:
1999 $22,712
2000 15,959
2001 10,518
2002 5,791
2003 4,017
Thereafter 5,918
Note 10. Stock Plans
Olsten maintains various stock option incentive plans under which certain
employees of the Company are eligible for the grant of stock options. These
options may be awarded in the form of incentive stock options ("ISOs") or
non-qualified stock options ("NQSOs"). The option price of an ISO cannot be less
than 100 percent, and the option price of the NQSO cannot be less than 85
percent, of the fair market value at the date of grant. Options under the
Plan(s) generally have a term of ten years and generally become cumulatively
exercisable commencing one year after grant in four or five equal annual
installments. The Company expects to establish stock option incentive plans to
be effective upon consummation of the Split-Off. Effective as of the date of the
Split-Off, all options to purchase Olsten stock held by the Company's employees
will be converted into options to purchase the Company's stock.
A summary of Olsten stock options for the three years ended January 3, 1999 for
employees assigned to Olsten Health Services is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
------------------------ ------------------------- ---------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
average average average
Shares exercise price Shares exercise price Shares exercise price
------ -------------- ------ -------------- ------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Options outstanding, beginning of year 1,078,762 $ 23.85 1,002,194 $ 20.87 980,376 $ 20.50
Granted 303,076 15.67 230,000 19.63 701,500 10.00
Exercised (162,808) 15.33 (107,511) 15.25 (2,076) 7.89
Cancelled (216,836) 33.20 (144,307) 25.65 (233,733) 18.60
--------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
Options outstanding, end of year 1,002,194 $ 20.87 980,376 $ 20.50 1,446,067 $ 15.72
========= ========= ========== ========= ========== =========
Options exercisable, end of year 556,259 $ 22.46 518,450 $ 21.69 485,485 $ 22.07
========= ========= ========== ========= ======= =========
Weighted-average fair value of $ 6.28 $ 8.19 $ 3.57
========= ========== =========
options granted during the year
</TABLE>
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grants in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively: risk-free
interest rates of 6.5, 6.3 and 5.3 percent; dividend yield of 2 percent for 1998
and 1 percent for 1997 and 1996; expected lives of six years for all; and
volatility of 36 percent for 1998 and 1997 and 33 percent for 1996.
F-18
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
The following table summarizes information about Olsten's stock options
outstanding at January 3, 1999 for employees assigned to Olsten Health Services:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
---------------------------------------------------- ------------------ --------------
Weighted
Number average Weighted Number Weighted
Range of outstanding at remaining average exercisable at average
exercise prices January 3, 1999 contractual life exercise price January 3, 1999 exercise price
--------------- --------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ .86 to 1.08 4,785 .68 $ 1.07 4,785 $ 1.07
1.72 to 2.59 3,443 1.41 2.12 3,443 2.12
4.99 to 7.49 200,000 9.79 5.94 0 5.94
7.60 to 10.35 277,000 9.57 9.13 0 9.13
12.07 to 17.67 406,339 8.24 14.68 139,605 14.92
18.53 to 26.25 486,096 7.51 21.28 269,248 21.98
27.80 to 41.38 41,033 5.28 31.42 41,033 31.42
42.24 to 60.35 27,371 5.29 51.67 27,371 51.67
$ .86 to 60.35 1,446,067 8.28 $ 15.72 485,485 $ 22.07
</TABLE>
In 1996, Olsten adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123 ("SFAS No. 123"), "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized under the
stock option plans. Had compensation cost for Olsten's stock option plans been
determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards consistent with
the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income (loss) and net income
(loss) per share would have been reduced (increased) to the pro forma amounts
indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
------- ------ ---------
$ $ $
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net (loss) income - as reported (2,877) 26,847 (101,465)
Net (loss) income - pro forma (5,026) 26,287 (102,535)
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share - as reported (28,770) 268,470 (1,014,650)
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share - pro forma (50,260) 262,870 (1,025,350)
</TABLE>
The statement provides for pro forma amounts for options granted beginning in
1995; therefore, the pro forma expense will likely increase in future years as
the new option grants become subject to the pricing model.
F-19
<PAGE>
Note 11. Income Taxes
Comparative analysis of the provision (benefit) for income taxes follows:
1996 1997 1998
-------- --------- ---------
Current
Federal $ 7,817 $ 14,166 $(29,808)
State and local 1,126 (547) 294
-------- --------- ---------
8,943 13,619 (29,514)
-------- --------- ---------
Deferred
Federal (1,860) 1,982 (17,556)
State and local (367) 697 --
-------- --------- ---------
(2,227) 2,679 (17,556)
-------- --------- ---------
$ 6,716 $ 16,298 $(47,070)
======== ========= ==========
========
In accordance with the Tax Sharing Agreement, any net operating losses generated
up to the Split-Off will be carried back and utilized by Olsten.
Reconciliations of the differences between income taxes computed at the Federal
statutory rate and provisions (benefits) for income taxes are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income taxes computed at Federal statutory tax rate $ 1,123 $ 15,043 $(51,987)
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit 493 98 190
Nondeductible settlement of government investigations -- -- 3,500
Amortization of intangibles 1,893 1,701 922
Nondeductible merger costs 2,297 -- --
Nondeductible meals & entertainment 380 357 343
Earnings of non consolidated subsidiaries 462 -- --
Other, net 68 (901) (38)
------- -------- --------
$ 6,716 $ 16,298 $(47,070)
======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
December 28, 1997 January 3, 1999
----------------- ---------------
Deferred tax assets
Reserves and allowances $ 21,540 $ 40,320
Other 419 291
21,959 40,611
Deferred tax liabilities
Capitalized software (1,875) (2,281)
Intangible assets (2,551) (24,933)
Depreciation (371) (371)
Other (585) (753)
(5,382) (28,338)
Net deferred tax asset $ 16,577 $ 12,273
F-20
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
During the fourth quarter of 1998, Olsten reached final agreement with the
Internal Revenue Service with respect to its examination of Olsten's federal
income tax returns for the years 1989 through 1993. Accordingly, certain amounts
have been reclassified to deferred tax liabilities to reflect the conclusion of
such examination.
Note 12. Benefit Plans for Permanent Employees
Olsten and its subsidiaries maintain qualified and non-qualified defined
contribution retirement plans for its salaried employees which provide for a
partial match of employee savings under the plans and for discretionary
profit-sharing contributions based on employee compensation. Olsten also
maintains a non-qualified defined benefit retirement program for key employees
and officers which provides supplemental retirement benefits funded in part by
profit-sharing contributions. Certain employees of the Company are eligible to
participate in the Olsten sponsored plans. The Company expects to establish
benefit plans for permanent employees following the Split-Off. Effective at the
time of the Split-Off, the Company will assume all obligations with respect to
the Company's employees under Olsten's qualified and non-qualified retirement
plans.
Company contributions under the defined contribution plans were approximately
$3.1 million in 1996, $3.5 million in 1997, and $3.4 million in 1998.
Note 13. Business Segment Information
The Company operates in the United States and Canada, servicing patients and
customers through the following business segments: Home Care Infusion Services,
Home Care Nursing Services and Staffing Services. These segments are briefly
described below.
Home Care Infusion Services includes (i) the distribution of drugs and other
biological and pharmaceutical products and professional support services for
individuals with chronic diseases, such as hemophilia, primary pulmonary
hypertension, autoimmune deficiencies and growth disorders, (ii) the
administration of antibiotics, chemotherapy, nutrients and other medications for
patients with acute or episodic disease states and (iii) marketing and
distribution services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical service
firms.
Home Care Nursing Services includes (i) professional and paraprofessional
services, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation and other therapies, home
health aide and personal care services, to individuals with acute illnesses,
long-term chronic health conditions, permanent disabilities, terminal illnesses
or post-procedural needs and (ii) care management and coordination for managed
care organizations and self-insured employees.
Staffing Services includes services to institutional, occupational and alternate
site health care organizations by providing health care professionals to meet
supplemental staffing needs.
The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on earnings
(loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The accounting
policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the
summary of significant accounting policies. Segment data includes charges for
allocating corporate costs to each of the operating segments. Information about
the Company's operations, inclusive of non-recurring charges, special charges
and other adjustments of $75 million ($40 million related to Home Care Infusion
Services and $35 million related to Home Care Nursing Services) in 1996, $122
million ($24 million related to Home Care Infusion Services and $98 million
related to Home Care Nursing Services) in the year ended 1998 of which $64
million ($24 million related to Home Care Infusion Services and $40 million
related to Home Care Nursing Services) was recorded in the six months ended June
28, 1998, and $17 million ($2 million related to Home Care Infusion Services and
$15 million related to Home Care Nursing Services) in the six months ended July
4, 1999, as discussed in Note 4, is as follows:
F-21
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Home Home
Care Care
Infusion Nursing Staffing
Services Services Services Total
-------- -------- -------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 29, 1996
- ----------------------------
Service sales, management fees and other $ 383,077 $ 943,015 $ 48,261 $ 1,374,353
=========== =========== =========== ===========
income
Earnings (loss) before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization $ (24,481) $ 66,899 $ 488 $ 42,906
Depreciation and amortization 8,185 18,322 501 27,008
Interest 4,566 7,786 335 12,687
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
minority interest $ (37,232) $ 40,791 $ (348) $ 3,211
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Identifiable assets $ 287,177 $ 484,797 $ 13,367 $ 785,341
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Expenditures for long-lived assets $ 11,519 $ 35,597 $ 2,676 $ 49,792
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Year ended December 28, 1997
Service sales, management fees and other $ 516,712 $ 856,072 $ 61,070 $ 1,433,854
=========== =========== =========== ===========
income
Earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization $ 46,962 $ 41,033 $ 1,830 $ 89,825
Depreciation and amortization 7,735 21,038 720 29,493
Interest 7,386 9,523 442 17,351
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income before income taxes and minority $ 31,841 $ 10,472 $ 668 $ 42,981
=========== =========== =========== ===========
interest
Identifiable assets $ 308,701 $ 456,397 $ 18,380 $ 783,478
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Expenditures for long-lived assets $ 11,933 $ 14,602 $ 793 $ 27,328
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Year ended January 3, 1999
Service sales, management fees and other $ 591,138 $ 658,745 $ 80,420 $ 1,330,303
=========== =========== =========== ===========
income
Earnings (loss) before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization $ 22,493 $ (123,641) $ 1,428 $ (99,720)
Depreciation and amortization 9,707 20,782 912 31,401
Interest 9,447 7,513 454 17,414
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 3,339 $ (151,936) $ 62 $ (148,535)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Identifiable assets $ 409,414 $ 518,130 $ 18,194 $ 945,738
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Expenditures for long-lived assets $ 15,400 $ 51,705 $ 1,463 $ 68,568
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Six months ended June 28, 1998 (unaudited)
Service sales, management fees and other income $ 282,298 $ 328,357 $ 36,512 $ 647,167
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Earnings (loss) before interest expense, taxes,
depreciation and amortization $ (1,100) $ (52,458) $ 392 $ (53,166)
Depreciation and amortization 4,559 10,260 412 15,231
Interest expense 4,595 3,899 191 8,685
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before income taxes $ (10,254) $ (66,617) $ (211) $ (77,082)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Identifiable assets $ 354,569 $ 446,795 $ 14,557 $ 815,921
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Expenditures for long-lived assets $ 5,013 $ 7,096 $ 493 $ 12,602
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Six months ended July 4, 1999 (unaudited)
Service sales, management fees and other income $ 350,579 $ 339,561 $ 50,593 $ 740,733
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Earnings (loss) before interest expense, taxes,
depreciation and amortization $ 27,479 $ (15,363) $ 779 $ 12,895
Depreciation and amortization 5,792 11,059 555 17,406
Interest expense 5,046 3,309 202 8,557
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 16,641 $ (29,731) $ 22 $ (13,068)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Identifiable assets $ 487,885 $ 502,247 $ 22,333 $ 1,012,465
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Expenditures for long-lived assets $ 4,357 $ 8,037 $ 443 $ 12,837
=========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
F-23
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Financial information, summarized by geographic area, is as follows:
Service sales,
management fees Long-lived
and other income assets
---------------- ----------
Year ended December 29, 1996
- ----------------------------
United States $1,345,371 $309,538
Canada 28,982 488
----------- ----------
$1,374,353 $310,026
========= =======
Year ended December 28, 1997
United States $1,398,998 $286,008
Canada 34,856 628
---------- ----------
$1,433,854 $286,636
========= =======
Year ended January 3, 1999
United States $1,290,072 $317,849
Canada 40,231 750
----------- ----------
$1,330,303 $318,599
========= =======
Note 14. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
First Second Third Fourth
quarter quarter quarter quarter
------- ------- ------- -------
$ $ $ $
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 28, 1997
Service sales, management fees and other income 359,144 365,309 353,309 356,092
Gross profit 133,597 132,954 128,195 125,840
Net income 9,248 9,411 5,782 2,406
SHARE INFORMATION:
Basic and diluted earnings per share 92,480 94,110 57,820 24,060
Year ended January 3, 1999
Service sales, management fees and other income 331,967 315,202 321,118 362,016
Gross profit 113,560 77,376 106,085 124,386
Net loss (1,980) (49,417) (7,510) (42,558)
SHARE INFORMATION:
Basic and diluted loss per share (19,800) (494,170) (75,100) (425,580)
</TABLE>
F-24
<PAGE>
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
The fourth quarters ended January 3, 1999 and December 28, 1997 include 14 weeks
and 13 weeks, respectively.
The second, third and fourth quarters of 1998 include approximately $ 64
million, $2 million and $56 million, respectively, of certain non-recurring
charges and other adjustments as indicated in Note 4.
Note 15. Subsequent Event
In September 1999, the Company received a Notice of Amount of Program
Reimbursement relating to its 1997 Medicare cost reports indicating that the
Medicare fiscal intermediary disagrees with the Company's methodology of
allocating a portion of its overhead. The Health Care Financing Administration
has indicated that it agrees with the fiscal intermediary. Since the Company
used a similar methodology for allocating overhead costs in 1998 and 1999, a
comparable disallowance could result. The Company believes its cost reports are
accurate and consistent with past practice accepted by the fiscal intermediary,
and will appeal the notice to the Provider Reimbursement Review Board. While
management believes that adequate provisions have been made for revenue
adjustments, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of this appeal and the
final determination of revenue ultimately recognized under the Medicare program.
F-25
<PAGE>
ANNEX B
AGREEMENT AND PLAN
OF MERGER
BY AND AMONG
ADECCO SA,
STAFFING ACQUISITION CORPORATION
and
OLSTEN CORPORATION
DATED AS OF AUGUST 17, 1999
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I. THE MERGER ........................................................2
Section 1.01 The Merger ...................................................2
Section 1.02 Effective Time ...............................................3
Section 1.03 Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of
Surviving Corporation.......................................3
Section 1.04 Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation...............3
Section 1.05 Stockholders'Meetings.........................................3
Section 1.06 Further Assurances ...........................................4
ARTICLE II. CONVERSION OF SHARES..............................................4
Section 2.01 Olsten Common Stock ..........................................4
Section 2.02 Election Procedures ..........................................7
Section 2.03 Merger Sub Common Stock; Adecco Owned Olsten Common Stock....8
Section 2.04 Exchange of Shares ...........................................8
Section 2.05 Effect on Options and Convertible Securities.................10
Section 2.06 Fractional Shares ...........................................12
Section 2.07 Dissenting Shares ...........................................12
Section 2.08 Lost Certificates ...........................................13
Section 2.09 Withholding Rights ..........................................13
ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ADECCO AND MERGER SUB.........13
Section 3.01 Organization, Etc ...........................................13
Section 3.02 Authority. ..................................................14
Section 3.03 Consents; No Violations, Etc.................................14
Section 3.04 Capitalization ..............................................15
Section 3.05 SEC and Other Filings........................................16
Section 3.06 Financial Statements.........................................16
Section 3.07 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities...........................17
Section 3.08 Absence of Changes or Events.................................17
Section 3.09 Litigation ..................................................18
Section 3.10 Compliance with Laws.........................................18
Section 3.11 Taxes .......................................................18
Section 3.12 Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA................................18
Section 3.13 Environmental Matters........................................19
Section 3.14 Finders or Broker............................................19
Section 3.15 Board Recommendation.........................................19
ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF OLSTEN.........................20
Section 4.01 Organization, Etc ...........................................20
Section 4.02 Authority ...................................................20
Section 4.03 Consents; No Violations, Etc.................................21
Section 4.04 Capitalization ..............................................22
Section 4.05 SEC Filings .................................................22
Section 4.06 Financial Statements.........................................23
Section 4.07 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities...........................23
Section 4.08 Absence of Changes or Events.................................23
Section 4.09 Litigation ..................................................25
Section 4.10 Subsidiaries and Investments.................................25
Section 4.11 Compliance with Laws.........................................26
Section 4.12 Intellectual Property Rights.................................27
Section 4.13 Taxes........................................................28
Section 4.14 Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA................................30
Section 4.15 Labor and Employment Matters.................................33
Section 4.16 No Change of Control Payments................................34
Section 4.17 Environmental Matters........................................34
Section 4.18 Insurance ...................................................34
Section 4.19 Leases ......................................................35
Section 4.20 Contracts and Commitments....................................35
Section 4.21 Finders or Brokers ..........................................36
Section 4.22 Opinions ....................................................37
Section 4.23 Board Recommendation.........................................37
Section 4.24 Voting Requirements .........................................37
Section 4.25 State Antitakeover Statutes..................................37
ARTICLE V. COVENANTS ........................................................38
Section 5.01 Conduct of Business of Olsten and Adecco.....................38
Section 5.02 No Solicitation .............................................41
Section 5.03 Access to Information........................................43
Section 5.04 Registration Statements and Proxy Statements.................44
Section 5.05 Other Actions; Filings; Consents.............................45
Section 5.06 Public Announcements.........................................46
Section 5.07 Notification of Certain Matters..............................46
Section 5.08 Expenses ....................................................46
Section 5.09 Affiliates ..................................................47
Section 5.10 Stock Exchange Listing.......................................47
Section 5.11 Indemnification .............................................47
Section 5.12 Settlement Releases .........................................48
Section 5.13 Board Representation.........................................48
Section 5.14 Taxation and the Split-Off...................................48
Section 5.15 Certain Employee Benefits....................................48
Section 5.16 Carryback Elections .........................................48
Section 5.17 Tax Basis and Earnings & Profits Study.......................49
Section 5.18 Waiver of Repurchase Obligation..............................49
Section 5.19 Review and Filing of Tax Returns.............................49
ARTICLE VI. CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF OLSTEN, ADECCO AND MERGER SUB...49
Section 6.01 Registration Statement.......................................49
Section 6 02 Stockholder Approval.........................................50
Section 6.03 Certain Orders ..............................................50
Section 6.04 HSR Act and Other Antitrust Approvals........................50
Section 6.05 Stock Exchange Listing.......................................50
ARTICLE VII. CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF ADECCO AND MERGER SUB..........50
Section 7.01 Representations and Warranties True..........................51
Section 7.02 Performance .................................................51
Section 7.03 Material Adverse Effect......................................51
Section 7.04 Compliance with Separation Agreement.........................51
Section 7.05 Separation Agreement Representations and Warranties True.....51
ARTICLE VIII. CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF OLSTEN........................51
Section 8.01 Representations and Warranties True..........................52
Section 8.02 Performance .................................................52
Section 8.03 Material Adverse Effect......................................52
ARTICLE IX. CLOSING .........................................................52
Section 9.01 Time and Place ..............................................52
Section 9.02 Filings and Deliveries at the Closing........................52
ARTICLE X. TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT.......................................53
Section 10.01 Termination .................................................53
Section 10.01 Procedure for Termination....................................54
Section 10.01 Effect of Termination and Abandonment........................54
Section 10.01 Termination Fees ............................................55
ARTICLE XI. DEFINITIONS .....................................................55
Section 11.01 Terms Defined in This Agreement..............................55
ARTICLE XII. MISCELLANEOUS...................................................58
Section 12.01 Amendment and Modification...................................58
Section 12.02 Waiver of Compliance; Consents...............................58
Section 12.03 Survival of Representations and Warranties; Investigations...59
Section 12.04 Notices .....................................................59
Section 12.05 Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries........................60
Section 12.06 Governing Law ...............................................60
Section 12.07 Agent for Service; Waiver of Limitations.....................61
Section 12.08 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL AND CERTAIN DAMAGES.....................61
Section 12.09 Counterparts ................................................61
Section 12.10 Severability ................................................61
Section 12.11 Interpretation ..............................................62
Section 12.12 Entire Agreement ............................................62
Section 12.13 Enforcement of Agreement.....................................62
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A - Form of Separation Agreement
Exhibit B - Form of Olsten Voting Agreement
Exhibit C - Form of Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation
Exhibit D - Form of Affiliate Letter
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of August 17, 1999 (the
"Agreement"), by and among Adecco SA, a societe anonyme organized under the laws
of Switzerland ("Adecco"), Staffing Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco ("Merger Sub") and Olsten
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Olsten"). Merger Sub and Olsten are
hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "Constituent
Corporations."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Adecco and Olsten wish to effect the combination of the staffing
services and information services businesses of Adecco and Olsten through a
merger of Olsten with Merger Sub (the "Merger") on the terms and conditions set
forth herein;
WHEREAS, prior to the Merger, Olsten will transfer, on the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in the separation agreement, dated as of the
date hereof, among Adecco, Olsten and OHS (as hereinafter defined) in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Separation Agreement," which term shall
include the Ancillary Agreements (as defined in the Separation Agreement)), the
Health Services Business (as defined in the Separation Agreement) of Olsten and
its Subsidiaries and the Assumed OHS Liabilities (as defined in the Separation
Agreement) to Aaronco Corp. ("OHS"), a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Olsten and at the Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.02
hereof) the holders of shares of Olsten common stock, par value $.10 ("Olsten
Stock"), and Olsten Class B common stock, par value $.10 ("Olsten Class B
Stock," and, together with the Olsten Stock, the "Olsten Common Stock"), will
receive shares of common stock of OHS in consideration for the redemption of a
portion of their shares of Olsten Common Stock (the "Split-Off");
WHEREAS, upon the Split-Off it is intended that Olsten will own only the
Retained Businesses (as defined in the Separation Agreement) subject to the
terms and conditions of the Separation Agreement;
WHEREAS, in order to effect the Split-Off and the Merger (together, the
"Transaction"), Merger Sub will merge with and into Olsten and each issued and
outstanding share of Olsten Common Stock (other than shares of Olsten Common
Stock held by Olsten as treasury stock or owned by Adecco or Merger Sub
immediately prior to the Effective Time and other than Dissenting Shares (as
defined in Section 2.07 hereof)), will be converted into the right to receive
(i) the Merger Consideration (as defined in Section 2.01 hereof) and (ii) the
Split-Off Consideration (as defined in Section 2.01 hereof) as set forth below;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Olsten has unanimously determined that
the Merger and the Split-Off are advisable on the terms and conditions contained
in this Agreement, the Separation Agreement and the other agreements
contemplated hereby and thereby, and that each of the other transactions
contemplated herein and therein are fair to, and in the best interests of Olsten
and Olsten's stockholders, and has approved and adopted this Agreement, the
Separation Agreement, the Merger, the Split-Off and each of the other
transactions contemplated herein and therein and intends to recommend the
approval and adoption of this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby by the stockholders of Olsten;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Adecco has determined that the Merger is
advisable on the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and that each
of the other transactions contemplated herein is consistent with and in
furtherance of the long-term business strategy of Adecco and is fair to, and in
<PAGE>
the best interests of Adecco and Adecco's stockholders, and has approved and
adopted this Agreement and the other transactions contemplated herein and
intends to recommend that the stockholders of Adecco approve (i) the issuance of
the Adecco Common Stock (as defined Section 2.01 hereof) and, if necessary, the
Adecco ADSs (as defined in Section 2.01 hereof) making up the Stock
Consideration (as defined in Section 2.01 hereof) and required for issuance
pursuant to Section 2.05 of this Agreement and the waiver of any preemptive
rights with respect thereto and (ii) the increase in the size of the Board of
Directors of Adecco and the election of new directors as contemplated by Section
5.13 hereof (such proposals collectively referred to herein as the "Adecco
Stockholder Proposals");
WHEREAS, certain holders of Olsten Class B Stock have committed to vote in
favor of approving this Agreement, the Merger, and the other transactions
contemplated hereby, all as provided in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B
(the "Voting Agreement");
WHEREAS, Adecco, Merger Sub and Olsten desire to make certain
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the
Merger; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and conditions contained
herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
THE MERGER
Section 1.01 The Merger.
(a) In accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Act"), at the Effective
Time, which shall occur as soon as practicable after the satisfaction or waiver
of the conditions set forth in Articles VI, VII and VIII, Merger Sub shall be
merged with and into Olsten, and Olsten shall be the surviving corporation
(hereinafter sometimes called the "Surviving Corporation") and shall continue
its corporate existence under the laws of the State of Delaware. The name of the
Surviving Corporation shall be "Olsten," or such other name as may be designated
by Adecco. At the Effective Time the separate existence of Merger Sub shall
cease.
2
<PAGE>
(b) The Merger shall have the effects on Olsten and Merger Sub as
constituent corporations of the Merger as provided under the Delaware Act.
Section 1.02 Effective Time.
The Merger shall become effective at the time of filing of, or at such
later time specified in, a certificate of merger, in the form required by and
executed in accordance with the Delaware Act, with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware in accordance with the Delaware Act (the "Certificate of
Merger"). The date and time when the Merger shall become effective is herein
referred to as the "Effective Time."
Section 1.03 Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of Surviving
Corporation.
The Certificate of Incorporation of Olsten shall be amended as of the
Effective Time to read as set forth on Exhibit C. The By-Laws of Olsten, as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the By-Laws of the
Surviving Corporation until thereafter amended as provided by law.
Section 1.04 Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation.
The initial directors of the Surviving Corporation shall be those persons
who serve as directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time and
the initial officers of the Surviving Corporation shall be those persons who
serve as officers of Olsten immediately prior to the Effective Time, in each
case until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier
death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Surviving Corporation's
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.
Section 1.05 Stockholders' Meetings.
(a) Olsten shall take all action necessary in accordance with applicable
law and its Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws to call and convene a
special meeting of its stockholders (the "Olsten Special Meeting" and, together
with the Adecco Special Meeting (as defined below), the "Special Meetings") as
soon as practicable to consider, vote upon and obtain the approval of this
Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby by a
majority of the voting power represented by the outstanding shares of Olsten
Stock and Olsten Class B Stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a
single class. Olsten shall, through its Board of Directors, (i) recommend to its
stockholders approval of this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby, which recommendation shall be contained in a proxy
statement of Olsten (the "Olsten Proxy Statement") and shall not withdraw,
modify or change in any manner or take action inconsistent with its
recommendation of this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions
contemplated hereby and shall not resolve to do any of the foregoing and
publicly
3
<PAGE>
disclose such resolution; provided, however, that, subject to compliance with
the provisions of Section 5.02 hereof, the Board of Directors of Olsten may fail
to make its recommendation to its stockholders or may withdraw, modify or change
in any manner or take action inconsistent with such recommendation or resolve to
do any of the foregoing and publicly disclose such resolution if such Board of
Directors reasonably believes after (x) receiving a Superior Proposal (as
hereinafter defined) which was not solicited by it after July 26, 1999 and which
did not result from a breach of Section 5.02 hereof, (y) receiving the advice of
outside legal counsel that failure to take such action would be a breach of its
fiduciary duties to its stockholders under applicable law and (z) receiving the
advice of a financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation that the party
making such proposal is financially capable and that such Superior Proposal is
more favorable from a financial point of view to its stockholders than the
Merger and the Split-Off, that the making of such recommendation or the failure
to so withdraw, modify or change in any manner or take any action inconsistent
with such recommendation or to resolve to do any of the foregoing and publicly
disclose such resolution would be a breach of its fiduciary duties under
applicable law and (ii) cause to be solicited from its stockholders proxies
regarding approval and adoption of this Agreement, the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Adecco shall take all action necessary in accordance with applicable
law and its Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws (or other applicable
organizational documents) to call and convene a special meeting of its
stockholders (the "Adecco Special Meeting") as soon as practicable to consider
and vote upon the approval of the Adecco Stockholder Proposals. Adecco, through
its Board of Directors, (i) shall recommend to its stockholders the approval of
the Adecco Stockholder Proposals, which recommendation shall be contained in any
materials of Adecco delivered by Adecco to its stockholders in connection with
the convening of the Adecco Special Meeting (the "Adecco Proxy Statement") and
(ii) cause to be solicited from its stockholders the approval of the Adecco
Stockholder Proposals.
Section 1.06 Further Assurances.
If, at any time after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall
consider or be advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, assurances or
any other actions or things are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or
confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving Corporation its right,
obligation, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or
assets of either of the Constituent Corporations acquired or to be acquired by
the Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger or
otherwise to carry out this Agreement, the officers and directors of the
Surviving Corporation shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name
and on behalf of each of the Constituent Corporations or otherwise, all such
deeds, bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to take and do, in the name
and on behalf of each of the Constituent Corporations or otherwise, all such
other actions and things as may be necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or
confirm any and all right, obligation, title and interest in, to and under such
rights, properties or assets in the Surviving Corporation or otherwise to carry
out this Agreement.
ARTICLE II.
CONVERSION OF SHARES
Section 2.01 Olsten Common Stock.
4
<PAGE>
(a) At the Effective Time, each share of Olsten Common Stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (except for Dissenting
Shares (as hereinafter defined), shares, if any, owned by Olsten as treasury
stock or owned by Adecco, Merger Sub or any of their wholly-owned Subsidiaries
or by any wholly-owned Subsidiary of Olsten) shall, by virtue of the Split-Off
and the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be
converted into the right to receive (x) all of the shares of validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable shares (the "Split-Off Consideration") of common
stock of OHS (the "OHS Common Stock"), except for a nominal number of the
outstanding shares of OHS Common Stock which may be retained by Olsten, which
shares shall be identified, prior to the Effective Time, in a writing between
Olsten and Adecco and (y) either (A) $8.75 per share, without interest (the
"Cash Consideration") or (B) .12472 Adecco American Depositary Shares ("Adecco
ADSs"), each Adecco ADS representing one-eighth of one validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable share of Adecco's common shares, par value CHF 10.00 per
share (the "Adecco Common Stock"), evidenced by American Depositary Receipts of
Adecco ("Adecco ADRs") (the "Stock Consideration") or (C) a combination of a
fraction of an Adecco ADS and cash, determined in accordance with Section
2.01(d), (e) or (f), as applicable (the foregoing clause (A) or (B) or (C) (the
"Merger Consideration"). The ADSs are to be issued pursuant to a Deposit
Agreement (the "Deposit Agreement") dated November 1994, among Adecco, Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Depositary and the holders from time to
time of Adecco ADRs evidencing Adecco ADSs representing Adecco Common Stock
issued thereunder. The Split-Off Consideration and the Merger Consideration
pursuant to this Section 2.01(a) are hereinafter sometimes called the "Closing
Consideration."
(b) Effect on Olsten Common Stock. At the Effective Time all outstanding
shares of Olsten Common Stock, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on
the part of the holders thereof, shall no longer be outstanding and shall be
canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate
representing any such shares of Olsten Common Stock shall thereafter cease to
have any rights with respect to such shares of Olsten Common Stock, except the
right to receive the Closing Consideration for such shares of Olsten Common
Stock as specified in the foregoing clause (a) upon the surrender of such
certificate in accordance with Section 2.04 or dissenters' rights pursuant to
Section 2.07.
(c) Election of Merger Consideration. Subject to the allocation and
election procedures set forth in this Section 2.01 and Section 2.02, each holder
of record (as of the Effective Time) of shares of Olsten Common Stock will be
entitled, with respect to each such share, to (i) receive the Split-Off
Consideration and (ii)(A) elect to receive cash (a "Cash Election"), (B) elect
to receive Adecco ADSs (a "Stock Election"), or (C) indicate that such record
holder has no preference as to the receipt of cash or Adecco ADSs (a
"Non-Election"). Any holder who fails to make a valid and timely election shall
be deemed to have made a Non-Election. All such elections shall be made on a
form designed for that purpose (a "Form of Election") in accordance with the
procedures specified in Section 2.02.
(d) Excess Cash Elections. If the aggregate number of shares of Olsten
Common Stock covered by Cash Elections (the "Cash Election Shares") exceeds the
Cash Election Number (as defined below), then all shares of Olsten Common Stock
covered by Stock Elections and all shares of Olsten Common Stock covered by
Non-Elections (the "Non-Election
5
<PAGE>
Shares") shall be converted into the right to receive the Split-Off
Consideration and Stock Consideration, and all shares of Olsten Common Stock
covered by Cash Elections shall be converted into the right to receive (in
addition to the Split-Off Consideration) Adecco ADSs and cash in the following
manner:
each share shall be converted into the right to receive (i) an amount in
cash, without interest, equal to the product of (x) the Cash Consideration
and (y) a fraction (the "Cash Fraction"), the numerator of which shall be
the Cash Election Number and the denominator of which shall be the total
number of Cash Election Shares, and (ii) a number of shares of Adecco ADSs
equal to the product of (x) the Stock Consideration and (y) a fraction
equal to one minus the Cash Fraction.
The "Cash Election Number" shall be equal to (i) 50% of the number of
shares of Olsten Common Stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the
Effective Time, minus (ii) (A) the number of shares of Olsten Common Stock
represented by Dissenting Shares (as defined below), (B) the number of shares of
Olsten Common Stock for which cash in lieu of fractional shares of Adecco ADSs
is payable pursuant to Section 2.06 and (C) the number of shares of Olsten
Common Stock, if any, owned by Olsten as treasury stock or owned by Adecco,
Merger Sub or any of their wholly-owned Subsidiaries or by any wholly-owned
Subsidiary of Olsten.
(e) Excess Stock Elections. If the aggregate number of shares of Olsten
Common Stock covered by Stock Elections (the "Stock Election Shares") exceeds
the Stock Election Number (as defined below), then all shares of Olsten Common
Stock covered by Cash Elections and all shares of Olsten Common Stock covered by
Non-Elections shall be converted into the right to receive the Split-Off
Consideration and the Cash Consideration, and all shares of Olsten Common Stock
covered by Stock Elections shall be converted into the right to receive (in
addition to the Split-Off Consideration) Adecco ADSs and cash in the following
manner:
each share shall be converted into the right to receive (i) a number of
shares of Adecco ADSs equal to a fraction (the "Stock Fraction"), the
numerator of which shall be the Stock Election Number and the denominator
of which shall be the total number of Stock Election Shares, and (ii) an
amount in cash, without interest, equal to the product of (x) the Cash
Consideration and (y) a fraction equal to one minus the Stock Fraction.
The "Stock Election Number" shall be equal to (i) 50% of the number of
shares of Olsten Common Stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the
Effective Time minus (ii) the number of shares of Olsten Common Stock, if any,
owned by Olsten as treasury stock or owned by Adecco, Merger Sub or any of their
wholly-owned Subsidiaries or by any wholly-owned Subsidiary of Olsten.
(f) Insufficient Elections. In the event that neither Section 2.01(d) nor
Section 2.01(e) above is applicable, all shares of Olsten Common Stock covered
by Cash Elections shall be converted into the right to receive the Split-Off
Consideration and the Cash Consideration, all shares of Olsten Common Stock
covered by Stock Elections shall be converted into the right to
6
<PAGE>
receive the Split-Off Consideration and the Stock Consideration, and the shares
of Olsten Common Stock covered by Non-Elections, if any, shall be converted into
the right to receive (in addition to the Split-Off Consideration) Adecco ADSs
and cash in the following manner:
each share shall be converted into the right to receive (i) an amount in
cash, without interest, equal to the product of (x) the Cash Consideration
and (y) a fraction (the "Non-Election Fraction"), the numerator of which
shall be the excess, if any, of the Cash Election Number over the total
number of Cash Election Shares and the denominator of which shall be the
Non-Election Shares and (ii) a number of shares of Adecco ADSs equal to the
product of (x) the Stock Consideration and (y) a fraction equal to one
minus the Non-Election Fraction.
Section 2.02 Election Procedures.
(a) Elections shall be made by holders of Olsten Common Stock by mailing to
the Exchange Agent (as hereinafter defined) a Form of Election. To be effective,
a Form of Election must be properly completed, signed and submitted to the
Exchange Agent and accompanied by Certificates (as hereinafter defined)
representing the shares of Olsten Common Stock as to which the election is being
made. Holders of record of shares of Olsten Common Stock who hold such shares as
nominees, trustees or in other representative capacities (a "Representative")
may submit multiple Forms of Elections, provided that such Representative
certifies in writing that each such Form of Election covers all the shares of
Olsten Common Stock held by each Representative for a particular beneficial
owner. Olsten shall have the discretion, which it may delegate in whole or in
part to the Exchange Agent, to determine whether Forms of Election have been
properly completed, signed and submitted or revoked and to disregard immaterial
defects in Forms of Election. The decision of Olsten (or the Exchange Agent) in
such matters shall be conclusive and binding. Neither Olsten nor the Exchange
Agent shall be under any obligation to notify any person of any defect in a Form
of Election submitted to the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent shall make all
computations contemplated by Section 2.01 and this Section 2.02 and all such
computations shall be conclusive and binding on the holders of Olsten Common
Stock. Forms of Election and other appropriate and customary transmittal
materials (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected and risk of loss
and title to the Certificates theretofore representing shares of Olsten Common
Stock shall pass, only upon proper delivery of such Certificates to the Exchange
Agent) in such form as Adecco and Olsten shall mutually agree shall be mailed on
the date that the Olsten Proxy Statement is first mailed to the stockholders of
Olsten.
(b) A holder of Olsten Common Stock who does not submit a Form of Election
which is received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Election Deadline (as
defined below) shall be deemed to have made a Non-Election. If Olsten or the
Exchange Agent shall determine that any purported Cash Election or Stock
Election was not properly made with respect to any or all of the shares of
Olsten Common Stock of a holder, such purported Cash Election or Stock Election
shall be deemed to be of no force and effect and the stockholder making such
purported Cash Election or Stock Election shall, for purposes hereof, be deemed
to have made a Non-Election.
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(c) Olsten shall use its reasonable best efforts to mail the Form of
Election to all persons or entities who become holders of Olsten Common Stock
during the period between the record date for the Olsten Special Meeting and
10:00 a.m., New York time, on the date five business days prior to the
anticipated Effective Time and to make the Form of Election available to all
persons or entities who become holders of Olsten Common Stock subsequent to such
day and no later than the close of business on the business day prior to the
Effective Time. A Form of Election must be received by the Exchange Agent by
4:00 p.m. on the last business day prior to the Effective Time (the "Election
Deadline") in order to be effective. All elections may be revoked in writing
until the Election Deadline.
Section 2.03. Merger Sub Common Stock; Adecco Owned Olsten Common Stock.
(a) At the Effective Time, each share of common stock, par value $.001 per
share, of Merger Sub ("Merger Sub Common Stock") issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and
without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into one
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value
$.10 per share, of the Surviving Corporation ("Surviving Corporation Common
Stock").
(b) At the Effective Time all outstanding shares of Olsten Common Stock
that are owned by Olsten as treasury stock and any shares of Olsten Common Stock
that are owned by Adecco or Merger Sub or any wholly-owned Subsidiary thereof or
by any wholly-owned Subsidiary of Olsten, by virtue of the Merger and without
any action on the part of the holders thereof, shall no longer be outstanding
and shall be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a
certificate representing any such shares of Olsten Common Stock shall thereafter
cease to have any rights with respect to such shares of Olsten Common Stock and
no consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.
Section 2.04 Exchange of Shares.
(a) Adecco and Olsten shall jointly designate one or more persons in the
United States to act as the Exchange Agent (the "Exchange Agent") for the
purposes described in Section 2.02 and for the purpose of exchanging
certificates representing shares of Olsten Common Stock for the Closing
Consideration. At least one business day prior to the Effective Time, Adecco
will deposit with the Exchange Agent the aggregate Merger Consideration, and
Olsten shall deposit or cause OHS to deposit with the Exchange Agent the
aggregate Split-Off Consideration, each to be paid in respect of the shares of
Olsten Common Stock. For purposes of determining the aggregate Merger
Consideration and the aggregate Split-Off Consideration to be so deposited with
the Exchange Agent, Adecco and Olsten shall assume that no holder of shares of
Olsten Common Stock will perfect his/her right to appraisal of his/her shares of
Olsten Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof. Adecco will pay all fees
and expenses associated with the issuance of the Adecco ADSs evidenced by Adecco
ADRs to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as depositary (the
"Depositary") and the issuance by the Depositary of the Adecco ADSs.
(b) Promptly after the Effective Time, Adecco and the Surviving Corporation
shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each record holder, as of the
Effective Time, of an
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outstanding certificate or certificates that immediately prior to the Effective
Time represented shares of Olsten Common Stock (the "Certificates") a form
letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and
risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery
of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and instructions for use in effecting
the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for the Closing Consideration.
(c) Upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of a Certificate, together with
such letter of transmittal duly executed, the holder of such Certificate shall
be entitled to receive in exchange therefor the Closing Consideration that such
holder has the right to receive under this Article II, and such Certificate
shall forthwith be canceled. If any shares of Adecco ADSs are to be issued to a
person other than the person in whose name the surrendered Certificate is
registered, it shall be a condition of exchange that such surrendered
Certificate shall be properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer
and that the person requesting such exchange shall pay any transfer or other
taxes required by reason of the exchange by a person other than the registered
holder of the Certificate surrendered or such person shall establish to the
satisfaction of Adecco that such tax has been paid or is not applicable. Until
surrendered in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.04, each
Certificate shall represent, for all purposes, the right to receive the Closing
Consideration in respect of the number of shares of Olsten Common Stock
evidenced by such Certificate. No dividends or other distributions that are
declared after the Effective Time on Adecco Common Stock or OHS Common Stock and
payable to the respective holders of record thereof after the Effective Time
will be paid to holders of Certificates until such holders surrender their
Certificates. Upon such surrender, Adecco or OHS, as the case may be, shall
deposit with the Exchange Agent and shall cause the Exchange Agent to pay to the
record holder of the shares of Adecco ADRs or Adecco Common Stock, as the case
may be, representing Stock Consideration or the recordholder of the OHS Common
Stock representing Split-Off Consideration, the dividends or other
distributions, excluding interest, that became payable after the Effective Time
and were not paid because of the delay in surrendering Certificates for
exchange.
(d) From and after the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the
stock transfer books of Olsten of the shares of Olsten Common Stock that were
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective
Time, Certificates are presented to Adecco or the Surviving Corporation, they
shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article II.
(e) Neither Olsten, Adecco nor the Surviving Corporation shall be liable to
any holder of Certificates with respect to any Closing Consideration delivered
to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or
similar law.
(f) Any Closing Consideration payable to holders of Olsten Common Stock
pursuant to Section 2.01 which remains undistributed to the holders of Olsten
Common Stock for a period of six months after the Closing Date shall be
delivered to the Surviving Corporation, upon its request, and any holders of
Olsten Common Stock who have not surrendered Certificates to the Exchange Agent
for the Closing Consideration or complied with the instructions in the letter of
transmittal, as the case may be, shall thereafter look only to the Surviving
Corporation for payment of the Closing Consideration.
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(g) Notwithstanding Section 2.01(a), Adecco will provide holders of Olsten
Common Stock with the option to elect to receive one share of Adecco Common
Stock for every eight shares of Adecco ADSs such holder would otherwise be
entitled to receive pursuant to Section 2.01(a). The Form of Election will
provide, consistent with the terms of the Deposit Agreement, for such election
option and holders of Olsten Common Stock who wish to do so must irrevocably
elect to receive such Adecco Common Stock at the time they surrender their
Certificates representing shares of Olsten Common Stock in accordance with the
provisions described in this Section 2.04, and the receipt of such Adecco Common
Stock will be deemed for all purposes of this Agreement as the receipt of the
Stock Consideration and reference to Adecco ADSs in the provisions of Article II
shall, as applicable for such purposes, be deemed references to such Adecco
Common Stock.
Section 2.05 Effect on Options and Convertible Securities.
(a) The parties hereto agree that each option to purchase shares of Olsten
Common Stock (each a "Olsten Option") issued and outstanding under the Olsten
1994 Stock Incentive Plan, the 1990 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for
Non-Employee Directors and Consultants, the Of Counsel Enterprises, Inc. 1993
Employee Stock Option Plan, the IMI Systems, Inc. 1988 Incentive Stock Option
Plan, the Lifetime Corporation 1989 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan,
and the Quantum Health Resources, Inc. 1991 Restated Stock Option Plan (the
"Olsten Plans"), to the extent, if any, provided in the Olsten Plans as in
effect on August 1, 1999, shall be fully vested and exercisable prior to or at
the Effective Time.(b) Effective as of the Effective Time, all outstanding
Olsten Options held by Olsten Employees (as defined in the Employee Benefits
Allocation Agreement) and Olsten non-employee directors shall be adjusted as
described below to represent options to purchase Adecco Common Stock. Each such
Olsten Option shall be adjusted such that (i) the aggregate post-transaction
difference between the fair market value of the Adecco Common Stock subject to
the option over the aggregate exercise price of the option remains the same as
the aggregate pre-transaction difference between the fair market value of the
Olsten Common Stock subject to the option over the aggregate exercise price of
the option, (ii) the aggregate exercise price of the option remains the same and
(iii) the ratio of the post-transaction fair market value per share subject to
the option to exercise price per share is the same as the pre-transaction ratio.
For this purpose, the post-transaction fair market value of Adecco Common Stock
shall be the average of the closing prices on the Swiss Stock Exchange for the
five trading days immediately preceding the Effective Time (converted into U.S.
Dollars at the Federal Reserve's Noon Buying Rate for U.S. Dollars and CHF on
each of such days as determined pursuant to instructions for Form 20-F of the
Securities Exchange Commission (the "SEC")), and the pre-transaction fair market
value of the Olsten Common Stock shall be the average of the closing prices on
the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") for the five trading days immediately
preceding the Effective Time. If appropriate, the exercise price of the Olsten
Options, as adjusted, shall be converted into CHF at the Federal Reserve's Noon
Buying Rate for U.S. Dollars and CHF on the Effective Date.
(c) Effective as of the Effective Time, all Olsten Options held by OHS
Employees (as defined in the Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement) shall be
assumed by OHS and, at the election of OHS, either retired, to the extent
permitted by the Olsten Plans and applicable option
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agreements, in exchange for cash, or converted into options to purchase OHS
shares on terms set forth by the OHS Board of Directors (or a committee
thereof), in its discretion, subject to the Olsten Plans and applicable option
agreements.
(d) Without limiting the foregoing and except as otherwise provided in
clauses (b) and (c) above, the duration and other terms of each adjusted Olsten
Options immediately after the Effective Time (unless otherwise agreed in writing
by the optionee with respect to a particular option) shall be the same as the
corresponding Olsten Option that were in effect immediately before the Effective
Time, except that all references to Olsten in the Olsten Plans (and the
corresponding references in each option agreement documenting each such stock
option) shall be deemed to be references to Adecco or OHS, as applicable.
(e) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Adecco shall deliver
to optionees appropriate notices setting forth such optionee's rights pursuant
to the adjusted Olsten Options referenced in clause (b) above.
(f) Adecco shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for
issuance a sufficient number of shares of Adecco Common Stock for delivery upon
exercise of stock options referenced in clause (b) above. As soon as practicable
after the Effective Time, Adecco shall file registration statements on Form S-8,
or another appropriate form, as the case may be (or any successor form), with
respect to the shares of Adecco Common Stock subject to such options.
(g) Subject to Adecco's performance of its obligations in the first
sentence of clause (f) above, Olsten, prior to the Effective Time, shall take
all corporate action necessary to cause all outstanding Olsten Options to cease
to represent any claim on the equity of Olsten.
(h) Olsten agrees to cooperate with Adecco to develop and implement a
program to be effective at the Effective Time, whereby out-of-the money Olsten
Options will, with the consent of the several holders, be replaced or
restructured with appropriate employee incentives, or terminated for an
equitable amount. As to such Olsten Options which are not so replaced,
restructured or terminated, Olsten will, to the extent allowed by the Olsten
Plans, terminate such options at the Effective Time.
(i) At and after the Effective Time, the Quantum Debt shall no longer be
exchangeable for shares of Olsten Class B Stock, but instead shall thereafter be
exchangeable, upon surrender of the instrument evidencing such Quantum Debt to
OHS, into the Closing Consideration that would have been payable to the holder
of such instrument, had such instrument been surrendered in exchange for Olsten
Class B Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time as if such holder had made
a Non-Election. Adecco shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for
issuance a sufficient number of Adecco ADSs for issuance to holders of Quantum
Debt surrendering the instruments evidencing such Quantum Debt and, upon payment
by OHS of the fair market value of such Adecco ADSs, shall provide such Adecco
ADSs to OHS in satisfaction of such exchange obligation. After the Effective
Time, the Quantum Debt shall cease to represent any claim on the equity of
Olsten.
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Section 2.06 Fractional Shares.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, each holder of
shares of Olsten Common Stock who upon surrender of all of the Certificates of
such holder would be entitled to receive fractional shares of Adecco Common
Stock, Adecco ADSs or OHS Common Stock shall receive, in lieu of such fractional
shares, cash in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Market Value
of Adecco Common Stock, Adecco ADSs or OHS Common Stock, as applicable. With
respect to Adecco ADSs, "Market Value" shall mean the arithmetic average of the
last reported sale price of Adecco ADSs as reported on the National Association
of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") for the five (5)
consecutive trading days ending with the last trading day prior to the Effective
Time. With respect to Adecco Common Stock, "Market Value" shall mean the
arithmetic average of the last reported sale price of Adecco Common Stock as
reported on the Swiss Stock Exchange for the five (5) consecutive trading days
ending with the last trading day prior to the Effective Time. With respect to
OHS Common Stock, "Market Value" shall mean the last reported sale price of OHS
Common Stock as reported on a national securities exchange or NASDAQ on the
first full trading day following the Effective Time. All references in this
Agreement to Adecco ADSs or Adecco Common Stock to be issued as Stock
Consideration or OHS Common Stock to be issued as Split-Off Consideration shall
be deemed to include any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Adecco ADSs,
Adecco Common Stock or OHS Common Stock, as applicable, payable pursuant to this
Section 2.06.
Section 2.07 Dissenting Shares.
(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Olsten
Common Stock which is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time and which is held by Olsten stockholders who have not voted such shares in
favor of the Merger, who shall have delivered a written demand for appraisal of
such shares of Olsten Common Stock in the manner provided in the Delaware Act
and who, as of the Effective Time, shall not have effectively withdrawn or lost
such right to appraisal ("Dissenting Shares") shall not be converted into or
represent a right to receive the Closing Consideration pursuant to Section 2.01
hereof, but the holders thereof shall be entitled only to such rights as are
granted by Section 262 of the Delaware Act. Each holder of Dissenting Shares who
becomes entitled to payment for such shares pursuant to Section 262 of the
Delaware Act shall receive payment therefor from the Surviving Corporation in
accordance with the Delaware Act; provided, however, that if (i) any such holder
of Dissenting Shares shall have failed to establish his/her entitlement to
appraisal rights as provided in Section 262 of the Delaware Act, (ii) any such
holder of Dissenting Shares shall have effectively withdrawn his/her demand for
appraisal of such shares of Olsten Common Stock or lost his/her right to
appraisal and payment for his/her shares of Olsten Common Stock under Section
262 of the Delaware Act or (iii) neither any holder of Dissenting Shares nor the
Surviving Corporation shall have filed a petition demanding a determination of
the value of all Dissenting Shares within the time provided in Section 262 of
the Delaware Act, such holder or holders, as the case may be, shall forfeit the
right to appraisal of such shares and each such share shall thereupon be deemed
to have been converted, as of the Effective Time, into and represent the right
to receive from the Surviving Corporation the Closing Consideration, without
interest
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thereon, as provided in Section 2.01 hereof. In such case, the Surviving
Corporation will provide to such holder or holders, the Split-Off Consideration
with respect to such shares.
(b) Notice of Appraisal Demands. Olsten shall give Adecco and Merger Sub
(i) prompt notice of any written demands for appraisal, withdrawals of demands
for appraisal and any other instruments served pursuant to Section 262 of the
Delaware Act received by Olsten and (ii) the opportunity to direct all
negotiations and proceedings with respect to demands for appraisal under Section
262 of the Delaware Act. Olsten shall not, except with the prior written consent
of Adecco, voluntarily make any payment with respect to any demands for
appraisal or offer to settle or settle any such demands.
Section 2.08 Lost Certificates.
If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the
making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such Certificate to
be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the Exchange Agent, the posting
by such person of a bond in such reasonable amount as Adecco may direct as
indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such
Certificate, the Surviving Corporation or Olsten will issue in exchange for such
lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the Closing Consideration in respect
thereof pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 2.09 Withholding Rights.
Each of Olsten and Adecco shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the
consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of
former Olsten Common Stock such amounts as may be required to be deducted and
withheld with respect to the making of such payment under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or under any provision of state, local or
foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid over to the
appropriate taxing authority, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all
purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the Olsten
Common Stock in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made.
ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF Adecco AND MERGER SUB
Subject to the disclosure schedule delivered by Adecco to Olsten at or
prior to the execution of this Agreement (the "Adecco Disclosure Statement"),
the section numbers of which are numbered to correspond to the sections of this
Agreement to which they relate, each of Adecco and Merger Sub represents and
warrants to Olsten as follows:
Section 3.01 Organization, Etc.
Adecco is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of Switzerland and has all requisite power and authority
to own, lease and operate
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its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted. Adecco is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to do business, and
is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties
owned, leased or operated or the nature of its activities makes such
qualification necessary, except for failures to be so qualified or in good
standing that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material
adverse effect on the business, results of operations, assets or condition
(financial or otherwise) of Adecco and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, other
than any change or effect arising out of or resulting from general economic
conditions or conditions affecting the staffing services industry (an "Adecco
Material Adverse Effect"). Neither Adecco nor Merger Sub is in violation of any
of the provisions of its organizational documents. Complete and correct copies
of the organizational documents, as currently in effect, of Adecco and Merger
Sub have been made available to Olsten.
Section 3.02 Authority.
Each of Adecco and Merger Sub has full corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject to approval of the Adecco
Stockholder Proposals by the holders of Adecco Common Stock at the Adecco
Special Meeting, to consummate the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby have
been duly and validly authorized by the Boards of Directors of Adecco and Merger
Sub, and by Adecco as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub, and no other corporate
proceedings on the part of Adecco or Merger Sub are necessary to authorize this
Agreement or to consummate the Merger or the other transactions contemplated
hereby (other than the approval of and the adoption of the Adecco Stockholder
Proposals at the Adecco Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof by the
requisite holders of the outstanding shares of Adecco Common Stock). This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Adecco and
Merger Sub and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by
Olsten, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of each of Adecco and Merger
Sub, enforceable against Adecco and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms,
except to the extent that its enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally or by general equitable principles.
Adecco has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver the
Separation Agreement. The execution and delivery of the Separation Agreement
have been duly and validly authorized by the Board of Directors of Adecco, and
no other corporate proceedings on the part of Adecco are necessary to authorize
the Separation Agreement. The Separation Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by Adecco and, assuming the due authorization, execution
and delivery thereof by Olsten and OHS, constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of Adecco, enforceable against Adecco in accordance with its terms,
except to the extent that its enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally or by general equitable principles.
Section 3.03 Consents; No Violations, Etc.
(a) No filing or registration with, or permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, or notification or disclosure to, any United States (federal, state
or local) or foreign government, or governmental, regulatory or administrative
authority, agency or commission (a
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"Governmental Authority"), court or third party is required by Adecco or Merger
Sub in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and, as
applicable, the Separation Agreement, or the consummation of the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby, except (i) in connection with the
applicable requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended (the "HSR Act") and applicable foreign antitrust or other
similar laws, (ii) in connection with the provisions of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the
"Securities Act") and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the "Exchange Act"), (iii) the
filing of appropriate merger documents as required by the Delaware Act, (iv)
such consents, approvals, orders, permits, authorizations, registrations,
declarations and filings as may be required under the Blue Sky laws of various
states and (v) such consents, approvals, orders, permits, authorizations,
registrations, declarations and filings which will have been made or obtained
prior to the Effective Time and will then be in full force and effect.
(b) Assuming that all filings, permits, authorizations, consents,
disclosures and approvals required prior to the Effective Time have been duly
made or obtained as contemplated by Section 3.03(a), the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the Separation Agreement and the consummation
of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby by Adecco will not
(i) subject to approval by the holders of Adecco Common Stock at the Adecco
Special Meeting, violate any provision of the organizational documents of Adecco
or Merger Sub, (ii) violate any statute, rule, regulation, injunction, judgment,
writ, order or decree of any Governmental Authority or court applicable to
Adecco or Merger Sub or by which Adecco or Merger Sub or any of their properties
are bound or (iii) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or
without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any
right of termination, cancellation, acceleration, redemption or repurchase)
under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any (x) note, bond,
mortgage, indenture or deed of trust relating to indebtedness for borrowed money
or (y) license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which
Adecco or Merger Sub is a party or by which either of them or any of their
properties or assets may be bound, excluding from the foregoing clauses (ii) and
(iii)(y) violations, breaches or defaults that, individually or in the
aggregate, would not either impair Adecco's or Merger Sub's ability to
consummate the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby or have an
Adecco Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.04. Capitalization.
At July 4, 1999, the authorized capital stock of Adecco consists of
19,769,082 shares of Adecco Common Stock and 24,500 shares of Participation
Certificates (Class A), nominal value 2.0 CHF per share. As of July 4, 1999,
there were 17,197,948 shares of Adecco Common Stock issued and outstanding and
67,180 shares of Adecco Common Stock held in Adecco's treasury. All issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock of Adecco are duly authorized and validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable. The Adecco Common Stock to be issued in
accordance with Section 2.01 hereof, when so issued, will be duly and validly
authorized and, when Adecco ADSs representing the Adecco Common Stock to be
issued hereunder are issued, the ADSs will be duly and validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights with respect thereto. Upon
issuance by the Depositary of ADRs evidencing ADSs against the deposit of Adecco
Common Stock in respect thereof in accordance
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with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, such ADRs will be duly and validly
issued and the persons in whose names the ADRs are registered will be entitled
to the rights specified therein and in the Deposit Agreement. Other than
pursuant to the options to acquire Adecco Common Stock, there has not been any
issuance of capital stock of Adecco since July 4, 1999. Adecco is a "foreign
private issuer," as such term is defined in Rule 3b-4(c) under the Exchange Act.
Section 3.05 SEC and Other Filings.
(a) Adecco has timely filed with the SEC, any similar foreign regulatory
authority and any stock exchange on which Adecco Common Stock or Adecco ADRs are
listed all required forms, reports, registration statements and documents
required to be filed by it with the SEC or such other authority since January 1,
1997 (collectively, the "Adecco Reports"), all of which complied as to form when
filed in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities
Act, the Exchange Act or the applicable laws or regulations of any such
authority, as the case may be. As of their respective dates, the Adecco Reports
(including all exhibits and schedules thereto and documents incorporated by
reference therein) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading. All documents required to be filed as exhibits to the
Adecco Reports have been so filed. None of Adecco's Subsidiaries is required to
file any forms, reports or other documents with the SEC.
(b) Adecco will deliver to Olsten, as soon as they become available, true
and complete copies of any report or statement mailed by Adecco to its
securityholders generally or filed by it with the SEC, any similar foreign
regulatory authority or any stock exchange on which Adecco Common Stock or
Adecco ADRs are listed, in each case subsequent to the date hereof and prior to
the Effective Time. As of their respective dates, such reports and statements
(excluding any information therein provided by Olsten, as to which Adecco makes
no representation) will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are
made, not misleading and will comply in all material respects with all
applicable requirements of law. The audited consolidated financial statements
and unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Adecco and its
Subsidiaries required to be included or incorporated by reference in such
reports and statements (if any) will be prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP
(as defined below) and will fairly present the consolidated financial position
of Adecco and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the consolidated
results of operations and consolidated cash flows for the periods then ended
(subject, in the case of any unaudited interim financial statements, to normal
year-end adjustments and to the extent they may not include footnotes or may be
condensed or summary statements).
Section 3.06 Financial Statements.
The audited consolidated financial statements of Adecco and its
Subsidiaries included or incorporated by reference in any of the Adecco Reports
have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States, applied on a
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consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the
notes thereto) ("U.S. GAAP"), and fairly present in all material respects the
consolidated financial position of Adecco and its Subsidiaries as of the dates
thereof and the consolidated results of operations and consolidated cash flows
for the periods then ended, and such audited consolidated financial statements
are accompanied by an unqualified auditors' report thereon by Adecco's
independent public accountants. The unaudited consolidated balance sheets and
statements of operations as of July 4, 1999 of Adecco and its Subsidiaries
provided to Olsten have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The
Consolidated Balance Sheet as at January 3, 1999 of Adecco and its Subsidiaries
contained in such financial statements is hereinafter referred to as the "Adecco
Balance Sheet."
Section 3.07 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.
As of the date hereof, neither Adecco nor any of its Subsidiaries has any
liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether absolute, accrued, unmatured,
contingent or otherwise, or any unsatisfied judgments or any unusual or
extraordinary commitments, except for (i) the liabilities recorded on the Adecco
Balance Sheet and/or reflected in the notes thereto, (ii) liabilities and
obligations disclosed in any Adecco Report filed since January 3, 1999 and prior
to the date of this Agreement or in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets as
of July 4, 1999 of Adecco and its Subsidiaries provided to Olsten, (iii)
liabilities and obligations incurred since January 3, 1999 in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice, which are not unusual in
nature or amount and which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have an
Adecco Material Adverse Effect and (iv) liabilities or obligations that,
individually or in the aggregate, would not have an Adecco Material Adverse
Effect.
Section 3.08 Absence of Changes or Events.
From January 3, 1999 through the date of this Agreement and except as set
forth in the Adecco Reports filed prior to the date hereof (a) there has been no
Adecco Material Adverse Effect, (b) Adecco and its Subsidiaries have conducted
their business only in the ordinary course and (c) neither Adecco nor any of its
Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly:
(a) purchased or otherwise acquired, or agreed to purchase or otherwise
acquire, any shares of capital stock of Adecco or any of its Subsidiaries, or
any options, warrants or other equity securities of Adecco or any of its
Subsidiaries, in each case, other than purchases or acquisitions (or agreements
with respect thereto) of minority interests or made in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice, or declared, set aside or paid any
dividend or otherwise made a distribution (whether in cash, stock or property or
any combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock;
(b) instituted any significant change in accounting methods, principles or
practices affecting its assets, liabilities or business, except insofar as may
be appropriate to conform to changes in law or U.S. GAAP; or
(c) agreed to do any of the things described in the preceding clauses (a)
or (b).
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Section 3.09 Litigation.
There is no (i) claim, action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the best
of Adecco's knowledge, threatened against Adecco or any of its Subsidiaries
before any court or governmental or regulatory authority or body or arbitration
tribunal or (ii) outstanding judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any
court, governmental agency or arbitration tribunal in a proceeding to which
Adecco, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets was or is a
party, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) above, such as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, either impair Adecco's or Merger Sub's ability
to consummate the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby or have
an Adecco Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.10 Compliance with Laws.
Neither Adecco nor any of its Subsidiaries has violated or failed to comply
with any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule or order of any Governmental
Authority, or any judgment, decree or order of any court, applicable to its
business or operations, except for any such violations or failures to comply
that, individually or in the aggregate, would not either impair Adecco's or
Merger Sub's ability to consummate the Merger or the other transactions
contemplated hereby or have an Adecco Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.11 Taxes.
Adecco and each of its Subsidiaries have (i) timely filed all Tax Returns
required to be filed by them (taking into account extensions) and all such Tax
Returns were complete, correct and accurate in all material respects, (ii)
timely paid all Taxes shown to be due on such Tax Returns, (iii) timely paid all
Taxes for which a notice of assessment or collection has been received (other
than amounts being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and
properly accrued in accordance with U.S. GAAP), except in the case of clause
(i), (ii) or (iii) for any such filings or payments that, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have an Adecco Material Adverse Effect. There are no liens
for Taxes upon the assets of Adecco or any of its Subsidiaries (other than liens
for Taxes that are not yet due). "Tax" or "Taxes" shall mean any U.S. federal,
state, local or foreign income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment,
excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental,
customs duties, capital stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security,
unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use,
transfer, registration, value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated,
or other tax of any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalty or addition
thereto, whether disputed or not, and shall include any transferee liability in
respect of Taxes and any liability in respect of Taxes imposed by contract, tax
sharing agreement, tax indemnity agreement or any similar agreement. "Tax
Return" shall mean any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or
information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or
attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.
Section 3.12 Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA.
(a) To the extent required, Adecco and each of its Subsidiaries are in
compliance with the applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of
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1974, as amended ("ERISA"), the Code and other applicable laws with respect to
the employee benefit plans (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA)
maintained or contributed to by Adecco or its Subsidiaries, except where the
failure to comply would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected
to have an Adecco Material Adverse Effect. Adecco and each of its Subsidiaries
are in compliance with applicable laws with respect to each of Adecco's material
Adecco Foreign Plans (as hereinafter defined), except where the failure to
comply would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an
Adecco Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Adecco
Foreign Plan" shall mean any employee benefit plan, program, policy or
arrangement maintained or contributed to, by, or entered into with, Adecco or
any of its Subsidiaries with respect to employees (or former employees) employed
outside the United States.
(b) Neither Adecco nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their ERISA
Affiliates (as defined below) has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any
liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC") or to a
trustee appointed under Section 4042(b) or (c) of ERISA other than for the
payment of premiums, all of which have been paid when due. For purposes of this
Agreement, "ERISA Affiliate" shall mean any person (as defined in Section 3(9)
of ERISA) that is a member of any group of persons described in Section 414(b),
(c) or (m) of the Code which includes the referent person or its Subsidiaries.
(c) Neither Adecco nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their ERISA
Affiliates has any liability (including any contingent liability under Section
4204 of ERISA) with respect to any multiemployer plan, within the meaning of
Section 3(37) of ERISA, except for any such liability which would not, singly or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have an Adecco Material Adverse
Effect.
Section 3.13 Environmental Matters.
Except as would not have an Adecco Material Adverse Effect, Adecco and each
of its subsidiaries are in compliance with and have no liability under
applicable Environmental Laws (as hereinafter defined). As used in this
Agreement, the term "Environmental Laws" means the common law, and any law,
statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, judgment, directive, order or decree
relating to pollution or protection of the environment, including without
limitation, natural resources, or to human health or safety.
Section 3.14 Finders or Brokers.
Other than Goldman, Sachs & Co., neither Adecco nor any of its Subsidiaries
has employed any investment banker, broker, finder or intermediary in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby who might be entitled to a fee or any
commission the receipt of which is conditioned upon consummation of the Merger
or the amount of which is calculated with reference to any part of the Closing
Consideration.
Section 3.15 Board Recommendation.
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The Board of Directors of Adecco has, by a unanimous vote at a meeting of
such Board duly held on August 12, 1999, approved and adopted the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby, and determined that the Agreement, the
Separation Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby,
taken together, are in the best interest of the stockholders of Adecco, and
prior to the date hereof resolved to recommend that the holders of Adecco Common
Stock approve the Adecco Stockholder Proposals.
ARTICLE IV.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF OLSTEN
Subject to the disclosure schedule delivered by Olsten to Adecco and Merger
Sub at or prior to the execution of this Agreement (the "Olsten Disclosure
Statement"), the section numbers of which are numbered to correspond to the
section numbers of this Agreement to which they relate, Olsten represents and
warrants to Adecco and Merger Sub as follows:
Section 4.01 Organization, Etc.
Olsten is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the state of Delaware and has all requisite power and
authority to own, lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on
its business as it is now being conducted. Olsten is duly qualified as a foreign
corporation to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where
the character of its properties owned, leased or operated or the nature of its
activities makes such qualification necessary, except for failures to be so
qualified or in good standing that would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, assets or
condition (financial or otherwise) of (i) Olsten and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole, or (ii) Olsten and the Retained Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other
than any change or effect arising out of or resulting from general economic
conditions or conditions affecting the staffing services industry (a "Olsten
Material Adverse Effect"). Olsten is not in violation of any of the provisions
of its organizational documents. Complete and correct copies of the
organizational documents, as currently in effect, of Olsten have been made
available to Adecco.
Section 4.02 Authority.
Olsten has full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and the Separation Agreement and, subject to approval by the requisite
holders of the outstanding shares of Olsten Stock and Olsten Class B Stock,
voting together as a single class, at the Olsten Special Meeting, to consummate
the Merger, the Split-Off and the other transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Separation
Agreement and the consummation of the Merger, the Split-Off and the other
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly
authorized by the Board of Directors of Olsten, and no other corporate
proceedings on the part of Olsten are necessary to authorize this Agreement or
the Separation Agreement or to consummate the Merger, the Split-Off and the
other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (other than the approval of
and adoption of this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated
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hereby at the Olsten Special Meeting or any adjournment thereof by the requisite
holders of the outstanding shares of Olsten Common Stock and Olsten Class B
Stock, voting together as a single class). Each of this Agreement and the
Separation Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Olsten
and, in the case of Separation Agreement, OHS, and assuming the due
authorization, execution and delivery hereof by Adecco and Merger Sub, in the
case of the Merger Agreement, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
Olsten and, in the case of the Separation Agreement, OHS, enforceable against
Olsten, and in the case of the Separation Agreement, OHS, in accordance with its
terms, except to the extent that its enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally or by general equitable principles.
Section 4.03 Consents; No Violations, Etc.
(a) No filing or registration with, or permit, authorization, consent or
approval of, or notification or disclosure to, any Governmental Authority, court
or third party is required by Olsten or OHS in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the Separation Agreement or the consummation by
Olsten of the Merger and the consummation by Olsten and OHS of the Split-Off and
the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except (i) in connection
with the applicable requirements of the HSR Act and applicable foreign antitrust
or other similar laws, (ii) in connection with the provisions of the Securities
Act and the Exchange Act, (iii) the filings of appropriate merger documents as
required by the Delaware Act, (iv) such consents, approvals, orders, permits,
authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings as may be required under
the Blue Sky laws of various states and (v) such consents, approvals, orders,
permits, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings which will have
been made or obtained prior to the Effective Time and will then be in full force
and effect.
(b) Assuming that all filings, permits, authorization, consents,
disclosures and approvals required prior to the Effective Time have been duly
made or obtained as contemplated by Section 4.03(a), the execution and delivery
of this Agreement and the Separation Agreement and the consummation by Olsten of
the Merger and Olsten and OHS of the Split-Off and the other transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby will not (i) subject to obtaining the approval
of the requisite holders of the outstanding shares of Olsten Common Stock and
Olsten Class B Stock, voting together as a single class, violate any provision
of the organizational documents of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii)
violate any statute, rule, regulation, injunction, judgment, writ, order or
decree of any Governmental Authority or court applicable to Olsten or any of its
Subsidiaries or by which Olsten, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
properties are bound or (iii) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute
(with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to
any right of termination, cancellation, acceleration, redemption or repurchase)
under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any (x) note, bond,
mortgage, indenture or deed of trust relating to indebtedness for borrowed money
or Governmental Settlement Agreement (as defined in the Separation Agreement) or
(y) license, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Olsten
or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them or any of their
properties or assets may be bound, excluding from the foregoing clauses (ii) and
(iii)(y) violations, breaches or defaults that, individually or in the
aggregate, would not either impair Olsten's or OHS', as applicable, ability to
consummate the Merger or
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Split-Off or the other transactions contemplated hereby or by the Separation
Agreement or have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.04 Capitalization.
The authorized capital stock of Olsten consists of 110,000,000 shares of
Olsten Stock, 50,000,000 shares of Olsten Class B Stock and 250,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $.10 per share. As of April 4, 1999, there were
68,255,667 shares of Olsten Stock outstanding, 13,068,973 shares of Olsten Class
B Stock outstanding, 45,700 shares of Olsten Stock held in Olsten's treasury and
7,475,040 shares of Olsten Common Stock (including 5,731,342 shares of Olsten
Stock and 1,743,698 shares of Olsten Class B Stock) reserved for issuance upon
the exercise of options theretofore granted pursuant to the Olsten Plans and
upon conversion of the Quantum Debt (as defined in the Separation Agreement).
All issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Olsten are duly authorized
and validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights with
respect thereto. Section 4.04 of the Olsten Disclosure Statement lists each
Olsten Plan and each outstanding option and stock grant as of August 12, 1999,
the number of shares of Olsten Common Stock to be received upon exercise thereof
and the exercise price of each such option (the "Olsten Common Stock
Equivalents"). Except for the Olsten Common Stock Equivalents and the Quantum
Debt, there are no options, warrants, calls, subscriptions, or other rights,
agreements or commitments obligating Olsten to issue, transfer or sell any
shares of capital stock of Olsten or any other securities convertible into or
evidencing the right to subscribe for any such shares. Other than stock, if any,
issued pursuant to the Olsten Plans, stock, if any, issued upon conversion of
the Quantum Debt and stock, if any, issued upon exercise of stock options or the
vesting of stock grants pursuant to the Olsten Common Stock Equivalents, there
has not been any issuance of capital stock of Olsten since August 12, 1999.
There are no outstanding stock appreciation rights with respect to the capital
stock of Olsten. At and after the Effective Time, none of the options or
warrants exercisable for or other securities convertible into shares of capital
stock of Olsten shall, then or thereafter, continue to be so exercisable or
convertible into capital stock or other claim on the equity of Olsten.
Section 4.05 SEC Filings.
(a) Olsten has timely filed with the SEC and any stock exchange on which
Olsten Common Stock is listed all required forms, reports, registration
statements and documents required to be filed by it with the SEC or such other
authority since January 1, 1996 (collectively, the "Olsten SEC Reports"), all of
which complied as to form when filed in all material respects with the
applicable provisions of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or the
applicable laws or regulations of any such authority, as the case may be. As of
their respective dates, the Olsten SEC Reports (including all exhibits and
schedules thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein) did not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Except as
set forth in Section 4.05(a) of the Olsten Disclosure Statement, all documents
required to be filed as exhibits to the Olsten SEC Reports have been so filed.
None of Olsten's subsidiaries is required to file any forms, reports or other
documents with the SEC.
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(b) Olsten will deliver to Adecco as soon as they become available true and
complete copies of any report or statement mailed by Olsten to its
securityholders generally or filed by it with the SEC, in each case subsequent
to the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time. As of their respective
dates, such reports and statements (excluding any information therein provided
by Adecco, as to which Olsten makes no representation) will not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading and will comply in
all material respects with all applicable requirements of law. The audited
consolidated financial statements and unaudited consolidated interim financial
statements of Olsten and its Subsidiaries to be included or incorporated by
reference in such reports and statements will be prepared in accordance with
U.S. GAAP and regulations of the SEC applicable to public companies and will
fairly present the consolidated financial position of Olsten and its
Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of operations
and consolidated cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of
any unaudited interim financial statements, to normal year-end adjustments and
to the extent they may not include footnotes or may be condensed or summary
statements).
Section 4.06 Financial Statements.
The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited consolidated
interim financial statements of Olsten and its Subsidiaries included or
incorporated by reference in any of the Olsten SEC Reports have been prepared in
accordance with U.S. GAAP and regulations of the SEC applicable to public
companies and fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial
position of Olsten and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the
consolidated results of operations and consolidated cash flows for the periods
then ended (subject, in the case of any unaudited interim financial statements,
to normal year-end adjustments and to the extent they may not include footnotes
or may be condensed or summary statements), and such audited consolidated
financial statements are accompanied by an unqualified opinion thereon by
Olsten's independent accountants. The Consolidated Balance Sheet as at January
3, 1999 of Olsten and its Subsidiaries contained in such financial statements is
hereinafter referred to as the "Olsten Balance Sheet."
Section 4.07 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.
As of the date hereof, neither Olsten nor any of its Subsidiaries has any
liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether absolute, accrued, unmatured,
contingent or otherwise, or any unsatisfied judgments or any unusual or
extraordinary commitments, except for (i) the liabilities recorded on the Olsten
Balance Sheet and/or reflected in the notes thereto, (ii) liabilities and
obligations disclosed in any Olsten SEC Report filed since January 3, 1999 and
prior to the date of this Agreement, (iii) liabilities and obligations incurred
since January 3, 1999 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, which are not unusual in nature or amount and which would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect and
(iv) liabilities or obligations that, individually or in the aggregate, would
not have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.08 Absence of Changes or Events.
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From January 3, 1999 through the date of this Agreement and except as set
forth in the Olsten SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof: (a) there has
been no Olsten Material Adverse Effect, (b) Olsten and its Subsidiaries have
conducted their business only in the ordinary course and (c) neither Olsten nor
any of its Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly:
(a) other than pursuant to any Olsten Plan, issued any capital stock or
purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired, or agreed to purchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire, any shares of capital stock of Olsten or any of its
Subsidiaries, or issued or purchased any options, warrants or other equity
securities, debt securities or evidence of indebtedness of Olsten or any of its
Subsidiaries, or declared, set aside or paid any dividend or otherwise made a
distribution (whether in cash, stock or property or any combination thereof) in
respect of its capital stock;
(b) split, combined or reclassified any of its capital stock;
(c) (i) assumed, guaranteed, endorsed or otherwise as an accommodation
become responsible for the obligations of any other individual, firm or
corporation (other than any wholly-owned Subsidiary of Olsten), or made any
loans or advances to any other individual, firm or corporation (other than loans
among Olsten and any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries) except in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice; or (ii) incurred any
liabilities, except for liabilities that, individually or in the aggregate,
would not reasonably be expected to have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect;
(d) made any payment with respect to any option, warrant or other equity
security, or any debt security or evidence of indebtedness of Olsten or any of
its Subsidiaries (other than regular, periodic payments of principal and/or
interest required pursuant to the terms of the applicable security or
instrument);
(e) instituted any significant change in accounting methods, principles or
practices affecting its assets, liabilities, reserve or expense recognition,
reserves, amortization or accruals, except insofar as may be appropriate to
conform to changes in law or U.S. GAAP;
(f) revalued any of its assets, including without limitation, writing down
the value of inventory or notes or accounts receivables;
(g) suffered any damage, destruction or loss, whether covered by insurance
or not, except for such that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have
an Olsten Material Adverse Effect;
(h) since the date of the information contained in Olsten's proxy statement
dated April 13, 1999, (i) increased in any manner the compensation or benefits
of any of its directors or, except in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice, officers or employees, except in each case as required under
plans or arrangements existing at April 13, 1999; (ii) paid or agreed to pay any
pension, retirement allowance or other employee benefit not required under
agreements, plans or arrangements existing at April 13, 1999; (iii) paid any
bonus, except for bonuses paid in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice; (iv) granted any severance or termination pay to any person,
or entered into any employment consulting and
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severance agreement with, any person providing for total compensation and
severance payments in excess of $100,000; (v) entered into or made any material
modification or amendment to, any currently effective employment, severance,
termination or indemnification agreement or any agreement the benefits of which
are contingent or the terms of which are materially altered upon the occurrence
of a transaction involving Olsten of the nature contemplated hereby or by the
Separation Agreement, or (vi) become obligated under any new pension plan,
welfare plan, multiemployer plan, employee benefit plan, benefit arrangement or
similar plan or arrangement (including any bonus, incentive, deferred
compensation, stock purchase, stock option, stock appreciation right, group
insurance, severance pay, retirement or other benefit plan, contract, agreement
or understanding) that was not in existence as a plan of Olsten prior to April
13, 1999, or amended any such plan or arrangement in existence at or prior to
April 13, 1999, in each case except as may be required by applicable law;
(i) sold, transferred, pledged, mortgaged, or otherwise disposed of, or
leased or licensed to or from any person, or encumbered, any material properties
or assets, real, personal or mixed, except in the ordinary course of business;
or
(j) agreed to do any of the things described in the preceding clauses (a)
through (i).
Section 4.09 Litigation.
Except as described specifically in the Olsten SEC Reports filed prior to
the date hereof, there is no (i) claim, action, suit or proceeding pending or,
to Olsten's knowledge, threatened against Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries
before any court or governmental or regulatory authority or body or arbitration
tribunal or (ii) outstanding judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any
court, governmental agency or arbitration tribunal in a proceeding to which
Olsten, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets was or is a
party, except, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) above, such as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, either impair Olsten's or OHS' (as applicable)
ability to consummate the Merger, the Split-Off or the other transactions
contemplated hereby or by the Separation Agreement or have an Olsten Material
Adverse Effect.
Section 4.10 Subsidiaries and Investments.
(a) Section 4.10(a) of the Olsten Disclosure Statement contains a complete
list as of the date hereof of each Subsidiary of Olsten and sets forth with
respect to each of Olsten's Subsidiaries its name and jurisdiction of
organization and, with respect to each Subsidiary of Olsten that is not
wholly-owned, the percentage of share capital owned by Olsten or a Subsidiary of
Olsten. Each Subsidiary of Olsten is duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and, except as
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have an Olsten Material Adverse
Effect, has all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each
subsidiary of Olsten is duly qualified to do business, and is in good standing,
in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties owned, leased or
operated or the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary,
except for failures to be so qualified or in good standing that, individually or
in the aggregate, would not have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
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All of the outstanding shares of capital stock or share capital of each
Subsidiary of Olsten are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and those
owned by Olsten or by a Subsidiary of Olsten are owned free and clear of any
liens, claims or encumbrances. There are no options, warrants, calls,
subscriptions or other rights, agreements or commitments obligating any of the
Subsidiaries of Olsten to issue, transfer or sell any shares of its capital
stock or other securities convertible into or evidencing the right to subscribe
for any such shares.
(b) Section 4.10(b) of the Olsten Disclosure Statement lists, as of the
date hereof, each corporation, partnership, joint venture or other business,
association or entity (other than its Subsidiaries) in which Olsten or any of
its Subsidiaries owns, directly or, to the knowledge of Olsten, indirectly, an
equity interest other than any ownership interest of less than 5% of the
outstanding equity securities of any issuer whose securities are registered
under the Exchange Act.
(c) Section 4.10(c) of the Olsten Disclosure Statement lists all agreements
which contain liabilities or obligations whether absolute, accrued, contingent,
matured, unmatured or otherwise of Olsten and its Subsidiaries for earn-outs or
other similar payments related to acquisitions and other similar transactions
and all puts and other buy-out obligations related to minority interests.
Section 4.11 Compliance with Laws.
(a) Except as described specifically in the Olsten SEC Reports filed prior
to the date hereof, (i) neither Olsten nor any of its Subsidiaries has violated
or failed to comply with any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule or order
of any Governmental Authority, or any judgment, decree or order of any court,
applicable to it, its business or operations or by which it, its business or
operations are bound, except for any such violations or failures to comply that,
individually or in the aggregate, would not impair Olsten's or OHS' (as
applicable) ability to consummate the Merger, the Split-Off and the other
transactions contemplated hereby or by the Separation Agreement or have an
Olsten Material Adverse Effect, (ii) no investigation or review by any
Governmental Authority is pending or, to Olsten's knowledge, has been threatened
against Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to Olsten's knowledge, has any
Governmental Authority indicated by written notice or, to Olsten's knowledge,
otherwise, an intention to conduct an investigation of Olsten or any of its
Subsidiaries, other than any such investigation which would not, individually or
in the aggregate, impair Olsten's or OHS' (as applicable) ability to consummate
the Merger, the Split-Off or the other transactions contemplated hereby or by
the Separation Agreement or have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect; (iii)
neither Olsten nor any of its Subsidiaries is liable, either primarily or
jointly and severally with any other party, for any fines, penalties or other
amounts payable to any Governmental Authority in an aggregate amount in excess
of $5,000,000 and (iv) there is no agreement, judgement, injunction, order or
decree binding upon Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries which has or could
reasonably be expected to have the effect of prohibiting or materially impairing
any business practice of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries, any acquisition of
material property by Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries, the conduct of business
by Olsten as currently conducted, or the Merger or Split-Off or the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Separation Agreement. Other
than as disclosed by Olsten to Adecco, Olsten and its Subsidiaries are each in
compliance, in all material
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respects, with all material laws and regulations relating to franchising and
their relationship with their franchisees and licensed area representatives.
(b) Each of Olsten and its Subsidiaries has such certificates, permits,
licenses, franchises, consents, approvals, orders, authorizations and clearances
from appropriate Governmental Authorities ("Olsten Licenses") as are necessary
to own, lease or operate its properties and assets and to conduct its business
in the manner described in the Olsten SEC Reports and as presently conducted and
all such Olsten Licenses are valid and in full force and effect, except for any
failures to have any such Olsten License or any failures of any such Olsten
License to be valid and in full force and effect that, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect. Each of Olsten and
its Subsidiaries is, and within the period of all applicable statues of
limitation has been, in compliance with its obligations under such Olsten
Licenses and no event has occurred that allows, or after notice or lapse of time
would allow, revocation or termination of such Olsten Licenses, except for any
such failures to be in compliance with such obligations or any such revocations
or terminations that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have an Olsten
Material Adverse Effect. Olsten has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances
that could reasonably be expected to result in an inability of Olsten or any of
its Subsidiaries to renew any Olsten License. Neither the execution and delivery
by Olsten of this Agreement or by Olsten and OHS of the Separation Agreement nor
the consummation of the Merger or the Split-Off or any of the other transactions
contemplated herein or therein will result in any revocation or termination of
any Olsten License, except for Olsten Licenses, the revocation or termination of
which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have an Olsten Material
Adverse Effect or impair, in any material respect, the operation of the Retained
Businesses after the Merger.
Section 4.12 Intellectual Property Rights.
To Olsten's knowledge, Olsten and its Subsidiaries own or have the right to
use all Olsten Intellectual Property Rights (as defined below) necessary to the
conduct of their respective businesses, except for such lack or defects in
ownership or possession as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have an
Olsten Material Adverse Effect. There have been no written claims or assertions
made by others that Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries has infringed any material
intellectual property rights of others in the preceding three year period and,
to Olsten's knowledge, there has been no such infringement by Olsten or any of
its Subsidiaries during this period except for such infringements that,
individually or in the aggregate, would not have an Olsten Material Adverse
Effect. Olsten has no knowledge of any infringement of Olsten Intellectual
Property Rights by others, except for such infringements that, individually or
in the aggregate, would not have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect. All material
issued patents, registered trademarks and service marks owned by Olsten or its
Subsidiaries are recorded on the public record in the name of Olsten or its
Subsidiaries, except to the extent that the failure to be so recorded would not
materially impair the ownership, use or protection of such patents, trademarks
and service marks .
Section 4.12 of the Olsten Disclosure Statement contains a list of all
material patents, trade names, registered copyrights, registered and
unregistered trademarks and service marks and applications for the foregoing
owned by Olsten or its Subsidiaries. Olsten and/or its
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Subsidiaries have clear and unencumbered title to the Olsten Intellectual
Property Rights set forth in Section 4.12 of the Olsten Disclosure Statement and
such title has not been challenged (pending or threatened) by others except for
the encumbrances listed therein.
"Olsten Intellectual Property Rights" shall mean and include rights
relating to Olsten's or its Subsidiaries, patents, trademarks, service marks,
trade names, copyrights, and all currently pending applications for any thereof,
and any inventions, processes, trade secrets, know-how, confidentiality
agreements, consulting agreements, software systems, proprietary field systems,
software licenses or options to obtain rights or licenses.
Section 4.13. Taxes.
(a) Filing of Tax Returns. Olsten and its Subsidiaries have timely filed,
taking into account extensions, with the proper taxing or other governmental
authorities all Tax Returns (as such term is defined in Section 3.11) required
to be filed through the date hereof. Such Tax Returns are complete, correct and
accurate in all respects. Olsten and its Subsidiaries have delivered to Adecco
complete and accurate copies of all consolidated federal, state and local income
or franchise Tax Returns filed by Olsten and its Subsidiaries for their taxable
year ended December 28, 1997.
(b) Payment of Taxes. Olsten and its Subsidiaries have paid or will have
paid all Taxes for all periods or portions thereof ending on or before the
Effective Time, or adequate reserves (in conformity with U.S. GAAP applied on a
consistent basis and consistent with such entity's past custom and practice)
have been established therefor, and Olsten and its Subsidiaries have no material
liability for Taxes in excess of the amounts so paid or reserves so established.
All Taxes that Olsten and each of its Subsidiaries have been required to collect
or withhold have been duly collected or withheld and, to the extent required
when due, have been or will be duly paid to the proper taxing or other
governmental authority.
(c) Audit History.
(i) No deficiencies for Taxes of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries
have been claimed in writing or assessed by any taxing or other
governmental authority, which deficiencies have not been paid or finally
settled.
(i) There are no pending or, to Olsten's knowledge, threatened audits,
investigations or claims for or relating to any liability in respect of
Taxes of Olsten or its Subsidiaries.
(ii) No extension of a statute of limitations relating to Taxes is in
effect with respect to Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries.
(d) Tax Elections.
(i) Olsten and each of its Subsidiaries have not made any elections,
and are not required, to treat any of their assets as owned by another
person or as tax-exempt bond financed property or tax-exempt use property
within the meaning of Section
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168 of the Code or under any comparable state or local income Tax or other
Tax provision.
(ii) Olsten and its Subsidiaries are not parties to or bound by any
tax sharing, tax indemnity or tax allocation agreement or other similar
arrangement with any other person or entity (including, without limitation,
any advance pricing agreement, closing agreement or other agreement
relating to Taxes with any taxing authority).
(iii) Olsten and its Subsidiaries have not filed consents pursuant to
the collapsible corporation provisions of Section 341(f) of the Code (or
any corresponding provision of state or local law) or agreed to have
Sections 341(f)(2) of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state or
local law) apply to any disposition of any asset owned by it.
(e) Additional Representations.
(i) There are no liens for Taxes (other than for Taxes not yet
delinquent) upon the assets of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries.
(ii) Since 1992, Olsten and its Subsidiaries have never been members
of an affiliated group of corporations within the meaning of Section 1504
of the Code, with the exception of the affiliated group for which Olsten is
the common parent. Neither Olsten nor any of its Subsidiaries, or any
predecessor or affiliate of any of them, has become liable (whether by
contract, as transferee or successor, by law or otherwise) for the Taxes of
any other person or entity under Treasury Regulation section 1.1502-6 or
any similar provision of state, local or foreign law, except for other
members of the affiliated group of which Olsten is the common parent.
(iii) Olsten and its Subsidiaries have not made, requested or agreed
to make, nor are they required to make, any adjustment under Section 481(a)
of the Code by reason of a change in accounting method or otherwise for any
taxable year.
(iv) Neither Olsten nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any
agreement, contract, arrangement or plan that has resulted or would result,
separately or in the aggregate, in the payment of any amount as to which a
deduction may be denied under Section 162(m) of the Code.
(v) Olsten and its Subsidiaries have not been "United States real
property holding corporations" within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of
the Code during the applicable period specified in Section
897(c)(1)(A)(ii).
(vi) Olsten and its Subsidiaries have properly requested, received and
retained all necessary exemption certificates and other documentation
supporting any claimed exemption or waiver of Taxes on sales or other
transactions as to which Olsten and its Subsidiaries would have been
obligated to collect or withhold Taxes, except for any failure to do so
which would not be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Olsten and
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
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(vii) There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement covering
any employee or former employee of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries (with
respect to such employee's relationship with Olsten or the applicable
Subsidiary) that, individually or collectively, requires, or in any prior
period required, the payment by Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries of any
amount (i) that is or was not deductible under Section 162(a)(1) or 404 of
the Code or (ii) that is or was an "excess parachute payment" pursuant to
Section 280G of the Code.
Section 4.14 Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA.
(a) Olsten has disclosed to Adecco in Section 4.14(a) of the Olsten
Disclosure Statement all "employee pension benefit plans" (as defined in Section
3(2) of ERISA) maintained or contributed to by Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries
or any of their ERISA Affiliates, or to which Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries
or any of their ERISA Affiliates contributes or is obligated to make payments
thereunder or otherwise may have any liability (collectively, the "Olsten
Pension Benefit Plans").
(b) Olsten has delivered or made available to Adecco true and complete
copies of all "welfare benefit plans" (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA)
maintained or contributed to by Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries (the "Olsten
Welfare Plans"), all multiemployer plans (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA)
to which Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates is
required to make contributions or otherwise may have any liability and all stock
bonus, stock option, restricted stock, stock appreciation right, stock purchase,
bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, severance and vacation plans maintained
or contributed to by Olsten or a Subsidiary of Olsten.
(c) Olsten and each of its Subsidiaries and each of the Olsten Pension
Benefit Plans and Olsten Welfare Plans are in compliance with the applicable
provisions of ERISA, the Code and other applicable laws with respect to the
Olsten Pension Benefit Plans and Olsten Welfare Plans, except where the failure
to comply would not, singly or in the aggregate with all other failures,
non-compliance, liabilities, transactions, events and other matters that are the
subject of any representation and warranty under this Section 4.14, reasonably
be expected to have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
(d) All contributions to, and payments from, the Olsten Pension Benefit
Plans which are required to have been made in accordance with the Olsten Pension
Benefit Plans and, when applicable, Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the
Code have been timely made, except where the failure to make such contributions
or payments on a timely basis would not, singly or in the aggregate with all
other failures, non-compliance, liabilities, transactions, events and other
matters that are the subject of any representation and warranty under this
Section 4.14, reasonably be expected to have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
(e) The Olsten Pension Benefit Plans intended to qualify under Section 401
of the Code have been determined by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") to
be so qualified and nothing has occurred with respect to the operation of such
Olsten Pension Benefit Plans
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which would reasonably be expected to cause the loss of such qualification or
exemption or the imposition of any material liability, penalty or tax under
ERISA or the Code.
(f) There are (i) no investigations pending, to the knowledge of Olsten, by
any governmental entity involving the Olsten Pension Benefit Plans or Olsten
Welfare Plans, (ii) no termination proceedings involving the Olsten Pension
Benefit Plans and (iii) no pending or, to Olsten's knowledge, threatened claims
(other than routine claims for benefits), suits or proceedings with respect to
any Olsten Pension Benefit Plan or Olsten Welfare Plan, against the assets of
any of the trusts under any Olsten Pension Benefit Plan or Olsten Welfare Plan
or against any fiduciary of any Olsten Pension Benefit Plan or Olsten Welfare
Plan with respect to the operation of such plan or asserting any rights or
claims to benefits under any Olsten Pension Benefit Plan or against the assets
of any trust under such plan, nor, to Olsten's knowledge, are there any facts
which would give rise to any such investigations, claims, suits or proceedings,
except for any such matter which would not, singly or in the aggregate with all
other failures, non-compliance, liabilities, transactions, events and other
matters that are the subject of any representation and warranty under this
Section 4.14, reasonably be expected to have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
(g) None of Olsten, any of its Subsidiaries or any employee of the
foregoing, nor any trustee, administrator, other fiduciary or any other "party
in interest" or "disqualified person" with respect to the Olsten Pension Benefit
Plans or Olsten Welfare Plans, has engaged in a "prohibited transaction" (as
such term is defined in Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA) which
would be reasonably likely to result in a tax, penalty, or other liability on
Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries under Section 4975 of the Code or Section
502(i) of ERISA, except any such event which would not, singly or in the
aggregate with all other failures, non-compliance, liabilities, transactions,
events and other matters that are the subject of any representation and warranty
under this Section 4.14, reasonably be expected to have an Olsten Material
Adverse Effect.
(h) Neither the Olsten Pension Benefit Plans subject to Title IV of ERISA
nor any trust created thereunder has been terminated nor have there been any
"reportable events" (as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations
thereunder) with respect to either thereof, nor has there been any event with
respect to any Olsten Pension Benefit Plan requiring disclosure under Section
4063(a) of ERISA or any event with respect to any Olsten Pension Benefit Plan
requiring disclosure under Section 4041(c)(3)(C) of ERISA.
(i) Neither Olsten nor any Subsidiary of Olsten nor any of their ERISA
Affiliates has incurred any currently outstanding liability to the PBGC or to a
trustee appointed under Section 4042(b) or (c) of ERISA other than for the
payment of premiums, all of which have been paid when due. No Olsten Pension
Benefit Plan has applied for, or received, a waiver of the minimum funding
standards imposed by Section 412 of the Code. The information supplied to the
actuary by Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries for use in preparing the most
recent actuarial report for the Olsten Pension Benefit Plans is complete and
accurate in all material respects.
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(j) Neither Olsten, any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their ERISA
Affiliates has any material liability (including any contingent liability under
Section 4204 of ERISA) with respect to any multiemployer plan, within the
meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA.
(k) With respect to each of the Olsten Pension Benefit Plans and Olsten
Welfare Plans, true, correct and complete copies of the following documents have
been delivered or made available to Adecco: (i) the current plans and related
trust documents, including amendments thereto, (ii) any current summary plan
descriptions, (iii) the most recent Forms 5500, financial statements and
actuarial reports, if applicable, and (iv) the most recent IRS determination
letter, if applicable, and (v) any filings with or correspondence to or from the
IRS, or compliance statements, with respect to self-corrections of any
disqualifying defects pursuant to Revenue Procedure 98-22.
(l) Neither Olsten, any of its Subsidiaries, any organization to which
Olsten is a successor or parent corporation, within the meaning of Section
4069(b) of ERISA, nor any of their ERISA Affiliates has engaged in any
transaction described in Section 4069(a) of ERISA which would reasonably be
expected to result in a material liability to Olsten or its Subsidiaries.
(m) None of the Olsten Welfare Plans maintained by Olsten or any of its
Subsidiaries are retiree life or retiree health insurance plans which provide
for continuing benefits or coverage for any participant or any beneficiary of a
participant following termination of employment, except as may be required under
the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended
("COBRA"), or except at the expense of the participant or the participant's
beneficiary. Olsten and each of its Subsidiaries which maintain a "group health
plan" within the meaning of Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code have complied with
the notice and continuation requirements of Section 4980(B) of the Code, COBRA,
Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and the regulations thereunder, except
for noncompliance which would not, singly or in the aggregate with all other
failures, non-compliance, liabilities, transactions, events and other matters
that are the subject of any representation and warranty under this Section 4.14,
reasonably be expected to have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
(n) No liability under any Olsten Pension Benefit Plan or Olsten Welfare
Plan has been funded nor has any such obligation been satisfied with the
purchase of a contract from an insurance company as to which Olsten or any of
its Subsidiaries has received notice that such insurance company is in
rehabilitation.
(o) The execution of, and consummation of the transactions contemplated by,
this Agreement and the Separation Agreement will not, either alone or upon the
occurrence of subsequent events, result in an increase in the amount of
compensation or benefits or accelerate the vesting or timing of payment or
funding of any benefits or compensation payable to or in respect of any employee
or former employee of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries. Olsten has disclosed to
Adecco in the Olsten Disclosure Statement any severance agreements or severance
policies of Olsten or its Subsidiaries providing benefits in the event of a
change of control of Olsten.
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(p) Olsten has disclosed to Adecco in Section 4.14(p) of the Olsten
Disclosure Statement each of Olsten's material Olsten Foreign Plans (as
hereinafter defined) to the extent the benefits provided thereunder are not
mandated by the laws of the applicable foreign jurisdiction. Olsten and each of
its Subsidiaries and each of such Olsten Foreign Plans are in compliance with
applicable laws and all required contributions have been made to the Olsten
Foreign Plans, except where the failure to comply or make contributions would
not, singly or in the aggregate with all other failures, non-compliance,
liabilities, transactions, events and other matters that are the subject of any
representation and warranty under this Section 4.14, reasonably be expected to
have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this Agreement, the term
"Olsten Foreign Plan" shall mean any employee benefit plan, program, policy or
arrangement maintained or contributed to, by, or entered into with, Olsten or
any of its Subsidiaries with respect to employees (or former employees) employed
outside the United States.
Section 4.15 Labor and Employment Matters.
(a) Each of Olsten and its Subsidiaries is in compliance in all material
respects with all applicable laws respecting employment and employment
practices, terms and conditions of employment, safety, wages and hours, and
neither Olsten nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged in any unfair labor
practice in each case, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect. Olsten and
each of its Subsidiaries: (i) has withheld all amounts required by law or by
agreement to be withheld from wages, salaries and other payments to employees;
(ii) to Olsten's knowledge, is not liable for any arrears of wages or any taxes
or any penalty for failure to comply with any of the laws set forth in the
preceding sentence; and (iii) is not liable for any material payment to any
trust or other fund or to any Governmental Authority or administrative
authority, with respect to unemployment compensation benefits, social security
or other benefits or obligations for employees (other than routine payments to
be made in the normal course of business and consistent with past practice),
except in the case of each of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), for failures to
withhold and liabilities which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have
an Olsten Material Adverse Effect. There are no pending, or, to Olsten's
knowledge, threatened or reasonably anticipated claims or actions against under
any worker's compensation policy or long-term disability policy, except as would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
There is no labor strike, slowdown or stoppage pending (or, to the knowledge of
Olsten, any labor strike, slowdown or stoppage threatened) against or affecting
Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries, except as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect. None of Olsten or its
Subsidiaries is a party to any union contract or collective bargaining agreement
in North America. To Olsten's knowledge, no union organizing activities with
respect to any of its or its Subsidiaries' employees are occurring or
threatened, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have an
Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Neither Olsten nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any
employment, management services, consultation or other contract or agreement
with any past or present officer or director or, to Olsten's knowledge, any
entity affiliated with any past or present officer or director, other than the
agreements executed by employees generally, the forms of which have been
provided to Adecco.
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Section 4.16 No Change of Control Payments.
Neither the execution and delivery by Olsten of this Agreement or the
execution and delivery by Olsten or OHS of the Separation Agreement nor the
consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby gives
rise to any obligation of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries to, or any right of
any holder of any security (equity or debt) of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries
or any holder of any other indebtedness of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries or
any of Olsten's franchisees or licensed area representatives to, require Olsten
to purchase, offer to purchase, redeem, otherwise prepay or repay, pay any
penalty or otherwise make any payments with respect to, any such security,
indebtedness, or franchise or licensed area representative contract or
agreement, or deposit any funds to effect the same.
Section 4.17 Environmental Matters.
Except as would not have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Olsten and each of its subsidiaries are in compliance with and
have no liability under applicable Environmental Laws;
(b) there is no civil, criminal or administrative action, suit,
demand, claim, hearing, notice of violation, investigation, notice or
demand letter, or request for information pending, or to Olsten's knowledge
threatened, under any Environmental Law (as hereinafter defined) against
Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries;
(c) neither Olsten nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written
notice of actual or potential liability under any Environmental Law that
has not been resolved, or is performing or obligated to perform any
investigation or other action under any Environmental Law;
(d) to Olsten's knowledge after due inquiry, there are no past or
present events, activities, conditions or occurrences, including, without
limitation, any disposal, spill, discharge or release of any Hazardous
Materials (as hereinafter defined), that would reasonably be expected to
result in any liability under any Environmental Law on the part of Olsten
or any of its subsidiaries; and
(e) to Olsten's knowledge, there is no asbestos or underground storage
tank located at, on or under any facility or property owned, operated or
leased by Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries.
As used in this Agreement, the term "Environmental Laws" means the common
law, and any law, statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, judgment, directive,
order or decree relating to pollution or protection of the environment,
including without limitation, natural resources, or to human health or safety;
and the term "Hazardous Materials" means any pollutant, contaminant, chemical,
substance, constituent, waste or material regulated or which can give rise to
liability under any Environmental Law.
Section 4.18 Insurance.
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Olsten has insurance policies and fidelity bonds covering its and its
Subsidiaries' assets, business, equipment, properties, operations, employees,
officers and directors of the type and in amounts customarily carried by persons
conducting business similar to that of Olsten and such Subsidiaries. All
premiums due and payable under all such policies and bonds have been paid, and
Olsten is otherwise in full compliance with the terms and conditions of all such
policies and bonds, except where the failure to have made payment or to be in
full compliance would not, singularly or in the aggregate with all such other
failures, have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect. The reserves established by
Olsten in respect of all matters as to which Olsten self-insures or carries
retention and/or deductibles, including for workers' medical coverage and
workers' compensation, are adequate and appropriate in light of Olsten's
experience with respect thereto and Olsten is not aware of any facts or
circumstances existing as of the date hereof that could reasonably be expected
to cause such reserves to be inadequate or inappropriate.
Section 4.19 Leases.
Neither Olsten nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any real property. Olsten
has delivered or made available to Adecco true and complete copies of each lease
requiring the payment of rentals aggregating, or pursuant to which the annual
rentals are reasonably expected to be, at least $250,000 per annum pursuant to
which real property is held under lease by Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries,
and true and complete copies of each lease pursuant to which Olsten or any of
its Subsidiaries leases real property to others. Section 4.19 of the Olsten
Disclosure Statement sets forth a true and complete list of all such leases. All
of the leases of Olsten or its Subsidiaries listed on Section 4.19 of the Olsten
Disclosure Statement, are valid and subsisting and in full force and effect with
respect to Olsten and its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and, to Olsten's
knowledge, with respect to any other party thereto except any such failures to
be in full force and effect as would not be reasonably expected to have an
Olsten Material Adverse Effect. Neither Olsten nor any of its Subsidiaries nor,
to Olsten's knowledge, any landlord is in default of its obligations under any
lease to which Olsten is bound and, to Olsten's knowledge, there are no
conditions which, given notice and the passage of time, could constitute a
default under such lease, except for any defaults which would not reasonably be
expected to have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect. Olsten or its Subsidiaries,
as the case may be, have valid leasehold interests in all properties leased
thereunder free and clear of all liens, except as would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect. To Olsten's knowledge,
the leased real properties are in good operating order and condition.
Section 4.20 Contracts and Commitments.
(a) As of the date hereof, none of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries is a
party to any existing contract, obligation or commitment of any type in any of
the following categories except for contracts filed as exhibits to the Olsten
SEC Reports or set forth in Section 4.20 of the Olsten Disclosure Statement
(true and complete copies of which contracts have been delivered to or made
available to Adecco):
(i) contracts that provide for annual payments to or by Olsten or any
of its Subsidiaries aggregating in excess of $6,000,000;
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(ii) any contract under which Olsten or any Subsidiary has or may,
except by way of endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in
the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, become
absolutely or contingently or otherwise liable for (x) the performance
under a contract of any other person, firm or corporation or (y) the whole
or any part of the indebtedness or liabilities of any other person, firm or
corporation, in all cases, individually in excess of $1,000,000 and in the
aggregate in excess of $5,000,000;
(iii) employment agreements, consulting agreements, contracts or
commitments with any employee or member of Olsten's Board of Directors,
other than those which are terminable by Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries
on not more than thirty days notice without liability or financial
obligation, and within each such category of agreements, contracts or
commitments, which are individually in excess of $150,000;
(iv) any agreements or plans, including, without limitation, any stock
option, stock appreciation right or stock purchase plans or agreements, any
of the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of benefits of
which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the value of any of the benefits of which
will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement;
(v) any contract with any director, officer or more than 5%
stockholder of Olsten other than in such person's capacity as a director or
officer of Olsten or any contract with any entity in which, to Olsten's
knowledge, any director, officer or more than 5% stockholder or any family
member of any director, officer or stockholder has a material economic
interest;
(vi) any contract that limits or restricts in any material respect
where Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries may conduct its or their business
or the type or line of business that Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries may
engage in; and
(vii) any material contract containing any agreement with respect to
any change of control.
(b) All of the contracts listed in Section 4.20 of the Olsten Disclosure
Statement are in full force and effect, except for those contracts the
ineffectiveness of which would not reasonably be expected to have an Olsten
Material Adverse Effect. None of Olsten or its Subsidiaries is in breach of or
default under any contract to which it is a party, except for breaches or
defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, either impair
Olsten's or OHS' (as applicable) ability to consummate the Merger or the
Split-Off or the other transactions contemplated hereby or by the Separation
Agreement or have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.21 Finders or Brokers.
Other than Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney, neither Olsten nor
any of its Subsidiaries has employed any investment banker, broker, finder or
intermediary in
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connection with the transactions contemplated hereby who might be entitled to a
fee or any commission the receipt of which is conditioned upon consummation of
the Merger or the amount of which is calculated with reference to any part of
the Closing Consideration.
Section 4.22 Opinions.
The Board of Directors of Olsten has received the opinions of Warburg
Dillon Read LLC and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. to the effect that as of the date
of this Agreement the Closing Consideration is fair to the holders of Olsten
Common Stock from a financial point of view.
Section 4.23 Board Recommendation.
The Board of Directors of Olsten has, by a unanimous vote at a meeting of
such board duly held on August 14, 1999, approved and adopted this Agreement,
the Merger, the Split-Off and the other transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, and determined that this Agreement, the Separation Agreement, the
Merger, the Split-Off and the other transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, taken together, are in the best interest of the stockholders of Olsten,
and prior to the date hereof resolved to recommend that the holders of Olsten
Common Stock approve and adopt this Agreement, the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 4.24 Voting Requirements.
The approval by a majority of the voting power represented by the
outstanding shares of Olsten Stock and Olsten Class B Stock entitled to vote
thereon, and voting together as a single class, is the only vote of the holders
of any class of Olsten's capital stock necessary to approve this Agreement, the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby. No separate approval by
the holders of any other class or series of capital stock of Olsten is necessary
to approve this Agreement, the Merger or any of the other transactions
contemplated hereby.
Section 4.25 State Antitakeover Statutes.
Olsten has granted all approvals and taken all other steps necessary to
exempt this Agreement, the Voting Agreement, the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby from the requirements and provisions of Section
203 of the Delaware Act and any other state or other antitakeover statute or
regulation to the extent applicable such that none of the provisions of such
"business combination," "moratorium," "control share," or other state
antitakeover statute or regulation (x) prohibits or restricts Olsten's ability
to perform its obligations under this Agreement or its ability to consummate the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, (y) would have the effect
of invalidating or voiding this Agreement or any provisions hereof, or (z) would
subject Olsten or Adecco to any material impediment or condition in connection
with the exercise of any of their respective rights under this Agreement.
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ARTICLE V.
COVENANTS
Section 5.01 Conduct of Business of Olsten and Adecco.
(a) Except as specifically contemplated by this Agreement or the Separation
Agreement or as expressly agreed to in writing by Adecco, during the period from
the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, each of Olsten and its
Subsidiaries will conduct its operations according to its ordinary and usual
course of business consistent with past practice, and will use all commercially
reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business organization, to keep
available the services of its officers and employees and to maintain
satisfactory relationships with suppliers, vendors, contractors, customers and
others having significant business relationships with it and will take no action
that would adversely affect its ability to consummate the Merger, the Split-Off
or the other transactions contemplated hereby or by the Separation Agreement.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and except as otherwise
expressly provided in this Agreement or the Separation Agreement, from the date
of this Agreement to the Effective Time, neither Olsten nor any of its
Subsidiaries will, without the prior written consent of Adecco:
(i) amend its organizational documents;
(i) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, deliver, pledge, otherwise
encumber, grant any options, warrants, calls, subscriptions or other rights (the
"Rights") for, or otherwise agree or commit to issue, sell, deliver, pledge or
otherwise encumber any shares of any class of its capital stock or the capital
stock of any of its Subsidiaries or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for shares of any class of its capital stock or the
capital stock of any of its Subsidiaries other than pursuant to and in
accordance with and subject to the terms of outstanding Olsten Common Stock
Equivalents;
(ii) split, combine or reclassify any shares of its capital stock, declare,
set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or
property or any combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock, or, except
pursuant to agreements in effect on the date of execution of this Agreement
which have been disclosed in the Olsten Disclosure Statement, purchase, prepay,
redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its own capital stock or any of its
Rights or any indebtedness or debt security;
(iii) (A) increase in any manner the compensation of any directors or,
except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, its
officers or other employees; (B) pay or agree to pay any pension, retirement
allowance or other employee benefit, or enter into any contract, agreement or
understanding with any of its or its Subsidiaries' past or present employees
relating to any such pension, retirement allowance or other employee benefit,
except (as to other than directors or officers) in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice or except as required under agreements,
plans or arrangements existing as of the date hereof; (C) grant any severance or
termination pay to, or enter into or amend any severance agreement with, any
person, except as required under agreements existing as of the date hereof or
done in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (D) enter
into or amend any
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contract, agreement or understanding with any past or present officers or
directors or, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, with past or present other employees; and (E) except as may be
required to comply with applicable law, adopt or become obligated under any new
pension plan, welfare plan, multiemployer plan, employee benefit plan, benefit
arrangement, or similar plan or arrangement that was not in existence prior to
the date hereof, including any bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, stock
purchase, stock option, stock appreciation right, group insurance, severance
pay, retirement or other benefit plan, or amend any such plans, contracts,
agreements or understandings in existence prior to the date hereof;
(iv) consolidate, merge or amalgamate with or into any person or sell or
transfer any of its capital stock (other than in intercompany transactions
expressly contemplated by the Separation Agreement and required to effect the
Split-Off) or 5% or more of its assets (whether in one or a series of related
transactions) to another person;
(v) acquire (including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation,
amalgamation or acquisition of stock or assets) any interest in any corporation,
partnership, other business organization or any division thereof, or any assets,
other than acquisitions of assets in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice;
(vi) maintain its books and records in a manner not in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice;
(vii) institute any significant change in accounting methods, principles or
practices affecting its assets, liabilities, reserve or expense recognition,
reserves, amortization or accruals, except insofar as may be appropriate to
conform to changes in law or U.S. GAAP;
(viii) make any material change in tax accounting methods, any new election
with respect to material taxes or any modification or revocation of any existing
election with respect to material taxes, or settle or otherwise dispose of any
material tax matter;
(ix) revalue any of its respective assets, including without limitation,
writing down the value of inventory or notes or accounts receivables, in each
case, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice
and except insofar as may be appropriate to conform to changes in law or U.S.
GAAP;
(x) enter into, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to enter into, any
material agreement or arrangement with any of their respective affiliates (other
than wholly-owned Subsidiaries) on terms less favorable to Olsten or such
Subsidiary than could reasonably be expected to have been obtained with an
unaffiliated third party on an arm's length basis;
(xi) authorize, recommend, propose or announce an intention to authorize,
recommend or propose, or enter into any agreement in principle or an agreement
with any other person with respect to any plan of liquidation or dissolution;
(xii) except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, enter into a material contract or any amendment or modification of any
material contract or
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release or relinquish any material contract rights and even in the ordinary
course, enter into a supply or vendor agreement, which agreement requires annual
payments in excess of $1,500,000, which is not terminable by Olsten upon 60
days' or less notice, other than with respect to capital expenditures;
(xiii) enter into any contract, or amend, modify or terminate any existing
contract, in each case with or relating to any of its franchisees or licensed
area representatives;
(xiv) authorize or commit to make capital expenditures in excess of
$20,000,000 per calendar quarter;
(xv) permit any material insurance policy naming it as a beneficiary or a
loss payee to be cancelled, terminated or materially altered, unless such policy
is replaced with a comparable policy for comparable cost;
(xvi) pay, discharge or satisfy any claims, liabilities or obligations
(absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise), other than as required by law or
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(xvii) (A) create or incur indebtedness for borrowed money other than
indebtedness incurred under existing working capital facilities of Olsten to
fund working capital but in no event in excess of $50,000,000 in the aggregate
at any one time outstanding, (B) assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise become
liable or responsible for the obligations of any other individual, firm or
corporation or make any loans or advances, except for indebtedness incurred in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (C) enter into
any commitment or transaction material to Olsten and its Subsidiaries, taken as
a whole, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, or (D) incur any liabilities, except for liabilities that,
individually or in the aggregate, would not have an Olsten Material Adverse
Effect;
(xviii) (A) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice (but not if restricted by the Separation Agreement), make any
intercompany loans or transfer assets through the intercompany accounts or
otherwise between the Retained Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and OHS or its
Subsidiaries (after giving effect to the Split-Off), on the other, or (B) engage
in or enter into any new intercompany or other transactions among the Retained
Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and OHS or its Subsidiaries (after giving effect
to the Split-Off), on the other;
(xix) sell, transfer, pledge, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of, or lease
or license to or from any person, or encumber, any material real or personal
properties, except in the ordinary course of business;
(xx) make any change in their lines of business as of the date hereof that
would, based on the facts and circumstances and conduct of the particular
business, materially increase the potential liability of Olsten or the Retained
Businesses.
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(xxi) take any action that is likely to (i) have a material adverse effect
on its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
the Separation Agreement or (ii) delay materially the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Separation Agreement; or
(xxii) agree to do any of the foregoing.
(b) Prior to the Effective Time, neither Adecco nor any of its Subsidiaries
will do or agree to do any of the following without the prior written consent of
Olsten:
(i) amend its organizational documents;
(xxiii) split, combine or reclassify any shares of its capital stock,
declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash,
stock or property or any combination thereof) in respect of its capital stock;
(xxiv) in the case of Adecco and Merger Sub, authorize, recommend, propose
or announce an intention to authorize, recommend or propose, or enter into any
agreement in principle or an agreement with any other person with respect to any
plan of liquidation or dissolution;
(xxv) maintain its books and records in a manner not in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice;
(xxvi) institute any significant change in accounting methods, principles
or practices affecting its assets, liabilities or business except insofar as may
be appropriate to conform to change in law or U.S. GAAP;
(xxvii) revalue any of its respective assets, including without limitation,
writing down the value of inventory or writing off notes or accounts
receivables, in each case, except in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice and except insofar as may be appropriate to conform to change
in law or U.S. GAAP;
(xxviii) in the case of Adecco, consolidate, merge or amalgamate into
another person or sell all or substantially all of its capital stock or assets;
(xxix) take any action that is likely to (i) have a material adverse effect
on its ability to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
(ii) delay materially the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement; or
(xxx) agree to do any of the foregoing.
Section 5.02 No Solicitation.
(a) Olsten agrees that from and after the date hereof it will not, nor will
it authorize or permit any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or its
Subsidiaries' directors, officers, employees, investment bankers, attorneys,
accountants or other agents or representatives
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(collectively "Agents") to, directly or indirectly, (w) solicit, initiate,
facilitate or encourage (including by way of furnishing or disclosing nonpublic
information) any inquiries or the making of any offer or proposal by any
corporation, partnership, trust, person or other entity or group (a "Third
Party") with respect to, or that could reasonably be expected to lead to, any
merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, tender or exchange
offer or other similar transaction regarding Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries
or involving the acquisition of a substantial portion (15% or more) of the
assets of Olsten and any of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or a significant
equity interest (15% or more by numbers or vote) in (including by way of tender
offer), or a recapitalization or restructuring of, Olsten or any of its
Subsidiaries (any of the foregoing being an "Acquisition Transaction"), (x)
negotiate, explore or otherwise communicate in any way with any Third Party with
respect to any Acquisition Transaction or enter into, approve or recommend any
agreement, arrangement or understanding requiring it to abandon, terminate or
fail to consummate the Merger or any other transaction contemplated by this
Agreement, (y) agree to do any of the foregoing or (z) take any other action
inconsistent with its obligations and commitments pursuant to this Section 5.02;
provided, however, that Olsten may, in response to a Superior Proposal (as
defined below) which was not solicited by it after July 26, 1999 and which did
not otherwise result from a breach of this Section 5.02, subject to compliance
with all of the provisions of this Section 5.02, furnish information to, or
engage in discussions and negotiations with, such Third Party, if but only if
(A) the Board of Directors of Olsten, having received (x) the advice of outside
legal counsel that failure to take such action would be a breach of its
fiduciary duties to its stockholders under applicable law and (y) the advice of
a financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation that the party making
such proposal is financially capable and that such Superior Proposal would be
more favorable from a financial point of view to its stockholders than the
Merger and the Split-Off, reasonably determines in good faith that taking such
action is reasonably likely to lead to an Acquisition Transaction that is more
favorable to it and its stockholders than the Merger and the Split-Off and that
failing to take such action would be a breach of the directors' fiduciary duties
under applicable law, (B) prior to furnishing or disclosing any non-public
information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations with, such Third
Party, it receives from such Third Party an executed confidentiality agreement
with respect to the information to be furnished with terms no less favorable in
the aggregate to it than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement, but
which confidentiality agreement shall not (nor shall any other agreement or
arrangement between Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and such
Third Party, on the other hand, or any of their respective Agents) provide for
any exclusive right to negotiate with Olsten or any payments by Olsten and (C)
it advises Adecco of all such non-public information delivered to such Third
Party no later than concurrently with such delivery. Nothing in this Section
5.02 shall prohibit the Board of Directors of Olsten from complying with Rule
14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard to a tender or exchange
offer. As used herein, "Superior Proposal" means a bona fide, written and
unsolicited offer made by a financially responsible Third Party with respect to
an Acquisition Transaction involving the acquisition of all of Olsten's equity
interests (or all or substantially all of Olsten's and its Subsidiaries'
assets). Without limiting the foregoing, it is understood that any violation of
the restrictions set forth in this Section 5.02(a) by any officer or director of
Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries or any investment banker, attorney or other
advisor or Agent of Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be a
breach of this Section 5.02 by Olsten.
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(b) Olsten shall (i) as promptly as practicable (and in any event no later
than the close of business on the next business day) notify Adecco in writing of
receipt of any inquiries, proposals or offers with respect to an Acquisition
Transaction or any request for nonpublic information relating to it in
connection with an Acquisition Transaction or for access to its or any of its
Subsidiaries' properties, books or records by any Third Party that informs
Olsten's Board of Directors that it is considering making, or has made (or which
Olsten's Board of Directors reasonably believes may be considering making or has
made) a proposal or offer with respect to an Acquisition Transaction, (ii) in
such written notice, indicate in reasonable detail the identity of such Third
Party (including the name of such Third Party) and the terms and conditions of
such proposal or offer, (iii) immediately cease and cause to be terminated any
existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted
heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing, and take all necessary steps to
inform such individuals or entities of the obligations undertaken in this
Section 5.02 and (iv) as promptly as practicable (and in any event no later than
the close of business on the next business day) notify Adecco in writing of any
determination by its Board of Directors to furnish information or engage in
discussions or negotiations with any Third Party. If any notice is given or
required to be given in accordance with clause (iv) of the immediately preceding
sentence, then Olsten shall thereafter continue to keep Adecco informed, on a
current basis, of the status of any such discussions or negotiations and the
terms being discussed or negotiated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Olsten shall
not accept or enter into any agreement concerning a Superior Proposal for a
period of at least three business days after Adecco's receipt of the
notification of the terms thereof pursuant to the second preceding sentence (and
only in compliance with the terms of Article X hereof), during which period
Adecco shall be afforded the opportunity to match the terms and conditions
contained in such Superior Proposal (with equivalent value in the case of
non-cash consideration).
Section 5.03 Access to Information.
(a) Subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, dated April 15,
1999 (the "Confidentiality Agreement"), between Olsten and Adecco, from the date
hereof until the Effective Time, Olsten will give Adecco and its authorized
representatives (including counsel, consultants, accountants, auditors and
agents) reasonable access during normal business hours to all facilities and to
all books and records (and audit workpapers of independent public accountants)
of it and its Subsidiaries and will cause its officers and those of its
Subsidiaries to furnish Adecco with such reasonable financial and operating data
and other information with respect to its business and properties as Adecco may
from time to time reasonably request, in each case, in a manner that does not
unduly interfere with the normal operations of Olsten's business.
(b) Subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement from the date
hereof until the Effective Time, Adecco will give Olsten and its authorized
representatives (including counsel, consultants, accountants, auditors and
agents) reasonable access during normal business hours to such facilities and to
its officers and representatives and provide such information with respect to
its business and properties as Olsten may from time to time reasonably request
as is customarily provided by a Swiss corporation to its stockholders and which
is materially necessary in order for Olsten to determine the value of the Stock
Consideration to be issued in
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the Merger, in each case, in a manner that does not unduly interfere with the
normal operations of Adecco's business; provided, however, to the extent the
exercise of fiduciary duty, in the opinion of outside legal counsel, may require
access to additional documents in order to determine such value, Adecco will use
all reasonable efforts to provide Olsten with such documents.
Section 5.04 Registration Statements and Proxy Statements.
(a) As soon as is reasonably practicable after the date hereof (i) Olsten,
in cooperation with Adecco, will prepare the Olsten Proxy Statement, (ii) Olsten
and OHS shall prepare a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or any successor
form) in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the shares
of OHS Common Stock to be issued at the Effective Time as Split-Off
Consideration (the "OHS Registration Statement"), (iii) Adecco will prepare the
Adecco Proxy Statement, (iv) Adecco will prepare a Registration Statement on
Form F-4 (or any successor form) (the "Adecco Registration Statement") and will
cause the Depositary to prepare a Registration Statement on Form F-6 (or any
successor form) (the "Depositary Registration Statement," and together with the
OHS Registration Statement and the Adecco Registration Statement, the
"Registration Statements"), in each case in connection with the registration
under the Securities Act of the shares of Adecco Common Stock and Adecco ADSs
(evidenced by Adecco ADRs) to be issued at the Effective Time as Stock
Consideration. Olsten shall, with the cooperation of Adecco, file the Olsten
Proxy Statement with the SEC and shall cause OHS to timely file the OHS
Registration Statement with the SEC and Adecco shall, with the cooperation of
Olsten, timely file the Adecco Registration Statement with the SEC. The parties
will cooperate to cause the Olsten Proxy Statement, the OHS Registration
Statement and the Adecco Registration Statement (collectively, the "Filed
Documents") to comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable
provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. The parties will
cooperate to cause the Adecco Proxy Statement to comply with any applicable laws
or regulations, including those of any foreign or national securities exchange
on which Adecco Common Stock or Adecco ADSs are listed. Olsten and Adecco shall,
and Olsten shall cause OHS to, use their respective reasonable best efforts to
have the Olsten Proxy Statement cleared by the SEC, to have the OHS Registration
Statement and the Adecco Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC as
promptly as practicable after the filing thereof (including, without limitation,
responding to any comments received from the SEC with respect thereto) and to
keep the OHS Registration Statement and the Adecco Registration Statement
effective as long as is necessary to consummate the Split-Off and the Merger, as
applicable. Each party shall, and Olsten will cause OHS to, as promptly as
practicable, provide the other party with copies of any written comments
received from the SEC with respect to the Filed Documents and advise the other
of any oral comments with respect thereto received from the SEC. Olsten and
Adecco shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to obtain, prior to
the effective date of the OHS Registration Statement, all necessary state
securities law or Blue Sky permits or approvals required to carry out the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Separation Agreement. Olsten
or OHS will pay all such expenses required for the OHS Registration Statement
and Adecco will pay all such expenses required by the Adecco Registration
Statement.
(b) Each party agrees that none of the information supplied or to be
supplied by it or its Subsidiaries for inclusion or incorporation by reference
in the Filed Documents (i) in
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the case of the Olsten Proxy Statement and each amendment or supplement thereto,
at the time of mailing thereof and at the time of the stockholders meetings
contemplated by Section 1.05, or (ii) in the case of the OHS Registration
Statement or the Adecco Registration Statement and each amendment or supplement
thereto, at the time it is filed or becomes effective and thereafter until the
Effective Time, will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading. If at any time prior to the Effective Time an event with respect
to Olsten or its Subsidiaries or Adecco or its Subsidiaries shall occur that is
required to be described in the Filed Documents or the Adecco Proxy Statement
such event shall be so described, and an amendment or supplement shall be
promptly filed with the SEC (in the case of the Filed Documents) and, as
required by law, disseminated to the stockholders of Olsten. No amendment or
supplement to any Filed Document will be made by either party, and Olsten will
not permit any amendment or supplement to be made by OHS, without the approval
of both Olsten and Adecco, except, in each case, to the extent such party is
advised by outside legal counsel that any such amendment or supplement is
required by law, in which case it shall be permitted to the extent so required.
Each of Olsten and Adecco will advise the other party, promptly after it
receives notice thereof, of the time when the OHS Registration Statement or the
Adecco Registration Statement has become effective or any supplement or
amendment has been filed, the issuance of any stop order, or the suspension of
the qualification of the OHS Common Stock, the Adecco Common Stock or Adecco
ADRs issuable in connection with the Transaction for offering or sale in any
jurisdiction or any request by the SEC for amendment of any of the Filed
Documents or comments thereon and responses thereto or requests by the SEC for
additional information.
Section 5.05 Other Actions; Filings; Consents.
Subject to the terms and conditions provided in this Agreement and the
Separation Agreement, Olsten and Adecco shall (i) use their reasonable best
efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other actions and do, or cause to be
done, all other things necessary, proper or appropriate under applicable laws
and regulations or required to be taken by any Governmental Authority to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and the Separation Agreement as promptly as practicable, (ii) use their
reasonable best efforts to make, as promptly as practicable, all necessary
filings, and thereafter make any other required submissions with respect to this
Agreement, the Separation Agreement, the Merger or the Split-Off required under
(A) the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and any other applicable foreign,
federal or state securities laws or regulations, (B) the HSR Act and any
applicable foreign antitrust or similar laws and any related governmental
request thereunder and (C) any other applicable federal, state, local or foreign
statute, law, rule or regulation, (iii) use their reasonable best efforts to
obtain from any Governmental Authorities any consents, licenses, permits,
waivers, approvals, authorizations or orders required to be obtained or made by
Olsten or Adecco or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with the
authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Separation
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, (iv) use their reasonable best efforts to resolve any objections as may
be asserted by any Governmental Authority with respect to the Merger and the
Split-Off and the transactions contemplated hereby and in the Separation
Agreement under any antitrust or trade or regulatory laws or regulations of any
Governmental Authority, (v) furnish the
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other with copies of all correspondence, filings and communications between them
and their affiliates and their respective representatives, on the one hand, and
any Governmental Authority or member of their respective staffs, on the other
hand, with respect to this Agreement and the Separation Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (vi) furnish the other with such
necessary information and reasonable assistance as the other may reasonably
request in connection with their preparation of necessary filings, registrations
or submissions of information to any Governmental Authority and (vii) use their
reasonable best efforts to defend vigorously any litigation seeking to enjoin,
prevent or delay the consummation of the Merger or the Split-Off or the
transactions contemplated hereby or in the Separation Agreement or seeking
material changes and to lift, remove or rescind any injunction or restraining
order or other order adversely affecting the ability of the parties to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 5.06 Public Announcements.
Before issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statement
with respect to the Merger, the Split-Off, any Acquisition Transaction or any of
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Separation
Agreement, Olsten and Adecco will consult with, and obtain the consent of, each
other as to its form and substance and shall not issue any such press release or
make any such public statement prior to obtaining such consent, except as may be
required by law or pursuant to any order of any court or governmental agency,
tribunal or regulatory authority.
Section 5.07 Notification of Certain Matters.
Each party shall cause one or more of its representatives to confer on a
regular and frequent basis with representatives of the other and to report on
the general status of its ongoing operations. Each party shall give prompt
notice to the other parties of (i) any written notice or other communication
from any Third Party alleging that the consent of such Third Party is or may be
required in connection with the Merger or Split-Off or other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the Separation Agreement, (ii) its receipt of
written notice of any governmental complaints, investigations or hearings or any
litigation, in each case, that in its good faith judgement is (or would be with
the passage of time or otherwise) likely to impair its ability to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Separation Agreement or to
have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect or an Adecco Material Adverse Effect, as
the case may be, (iii) any change or event that in its good faith judgment is
(or would be with the passage of time or otherwise) likely to impair its ability
to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Separation
Agreement or to have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect or Adecco Material
Adverse Effect, as the case may be, or (iv) the occurrence or existence of any
event that would, or could with the passage of time or otherwise, make any
representation or warranty contained herein untrue.
Section 5.08 Expenses.
Except as set forth in Section 10.04 (or, with respect to Olsten, as may be
allocated between Olsten and OHS in the Separation Agreement), Olsten and Adecco
shall bear their respective expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement,
the Separation Agreement,
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the Merger, the Split-Off and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and the Separation Agreement, including, without limitation, the preparation,
execution and performance of this Agreement, the Separation Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and all fees and expenses of
investment bankers, finders, brokers, agents, representatives, counsel and
accountants.
Section 5.09 Affiliates.
Section 5.09 of the Olsten Disclosure Statement lists all persons who may
currently be deemed to be "affiliates" of Olsten, for purposes of Rule 145 under
the Securities Act ("Affiliates"), and Olsten shall advise Adecco in writing of
any person who becomes an Affiliate after the date hereof and prior to the
Effective Time, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause each such
person to deliver to Adecco, at or prior to the Effective Time, a written
agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto.
Section 5.10 Stock Exchange Listing.
Adecco will use its reasonable best efforts to have the Adecco ADRs to be
issued in connection with the Merger, as Stock Consideration, authorized for
quotation or listing, as the case may be, on the NYSE or NASDAQ, subject to
notice of issuance. Adecco shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the
Adecco Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger, as Stock
Consideration, authorized for listing on the Swiss Stock Exchange, subject to
notice of issuance. Olsten will use its reasonable best efforts to have the OHS
Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Split-Off, as Split-Off
Consideration, listed on a national securities exchange or authorized for
quotation on NASDAQ, subject to official notice of issuance.
Section 5.11 Indemnification.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, each of Adecco and the Surviving
Corporation shall fulfill and honor all rights to indemnification now existing
in favor of any employee, director or officer of Olsten and its Subsidiaries as
provided in its charter or by-laws, in an agreement between any such person and
Olsten or one of its Subsidiaries, or otherwise by law, which obligation shall
survive the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect for a period of
not less than six years from the Effective Time; provided that in the event any
claim or claims are asserted or made within such six-year period, all rights to
indemnification in respect of any such claim or claims shall continue until
final disposition of any and all such claims. Adecco will cause the Surviving
Corporation to indemnify all directors and officers of Olsten (the "Indemnified
Parties"), to the fullest extent that Olsten would have been permitted under
Delaware law and its charter or bylaws in effect as of the date hereof to
indemnify such individuals, with respect to all matters arising out of or
pertaining to such Indemnified Party's services as directors or officers of
Olsten or any of its Subsidiaries occurring prior to the Effective Time,
including without limitation the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
and shall also cause the Surviving Corporation to advance expenses as incurred
to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, provided the Indemnified
Party to whom expenses are advanced provides an undertaking to repay such
advances if it is ultimately determined that such
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Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification. Adecco and the Surviving
Corporation shall pay reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, that may
be incurred by any Indemnifying Party in enforcing the indemnity and other
obligations provided for in this Section 5.11.
(b) Adecco agrees that, from and after the Effective Time, it shall cause
to be maintained in effect for not less than six years from the Effective Time
the current policies of the directors' and officers' liability insurance
maintained by Olsten; provided that Adecco may substitute therefor policies of
at least the same coverage containing terms and conditions which are no less
advantageous, provided that such substitution shall not result in any gaps or
lapses in coverage with respect to matters occurring prior to the Effective
Time; and provided, further, that Adecco shall not be required to pay an annual
premium in excess of 300% of the last annual premium paid by Olsten prior to the
date hereof and if Adecco is unable to obtain the insurance required by this
Section 5.11 it shall obtain as much comparable insurance as possible for an
annual premium equal to such maximum amount.
Section 5.12 Settlement Releases.
Olsten shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the release of it
and each of its affiliates after the Merger as a party, guarantor or other
obligor under and with respect to the Governmental Settlement Agreements.
Section 5.13 Board Representation.
At or prior to the Effective Time, Stuart Olsten shall be appointed or
elected to the Board of Directors of Adecco.
Section 5.14 Taxation and the Split-Off.
Adecco shall, and shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, treat the
Split-Off for all federal, state and local taxes purposes as an integral part of
the Merger and thus report the Split-Off as a redemption, for purposes of
Section 302(a) of the Code, of a number of shares of Olsten Common Stock equal
in value to the value of the OHS Common Stock distributed in the Split-Off.
Section 5.15 Certain Employee Benefits.
As soon as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, Olsten and
Adecco shall confer and work together in good faith to agree upon mutually
acceptable employee benefit and compensation arrangements (and terminate Olsten
Pension Benefit Plans and/or Olsten Welfare Plans immediately prior to the
Effective Time if appropriate) so as to provide benefits and compensation to
Olsten employees who will be employees of the Retained Businesses generally
equivalent in the aggregate to those provided to similarly situated employees of
Adecco.
Section 5.16 Carryback Elections.
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Prior to the effective time neither Olsten nor any member of the affiliated
group of which Olsten is the common parent shall make or file any election with
any federal, state or local agency or authority which, for purposes of any
income or franchise Tax, prevents or in any other way impairs Olsten from
carrying back existing net operating losses to prior taxable years.
Section 5.17 Tax Basis and Earnings & Profits Study.
Immediately following the execution of this Agreement, Olsten and all of
its Subsidiaries will cooperate fully with Olsten's independent public
accountants and its designated representatives in preparing a study of the basis
and earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes of Olsten and OHS,
which study will be promptly furnished to Adecco and its designated
representatives together with all background and other materials as shall be
reasonably requested in order to permit them to review and analyze such study.
Each of the parties hereto shall, and Olsten shall cause OHS to, attempt in good
faith to resolve any issues raised by Adecco or its designated representatives
with respect to such study.
Section 5.18 Waiver of Repurchase Obligation.
Olsten shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Board of
Directors of Quantum Health Resources to approve the transactions contemplated
hereby so as to cause such transactions not to be a Risk Event (as defined in
the indenture, as supplemented, governing the Quantum Debt).
Section 5.19 Review and Filing of Tax Returns.
With respect to all consolidated or combined federal, state, or local
income or franchise Tax Returns filed on or after the date hereof and prior to
the Effective Time, Adecco shall have the right to receive a draft of each such
Tax Return for review reasonably in advance of the due date for filing such Tax
Return. Olsten shall be obligated to consider in good faith any reasonable
suggestions made by Adecco with respect to such Tax Returns. Olsten shall
prepare and file all such Tax Returns in a manner reasonably consistent with
past practices.
ARTICLE VI.
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS
OF OLSTEN, ADECCO AND MERGER SUB
The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger and of Olsten
to effect the Split-Off shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the
Closing (as defined in Section 9.01) of each of the following conditions:
Section 6.01 Registration Statement.
The Adecco Registration Statement and the OHS Registration Statement shall
have become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act
and, with respect to the Adecco Registration Statement, any other applicable
foreign laws. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Adecco
Registration Statement or the OHS Registration
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Statement shall have been issued by the SEC and, with respect to the Adecco
Registration Statement, any other applicable governmental authority, and remain
in effect.
Section 6.02 Stockholder Approval.
(a) This Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated in
this Agreement shall have been approved and adopted by the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the voting power represented by the outstanding
shares of Olsten Stock and Olsten Class B Stock, voting together as a single
class.
(b) The Adecco Stockholder Proposals shall have been approved and adopted
by the affirmative vote of the requisite shares of Adecco Common Stock.
Section 6.03 Certain Orders.
No writ, order, decree or injunction of a court of competent jurisdiction
or governmental entity shall have been entered against Olsten, Adecco or OHS
which prohibits or restricts the consummation of the Merger or the Split-Off or
would otherwise restrict the Surviving Corporation's exercise of any material
rights with respect to the ownership or operation of the Retained Businesses (as
defined in the Separation Agreement).
Section 6.04 HSR Act and Other Antitrust Approvals.
All necessary consents and approvals of, and notifications and disclosures
to, and filings and registrations with, any United States or any other
governmental authority under the HSR Act and any applicable foreign antitrust or
other similar laws required for the consummation of the Merger shall have been
obtained and any waiting period applicable to the consummation of the Merger
under the HSR Act and any other applicable antitrust clearances shall have
expired or been terminated.
Section 6.05 Stock Exchange Listing.
The Adecco ADRs and the Adecco Common Stock issuable in the Merger as Stock
Consideration shall have been authorized for quotation, as appropriate, on NYSE
or NASDAQ and the Swiss Stock Exchange, respectively, subject to official notice
of issuance. The OHS Common Stock issuable in the Split-Off as Split-Off
Consideration shall have been authorized for listing on a national securities
exchange or authorized for quotation on NASDAQ, subject to official notice of
issuance.
ARTICLE VII.
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF Adecco
AND MERGER SUB
The obligation of Adecco and Merger Sub to effect the Merger shall be
subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing of the following
additional conditions, any one or more of which may be waived by Adecco:
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Section 7.01 Representations and Warranties True.
The representations and warranties of Olsten contained herein that are
qualified with reference to an Olsten Material Adverse Effect or materiality
shall be true and correct and the representations and warranties of Olsten
contained herein that are not so qualified shall be true and correct in all
material respects, in each case, as of the Effective Time as though made as of
such date, except that those representations and warranties that address matters
only as of a particular date shall remain true and correct as of such date.
Section 7.02 Performance.
Olsten shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all
agreements, obligations and conditions required by this Agreement to be
performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date, except for
those failures to so perform or comply that individually or in the aggregate
would not either impair Olsten's ability to consummate the Merger and the
Split-Off and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
Separation Agreement or have an Olsten Material Adverse Effect.
Section 7.03 Material Adverse Effect.
No Olsten Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred since the date of
this Agreement and be continuing.
Section 7.04 Compliance with Separation Agreement.
Olsten and OHS shall have complied in all material respects with all of
their respective obligations under the Separation Agreement (except for Sections
5.12 and 5.13 of the Separation Agreement which shall have been complied with in
all respects) and shall have taken all action required to be taken thereunder
prior to the Effective Time.
Section 7.05 Separation Agreement Representations and Warranties True.
The representations and warranties of OHS contained in the Separation
Agreement that are qualified with reference to materiality shall be true and
correct, and the representations and warranties of OHS contained therein that
are not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, as of
the Effective Time as though made as of said date, except that those
representations and warranties that address matters only as of a particular date
shall remain true and correct as of such date.
ARTICLE VIII.
CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF OLSTEN
The obligations of Olsten under this Agreement and the Separation Agreement
to effect the Merger and the Split-Off shall be subject to the fulfillment on or
before the Closing Date of each of the following additional conditions, any one
or more of which may be waived by Olsten:
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Section 8.01 Representations and Warranties True.
The representations and warranties of Adecco and Merger Sub contained
herein that are qualified with reference to an Adecco Material Adverse Effect or
materiality shall be true and correct and the representations and warranties of
Adecco and Merger Sub contained herein that are not so qualified shall be true
and correct in all material respects, in each case, as of the Effective Time as
though made as of such date, except that those representations and warranties
that address matters only as of a particular date shall remain true and correct
as of such date.
Section 8.02 Performance.
Adecco and Merger Sub shall have performed and complied in all material
respects with all agreements, obligations and conditions required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by them on or prior to the Closing
Date, except for those failures to so perform or comply that, individually or in
the aggregate, would not either impair the ability of Adecco or Merger Sub to
consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby or have an
Adecco Material Adverse Effect.
Section 8.03 Material Adverse Effect.
No Adecco Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred since the date of
this Agreement and be continuing.
ARTICLE IX.
CLOSING
Section 9.01 Time and Place.
Subject to the provisions of Articles VI, VII, VIII and X, the closing of
the Merger and the Split-Off (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of
Cahill Gordon & Reindel, as soon as practicable but in no event later than 9:30
A.M., local time, on the first business day after the date on which each of the
conditions set forth in Articles VI, VII and VIII have been satisfied or waived
by the party or parties entitled to the benefit of such conditions; or at such
other place, at such other time, or on such other date as Olsten and Adecco may
mutually agree. The date on which the Closing actually occurs is herein referred
to as the "Closing Date."
Section 9.02 Filings and Deliveries at the Closing.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Articles VI, VII, VIII and X, Olsten,
Adecco and Merger Sub shall cause to be executed at the Closing the Certificate
of Merger and shall cause the Certificate of Merger to be filed and recorded in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Delaware Act and shall take any
and all other lawful actions and do any and all other lawful things necessary to
cause the Merger and the Split-Off to become effective.
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(b) Prior to the Closing, each of Olsten, Adecco and Merger Sub shall
furnish such certificates of its officers to evidence compliance with the
conditions set forth in this Agreement and other matters as may be reasonably
requested by the other party hereto.
ARTICLE X.
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
Section 10.01 Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned any time
prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after approval by the
stockholders of Olsten or Adecco:
(a) by mutual written consent of the Boards of Directors of Olsten and
Adecco;
(b) by either Olsten or Adecco if, without fault of such terminating party,
the Merger shall not have been consummated on or before March 31, 2000, which
date may be extended by mutual consent of the parties hereto; provided, however,
that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10.01(b)
shall not be available to any party whose failure to perform or observe in any
material respect any of its obligations under this Agreement in any manner shall
have been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Merger to occur on or
before such date; and provided, further, that if, on March 31, 2000, the Merger
could be consummated but for the failure to obtain consents, waivers, approvals,
authorizations or orders of a Governmental Entity as contemplated by Section
6.04, either Olsten or Adecco may, upon notice to the other, extend the period
for consummation of the Merger to the earlier of the date on which such
approvals are obtained or June 30, 2000, but only so long as the party
requesting such extension shall be using its reasonable best efforts to obtain
receipt of such consents, waivers, approvals, authorizations or orders;
(c) by either Olsten or Adecco if any court of competent jurisdiction or
other Governmental Authority shall have issued an order (other than a temporary
restraining order), decree or ruling or taken any other action restraining,
enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger or the Split-Off, and such order,
decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable;
(d) by Olsten, if the stockholders of Adecco shall have failed to approve
the Adecco Stockholder Proposals at a meeting duly convened therefor;
(e) by Adecco, if the holders of Olsten Common Stock, voting as a single
class, shall have failed to approve and adopt this Agreement, the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby at a meeting duly convened therefor;
(f) by Olsten, if Adecco or Merger Sub has materially breached any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein and has not
cured such breach within ten (10) business days of receipt of written notice
from Olsten or by the Closing Date, if earlier;
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(g) by Adecco, if Olsten has materially breached any representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein or in the Separation Agreement
and has not cured such breach within ten (10) business days of receipt of
written notice from Adecco or by the Closing Date, if earlier;
(h) by Adecco, if the Board of Directors of Olsten shall have (1)
withdrawn, changed or modified in any manner its recommendation that its
stockholders vote in favor of this Agreement, the Merger or the other
transactions contemplated hereby; (2) Olsten shall have failed to include in the
Olsten Proxy Statement the recommendation of the Board of Directors of Olsten in
favor of the approval of this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby; (3) the Board of Directors of Olsten or any committee
thereof shall have approved or publicly recommended any Acquisition Transaction;
(4) Olsten shall have entered into any letter of intent or similar document or
any agreement, contract or commitment accepting or expressing an intention to
accept any Acquisition Transaction; or (5) a tender or exchange offer relating
to securities of Olsten shall have been commenced by a Person unaffiliated with
Adecco, and Olsten shall not have sent to its stockholders pursuant to Rule
14e-2 promulgated under the Securities Act, within 10 business days after such
tender or exchange offer is first published sent or given, a statement
disclosing that Olsten recommends rejection of such tender or exchange offer.
(i) by Olsten, prior to the approval by its stockholders of the Merger, if
(1) Olsten shall have received a Superior Proposal which was not solicited by it
after July 26, 1999 and which did not result from a breach of Section 5.02
hereof, (2) the Board of Directors of Olsten shall have received (x) the advice
of outside legal counsel that failure to take the actions permitted by the
proviso to the first sentence of Section 5.02(a) would be a breach of the
fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors of Olsten to its stockholders under
applicable law and (y) the advice of a financial advisor of nationally
recognized reputation that the party making such proposal is financially capable
and that such Superior Proposal would be more favorable from a financial point
of view to its stockholders than the Merger and the Split-Off, and, thereafter,
reasonably determines in good faith that such Superior Proposal would be more
favorable to its stockholders than the Merger and that failing to take such
actions would be a breach of the directors' fiduciary duties under applicable
law and (3) Olsten shall have given Adecco three business days' written notice
prior to such termination and otherwise complied with the provisions of Section
5.02 and Adecco shall not have matched such Superior Proposal; provided that
such termination shall not be effective until the fee specified in Section 10.04
has been paid.
Section 10.02 Procedure for Termination.
In the event of termination and abandonment of the Merger by any party
pursuant to this Article X, written notice thereof shall immediately be given to
the other party.
Section 10.03 Effect of Termination and Abandonment.
In the event of termination of this Agreement and abandonment of the Merger
pursuant to Section 10.01, this Agreement and the Separation Agreement shall
become void and
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have no effect, without liability on the part of any party (or any of its
directors, officers or stockholders), except under this Section 10.03, Sections
5.06, 5.08 and 10.04, Article XII and the Confidentiality Agreement. Nothing
herein shall relieve any party from liability for any breach of this Agreement
occurring before such termination or shall prejudice the ability of a
non-breaching party from seeking damages from any other party for any breach of
this Agreement, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and
the right to pursue any remedy at law or in equity.
Section 10.04 Termination Fees.
In order for Olsten to induce Adecco to enter into this Agreement and to
reimburse Adecco for its costs and expenses related to entering into this
Agreement and seeking to consummate the Merger, if (a) Olsten terminates this
Agreement pursuant to 10.01(i); (b) Olsten terminates this Agreement pursuant to
Section 10.01 hereof and at such time Adecco would have been permitted to
terminate this Agreement under Section 10.01(h) hereof; (c) Adecco terminates
this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01(h) hereof; (d) Adecco or Olsten
terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01(b) or (c) and (x) at the
time of such termination a definitive proposal for an Acquisition Transaction
has been provided to Olsten by a Third Party and such proposal has not been
rejected by the Board of Directors of Olsten and (y) within one year of such
termination Olsten shall have consummated, or have entered into a definitive
agreement with respect to, an Acquisition Transaction (on terms more favorable
than the terms of this Agreement (without taking into account the payment of the
fee provided for in this Section 10.04)); or (e) Adecco terminates this
Agreement pursuant to Section 10.01(e) or (g) and within one year of such
termination Olsten shall have consummated, or have entered into a definitive
agreement with respect to, an Acquisition Transaction on terms more favorable
than the terms of this Agreement (without taking into account the payment of the
fee provided for in this Section 10.04), then Olsten shall pay to Adecco,
concurrently (i) in the case of clauses (a), (b) and (c) with such termination
and (ii) in the case of clauses (d) and (e), with the earlier of such
consummation or entering into of a definitive agreement, a fee, in cash, of
$40,000,000 (the "Termination Fee").
ARTICLE XI.
DEFINITIONS
Section 11.01 Terms Defined in This Agreement.
The following capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings
ascribed in the indicated sections.
Acquisition Transaction ................ 5.02
Adecco ................................. First Paragraph
Adecco ADRs ............................ 2.01
Adecco ADSs ............................ 2.01
Adecco Balance Sheet ................... 3.06
Adecco Common Stock .................... 2.01
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Adecco Disclosure Statement ............ 3.00
Adecco Foreign Plan .................... 3.12
Adecco Material Adverse Effect ......... 3.01
Adecco Proxy Statement ................. 1.05
Adecco Registration Statement .......... 5.04
Adecco Reports ......................... 3.05
Adecco Special Meeting ................. 1.05
Adecco Stockholder Proposals ........... Recitals
Affiliates ............................. 5.09
Agent .................................. 5.02
Agreement .............................. First Paragraph
Ancillary Agreements ................... Recitals
Assumed OHS Liabilities ................ Recitals
Cash Consideration ..................... 2.01
Cash Election .......................... 2.01
Cash Election Number ................... 2.01
Cash Election Shares ................... 2.01
Cash Fraction .......................... 2.01
Certificate of Merger .................. 1.02
Certificates ........................... 2.04
CHF .................................... 12.11
Closing ................................ 9.01
Closing Date ........................... 9.01
Closing Consideration .................. 2.01
COBRA .................................. 4.14
Code ................................... 2.09
Confidentiality Agreement .............. 5.03
Constituent Corporations ............... First Paragraph
Delaware Act ........................... 1.01
Delaware Courts ........................ 12.06
Depositary ............................. 2.04
Depositary Registration Statement ...... 5.04
Deposit Agreement ...................... 2.01
Dissenting Shares ...................... 2.07
$ or Dollars ........................... 12.11
Effective Time ......................... 1.02
Election Deadline ...................... 2.02
Environmental Laws ..................... 3.13, 4.17
ERISA .................................. 3.12
ERISA Affiliate ........................ 3.12
Exchange Act ........................... 3.03
Exchange Agent ......................... 2.04
Filed Documents ........................ 5.04
Form of Election ....................... 2.01
Governmental Settlement Agreement ...... 4.03
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Governmental Authority ................. 3.03
Hazardous Material ..................... 4.17
Health Services Assets ................. Recitals
Health Services Business ............... Recitals
Health Services Liabilities ............ Recitals
HSR Act ................................ 3.03
Indemnified Parties .................... 5.11
IRS .................................... 4.14
Market Value ........................... 2.06
Merger ................................. Recitals
Merger Consideration ................... 2.01
Merger Sub ............................. First Paragraph
Merger Sub Common Stock ................ 2.03
NASDAQ ................................. 2.06
Non-Election ........................... 2.01
Non-Election Shares .................... 2.01
Non-Election Fraction .................. 2.01
NYSE ................................... 2.05
OHS .................................... Recitals
OHS Common Stock ....................... 2.01
OHS Registration Statement ............. 5.04
Olsten ................................. First Paragraph
Olsten Balance Sheet ................... 4.06
Olsten Class B Stock ................... Recitals
Olsten Common Stock .................... Recitals
Olsten Common Stock Equivalents ........ 4.04
Olsten Disclosure Statement ............ 4.00
Olsten Foreign Plan .................... 4.14
Olsten Intellectual Property Rights .... 4.12
Olsten Licenses ........................ 4.11
Olsten Material Adverse Effect ......... 4.01
Olsten Option .......................... 2.05
Olsten Pension Benefit Plans ........... 4.14
Olsten Plans ........................... 2.05
Olsten Proxy Statement ................. 1.05
Olsten SEC Reports ..................... 4.05
Olsten Special Meeting ................. 1.05
Olsten Staffing Business ............... 6.03
Olsten Stock ........................... Recitals
Olsten Welfare Plans ................... 4.14
PBGC ................................... 3.12
Person ................................. 12.11
Quantum Debt ........................... 4.04
Registration Statements ................ 5.04
Representative ......................... 2.02
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Retained Businesses .................... Recitals
Rights ................................. 5.01
SEC .................................... 2.05
Securities Act ......................... 3.03
Separation Agreement ................... Recitals
Special Meetings ....................... 1.05
Split-Off .............................. Recitals
Split-Off Consideration ................ 2.01
Stock Consideration .................... 2.01
Stock Election ......................... 2.01
Stock Election Shares .................. 2.01
Stock Election Number .................. 2.01
Stock Fraction ......................... 2.01
Stock Option Agreement ................. Recitals
Subsidiary ............................. 12.11
Superior Proposal ...................... 5.02
Surviving Corporation .................. 1.01
Surviving Corporation Common Stock ..... 2.03
Tax .................................... 3.11
Tax Return ............................. 3.11
Termination Fee ........................ 10.04
Third Party ............................ 5.02
Transaction ............................ Recitals
Transferred Assets ..................... 5.12
U.S. GAAP .............................. 3.06
Voting Agreement ....................... Recitals
ARTICLE XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
Section XII.01 Amendment and Modification.
Subject to applicable law, this Agreement may be amended, modified or
supplemented only by written agreement of Olsten, Adecco and Merger Sub at any
time prior to the Effective Time with respect to any of the terms contained
herein; provided, however, that after this Agreement is adopted by the
stockholders of Olsten, no such amendment or modification shall change the
amount or form of the Closing Consideration.
Section XII.02 Waiver of Compliance; Consents.
At any time prior to the Effective Time, any party hereto may (a) extend
the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of any other party
hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties made to
such party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or (c)
waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions for the benefit of
such party contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a party
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hereto to any such extension or waiver shall only be valid if set forth in an
instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party. Any waiver or failure to
insist upon strict compliance with such obligation, covenant, agreement or
condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any
subsequent or other failure. Whenever this Agreement requires or permits consent
by or on behalf of any party hereto, such consent shall be given in writing in a
manner consistent with the requirements for a waiver of compliance as set forth
in this Section 12.02.
Section 12.03 Survival of Representations and Warranties; Investigations.
The respective representations and warranties of Olsten, Adecco and Merger
Sub contained herein or in any certificates or other documents delivered prior
to or at the Closing shall not be deemed waived or otherwise affected by any
investigation made by any party hereto. The representations, warranties and
agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant hereto by
any person shall terminate at the Effective Time, except that the agreements set
forth in Articles I, II and XII and Sections 5.11 and 5.14 of this Agreement
shall survive the Merger.
Section 12.04 Notices.
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be delivered personally, by next-day courier or mailed by registered or
certified mail (return receipt requested), first class postage prepaid, or sent
by facsimile, telegram or telex, to the parties at the addresses specified below
(or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice;
provided that notices of a change of address shall be effective only upon
receipt thereof). Any such notice shall be effective upon receipt, if personally
delivered or telecommunicated, one day after delivery to a courier for next-day
delivery, or three days after mailing, if deposited in the U.S. mail, first
class postage prepaid.
(a) if to Adecco or Merger Sub, to:
Adecco SA
1275 Cheserex
Switzerland
Attention: Felix A. Weber
Telephone: 011 41 21 321 6666
Telecopy: 011 41 21 321 6688
with a copy to:
Latham & Watkins
633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: Thomas W. Dobson, Esq.
Telephone: (213) 485-1234
Telecopy: (213) 891-8763
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and:
Baer & Karrer
Rechtsanwaelte
Seefeldstrasse 19
8024 Zurich
Switzerland
Attention: PD Dr. Rolf Watter
Telephone: 011 41 1 261 51 50
Telecopy: 011 41 1 251 30 25
(b) if to Olsten, to:
Olsten Corporation
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, New York 11747
Attention: Edward A. Blechschmidt
Telephone: (516) 844-7800
Telecopy: (516) 844-7266
with a copy to:
Cahill Gordon & Reindel
Eighty Pine Street
New York, NY 10005
Attention: Kenneth W. Orce, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 701-3000
Telecopy: (212) 269-5420
Section 12.05 Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries.
This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns, but neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests
or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto without
the prior written consent of the other parties; provided, however, that Adecco
shall have the authority, in its sole discretion, to assign and transfer the
rights, benefits, duties and obligations of Merger Sub under this Agreement to
another newly formed direct or indirect Subsidiary of Adecco. This Agreement is
not intended to confer any rights or remedies hereunder upon any other person
except for officers, directors, or employees of Olsten pursuant to Section 5.11.
Section 12.06 Governing Law.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware
(regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable Delaware
principles of conflicts of law) as to all matters, including but not limited to
matters of validity, construction, effect, performance and remedies. Each of the
parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally
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consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of
Delaware and of the United States of America located in the State of Delaware
(the "Delaware Courts") for any litigation arising out of or relating to this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (and agrees not to commence
any litigation relating thereto except in such courts), waives any objection to
the laying of venue of any such litigation in the Delaware Courts and agrees not
to plead or claim in any Delaware Court that such litigation brought therein has
been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees
to service of process in any litigation arising out of or relating to this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby by certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid to it at its address for notice specified in
Section 12.04.
Section 12.07 Agent for Service; Waiver of Limitations.
By the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Adecco (i) acknowledges
that it will, by separate written instrument, designate and appoint RL&F Service
Corp., One Rodney Square, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 (and any successor entity)
as its authorized agent upon which process may be served in any suit or
proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby and acknowledges that RL&F Service Corp. will accept such
designation and (ii) agrees that service of process upon RL&F Service Corp. and
written notice of said service to Adecco in accordance with Section 12.04 shall
be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon Adecco in any such
suit or proceeding. To the extent that Adecco has or hereafter may acquire any
immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether
through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of
execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, it
hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations under this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby to the extent permitted by
law.
Section 12.08 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL AND CERTAIN DAMAGES.
EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, (A) ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY
ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND (B)
ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO RECEIVE DAMAGES FROM ANY OTHER PARTY BASED ON ANY
THEORY OF LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING LOST
PROFITS) OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT CLAUSE (B) OF THIS SECTION
12.08 DOES NOT APPLY TO SECTION 10.04 AND SHALL IN NO WAY LIMIT ANY RIGHTS OF
ADECCO THEREUNDER OR WITH RESPECT THERETO.
Section 12.09 Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and
the same instrument.
Section 12.10 Severability.
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In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement
should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect against a party
hereto, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions
contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall only apply as to such party in
the specific jurisdiction where such judgment shall be made.
Section 12.11 Interpretation.
The article and section headings contained in this Agreement are solely for
the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement of the parties and shall
not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. As used
in this Agreement, (i) the term "Person" shall mean and include an individual, a
partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated
organization and a government or any department or agency thereof; (ii) the term
"Subsidiary" of any specified corporation shall mean any corporation of which at
least a majority of the outstanding securities having ordinary voting power to
elect a majority of the board of directors is directly or indirectly owned or
controlled by such specified corporation, any person of which such corporation
is a general partner, or any other person of which at least a majority of the
equity interests therein is, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by such
specified corporation; (iii) "$" or dollars shall mean the lawful currency of
the United States of America and (iv) "CHF" shall mean the lawful currency of
Switzerland. In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, words
describing the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa, and
words denoting any gender shall include both genders. In this Agreement, the
phrase "to the knowledge of" and similar phrases relating to knowledge of Olsten
or Adecco shall mean the actual knowledge of its executive officers.
Section 12.12 Entire Agreement.
This Agreement and the Separation Agreement, including the exhibits hereto
and thereto and the documents and instruments referred to herein and therein,
embody the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect
of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings among the parties with respect thereto. There are no
representations, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings by any party,
other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein and therein.
Section 12.13 Enforcement of Agreement.
The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur to a party in
the event any provision of this Agreement was not performed by the other party
in accordance with the terms hereof and that the parties shall be entitled to
specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law
or equity.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Adecco SA, Staffing Acquisition Corporation and Olsten
Corporation have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective duly
authorized officers as of the date first above written.
Adecco SA,
a societe anonyme organized
under the laws of Switzerland
By: /s/ John P. Bowmer
------------------------------------
Name: John P. Bowmer
Title: Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Felix A. Weber
------------------------------------
Name: Felix A. Weber
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Staffing Acquisition Corporation,
a Delaware corporation
By: /s/ John P. Bowmer
------------------------------------
Name: John P. Bowmer
Title: President
By: /s/ Felix A. Weber
------------------------------------
Name: Felix A. Weber
Title: Vice-President
Olsten Corporation,
a Delaware corporation
By: /s/ Edward A. Blechschmidt
------------------------------------
Name: Edward A. Blechschmidt
Title: President and Chief
Executive Officer
<PAGE>
ANNEX C
SEPARATION AGREEMENT
dated as of
August 17, 1999
among
Olsten Corporation,
Aaronco Corp.
and
Adecco SA
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Definitions...............................................2
ARTICLE II
TRANSFER OF ASSETS; ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES
Section 2.01. Transfer of Assets........................................9
Section 2.02. Consideration for Transferred Assets.....................11
Section 2.03. Assignment and Assumption of Liabilities.................11
Section 2.04. Delayed Assets and Liabilities...........................11
Section 2.05. Representations or Warranties; Disclaimers...............12
Section 2.06. Final Determination of Assets and Liabilities............14
Section 2.07. Closing; Conveyancing and Stock Assumption Instruments...15
Section 2.08. Cash Allocation..........................................16
ARTICLE III
THE SPLIT-OFF
Section 3.01. Cooperation Prior to the Split-Off.......................16
Section 3.02. Conduct of Health Services Business Pending Split-Off....17
Section 3.03. Consummation of the Split-Off............................17
ARTICLE IV
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 4.01. OHS Indemnification of Olsten............................18
Section 4.02. Olsten Indemnification of OHS............................18
Section 4.03. Notice and Payment of Claims.............................19
Section 4.04. Notice and Defense of Third-Party Claims.................19
Section 4.05. Insurance Proceeds.......................................21
Section 4.06. Contribution.............................................21
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Page
Section 4.07. Subrogation..............................................21
Section 4.08. Third-Party Beneficiaries................................22
Section 4.09. Remedies Cumulative......................................22
Section 4.10. Survival of Indemnities..................................22
Section 4.11. After-Tax Indemnification Payments.......................22
ARTICLE V
CERTAIN ADDITIONAL MATTERS
Section 5.01. Ancillary Agreements.....................................22
Section 5.02. OHS Officers and Board of Directors......................23
Section 5.03. OHS Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws.............23
Section 5.04. Credit Agreement.........................................23
Section 5.05. Sales and Transfer Taxes.................................23
Section 5.06. Use of Names.............................................23
Section 5.07. Mail.....................................................24
Section 5.08. Transition Services......................................25
Section 5.09. Leases of Real Property..................................26
Section 5.10. Plea Agreements..........................................26
Section 5.11. Insurance Policies and Claims Administration.............27
Section 5.12. Financial Covenants......................................30
Section 5.13. Tax Refund Escrow Account................................31
Section 5.14. Worker's Compensation Letters of Credit..................31
ARTICLE VI
RECORDS AND INFORMATION; ACCESS
Section 6.01. Corporate Records........................................31
Section 6.02. Access to Information....................................32
Section 6.03. Access to Employees......................................32
Section 6.04. Reimbursement............................................32
Section 6.05. Confidentiality..........................................32
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.01. Termination..............................................33
Section 7.02. Amendment................................................33
Section 7.03. Waiver of Compliance; Consents...........................33
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Page
Section 7.04. Expenses.................................................33
Section 7.05. Notices..................................................34
Section 7.06. Counterparts.............................................35
Section 7.07. Governing Law............................................35
Section 7.08. Entire Agreement.........................................36
Section 7.09. Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries.................36
Section 7.10. Ancillary Agreements.....................................36
Section 7.11. Tax Sharing Agreement....................................36
Section 7.12. Further Assurances and Consents..........................37
Section 7.13. Exhibits and Schedules...................................37
Section 7.14. Legal Enforceability.....................................37
Section 7.15. Dispute Resolution.......................................38
Section 7.16. Titles and Headings......................................39
Section 7.17. Survival of Representations and Agreements...............39
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Exhibit A Form of Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement
Exhibit B Form of Tax Sharing Agreement
Exhibit C Omnibus Amendment
Schedule 1 Health Subsidiaries
Schedule 2 Governmental Settlement Agreements
Schedule 3 OHS Names
Schedule 4 Olsten Names
Schedule 5 Balance Sheets
Schedule 6 Consents
Schedule 7 Shared Leased Property
Schedule 8 Licensed Olsten Names
Schedule 9 Board Composition
Schedule 10 Transition Team
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SEPARATION AGREEMENT
SEPARATION AGREEMENT ("Agreement") dated as of August 17, 1999 by and among
Olsten Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Olsten"), Aaronco Corp., a newly
formed Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Olsten ("OHS"), and
Adecco SA, a societe anonyme organized under the laws of Switzerland ("Adecco").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Olsten currently conducts the Staffing Services Business, the
Information Technology Services Business and the Health Services Business (each
as defined below) and conducts certain related operations.
WHEREAS, the Staffing Services Business and the Information Technology
Services Business are conducted through Olsten and certain of its subsidiaries
(together with any other subsidiary of Olsten formed after the date hereof for
purposes of conducting the Staffing Services Business and the Information
Technology Services Business) other than the Health Subsidiaries (as defined
below) (the "Retained Subsidiaries") and the Health Services Business is
conducted through Olsten and the subsidiaries listed on Schedule 1 hereto,
together with any other subsidiary of Olsten formed after the date hereof for
purposes of conducting the Health Services Business (the "Health Subsidiaries").
WHEREAS, Olsten, Adecco and Staffing Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco ("Merger Sub"), have entered
into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 17, 1999 (the "Merger
Agreement"), pursuant to which, at the Effective Time (as defined below), Merger
Sub will merge with and into Olsten, with Olsten being the surviving corporation
(the "Merger").
WHEREAS, prior to the Effective Time, and subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement, Olsten will transfer to OHS assets
related to the Health Services Business, and OHS will assume the liabilities
related thereto, as provided in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (as
defined below).
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Olsten has determined that it is in the
best interest of Olsten and the stockholders of Olsten to split-off (the
"Split-Off") to the holders of Olsten Common Stock (as defined below) all of the
outstanding shares of OHS Common Stock (as defined below) in consideration for
the redemption of a portion of their shares of Olsten Common Stock.
<PAGE>
WHEREAS, the parties have determined that it is necessary and desirable to
set forth the principal corporate transactions required to effect the Split-Off
and to set forth other agreements that will govern certain other matters
following the Split-Off.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual
agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties
hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Definitions. As used herein, the following terms have the
following meaning:
"AAA Rules" has the meaning specified in Section 7.15.
"Action" means any claim, suit, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or
investigation by or before any court, governmental or regulatory or
administrative agency or commission or any other tribunal.
"Adecco" has the meaning specified in the introduction to this Agreement.
"Adecco Registration Statement" means the registration statement on Form
F-4 filed by Adecco with the Commission to effect the registration by Adecco of
the Stock Consideration, as such registration statement may be amended from time
to time.
"Affiliate" of any specified person means any other person that, directly
or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under direct or indirect common
control with such specified person.
"Agreement" has the meaning specified in the introduction to this
Agreement.
"Ancillary Agreements" means the Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement and
the Tax Sharing Agreement.
"Assets" means all properties, rights, contracts, leases and claims of
every kind and description, wherever located, whether tangible or intangible,
and whether real, personal or mixed.
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"Assumed OHS Liabilities" has the meaning specified in Section 2.03.
"Balance Sheet" has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
"Closing" has the meaning specified in Section 2.07.
"Closing Date" has the meaning specified in Section 2.07.
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Consulting Agreements" means the Separation, Consulting and
Non-Competition Agreements dated as of August 17, 1999 by and among Adecco,
Olsten and each of Edward A. Blechschmidt, Stuart Olsten, William P. Costantini
and Anthony Puglisi and the Separation, Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement
dated as of August 17, 1999 by and between Olsten and Maureen McGurl.
"Covered Claims" means those Liabilities that, individually or in the
aggregate, are covered within the terms and conditions of any of the Policies,
whether or not subject to deductibles, co-insurance, uncollectability or
retrospectively rated premium adjustments.
"Delayed Asset" has the meaning specified in Section 2.04.
"Delayed Liabilities" has the meaning specified in Section 2.04.
"Demand" has the meaning specified in Section 7.15.
"Disputes" has the meaning specified in Section 7.15.
"Dissenting Shares" has the meaning specified in the Merger Agreement.
"Effective Time" has the meaning specified in the Merger Agreement.
"Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement" means the agreement to be entered
into between Olsten and OHS, before the Effective Time, providing for certain
matters relating to the allocation of employee benefits, the treatment of
employee stock options and other employee matters, in substantially the form set
forth as Exhibit A.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Exchange Agent" has the meaning specified in the Merger Agreement.
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"Existing Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement, dated August 9,
1996, as amended from time to time to the date hereof, among Olsten, each of the
Banks named therein and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as agent for the Banks.
"Governmental Authority" means any United States (federal, state or local)
or foreign government, or governmental, regulatory or administrative authority,
agency or commission.
"Governmental Settlement Agreements" means all compromise, settlement or
plea agreements listed on Schedule 2 and all compromise, settlement or plea
agreements between Olsten or any of its subsidiaries and any Governmental
Authority relating to the conduct of the Health Services Business.
"Governmental Settlement Agreement Liabilities" means all Liabilities of
Olsten and its subsidiaries pursuant to or in connection with the Governmental
Settlement Agreements.
"Health Services Business" means the health care business of Olsten and the
Health Subsidiaries conducted in the United States and Canada whereby Olsten and
the Health Subsidiaries provide, directly or under arrangement with third
parties, through licensed and unlicensed health care personnel, services,
including: (i) skilled nursing; education; home health aide and personal
services; pediatric and perinatal care; physical, occupational, neurological and
speech therapies; administration of drugs and disease management programs;
institutional, occupational and alternate site staffing; and marketing,
distribution and staffing solutions for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and
medical device firms; (ii) acute and chronic infusion therapy; and (iii) network
services, including care management and coordination services, such as
centralized intake and billing, claims adjudication, quality assurance and data
reporting and analysis, for managed care customers and self-insured employers.
"Health Services Business Policies" means all Policies which are owned or
maintained by or on behalf of Olsten and/or any of its subsidiaries or their
respective predecessors pursuant to which the Health Subsidiaries or their
officers, directors or agents are eligible for coverage and Olsten and the
Retained Subsidiaries and their officers, directors and agents are not eligible
for coverage.
"Health Subsidiaries" has the meaning specified in the second recital of
this Agreement.
"Indemnifiable Losses" has the meaning specified in Section 4.01.
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"Indemnified Party" has the meaning specified in Section 4.03.
"Indemnifying Party" has the meaning specified in Section 4.03.
"Information Technology Services Business" means the business whereby
Olsten and its subsidiaries provide information technology consultants on either
a project management or consulting basis to assist clients in the design,
development and maintenance of computer systems.
"Insurance Charges" has the meaning specified in Section 5.11(e)(ii).
"Insurance Proceeds" means those monies (i) received by an insured from an
insurance carrier or (ii) by an insurance carrier on behalf of an insured.
"Intercompany Loan Balance" means (i) at July 4, 1999, the intercompany
loan balance reflected on the Balance Sheet and (ii) at the Closing Date, an
amount computed on a basis and using practices consistent with the Intercompany
Loan Balance at July 4, 1999.
"Liabilities" means any and all claims, debts, liabilities, license fees,
franchise fees, losses, penalties, deficiencies, litigation proceedings, levies,
duties, assessments, attorneys' fees, charges, allegations, demands, damages,
judgments and obligations, absolute or contingent, matured or not matured,
liquidated or unliquidated, accrued or not accrued, known or unknown, whenever
arising, and whether or not the same would properly be reflected on a balance
sheet, including all costs and expenses relating thereto including, without
limitation, under any law, rule, regulation, action, order or consent decree of
any Governmental Authority or any award of any arbitrator of any kind, and those
arising under any contract, commitment or undertaking.
"Licensed Olsten Names" has the meaning specified in Section 5.06(a).
"Merger" has the meaning specified in the third recital to this Agreement.
"Merger Agreement" has the meaning specified in the third recital to this
Agreement.
"Merger Sub" has the meaning specified in the third recital to this
Agreement.
"NASDAQ" means the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotation System.
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"Net Debt" as of the True-Up Date means as of such date the sum of (i)
indebtedness for borrowed money, (ii) the deferred purchase price of property
and (iii) up to a maximum of $10 million of transaction fees related to the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this Agreement less cash
on hand; provided, however, that cash on hand shall not include any cash amount
in the Tax Refund Escrow Account.
"Net Operating Loss Refund Claim" means a claim for a tax refund of the
Olsten affiliated group filed on federal form 1139, Corporate Application for
Tentative Refund or federal form 1120X, Amended Corporation Income Tax Return or
an equivalent state or local tax form with respect to a net operating loss of
the Olsten affiliated group.
"New Intercompany Account" has the meaning specified in Section 2.09.
"OHS" has the meaning specified in the introduction to this Agreement.
"OHS Common Stock" means the shares of common stock, par value $.01 per
share, of OHS or any other shares or classes of capital stock of OHS that may be
created hereafter.
"OHS Employee" has the meaning set forth in the Employee Benefits
Allocation Agreement.
"OHS Indemnitees" has the meaning specified in Section 4.02.
"OHS Liabilities" means all of (i) the Liabilities of OHS under this
Agreement and the Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement that may arise
hereunder or thereunder, (ii) the Assumed OHS Liabilities, (iii) the Liabilities
of OHS, the Health Services Business and the Health Subsidiaries arising after
the Closing Date and (iv) the Liabilities of Olsten under Section 7 of the
Consulting Agreements.
"OHS Names" means the names listed on Schedule 3. "OHS Proprietary Name
Rights" has the meaning specified in Section 5.06.
"OHS Registration Statement" means the registration statement on Form S-4
filed by OHS with the Commission to effect the registration of the OHS Common
Stock to be issued as the Split-Off Consideration pursuant to the Securities
Act, as such registration statement may be amended from time to time.
"Olsten" has the meaning specified in the introduction to this Agreement.
"Olsten Common Stock" means, collectively, the outstanding shares of common
stock, par value $.10 per share, and the Class B common stock, par value $.10
per share, of Olsten.
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"Olsten Indemnitees" has the meaning specified in Section 4.01.
"Olsten Liabilities" means all of the Liabilities of Olsten under this
Agreement and that may arise under this Agreement, and the Liabilities of
Olsten, whether arising before, on or after the Closing Date, but not including
(i) the Assumed OHS Liabilities and (ii) the Liabilities of OHS, the Health
Services Business and the Health Subsidiaries arising after the Closing Date.
"Olsten Names" means the names listed on Schedule 4.
"Olsten Proprietary Name Rights" has the meaning specified in Section 5.06.
"Olsten Proxy Statement" means the proxy statement in the form sent to each
holder of Olsten Common Stock in connection with the Merger and the Split-Off.
"Panel" has the meaning specified in Section 7.15.
"Party" has the meaning specified in Section 7.15.
"Person" has the meaning specified in Section 7.16.
"Policies" or "Policy" means insurance policies and insurance contracts of
any kind as in effect as of the date hereof, including, without limitation,
primary, excess and umbrella, comprehensive general liability, automobile,
workers' compensation, employee dishonesty, property and crime insurance
policies and self-insurance and captive insurance company arrangements, together
with the rights, benefits and privileges thereunder.
"Quantum Debt" means the 4 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due
2000 of Quantum Health Resources, Inc.
"Representatives" has the meaning specified in Section 7.15.
"Retained Assets" means all Assets of Olsten and its subsidiaries
(including the Tax Refund Escrow Account), other than the Transferred OHS
Assets.
"Retained Businesses" means any business conducted by Olsten now or in the
future other than the Health Services Business.
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"Retained Businesses Policies" means all Policies which are owned or
maintained by or on behalf of Olsten and/or any of its subsidiaries or their
respective predecessors where Olsten and/or the Retained Subsidiaries or their
officers, directors or agents are eligible for coverage and the Health
Subsidiaries and their officers, directors and agents are not eligible for
coverage.
"Retained Subsidiaries" has the meaning specified in the second recital of
this Agreement.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Shared Policies" means Policies where both the Retained Businesses and the
Health Services Business are eligible for coverage and/or Policies where the
employees, directors or agents of both the Retained Businesses and the Health
Services Business are eligible for coverage.
"Shareholder Liabilities" means all of the liabilities, including, without
limitation, the contingent liabilities, arising from the lawsuits captioned In
re Olsten Corporation Securities Litigation, No. 97 CV 5056 (DRH) (United States
District Court for the Eastern District of New York), and Rubin v. May, C.A. No.
17135NC (Delaware Chancery Court, County of New Castle).
"Split-Off" has the meaning specified in the sixth recital of this
Agreement.
"Split-Off Consideration" has the meaning specified in the Merger
Agreement.
"Staffing Services Business" means the business of Olsten and its
subsidiaries whereby it provides assignment employees in a variety of service
areas (other than the Health Services Business), including: supplemental
staffing; evaluation and training for office technology; general office and
administrative services; accounting and other financial services; legal,
scientific, engineering and technical services, including production technical
training; call centers; production/distribution/assembly services; training and
pre-employment services; retail services; marketing support and teleservices;
manufacturing, construction and industrial services; and managed services for
corporations.
"Stock Consideration" has the meaning specified in the Merger Agreement.
"subsidiary" has the meaning specified in Section 7.16.
"Tax" shall have the meaning given to such term in the Tax Sharing
Agreement.
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"Tax Refund Escrow Account" has the meaning specified in Section 5.13.
"Tax Sharing Agreement" means the agreement to be entered into between
Olsten, Adecco and OHS prior to the Effective Time providing for certain tax
related matters, in substantially the form set forth as Exhibit B.
"Third-Party Claim" has the meaning specified in Section 4.04.
"Transition Services" has the meaning specified in Section 5.08.
"Transition Services Invoice" has the meaning specified in Section 5.08.
"Transition Services Period" has the meaning specified in Section 5.08.
"Transaction Taxes" has the meaning specified in Section 5.05.
"Transferred OHS Assets" has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(a).
"Transferred Olsten Assets" has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(b).
"True-Up Date" means the close of business on October 31, 1999.
"True-Up Intercompany Balance" means the intercompany loan balance on the
True-Up Date, computed on a basis and using practices consistent with the
Intercompany Loan Balance reflected on the Balance Sheet.
"US GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States, applied on a consistent basis.
ARTICLE II
TRANSFER OF ASSETS; ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES
Section 2.01. Transfer of Assets. (a) Prior to the Effective Time, Olsten
shall take or shall cause to be taken all actions necessary to cause the
transfer, assignment, delivery and conveyance to OHS of all of Olsten's and its
subsidiaries' rights, title and interest in all of the Assets and related
goodwill, wherever located, relating exclusively to the operation of the Health
Services Business, including, without limitation, the assets listed below
(collectively, the "Transferred OHS Assets"):
(i) all assets shown or reflected on the balance sheet of the Health
Services Business as at July 4, 1999 attached on Schedule 5 (the "Balance
Sheet"), other than
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such assets as have been disposed of since July 4, 1999 in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice;
(ii) Assets relating exclusively to the operation of the Health
Services Business that are acquired by any of the Health Subsidiaries in
the ordinary course of their business consistent with past practices after
July 4, 1999 and prior to the Effective Time;
(iii) the shares of capital stock of the Health Subsidiaries owned,
directly or indirectly, by Olsten and any equity interest owned, directly
or indirectly, by any of the Health Subsidiaries as set forth on Schedule
1;
(iv) all contracts, contract rights, agreements, arrangements or
commitments of any kind and all licenses and permits of the Health
Subsidiaries that relate exclusively to the Health Services Business,
including without limitation, the Governmental Settlement Agreements;
(v) all real property leases or other interests in real property or
rights to use thereof, and all buildings, structures, appurtenances and
improvements erected upon, attached to or located thereon of the Health
Subsidiaries that relate exclusively to the Health Services Business;
(vi) the OHS Names and OHS Proprietary Name Rights and other
intangible properties and rights that relate exclusively to the Health
Services Businesses;
(vii) all books, records and files of, or relating exclusively to, the
Health Services Business; and
(viii) the Health Services Business Policies.
(b) Prior to the Effective Time, OHS shall take or shall cause to be taken
all actions necessary to cause the transfer, assignment, delivery and conveyance
to Olsten or the appropriate Retained Subsidiary of all rights, title and
interest of OHS and any Health Subsidiary in the Retained Businesses (the
"Transferred Olsten Assets").
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 2.01(a) to the contrary,
Olsten and the Retained Subsidiaries shall retain and shall not transfer,
assign, deliver or convey to OHS or any Health Subsidiary any Retained Assets.
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Section 2.02. Consideration for Transferred Assets. In full consideration
for the Transferred OHS Assets, (i) OHS shall issue to Olsten a sufficient
number of shares of OHS Common Stock that, together with the shares of OHS
Common Stock held by Olsten prior to such date, shall be sufficient to enable
Olsten and OHS to perform their obligations under the Merger Agreement and (ii)
OHS shall assume the Assumed OHS Liabilities. In full consideration for the
Transferred Olsten Assets, Olsten shall pay, perform and discharge the Olsten
Liabilities.
Section 2.03. Assignment and Assumption of Liabilities. (a) Prior to the
Effective Time, simultaneously with the transfer of Assets pursuant to Section
2.01, Olsten shall assign to OHS and OHS shall assume and agree to pay, perform
and discharge when due all of the Liabilities of the Health Subsidiaries and of
the Health Services Business including, without limitation, all Liabilities of
Olsten and its Subsidiaries arising out of, relating to, associated with or
resulting from the operation of the Health Services Business or the ownership,
use or possession of the Transferred OHS Assets or other activities in
connection therewith, whether arising before, on or after the Closing Date,
including without limitation, the Shareholder Liabilities, the Governmental
Settlement Agreement Liabilities, the Liabilities reflected on the Balance
Sheet and the Quantum Debt (the "Assumed OHS Liabilities").
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Assumed OHS Liabilities shall not
include (i) any debt of Olsten for money borrowed (including but not limited to
any such debt evidenced by a note, debenture or other instrument), and (ii)
except as provided in clause (iv) of the definition of "OHS Liabilities," any
claims, losses, damages, demands, costs, expenses or liabilities for any Tax
(which shall be governed by the Tax Sharing Agreement and Sections 4.11 and
5.05).
Section 2.04. Delayed Assets and Liabilities. Nothing herein shall be
deemed to require the transfer of any Assets ("Delayed Assets") or the
assumption of any Liabilities ("Delayed Liabilities") that by their terms or by
operation of law cannot be transferred or assumed; provided, however, that
Olsten and OHS and their respective subsidiaries and Affiliates shall cooperate
in seeking to obtain any necessary consents or approvals as promptly as possible
for the transfer of all Delayed Assets and assignment and assumption of all
Delayed Liabilities as contemplated by this Article II and in obtaining the
release of Olsten and the Retained Subsidiaries from the Assumed OHS Liabilities
and any guaranty or similar obligation of any Assumed OHS Liability and OHS and
the Health Subsidiaries from the Olsten Liabilities or any guaranty or similar
obligation of any Olsten Liability. In the event that any such transfer of
Assets or Liabilities
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has not been consummated on or prior to the Closing Date, the party retaining
such Delayed Asset or Delayed Liability shall thereafter hold such Delayed Asset
in trust for the use and benefit of the party entitled thereto (at the expense
of the party entitled thereto) and retain such Delayed Liability for the account
of the party by whom such Delayed Liability is to be assumed pursuant hereto,
and take such other actions as may be reasonably required in order to place the
parties, insofar as reasonably possible, in the same position as would have
existed had such Delayed Asset been transferred or such Delayed Liability been
assumed as contemplated hereby including, without limitation, enjoyment of
rights to indemnification as if such Delayed Liability had been assumed. As and
when any such Delayed Asset or Delayed Liability becomes transferable, such
transfer and assumption shall be effected forthwith. In the event Olsten or the
Retained Subsidiaries are not released from any Assumed OHS Liabilities or
Delayed Liabilities, including the Governmental Settlement Liabilities, or OHS
or the Health Subsidiaries are not released from any Olsten Liabilities, in each
case, prior to the Effective Time, each such party shall be entitled to
indemnification for all such Liabilities pursuant to Section 4.01.
Section 2.05. Representations or Warranties; Disclaimers. (a) It is
understood and agreed (i) that neither Olsten nor any of the Retained
Subsidiaries is representing or warranting in any way as to the value or freedom
from encumbrance of, or any other matter concerning, any Transferred OHS Assets,
and (ii) that the Transferred OHS Assets are being transferred "as is, where is"
and with all faults (provided that the absence of such warranties shall not
negate the allocation of liabilities under this Agreement and shall have no
effect on any manufacturers, sellers or other third party warranties that are
intended to be transferred with such assets). Similarly, it is understood and
agreed that neither Adecco, Olsten nor any of the Retained Subsidiaries is, in
this Agreement or in any other agreement or document contemplated by this
Agreement, representing or warranting to OHS or any OHS Indemnitee in any way
that the obtaining of the consents and approvals, the execution and delivery of
any amendatory agreements and the making of the filings and applications
contemplated by this Agreement shall satisfy the provisions of any or all
applicable agreements or the requirements of all applicable laws or judgments.
(b) OHS represents and warrants that:
(i) OHS is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite
corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and
to carry on its business as now being conducted;
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(ii) OHS has full corporate power and authority to execute this
Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it will be a party and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been
duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of OHS and, to the
extent required, by the stockholder of OHS. This Agreement has been duly
executed and delivered by OHS and, assuming due authorization, execution
and delivery hereof by Olsten, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of
OHS, enforceable against OHS in accordance with its terms, except to the
extent that its enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally or by general equitable
principles. Each of the Ancillary Agreements will be duly executed and
delivered by OHS on or prior to the Effective Time and, assuming due
authorization, execution and delivery thereof by each other party thereto,
will constitute a valid and binding agreement of OHS, enforceable against
OHS in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its
enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally or by general equitable principles;
(iii) The execution and delivery by OHS of this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby will not contravene, violate, result in a breach of or
constitute a default under (x) any provision of applicable law or of the
articles of incorporation or by-laws of OHS or any Health Subsidiary or (y)
any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation
applicable to OHS or any Health Subsidiary or any of their properties or
assets, except for such contravention, violations, breaches or defaults
that, individually or in the aggregate, would not materially impair OHS's
ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or (z) the
Governmental Settlement Agreements;
(iv) No filing or registration with, or permit, authorization, consent
or approval of, or notification or disclosure to, any Governmental
Authority is required by OHS in connection with the execution and delivery
of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except (w) in connection with
the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, (x) such
consents, approvals, orders, permits, authorizations, registrations,
declarations and filings as may be required under the Blue Sky laws of
various states, (y) consents, authorizations, approvals or notifications
listed on Schedule 6 and (z) such consents, approvals, orders, permits,
authorizations, registrations, declarations
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and filings, the failure of which to obtain would not, individually or in
the aggregate, materially impair OHS's ability or Olsten's ability to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby;
(v) The OHS Common Stock to be issued pursuant to Section 2.02 has
been duly authorized and, when so issued, will be fully paid, validly
issued and nonassessable and will not have been issued in violation of any
preemptive rights;
(vi) At the Effective Time, neither OHS nor any of the Health
Subsidiaries will be a party to any material agreement, arrangement or
understanding with Olsten or any of the Retained Subsidiaries other than
this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and any other agreement entered
into in connection with the Split-Off as contemplated by this Agreement;
and
(vii) Each of the Balance Sheet and the balance sheets attached as
Schedule 5 for the years ended January 4, 1999 and December 28, 1997 fairly
present in all material respects the combined financial position of the
Health Services Business as of their respective dates, in accordance with
US GAAP (subject in the case of interim financial statements, to normal
year-end adjustments).
(c) In addition to the actions specifically provided for elsewhere in this
Agreement and except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, each of
the parties hereto shall act in good faith and use its respective reasonable
best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and, to execute and
deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional documents and
instruments, and to do, or cause to be done, all things, reasonably necessary,
proper or advisable under applicable laws and agreements to consummate and make
effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(d) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, neither
Olsten nor OHS shall, without the prior written consent of Adecco, take any
action or inaction in effecting the transactions contemplated hereby if such
action or inaction would (i) materially increase the Liabilities of Olsten or
the Retained Subsidiaries, (ii) materially impair Olsten's ability to conduct
the Retained Businesses, or (iii) materially decrease the value of the Retained
Assets.
Section 2.06. Final Determination of Assets and Liabilities. (a) In case of
any dispute arising before the Split-Off, as to the identity or existence of
Assets relating to the operation of the Health Services Business and the
Retained Businesses or the existence of such a relationship or the
transferability thereof, or the allocation of insurance premium refunds, the
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good faith determination of the Board of Directors of Olsten, together with the
consent of Adecco, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, if such
dispute shall concern Assets or Liabilities that are material to Olsten and the
Retained Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, if made before the Split-Off, shall be
final, conclusive and binding.
(b) In case of any dispute arising before the Split-Off as to the identity
or existence of Liabilities, to be assumed by OHS or as to which OHS is to
indemnify Olsten and its subsidiaries, or the identification or other allocation
of Liabilities in respect of insurance premium obligations, the good faith
determination of the Board of Directors of Olsten, together, in the case of a
dispute which concerns Assets or Liabilities that are material to Olsten and the
Retained Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, with the consent of Adecco, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, if made before the Split-Off, shall
be final, conclusive and binding.
Section 2.07. Closing; Conveyancing and Stock Assumption Instruments. (a)
The sale, transfer, assignment and delivery of Assets referred to in Section
2.01 and the assumption of Liabilities referred to in Section 2.03 (the
"Closing") shall take place at any time and place as may be designated by the
parties hereto, but in no event later than the Effective Time (the "Closing
Date").
(b) At the Closing the parties shall execute or cause to be executed by the
appropriate entities conveyancing and assumption instruments, including using
their reasonable best efforts to obtain from third-parties appropriate releases
and novations, in such forms as the parties shall reasonably agree, including
deeds as may be appropriate, the assignment of trademarks and franchise rights,
and the assignment and assumption of existing lease agreements. Any transfer of
capital stock (including the issuance of OHS Common Stock described in Section
2.02) shall be effected by means of delivery of stock certificates and executed
stock powers and notation on the stock record books of the corporation or other
legal entities involved and, to the extent required by applicable law, by
notation on public registries.
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Section 2.08. Cash Allocation.
(a) Cash Allocation on the Closing Date. The allocation between Olsten and
OHS of all domestic and international cash bank balances, short-term investments
and outstanding checks and drafts of Olsten and its subsidiaries recorded on the
books of Olsten and its subsidiaries shall be in accordance with the following:
(i) all cash received in, and deposits of cash, checks, drafts or
short-term investments made to, depositary accounts as of the close of
business on the Closing Date shall be remitted to Olsten, other than cash
contained in accounts allocated to OHS pursuant to Section 2.03.; and
(ii) all petty cash of the Health Services Business shall be allocated
to OHS on the Closing Date; and
(iii) all Liabilities for payment of outstanding checks or drafts
drawn on or prior to the Closing Date on accounts allocated to OHS pursuant
to Section 2.03 shall be paid by OHS.
(b) Cash Management After the Closing Date. The petty cash, depositary and
disbursement accounts of the Health Services Business shall be transferred to
OHS on the Closing Date after the allocations are made pursuant to Section
2.08(a)(i) and (ii). OHS shall establish and maintain a separate cash management
system and accounting records with respect to the Health Services Business
effective as of 12:01 a.m. New York time on the day following the Effective
Time.
(c) For purposes of this Section 2.08, any disagreement or dispute arising
between Olsten and OHS on or prior to the Closing Date shall be resolved by the
Board of Directors of Olsten, together, in the case of a dispute which concerns
Assets or Liabilities that are material to Olsten and the Retained Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, with the consent of Adecco, which resolution shall be binding
and final upon each of the parties hereto and not subject to further review.
Section 2.09. True-Up Net Debt; Intercompany Balance.
(a) On the True-Up Date, the True-Up Intercompany Balance shall be frozen
and thereafter shall not be increased or decreased.
(b) On the True-Up Date, Olsten shall open a new intercompany account (the
"New Intercompany Account") to record intercompany transactions for the period
between the True-Up Date and the Closing Date. All entries to the New
Intercompany Account shall be made in the ordinary course of business and on a
basis consistent with the intercompany loan balance reflected on the Balance
Sheet.
(c) On the True-Up Date, if the Net Debt of Olsten and the Retained
Subsidiaries is (i) greater than $750 million, then the New Intercompany Account
shall reflect a payable by OHS to Olsten equal to the amount of such excess, or
(ii) less than $750 million, then Olsten shall pay to OHS cash on such date, in
an amount equal to such shortfall or (iii) equal to $750 million, then the New
Intercompany Account shall open with a zero balance.
(d) At the Effective Time, (i) the Closing Intercompany Balance shall be
settled by OHS or Olsten, as the case may be, delivering to the other a cash
payment in an amount equal to the amount owing by such party to the other, if
any, together with simple interest at 6% per annum from the True-Up Date to the
Effective Time on the average daily balance, and (ii) the True-Up Intercompany
Balance shall be contributed to the capital of OHS at the Effective Time.
(e) On the day following the True-Up Date, OHS shall establish a cash
management system for the Health Services Business and related accounts and the
Health Service Business shall cease participation in Olsten's cash management
system. Between the True-Up Date until the Effective Time,(i) all cash receipts
and disbursements of OHS and the Health Services Business shall be made through
the Health Services Business cash management system, and (ii) all transfers of
cash or other assets (other than to accomplish the transfer of assets pursuant
to Section 2.01), or transactions, including management fees and intercompany
loans, between the Retained Businesses, on the one hand and the Health Services
Business, on the other, shall be reflected in the New Intercompany Account, and
(iii) management fees shall be paid by OHS to Olsten on the same basis as prior
to the True-Up Date and shall be prorated to the Effective Time.
ARTICLE III
THE SPLIT-OFF
Section 3.01. Cooperation Prior to the Split-Off. As promptly as
practicable after the
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date hereof, (a) Olsten and OHS shall prepare, and Olsten shall mail to the
holders of Olsten Common Stock, the Olsten Proxy Statement, which sets forth
disclosure concerning OHS, the Split-Off, the Merger and other matters. Olsten
and OHS shall also prepare, and OHS shall file with the Commission, the OHS
Registration Statement, which will include or incorporate by reference the
Olsten Proxy Statement. Olsten and OHS shall use their reasonable best efforts
to cause the OHS Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities
Act.
(b) Olsten and OHS shall cooperate in preparing, filing with the Commission
and causing to become effective any registration statements or amendments
thereto that are appropriate to reflect the establishment of or amendments to
any employee benefit and other plans contemplated by the Employee Benefits
Allocation Agreement.
(c) Olsten and OHS shall take all such action as may be necessary or
appropriate under the securities or Blue Sky laws of the states or other
political subdivisions of the United States in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
(d) OHS will prepare and file a preliminary listing application and will
pursue the approval of the application to permit listing or quotation of the OHS
Common Stock on a national securities exchange or NASDAQ, as determined by
Olsten.
Section 3.02. Conduct of Health Services Business Pending Split-Off. Prior
to the Split-Off:
(a) The Health Services Business, including, but not limited to, the
administration of accounts payable and accounts receivable, will be
conducted in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice
and in compliance in all material respects with applicable laws, rules and
regulations of any Governmental Authority.
(b) OHS shall have no operations or conduct any business except in
preparation for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
Section 3.03. Consummation of the Split-Off. The Split-Off shall be
consummated at the Effective Time in accordance with the terms of the Merger
Agreement. Olsten agrees to provide all certificates for shares of OHS Common
Stock that the Exchange Agent shall require in order to effect the Split-Off.
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ARTICLE IV
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 4.01. OHS Indemnification of Olsten. Except as otherwise expressly
provided in any of the Ancillary Agreements, from and after the Closing Date,
OHS shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Olsten and its subsidiaries, and
each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and Affiliates
and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing
(the "Olsten Indemnitees") from and against any and all damage, loss, liability,
deficiency and expense (including, without limitation, reasonable expenses of
investigation and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses in connection with any
or all such investigations or any and all Actions or threatened Actions)
(collectively, "Indemnifiable Losses") incurred or suffered by any of the Olsten
Indemnitees and arising out of or related to (i) the OHS Liabilities or the
failure of OHS or any of the Health Subsidiaries to pay, perform or otherwise
discharge any of the OHS Liabilities; (ii) with respect to information in the
Olsten Proxy Statement, the OHS Registration Statement or the Adecco
Registration Statement related to the Health Services Business, OHS or any of
the Health Subsidiaries or the Split-Off, any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact or any omission or alleged omission to state
therein or necessary to make the statements therein in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; (iii) any
misrepresentation or breach of any warranty in this Agreement made by OHS; (iv)
any breach of any agreement or covenant under this Agreement made by OHS; (v)
liabilities resulting from any holder of Olsten Common Stock exercising
appraisal rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law with respect to the
value of the Split-Off Consideration; and (vi) any cash paid to stockholders of
Olsten in lieu of fractional shares of OHS.
Section 4.02. Olsten Indemnification of OHS. Except as otherwise expressly
provided in any of the Ancillary Agreements, from and after the Closing Date,
Olsten shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless OHS and the Health
Subsidiaries, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees,
agents and Affiliates and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns
of any of the foregoing (the "OHS Indemnitees") from and against any and all
Indemnifiable Losses incurred or suffered by any of the OHS Indemnitees and
arising out of or related to (i) the Olsten Liabilities or the failure of Olsten
or any of its subsidiaries to pay, perform or otherwise discharge any of the
Olsten Liabilities or (ii) any breach of any agreement or covenant under this
Agreement made by Olsten after the Closing Date.
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Section 4.03. Notice and Payment of Claims. If any Olsten Indemnitee or OHS
Indemnitee (the "Indemnified Party") determines that it is or may be entitled to
indemnification by OHS or Olsten, as the case may be (the "Indemnifying Party"),
under this Article IV (other than in connection with any Action subject to
Section 4.04), the Indemnified Party shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party a
written notice specifying, to the extent reasonably practicable, the basis for
its claim for indemnification and the amount for which the Indemnified Party
reasonably believes it is entitled to be Indemnified. After the Indemnifying
Party shall have been notified of the amount for which the Indemnified Party
seeks indemnification, the Indemnifying Party shall, within 15 days after
receipt of such notice, either (i) pay the Indemnified Party such amount in cash
or other immediately available funds (or reach agreement with the Indemnified
Party as to a mutually agreeable alternative payment schedule) or (ii) object to
the claim for indemnification or the amount thereof by giving the Indemnified
Party written notice setting forth the grounds therefor. Any objection shall be
resolved in accordance with Section 7.15. If the Indemnifying Party does not
give such notice, the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have acknowledged
its liability for such claim and the Indemnified Party may exercise any and all
of its rights under applicable law to collect such amount.
Section 4.04. Notice and Defense of Third-Party Claims. (a) Promptly
following the earlier of (a) receipt of written notice of the commencement by a
third party of any Action against or otherwise involving any Indemnified Party,
or (b) receipt of written information from a third party alleging the existence
of a claim against an Indemnified Party, in either case, with respect to which
indemnification may be sought pursuant to this Agreement (a "Third-Party
Claim"), the Indemnified Party shall give the Indemnifying Party prompt written
notice thereof. The failure of the Indemnified Party to give notice as provided
in this Section 4.04 shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations
under this agreement, except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is
prejudiced by such failure to give notice. Such notice shall describe the
Third-Party Claim in reasonable detail and shall indicate the amount of the
Indemnifiable Loss that has been or will be sustained by the Indemnified Party.
(b) Within 30 days after receipt of such notice, the Indemnifying Party
may, by giving written notice thereof to the Indemnified Party, (i) acknowledge
liability for and at its option elect to assume the defense of such Third-Party
Claim at its sole cost and expense, or (ii) object to the claim of
indemnification for such Third-Party Claim setting forth the grounds therefor.
Any objection shall be resolved in accordance with Section 7.15. If the
Indemnifying Party does not within such 30-day period give the Indemnified Party
such notice, the Indemnifying Party shall be deemed to have acknowledged its
liability for such Third-Party Claim.
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(c) Any defense of a Third-Party Claim as to which the Indemnifying Party
has elected to assume the defense shall be conducted by attorneys employed by
the Indemnifying Party and reasonably satisfactory to Olsten in the case of
Olsten Indemnitees and OHS in the case of OHS Indemnitees. The Indemnified Party
shall have the right to participate in such proceedings and to be represented by
attorneys of its own choosing at the Indemnified Party's sole cost and expense;
provided that if the defendants or parties against which relief is sought in any
such claim include both the Indemnifying Party and one or more Indemnified
Parties and, in the reasonable judgment of Olsten in the case of Olsten
Indemnitees and OHS in the case of OHS Indemnitees, a conflict of interest
between such Indemnified Parties and such Indemnifying Party exists in respect
of such claim, such Indemnified Parties shall have the right to employ one firm
of counsel selected by Olsten or OHS, as the case may be, and in that event the
reasonable fees and expenses of such separate counsel (but not more than one
separate counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnifying Party) shall be
paid by such Indemnifying Party.
(d) If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of a Third-Party Claim,
the Indemnifying Party may settle or compromise the claim without the prior
written consent of the Indemnified Party; provided that without the prior
written consent of Olsten in the case of Olsten Indemnitees and OHS in the case
of OHS Indemnitees, the Indemnifying Party may not agree to any such settlement
unless as a condition to such settlement the Indemnified Party receives a
written release from any and all liability relating to such Third-Party Claim
and such settlement or compromise does not include any remedy or relief to be
applied to or against the Indemnified Party, other than monetary damages for
which the Indemnifying Party shall be responsible hereunder.
(e) If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of a Third-Party
Claim for which it has acknowledged liability for indemnification under this
Article IV, Olsten in the case of Olsten Indemnitees and OHS in the case of OHS
Indemnitees may pursue the defense of such Third-Party Claim and choose one firm
of counsel in connection therewith. The Indemnifying Party is required to
reimburse Olsten or OHS, as the case may be, on a current basis for its
reasonable expenses of investigation, reasonable attorney's fees and reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Olsten in the case of Olsten Indemnitees and
OHS in the case of OHS Indemnitees in defending against such Third-Party Claim
and the Indemnifying Party shall be bound by the result obtained with respect
thereto; provided that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any
settlement effected without the consent of Olsten in the case of Olsten
Indemnitees and OHS in the case of OHS Indemnitees, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
(f) The Indemnifying Party shall pay to the Indemnified Party in cash the
amount for which the Indemnified Party is entitled to be indemnified (if any)
within 15 days
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after the final resolution of such Third-Party Claim (whether by the final
nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise) or, in
the case of any Third-Party Claim as to which the Indemnifying Party has not
acknowledged liability, within 15 days after such Indemnifying Party's objection
has been resolved pursuant to Section 7.15.
Section 4.05. Insurance Proceeds. The amount that any Indemnifying Party is
or may be required to pay to any Indemnified Party pursuant to this Article IV
shall be reduced (including, without limitation, retroactively) by any insurance
proceeds or other amounts actually recovered by or on behalf of such Indemnified
Parties in reduction of the related Indemnifiable Loss. If an Indemnified Party
shall have received the payment required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying
Party in respect of an Indemnifiable Loss and shall subsequently actually
receive insurance proceeds, or other amounts in respect of such Indemnifiable
Loss as specified above, then such Indemnified Party shall pay to such
Indemnifying Party a sum equal to the amount of such insurance proceeds or other
amounts actually received after deducting therefrom all of the Indemnified
Party's costs and expenses associated with the recovery of any such amount.
Section 4.06. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this
Article IV is unavailable to an Indemnified Party in respect of any
Indemnifiable Loss arising out of or related to information about OHS, the
Health Subsidiaries or the Health Services Business contained in or omitted from
the OHS Registration Statement, the Adecco Registration Statement or the Olsten
Proxy Statement, then OHS, in lieu of indemnifying the Olsten Indemnitees, shall
contribute to the amount paid or payable by the Olsten Indemnitees as a result
of such Indemnifiable Loss in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative fault of OHS, on the one hand, and Olsten, on the other hand, in
connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such Indemnifiable
Loss. The relative fault of the OHS Indemnitees on the one hand and of the
Olsten Indemnitees on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among
other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information concerning OHS on the one hand or Olsten on the other hand.
Section 4.07. Subrogation. In the event of payment by an Indemnifying Party
to any Indemnified Party in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such
Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such
Indemnified Party as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such
Indemnified Party may have any right or claim relating to such Third-Party
Claim. Such Indemnified Party shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a
reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in
prosecuting any subrogated right or claim.
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Section 4.08. Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Article IV shall inure to the
benefit of, and be enforceable by, Olsten, OHS and Adecco and their respective
successors and permitted assigns. The indemnification provided for by this
Article IV shall not inure to the benefit of any other third party or parties
and shall not relieve any insurer who would otherwise be obligated to pay any
claim of the responsibility with respect thereto or, solely by virtue of the
indemnification provisions hereof, provide any subrogation rights with respect
thereto and each Party agrees to waive such rights against the other to the
fullest extent permitted.
Section 4.09. Remedies Cumulative. The remedies provided in this Article IV
shall be cumulative and shall not preclude assertion by any Indemnified Party of
any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies against any
Indemnifying Party.
Section 4.10. Survival of Indemnities. The obligations of each of Olsten
and OHS under this Article IV shall survive the sale or other transfer by it of
any Assets or businesses or the assignment by it of any Liabilities, with
respect to any Indemnifiable Loss of the other related to such Assets,
businesses or Liabilities.
Section 4.11. After-Tax Indemnification Payments. Except as otherwise
expressly provided herein or in an Ancillary Agreement, any indemnification
payment made by any Indemnifying Party under this Article IV shall be computed
by taking into account the value of any and all applicable deductions, losses,
credits, offsets or other items for Federal, state or other tax purposes
attributable to the payment of the indemnified liability by the Indemnified
Party and any Tax incurred by the Indemnified Party attributable to receipt of
the indemnification payment.
ARTICLE V
CERTAIN ADDITIONAL MATTERS
Section 5.01. Ancillary Agreements. Prior to the Effective Time, Olsten and
OHS shall execute and deliver the Ancillary Agreements.
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Section 5.02. OHS Officers and Board of Directors. Prior to the Effective
Time, Olsten shall take, and shall cause OHS to take, all actions necessary to
appoint as officers and directors of OHS those persons named in the OHS
Registration Statement to constitute the officers and directors of OHS on the
Closing Date. The Board of Directors of OHS shall be determined as set forth on
Schedule 9.
Section 5.03. OHS Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws. Prior to the
Effective Time, Olsten shall take all action necessary to cause the certificate
of incorporation and by-laws of OHS to be amended and restated substantially in
the form attached as an exhibit to the OHS Registration Statement at the time it
is declared effective.
Section 5.04. Credit Agreement. Prior to the Effective Time, Olsten shall
take all necessary action to amend or replace its Existing Credit Agreement so
as to release Quantum Health Resources, Inc. from any liability or obligation
with respect thereto from and after the Closing Date.
Section 5.05. Sales and Transfer Taxes. Olsten and OHS agree to cooperate
to determine the amount of sales or other transfer Taxes (including, without
limitation, all real estate, patent, copyright and trademark transfer Taxes and
recording fees) payable in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, but excluding any income or franchise Taxes or other Taxes imposed on
or measured by income (the "Transaction Taxes"); provided, that Olsten shall be
responsible for any Transaction Taxes payable in connection with the Merger.
Olsten agrees to file promptly and timely the returns for such Transaction Taxes
with the appropriate taxing authorities and remit payment of the Transaction
Taxes and OHS will join in the execution of any such tax returns or other
documentation. Payment of all Transaction Taxes, other than Transaction Taxes
paid in connection with the Merger, shall be the responsibility of OHS and shall
be reimbursed to Olsten by OHS promptly upon request by Olsten.
Section 5.06. Use of Names. (a) Following the Effective Time, OHS and the
Health Subsidiaries shall have the sole and exclusive ownership of and right to
use, as between Olsten and each of the Retained Subsidiaries, on the one hand,
and OHS and the Health Subsidiaries, on the other hand, the OHS Names, and each
of the trade marks, trade names, service marks and other proprietary rights
exclusively related to such OHS Names and any trade marks, trade names, service
marks or other proprietary rights mutually agreed among the parties prior to the
Effective Time (the "OHS Proprietary Name Rights"). Following the Effective
Time, Olsten and each of the Retained Subsidiaries shall have the sole and
exclusive ownership of and right to use, as between
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OHS and the Health Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Olsten and each of the
Retained Subsidiaries, on the other hand, the Olsten Names, and trade marks,
trade names, service marks and other proprietary rights related to such Olsten
Names other than the OHS Proprietary Name Rights and any trade marks, trade
names, service marks or other proprietary rights mutually agreed among the
parties prior to the Effective Time (the "Olsten Proprietary Name Rights").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the Olsten Names and Olsten
Proprietary Name Rights which are listed on Schedule 8 (the "Licensed Olsten
Names"), Olsten hereby grants to OHS and each of the Health Subsidiaries, a
royalty-free license in order for OHS and the Health Subsidiaries to continue to
use the Licensed Olsten Names and have the full privileges of a licensee with
respect to the Licensed Olsten Names for a period of one year following the
Effective Time.
(b) Following the Effective Time, (x) OHS shall, and shall cause its
subsidiaries and other Affiliates to, take all action reasonably necessary to
cease using, and change as soon as commercially practicable (including by
amending any charter documents), any corporate or other names which are the same
as or confusingly similar to any of the Olsten Names or any of the Olsten
Proprietary Name Rights, and (y) Olsten shall, and shall cause its subsidiaries
and other Affiliates to, take all action reasonably necessary to cease using,
and change as soon as commercially practicable (including by amending any
charter documents), any corporate or other names which are the same as or
confusingly similar to any of the OHS Names or any of the OHS Proprietary Name
Rights.
(c) The license granted pursuant to Section 5.06(a) shall include the right
to use existing brochures, stationery, labeling, supplies, advertising
materials, office materials and any similar materials bearing any Licensed
Olsten Names until the earlier of (i) the termination of the license, and (ii)
the date such existing materials are exhausted and Olsten and the Retained
Subsidiaries shall have the right to use existing brochures, stationery,
labeling, supplies, advertising materials, office materials and any similar
materials bearing any OHS Names until the earlier of (i) one year after the
Effective Time and (ii) the date such existing materials are exhausted; provided
that each such Party shall use their reasonable best efforts to (a) replace such
materials with materials that do not use the other's names as promptly as
practicable and (b) to the extent commercially practicable, indicate by sticker
affixed to such materials that the name being used is being used under temporary
limited license from the other party who is the owner or licensor of such name.
Section 5.07. Mail. After the Closing Date, each of Olsten and OHS may
receive mail, telegrams, packages and other communications properly belonging to
the other. Accordingly, at all times after the Effective Time, each of Olsten
and OHS authorizes the other to receive and open all mail, telegrams, packages
and other communications received by it and not unambiguously intended for the
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other party or any of the other party's officers or directors specifically in
their capacities as such, and to retain the same to the extent that they relate
to the business of the receiving party or, to the extent that they do not relate
to the business of the receiving party and do relate to the business of the
other party, or to the extent that they relate to both businesses, the receiving
party shall promptly contact the other party by telephone for delivery
instructions and such mail, telegrams, packages or other communications (or, in
case the same relate to both businesses, copies thereof) shall promptly be
forwarded to the other party in accordance with its delivery instructions. The
foregoing provisions of this Section 5.07 shall constitute full authorization to
the postal authorities, all telegraph and courier companies and all other
persons to make deliveries to Olsten or OHS, as the case may be, addressed to
either of them or to any of their officers or directors specifically in their
capacities as such. The provisions of this Section 5.07 are not intended to and
shall not be deemed to constitute an authorization by either Olsten or OHS to
permit the other to accept service of process on its behalf, and neither party
is or shall be deemed to be the agent of the other for service of process
purposes or for any other purpose.
Section 5.08. Transition Services. Following the Effective Time and ending
on the one year anniversary of the Effective Time (such period, the "Transition
Services Period"), Olsten shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to
provide, or make available, to OHS and the Health Subsidiaries, at such times
and in such amounts as may be reasonably requested by OHS, the following
services (the "Transition Services") and OHS will pay for such Transition
Services on a cost basis as agreed to by the parties:
(i) tax preparation and filing services;
(ii) legal services, to be provided by Olsten's general counsel and
other internal counsel to the extent consistent with applicable standards
of professional responsibility;
(iii) information and technology support services and administrative
and office services;
(iv) procurement services; and
(v) such other additional services as may be reasonably requested by
OHS; provided that the scope of any services, as well as the time and the
manner in which such services are to be provided, shall be mutually
agreeable between the parties.
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Following the end of the calendar month in which any Transition Services
are performed, Olsten shall provide to OHS an invoice (the "Transition Services
Invoice") setting forth in summary detail the Transition Services which were
provided during such calendar month and the appropriate cost thereof. OHS shall
pay Olsten, in a reasonably prompt manner (but in no event later than 30 days)
following the delivery by Olsten of a Transition Services Invoice, the amounts
due with respect to the Transition Services reflected on such Transition
Services Invoice.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all Transition Services
shall be performed with reasonable care, but no Party hereto shall have any
liability whatsoever to any other Party or any third party for any loss,
liability, damage, cost or deficiency suffered by any such person arising out of
or resulting from providing any Transition Services hereunder.
Section 5.09. Leases of Real Property. (a) Olsten and OHS shall jointly and
promptly review all instances in which (i) OHS or the Health Subsidiaries
maintain facilities in, or otherwise occupy, real property leased by Olsten or
the Retained Subsidiaries and (ii) Olsten or the Retained Subsidiaries maintain
facilities in or otherwise occupy, real property leased by a Health Subsidiary,
each as set forth on Schedule 7, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts
in each case to either (x) negotiate and enter into a written lease or sublease
incorporating terms and conditions which are fair to both parties, (y) assign
such lease to OHS or Olsten, as the case may be, and OHS or Olsten, as the case
may be, shall accept responsibility for such lease, or (z) terminate the
arrangement on mutually agreeable terms; provided, however, that the foregoing
shall not apply in any instance (A) involving facilities maintained, or real
property occupied by the Health Subsidiaries that are to be transferred to OHS
in accordance with Section 2.01 or (B) covered by a written lease agreement
between the parties in effect on the date hereof.
(b) OHS agrees that it will use its reasonable best efforts to promptly
(but in no event later than six months) after the Effective Time, relocate the
headquarters for the Health Services Business from 175 Broad Hollow Road,
Melville, New York 11747 (the "Main Headquarters"). Until the time when the
headquarters of the Health Service Business is relocated OHS shall be entitled
to occupy and use without charge office space at the Main Headquarters, as shall
be reasonably designated by Olsten as necessary to enable OHS and the Health
Subsidiaries to continue to conduct its current operations.
Section 5.10. Plea Agreements. OHS agrees to be bound by the terms of the
Plea Agreements dated July 19, 1999 between Kimberly Home Health Care, Inc. and
the United States of America, including those terms governing the retention and
production of information, records and testimony.
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Section 5.11. Insurance Policies and Claims Administration. (a) Policies
and Rights Included Within the Transferred OHS Assets. The Transferred OHS
Assets shall include: (i) any Health Services Business Policies and (ii) any and
all rights of the Health Subsidiaries under any Shared Policies covering (x)
Liabilities arising out of or relating to the conduct of the Health Services
Business prior to the Effective Time and (y) Liabilities arising out of or
relating to the conduct of the Retained Businesses prior to the Effective Time
to the extent any claim is made against OHS or any of the Health Subsidiaries
for such Liabilities, specifically including (in the case of (i) and (ii) above)
rights of indemnity and the right to be defended by or at the expense of the
insurer, with respect to all claims, suits, actions, proceedings, injuries,
losses, liabilities, damages and expenses and excluding rights covered by
Section 5.11(b).
(b) Policies and Rights Included Within the Retained Assets. The Retained
Assets shall include: (i) any Retained Businesses Policies and (ii) any and all
rights of Olsten and its subsidiaries under any Shared Policies covering (x)
Liabilities arising out of or relating to the conduct of the Retained Businesses
prior to the Effective Time and (y) Liabilities arising out of or relating to
the conduct of the Health Services Business prior to the Effective Time to the
extent any claim is made against Olsten or any of the Retained Subsidiaries for
such Liabilities, specifically including (in the case of (i) and (ii) above)
rights of indemnity and the right to be defended by or at the expense of the
insurer, with respect to all claims, suits, actions, proceedings, injuries,
losses, liabilities, damages and expenses.
(c) Olsten to Maintain Insurance Coverage Prior to Effective Time. (i)
Olsten shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain in full force and
effect, at all times up to and including the Effective Time, the Policies and
current coverages and limits of such Policies.
(ii) To the extent not already provided for by the terms of a Shared
Policy, Olsten shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause OHS and
the Health Subsidiaries, as appropriate, to be named as additional insureds
under each such Policy in respect of Covered Claims arising out of or relating
to periods prior to the Effective Time; provided, however, that nothing
contained herein shall be construed to require Olsten or any of the Retained
Subsidiaries to pay any additional premium or other charges in respect to, or
waive or otherwise limit any of its rights, benefits or privileges under, any
Shared Policy to effect the naming of OHS and the Health Subsidiaries as such
additional insureds.
(d) OHS Responsible for Establishing Insurance Coverage on and After
Effective Time. Commencing on and as of the Effective Time, OHS and each of the
Health Subsidiaries shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining its
own separate insurance programs for activities and claims relating to any period
on or after the Effective Time in-
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volving OHS or any of the Health Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding any other
agreement or understanding to the contrary, except as set forth in Section
5.11(e)(i) and (ii) with respect to claims administration and financial
administration of the Shared Policies, as of and after the Effective Time,
neither Olsten nor any of the Retained Subsidiaries shall have any
responsibility for or obligation to OHS or the Health Subsidiaries relating to
insurance matters for any period, whether prior to, at or after the Effective
Time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, from the date hereof to the Effective Time,
Olsten shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to transfer to OHS and the
Health Subsidiaries the Health Services Business Policies and to obtain
insurance (or binders therefor) providing coverage to OHS and the Health
Subsidiaries similar to the coverage provided to the Health Services Business by
the Shared Policies prior to the Split-Off.
(e) Administration and Procedure. (i) OHS and its subsidiaries appoint
Olsten or a Retained Subsidiary, as appropriate, to administer, in good faith,
all claims and finances relating to the Shared Policies, including the
prosecution of any actions for declaratory relief, "bad faith" or other
extra-contractual damages. From and after the Effective Time, Olsten or a
Retained Subsidiary, as appropriate, shall be responsible for the claims
administration and financial administration of all Shared Policies relating to
the assets, ownership or operation prior to the Effective Time of the Health
Services Business; provided, however, that the responsibility for claims
administration and financial administration of the Shared Policies are in no way
intended to limit, inhibit or preclude any right to insurance coverage under the
Shared Policies. Olsten shall be entitled to compensation for and reimbursement
of expenses incurred in connection with performing the claims administration and
financial administration of the Shared Policies on a cost basis, as agreed by
the parties and Olsten and OHS shall comply with the provisions of the second
paragraph of Section 5.08 with respect to billing and reimbursement. Olsten
shall use reasonable care and act in good faith with respect to each of its
obligations under Section 5.11.
(ii) OHS shall promptly notify Olsten of any Covered Claim relating to
OHS or any Health Subsidiary under one or more of the Shared Policies
relating to any period prior to the Effective Time, and OHS agrees to
cooperate and coordinate with Olsten concerning any strategy Olsten may
reasonably elect to pursue to secure coverage and payment for such Covered
Claim by the appropriate insurance carrier. Olsten shall have final
authority to compromise, settle or otherwise resolve any claim or action
under any Shared Policy, including, without limitation, decisions to
prosecute any action for declaratory relief, "bad faith" or other
extra-contractual damages; provided, that, as a condition to any compromise
or settlement of any such claim or action on behalf of OHS (x) Olsten
obtains a written release on behalf of OHS for such claim or action and (y)
if such settlement or compromise includes any remedy or relief against OHS,
other than monetary damages within the coverage limits of the
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applicable Shared Policy, Olsten shall, prior to entering into any such
compromise or settlement, obtain the consent of OHS, which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in
any other agreement or Shared Policy or any understanding to the contrary,
OHS or the appropriate Health Subsidiary assumes responsibility for, and
shall pay to the appropriate insurance carriers or otherwise, any premiums,
reporting endorsements, tails, noses, retroactive endorsements,
retrospectively-rated premiums, defense costs, indemnity payments,
deductibles, retentions or other charges, as appropriate (collectively,
"Insurance Charges"), whenever arising, which shall become due and payable
under the terms and conditions of any Shared Policy in respect of any
liabilities, losses, claims, actions or occurrences, whenever arising or
becoming known, involving or relating to any of the assets, businesses,
operations or liabilities of the Health Services Business, which charges
relate to the period after the Effective Time. To the extent that the terms
of any applicable Shared Policy provide that Olsten or a Retained
Subsidiary, as appropriate, shall have an obligation to pay or guarantee
the payment of any Insurance Charges, Olsten or such Retained Subsidiary
shall be entitled to demand that OHS or a Health Subsidiary make such
payment directly to the person or entity entitled thereto. In connection
with any such demand, Olsten shall submit to OHS or a Health Subsidiary a
copy of any invoice received by Olsten or any Retained Subsidiary
pertaining to such Insurance Charges, together with appropriate supporting
documentation, if available. In the event that OHS or any of the Health
Subsidiaries fails to pay any Insurance Charges when due and payable,
whether at the request of the party entitled to payment or upon demand by
Olsten or a Retained Subsidiary, Olsten or a Retained Subsidiary may (but
shall not be required to) pay such Insurance Charges for and on behalf of
OHS or the Health Subsidiary and, thereafter, OHS or the Health Subsidiary
shall forthwith reimburse Olsten or the Retained Subsidiaries for such
payment.
(iii) OHS or a Health Subsidiary, as appropriate, shall be responsible
for all Insurance Charges claims administration and financial
administration and risk management programs relating to the Health Services
Business Policies and any insurance policies established and maintained by
OHS and the Health Subsidiaries for claims relating to any period on or
after the Effective Time involving OHS or any of the Health Subsidiaries.
(f) Allocation of Insurance Proceeds of Shared Policies. Insurance Proceeds
received with respect to claims, costs and expenses under the Shared Policies
shall be paid to Olsten with respect to Covered Claims of Olsten and shall be
paid to OHS with respect to Liabilities related to Covered Claims of OHS.
Payment of the allocable portions of indemnity costs of Insurance Proceeds
resulting from Shared Policies will be made to the appropriate party upon
receipt from the insurance carrier. For purposes of the prior sentence,
Insurance Proceeds shall include any damages paid or received from prosecution
of claims on a Shared Policy for "bad faith" or extra-contractual damages. In
the event that the aggregate
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limits on any Shared Policies are exceeded by the aggregate outstanding Covered
Claims by Olsten and the Retained Subsidiaries and OHS and the Health
Subsidiaries and any of the Covered Claims of Olsten or the Retained
Subsidiaries relate to Liabilities arising out of the Health Services Business
(including, but not limited to, the Shareholder Liabilities) prior to the
Effective Time, Olsten shall be entitled to be paid in full all of the Insurance
Proceeds relating to such Liabilities of the Health Services Business prior to
payment of Insurance Proceeds relating to any other claims of Olsten and the
Retained Subsidiaries or OHS and the Health Subsidiaries. Thereafter, or in the
event there are no such Liabilities of Olsten relating the Health Services
Business prior to the Effective Time, the Insurance Proceeds shall be allocated
pro rata to Olsten and the Retained Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and OHS and
the Health Subsidiaries, on the other hand, based upon their respective bona
fide claims or in such other proportions as the parties shall agree based on an
equitable allocation of Insurance Proceeds. The parties agree to use
commercially reasonable efforts to maximize available coverage under the Shared
Policies applicable to it, and to take all commercially reasonable steps to
recover from all other responsible parties in respect of a Covered Claim to the
extent coverage limits under a Shared Policy have been exceeded or would be
exceeded as a result of such Insured Claim.
(g) Agreement for Waiver of Conflict and Shared Defense. In the event that
Covered Claims of both Olsten and OHS exist relating to the same occurrence,
Olsten and OHS agree to jointly defend and to waive any conflict of interest
necessary to the conduct of that joint defense. Nothing in this Section 5.11
shall be construed to limit or otherwise alter in any way the obligations of the
parties to this Agreement, including those created by this Agreement, by
operation of law or otherwise.
Section 5.12. Financial Covenants. (a) Immediately prior to the Effective
Time (after giving effect to the transactions contemplated herein):
(i) Indebtedness for borrowed money plus the deferred purchase price
of property less cash on hand of OHS and the Health Subsidiaries shall not
exceed $100 million.
(ii) Indebtedness for borrowed money plus the deferred purchase price
of property of OHS and the Health Subsidiaries shall not exceed $150
million.
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(iii) Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
of OHS and its subsidiaries during the period between July 4, 1999 and the
Effective Time shall not be less than $0 (excluding restructuring charges
in connection with the Split-Off) and sales for each of the full monthly
periods between the date hereof and the Effective Time shall average $100
million per month during such period.
(iv) OHS will have a committed credit facility with a borrowing
capacity of no less than $100 million.
(b) Olsten and OHS jointly represent, warrant and covenant that the
Retained Businesses and the Health Services Business shall, between the date
hereof and the Effective Time, be operated in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice, in nature, manner and amount, including, to the
extent practicable, as to levels and relationships of asset, liability, revenue,
expense, and cash flow items and totals within the respective businesses (it
being understood that unpaid amounts in respect of settlements of governmental
liabilities with respect to health care operations on terms previously disclosed
to Adecco, shall be considered ordinary course items). Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, with respect to Olsten, the Retained Subsidiaries
and the Retained Businesses and, through the True-Up Date, OHS and the Health
Services Business, neither Olsten nor OHS nor any of their respective
Subsidiaries shall, without the prior written consent of Adecco, directly or
indirectly:
(i) authorize, permit to make or make any capital expenditures other
than pursuant to the capital expenditure plan previously provided by Olsten
to Adecco, or fail to make any investments for capital expenditures
contemplated by such plan;
(ii) permit or make any change to the billing processes for services
rendered or otherwise, other than as may be related to planned system
improvements and the like, or in the processes, method or terms of
collection of accounts receivable;
(iii) cause or permit any discounting, factoring or securitization of
accounts receivables or any other securitization or consignment of any
assets;
(iv) permit or make any change in the aging of accounts payables or in
the payment practices for accounts payable in effect as of the date hereof
(which aging and payment practices are consistent with past practice); or
(v) except for cash transfers made, in the ordinary course of business
through and reflected in the intercompany loan balance, sell, transfer,
pledge, mortgage or otherwise dispose of or encumber any assets, except in
the ordinary course of business and in arms-length transactions and at
market rates (with the parties acknowledging that the management fees paid
consistent with past practice fall within such exception).
(c) To assure conformity with the provisions of clause (b) above and the
other provisions of this Section 5.12, the parties agree that it is the intent
of Section 5.03(a) of the Merger Agreement that representatives of Adecco
reasonably acceptable to Olsten shall be permitted to be present on a daily
basis at the headquarters and other facilities of Olsten to monitor compliance
with such provisions, and Olsten shall fully cooperate with and make all
information reasonably requested promptly available to such monitors. In
addition, and consistent with, and not by way of limitation of, Section 5.03(a)
of the Merger Agreement, the parties hereto agree and acknowledge that Olsten
shal provide Adecco with (y) pro-forma combined balance sheets, statements of
income, statements of cash flows and statements of shareholders equity as of the
close of business on each of the True-Up Date and the last day of each monthly
period thereafter up to the Closing Date of each of (i) Olsten and the Retained
Subsidiaries and (ii) OHS and the Health Subsidiaries, in each case, (A)
prepared in accordance with US GAAP and (B) giving effect to the Split-Off and
the provisions of Section 2.09 hereof and (z) all work papers of Olsten and OHS
and, as applicable, their respective independent public accountants as of such
dates or related to such balance sheets or statements and all other work papers
in respect of the separation of the Health Services Business and the Retained
Businesses contemplated hereby.
(d) The parties agree that any breach of this Section 5.12 by either Olsten
or OHS, other than breaches which are insignificant in both nature and effect,
shall cause a covenant of this Agreement to have been materially breached by
Olsten for purposes of Section 10.01(g) of the Merger Agreement and shall
provide Adecco with the right to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to such
Section 10.01(g), subject to the cure right contained therein.
Section 5.13. Tax Refund Escrow Account. Olsten agrees to deposit any cash
payments received prior to the Effective Time by Olsten from any Net Operating
Loss Refund Claim into an escrow account (the "Tax Refund Escrow Account") which
shall not be removed from such account until the earlier of (i) the Effective
Time, and (ii) the termination of the Merger Agreement.
Section 5.14. Worker's Compensation Letters of Credit. On the Closing Date,
OHS agrees to issue, or have issued on its behalf, a letter of credit to Olsten
in an amount equal to the amount of worker's compensation claims pending on the
Closing Date made by any OHS Employee prior to the Effective Time, as such
amount is mutually agreed upon among the parties hereto, determined on a basis
consistent with the Balance Sheet.
ARTICLE VI
RECORDS AND INFORMATION; ACCESS
Section 6.01. Corporate Records. (a) Each of Olsten and OHS shall arrange
as soon as practicable following the Closing Date for the delivery to the other
of existing corporate governance documents (e.g. minute books, stock registers,
stock certificates, documents of title, etc.) in its possession relating to the
other or to its business and affairs.
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(b) Except as otherwise required by law or agreed to in writing, each party
shall, and shall cause each of its respective subsidiaries to, retain all
information relating to the other party's business in accordance with the past
practice of such party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as provided in the
Tax Sharing Agreement, any party may destroy or otherwise dispose of any
information at any time, providing that, prior to such destruction or disposal,
(a) such party shall provide no less than 90 days prior written notice to the
other party, specifying the information proposed to be destroyed or disposed of,
and (b) if the recipient of such notice shall request in writing prior to the
scheduled date for such destruction or disposal that any of the information
proposed to be destroyed or disposed of be delivered to such requesting party,
the party proposing the destruction or disposal shall promptly arrange for the
delivery of such of the information as was requested at the expense of the
requesting party.
Section 6.02. Access to Information. From and after the Closing Date, each
of Olsten and OHS shall afford the other, including its accountants, counsel and
other designated representatives, reasonable access (including using reasonable
efforts to give access to persons or firms possessing information) and
duplicating rights during normal business hours to all records, books, contacts,
instruments, computer data and other data and information in such party's
possession relating to the business and affairs of the other (other than data
and information subject to an attorney/client or other privilege), insofar as
such access is reasonably required by the other party including, without
limitation, for audit, accounting and litigation purposes, as well as for
purposes of fulfilling disclosure and reporting obligations.
Section 6.03. Access to Employees. Each of Olsten and OHS shall use
reasonable efforts to make available to the other, upon written request, its
officers, directors, employees and agents as witnesses to the extent that such
persons may reasonably be required in connection with any legal, administrative
or other proceedings arising out of the business of the other prior to the
Closing Date in which the requesting party may from time to time be involved.
Section 6.04. Reimbursement. Each party providing information or witnesses
under Sections 6.02 or 6.03 to the other shall be entitled to receive from the
recipient, upon the presentation of invoices therefor, payment for all
out-of-pocket costs and expenses as may be reasonably incurred in providing such
information or witnesses.
Section 6.05. Confidentiality. Each party shall hold and shall cause its
directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants and advisors to hold, in
strict confidence, unless compelled to disclose by judicial or adminis-
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trative process or, in the opinion of its counsel, by other requirements of law,
all confidential, proprietary or other non-public information or trade secrets
concerning the other party except to the extent that such information can be
shown to have been (a) in the public domain through no fault of such party, or
(b) later lawfully acquired on a non-confidential basis from other sources by
the party to which it was furnished or (c) developed independently by the
representatives of such recipient. Neither party shall release or disclose any
such information to any other person, except its auditors, attorneys, financial
advisors, bankers and other consultants and advisors who shall be advised of and
comply with the provisions of this Section 6.05.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.01. Termination. In the event the Merger Agreement is terminated,
notwithstanding any provision hereof, Adecco shall automatically be released as
a party to this Agreement and this Agreement may be terminated and the Split-Off
abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by and in the sole discretion
of the Board of Directors of Olsten without the approval of OHS or the
stockholders of Olsten. In the event of such termination, no party shall have
any liability to any other party pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 7.02. Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended, except by an
instrument in writing signed on behalf of Olsten, OHS and Adecco.
Section 7.03. Waiver of Compliance; Consents. Rights under this Agreement
may be waived only by a written agreement signed by Olsten, OHS and Adecco. Any
waiver or failure to insist upon strict compliance with such obligation,
covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel
with respect to, any subsequent or other failure. Whenever this Agreement
requires or permits consent by or on behalf of any party hereto, such consent
shall be given in writing.
Section 7.04. Expenses. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement
or in an Ancillary Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with
the preparation, execution, delivery and implementation of this Agreement and
with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall
be paid by the party incurring the expense. The determination of who has
incurred an
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<PAGE>
expense shall be made by the Chief Financial Officer of Olsten, which
determination shall be binding and final upon each of the parties hereto and not
subject to further review.
Section 7.05. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall
be in writing and shall be delivered personally, by next-day courier or mailed
by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), first class postage
prepaid, or sent by facsimile, telegram or telex, to the parties at the
addresses specified below (or at such other address for a party as shall be
specified by like notice; provided that notices of a change of address shall be
effective only upon receipt thereof). Any such notice shall be effective upon
receipt, if personally delivered or telecommunicated, one day after delivery to
a courier for next-day delivery, or three days after mailing, if deposited in
the U.S. mail, first class postage prepaid.
If to Olsten prior to the Effective Time or OHS prior to or after the
Effective Time, to:
Olsten Corporation
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, New York 11747
Attention: Edward A. Blechschmidt
Telephone: (516) 844-7220
Telecopy: (516) 844-7335
With a copy to:
Cahill Gordon & Reindel
80 Pine Street
New York, New York 10005
Attention: Kenneth W. Orce, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 701-3000
Telecopy: (212) 269-5420
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<PAGE>
If to Adecco, prior to or after the Effective Time or to Olsten after the
Effective Time, to:
Adecco SA
1275 Cheserex
Switzerland
Attention: Felix A. Weber
Telephone: 011 41 21 321 6666
Telecopy: 011 41 21 321 6688
With a copy to:
Latham & Watkins
633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: Thomas W. Dobson, Esq.
Telephone: (213) 485-1234
Telecopy: (213) 891-8763
With a copy to:
Baer & Karrer
Rechtsanwaelte
Seefeldstrasse 19
8024 Zurich
Switzerland
Attention: PD Dr. Rolf Watter
Telephone: 011 41 1 26 1 5150
Telecopy: 011 41 25 1 3025
Section 7.06. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.
Section 7.07. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws
of the State of New York (regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern
under applicable New York principles of conflicts of law) as
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<PAGE>
to all matters, including but not limited to matters of validity, construction,
effect, performance and remedies. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably and
unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts
of the State of New York and of the United States of America located in the
State of New York (the "New York Courts") for any litigation arising out of or
relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (and agrees
not to commence any litigation relating thereto except in such courts), waives
any objection to the laying of venue of any such litigation in the New York
Courts and agrees not to plead or claim in any New York Court that such
litigation brought therein has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each of
the parties hereto hereby agrees to service of process in any litigation arising
out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby by
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to it at its address
for notice specified in Section 7.05.
Section 7.08. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the schedules and
exhibits hereto, together with the Ancillary Agreements, embodies the entire
agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect to the subject
matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings
among the parties with respect thereto. There are no representations, promises,
warranties, covenants or undertakings by any party, other than those expressly
set forth or referred to herein.
Section 7.09. Assignment; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and
all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, but
neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder
shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto without the prior written consent
of the other parties. Nothing contained in this Agreement, expressed or implied,
is intended to confer any benefits, rights or remedies upon any person or
entity, other than Olsten, OHS and Adecco and, in accordance with Article IV,
the Olsten Indemnitees and the OHS Indemnitees.
Section 7.10. Ancillary Agreements. If any of the terms of this Agreement
are inconsistent with the terms of an Ancillary Agreement regarding the specific
matters covered by such Ancillary Agreement, then the terms of such Ancillary
Agreement shall govern.
Section 7.11. Tax Sharing Agreement. Other than as provided in Section
4.11, Section 5.05 and clause (iv) of the definition of OHS Liabilities, this
Agreement shall not govern any Tax, and any and all
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<PAGE>
claims, losses, damages, demands, costs, expenses, liabilities, refunds,
deductions, write-offs, or benefits relating to Taxes shall be exclusively
governed by the Tax Sharing Agreement.
Section 7.12. Further Assurances and Consents. In addition to the actions
specifically provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, each of the parties
hereto will use its reasonable best efforts to (i) execute and deliver such
further instruments and documents and take such other actions as any other party
may reasonably request in order to effectuate the purposes of this Agreement and
to carry out the terms hereof and (ii) take, or cause to be taken, all actions,
and to do, or cause to be done, all things, reasonably necessary, proper or
advisable under applicable laws, regulations and agreements or otherwise to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
including, without limitation, using its reasonable efforts to obtain any
consents and approvals and to make any filings and applications necessary or
desirable in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement; provided that no party hereto shall be obligated to pay any
consideration therefor (except for filing fees and other similar charges) to any
third party from whom such consents, approvals and amendments are requested or
to take any action or omit to take any action if the taking of or the omission
to take such action would be unreasonably burdensome to the party or its
business. In connection with the consummation of the transaction contemplated
hereby, the persons listed on Schedule 10 are designated to act as the
"Transition Team" and are authorized to act on behalf of Adecco, Olsten and OHS
in taking any action necessary to consummate the Split-Off. The persons listed
on Schedule 10 who are Adecco employees are authorized to deliver the consent of
Adecco if such consent is required by the terms of this Agreement.
Section 7.13. Exhibits and Schedules. The exhibits and schedules hereto
shall be construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same
extent as if the same had been set forth verbatim herein.
Section 7.14. Legal Enforceability. Any provision of this Agreement which
is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof. Any such
prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or
render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without prejudice
to any rights or remedies otherwise available to any party hereto, each party
hereto acknowledges that from and after the Effective Time damages would be an
inadequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and agrees
that the obligations of the parties hereunder shall be specifically enforceable.
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<PAGE>
Section 7.15. Dispute Resolution. (a) Except as otherwise set forth in
Sections 2.06 and 2.08(c), resolution of any and all disputes arising after the
Effective Time from or in connection with this Agreement or any of the Ancillary
Agreements, whether based on contract, tort, statute or otherwise, including,
but not limited to, disputes over arbitrability and disputes in connection with
indemnification for claims by third parties (collectively, "Disputes") shall be
exclusively governed by and settled in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 7.15; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall preclude
either party from seeking or obtaining (a) injunctive relief or (b) equitable or
other judicial relief to enforce the provisions hereof or to preserve the status
quo pending resolution of Disputes hereunder.
(b) Any party hereto (each a "Party") may commence proceedings hereunder by
delivering a written notice to the other Party providing a reasonable
description of the Dispute to the other (the "Demand").
(c) Promptly following a Demand, the Dispute shall be referred to
representatives of the parties for decision, each party being represented by a
senior executive officer who has no direct operational responsibility for the
matters contemplated by this Agreement (the "Representatives"). The
Representatives shall promptly meet in a good faith effort to resolve the
dispute. If the Representatives do not agree upon a decision within 30 calendar
days after reference of the matter to them, each of Olsten and OHS shall be free
to exercise the remedies available to them under Section 7.15(d).
(d) The parties hereby agree to submit all Disputes not resolved by
negotiation pursuant to Section 7.15(c) to arbitration under the terms hereof,
which arbitration shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the parties, their
successors and assigns. The arbitration shall be conducted in New York by three
arbitrators (the "Panel") acting by majority vote selected by agreement of the
Parties not later than 10 days after the failure of the Representatives to
resolve the dispute as set forth in Section 7.15(c) or, failing such agreement,
by three arbitrators appointed pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of
the American Arbitration Association, as amended from time to time (the "AAA
Rules"). If an arbitrator so selected becomes unable to serve, his or her
successors shall be similarly selected or appointed. The arbitration shall be
conducted pursuant to the United States Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. ss. 1, et seq.
and such procedures as the Parties may agree, or, in the absence of or failing
such agreement, pursuant to the AAA Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in
connection with such arbitration: (a) each Party shall have the right to audit
the books and records of the other Party that are reasonably related to the
Dispute; (b) each Party shall provide to the other, reasonably in advance of any
hearing, copies of all documents which a Party intends to present in such
hearing; (c) each party shall be allowed to conduct reasonable discovery through
written requests for information, document requests, requests to admit and
deposi-
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<PAGE>
tions, the nature and extent of which discovery shall be determined by the
Panel, taking into account the needs of the Parties and the desirability of
making discovery expeditious and cost effective. All hearings shall be conducted
on an expedited schedule, and all proceedings shall be confidential. Either
party may at its expense make a stenographic record thereof. The Panel shall
make a final award not later than 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing
and receipt of any post-hearing submissions requested by the Panel. The award
shall be in writing and shall specify the factual and legal basis for the award.
The fees and expenses of the arbitrators shall be shared equally by the Parties
and advanced by them from time to time as required; provided that at the
conclusion of the arbitration, the Panel shall allocate costs and expenses
(including the costs of the arbitration previously advanced and the fees and
expenses of attorneys, accountants and other experts) and interest as the Panel
determines is appropriate among the parties. The arbitrators, whether the Panel
or those arbitrators appointed under the AAA Rules, shall not be empowered to
award to any Party any consequential damages, lost profits or punitive damages
in connection with any Dispute and each party hereby irrevocably waives any
right to recover such damages.
Section 7.16. Titles and Headings. The article and section headings
contained in this Agreement are solely for the purpose of reference, are not
part of the agreement of the parties and shall not in any way affect the meaning
or interpretation of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, (i) the term
"Person" shall mean and include an individual, a partnership, a joint venture, a
corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization and a government or any
department or agency thereof and (ii) the term "subsidiary" of any specified
corporation shall mean any corporation of which at least a majority of the
outstanding securities having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the
board of directors is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such
specified corporation, any person of which such corporation is a general
partner, or any other person of which at least a majority of the equity
interests therein is, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by such
specified corporation.
Section 7.17. Survival of Representations and Agreements. All
representations, warranties and agreements of the parties hereto contained in
this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time.
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<PAGE>
Separation Agreement
Signature Page
THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISIONS WHICH MAY BE
ENFORCED BY THE PARTIES.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
Olsten Corporation,
a Delaware corporation
By: /s/ Edward A. Blechschmidt
------------------------------------
Name: Edward A. Blechschmidt
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Aaronco Corp.,
a Delaware corporation
By: /s/ Edward A. Blechschmidt
-------------------------------------
Name: Edward A. Blechschmidt
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
Adecco S.A.,
a societe anonyme organized
under the laws of Switzerland
By: /s/ John P. Bowmer
----------------------------------------
Name: John P. Bowmer
Title: Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Felix A. Weber
----------------------------------------
Name: Felix A. Weber
Title: Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ALLOCATION AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ALLOCATION AGREEMENT is made as of the 17th day of
August, 1999, by and between Olsten Corporation, a Delaware corporation
(together with its successors and permitted assigns, "Olsten"), and Aaronco
Corp., a Delaware corporation (together with its successors and permitted
assigns, "OHS").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, pursuant to a Separation Agreement ("Separation Agreement") dated
as of August 17, 1999, by and between Olsten and OHS (i) the assets and
liabilities related to the Health Services Business (as defined in the
Separation Agreement) will be transferred to OHS and (ii) all the outstanding
shares of OHS will be split off to the shareholders of Olsten in consideration
for the redemption of a portion of the common stock of Olsten ("Split-Off") as
of the Effective Time (as defined in the Separation Agreement).
WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth their understanding regarding
their respective rights and obligations concerning certain employee benefit and
related matters relative to plans, programs and practices currently maintained
by Olsten for the benefit of employees, officers, directors and former
employees, officers and directors of Olsten and its affiliates;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, covenants and agreements
set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound (subject to shareholder
approval of the Separation Agreement) the parties hereto do hereby agree as
follows:
1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the
meanings given to them in the Separation Agreement. As used herein, the
following terms have the following meanings:
"COBRA" means Code Section 4980B and ERISA Sections 601 through 608, and
any applicable state law establishing employer requirements for continuation of
health care, life insurance or other Welfare Plan benefits for the benefit of
certain current and former employees or dependents thereof.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Employee" means with respect to any entity, an individual who is
considered, according to the payroll and other records of such entity, to be
employed by such entity, regardless of whether such individual is, at the
relevant time, actively at work or on leave of absence (including vacation,
holiday, sick leave, family and medical leave, disability leave, military leave,
jury duty, layoff with rights of recall, and any other leave of absence or
similar interruption of active employment that is not considered, according to
the policies or practices of such entity, to have resulted in a permanent
termination of such individual's employment), but excluding any individual who
is, as of the relevant time, on long-term disability leave.
<PAGE>
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
"OHS Employee" means (i) any individual who, at the Effective Time, is
actively employed in the Health Services Business, or who, with respect to the
Health Services Business, is on vacation, approved illness absence, short-term
disability, authorized leave of absence (including leave under the Family and
Medical Leave Act) or military service leave of absence as of the Effective Time
and becomes an employee of the OHS Group after the Effective Time, (ii) any
former employee of the Olsten Group who was, at the time of his or her
termination of employment, employed in the Health Services Business or (iii)
Anthony H. Reeves.
"OHS Group" means OHS and its subsidiaries.
"OHS Qualified Beneficiary" means any OHS Employee (or dependent or
beneficiary thereof) who, at or before the Effective Time, was a Qualified
Beneficiary under any Olsten Welfare Plan.
"Olsten Employee" means any current or former employee of the Olsten Group
other than a OHS Employee.
"Olsten Group" means Olsten and its subsidiaries.
"Olsten Qualified Beneficiary" means a Qualified Beneficiary who,
immediately following the Split-Off, is not a OHS Qualified Beneficiary and who,
immediately prior to the Split-Off, was a Qualified Beneficiary under any Olsten
Welfare Plan.
"Olsten Retained Business" means any business or operation of Olsten or its
subsidiaries which is, pursuant to the Separation Agreement, to be conducted by
Olsten following the Split-Off.
"Plan" means any plan, policy, arrangement, contract or agreement providing
compensation benefits for any group of Employees or individual Employees
(including former Employees) or the dependents or beneficiaries of any such
Employee, whether formal or informal or written or unwritten, and including,
without limitation, any means, whether or not legally required, pursuant to
which any benefit is provided by an employer to any such Employee or the
beneficiaries of any such Employee, existing at the Effective Time or prior
thereto.
"Qualified Beneficiary" means an individual (or dependent thereof) who
either (a) experiences a "qualifying event" (as that term is defined in Code
Section 4980B(f)(3) and ERISA Section 603) while a participant in any Plan which
provides health benefits or (b) becomes a "qualified beneficiary" (as that term
is defined in Code Section 4980B(g)(1) and ERISA 607(3)) under any Plan which
provides health benefits.
2
<PAGE>
"Welfare Plan" shall mean any Plan which provides medical, health,
disability, accident, life insurance, death, dental or any other welfare
benefit, including, without limitation, any post-employment welfare benefit, but
excluding vacation benefits covered under Section 11.
2. Transfer of Employees.
(a) Olsten and OHS shall take all steps necessary or appropriate so that
all of the Employees of Olsten and its subsidiaries are allocated between the
Olsten Retained Business and the Health Services Business in accordance with the
principles set forth in Section 2(b) below, and so that each individual who is
so allocated to the Health Services Business is, as of the Effective Time and
immediately following the Split-Off, an Employee of a member of the OHS Group,
and each individual who is so allocated to the Olsten Retained Business is, as
of the Effective Time and immediately following the Split-Off, an Employee of a
member of the Olsten Group.
(b) In making the allocation provided for in Section 2(a), Olsten and OHS
shall allocate each Employee who is primarily engaged in the Olsten Retained
Business to the Olsten Group and each Employee who is primarily engaged in the
Health Services Business to the OHS Group. All other Employees shall be
allocated in a mutually agreeable manner that, to the extent possible, takes
into account (i) the Employees' expertise, experience and existing positions and
duties, (ii) the likelihood of unreasonably disrupting either the Olsten
Retained Business or the Health Services Business and (iii) maximizing the
ability of each of the Olsten Group and the OHS Group to manage and operate
their respective businesses after the Effective Time, taking into account the
respective needs of such businesses as established by past practice, and with a
view towards maximizing the value and effectiveness of both the Olsten Retained
Business and the Health Services Business.
(c) Olsten and OHS each agree that, between the date hereof and the
Effective Time, Employees will not be transferred between the Olsten Retained
Business or Health Services Business except (i) as necessary to effect the
allocation pursuant to this Section 2 or (ii) in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice.
(d) As of the Effective Time, Olsten shall assume all obligations and
liabilities for, and arising under all employment and change in control
agreements with respect to Olsten Employees, and OHS shall have no liability or
obligation with respect thereto. As of the Effective Time, OHS shall assume all
obligations and liabilities for and arising under all employment and change in
control agreements with respect to OHS Employees (the "OHS Employment
Agreements"), and Olsten shall have no liability or obligation with respect
thereto. OHS shall take, or cause to be taken, all action necessary and
appropriate to assume, effective as of the Effective Time, all OHS Employment
Agreements, with such changes as may be necessary to reflect the change in the
employer thereunder and such other changes as OHS shall determine. Such OHS
Employment Agreements shall otherwise have the same terms and conditions as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, except that references to
employment by, or termination of employment with, Olsten and its affiliates
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<PAGE>
shall be changed to references to employment by or termination of employment
with OHS and its affiliates. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to
the contrary, except as otherwise set forth in the Separation Agreement, Olsten
shall retain responsibility for its obligations under (i) the Separation,
Consulting and Non-Competition Agreements between Albert, Olsten and the
following individuals dated August 17, 1999: Edward A. Blechschmidt, William R.
Costantini, Stuart Olsten and Anthony J. Puglisi and (ii) the Separation,
Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement between Olsten and Maureen McGurl dated
August 17, 1999; and OHS shall have no liability under such Agreements.
(e) As of the Effective Time, (i) Olsten shall retain all liabilities
relating to or arising out of claims made by or on behalf of Olsten Employees
for, or with respect to, benefits under any Plan, contract, agreement, statute,
regulation or other arrangement that provides for the payment of severance pay,
salary continuation, pay in lieu of notice, unused vacation pay, or similar
benefits in connection with actual or constructive termination or alleged actual
or constructive termination of employment (collectively, "Termination Benefits")
relating to the actual or constructive termination or alleged actual or
constructive termination of employment of any Olsten Employee with any member of
the Health Services Business or the Olsten Retained Business, whether before, at
or after the Effective Time, and (ii) OHS shall assume all liabilities relating
to or arising out of claims made by or on behalf of OHS Employees for, or with
respect to, Termination Benefits relating to the actual or constructive
termination or alleged actual or constructive termination of employment of any
OHS Employee with any member of the Health Services Business or the Olsten
Retained Business, whether before, at or after the Effective Time.
3. Allocation of Employee Liabilities.
(a) At the Effective Time, except to the extent retained or assumed by
Olsten under this Agreement, OHS shall retain or assume, as the case may be,
responsibility as employer for the OHS Employees. At the Effective Time, except
to the extent assumed by OHS under this Agreement, Olsten shall retain
responsibility as employer for the Olsten Employees.
(b) As of the Effective Time, OHS shall assume, retain and be liable for
all wages, salaries, welfare, pension, incentive compensation and other
employee-related liabilities and obligations ("Employee Liabilities") with
respect to the OHS Employees and their dependents and beneficiaries, except as
specifically provided otherwise in this Agreement, and Olsten shall have no
further liability with respect thereto. As of the Effective Time, Olsten shall
assume, retain and be liable for Employee Liabilities with respect to Olsten
Employees and their dependents and beneficiaries, except as specifically
provided otherwise in this Agreement, and OHS shall have no further liability
with respect thereto.
4. Benefit Obligations and Plan Coverage.
(a) Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, or as otherwise
agreed by the parties hereto, (i) Olsten shall retain all benefit obligations
and all related rights
4
<PAGE>
in connection with any Plan with respect to Olsten Employees, and OHS shall have
no further liability with respect thereto, and (ii) as of the Effective Time,
OHS shall assume all benefit obligations and all related rights in connection
with any Plan with respect to OHS Employees and Olsten shall have no further
liability with respect thereto.
(b) OHS Employees shall not continue to be participants in Plans maintained
by the Olsten Group after the Effective Time and, instead, shall be eligible to
participate in applicable Plans maintained by OHS, as determined by OHS, as of
the Effective Time. OHS shall treat service of each OHS Employee with the Olsten
Group before the Effective Time as if such service had been with OHS for
purposes of determining eligibility to participate, eligibility for benefits,
benefit forms and vesting under Plans maintained by OHS.
5. Qualified Savings Plans.
(a) Olsten currently maintains the Olsten Retirement Savings Plan and the
Olsten 1996 Caregiver/Assignment Employee 401(k) Plan (collectively, the "Olsten
Savings Plans"). OHS shall establish or otherwise maintain by, or as soon as
practicable after, the Effective Time one or more defined contribution savings
plans designed to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code, and to preserve
"protected benefits", within the meaning of Code Section 411(d)(6), accrued by
OHS Employees who are participants under the Olsten Savings Plans as of the
Effective Time (the "OHS Savings Plans"). OHS Employees will receive credit for
all service with the Olsten Group for purposes of eligibility and vesting under
the OHS Savings Plans.
(b) As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Olsten and OHS shall
cause the trustees of the Olsten Savings Plans to transfer to the trustees or
other funding agents of the OHS Savings Plans, assets (the "Transferred Assets")
of the Olsten Savings Plans equal to the aggregate account balances of the OHS
Employees and their dependents and beneficiaries under the Olsten Savings Plans,
such amounts to be established as account balances or accrued benefits of such
individuals under the OHS Savings Plans. Each such transfer shall comply with
Section 414(1) of the Code and the requirements of ERISA and the regulations
promulgated thereunder. OHS shall cause the trustees or other funding agents of
the OHS Savings Plans to accept the plan-to-plan transfer from the Olsten
Savings Plans trustees, and to credit the accounts of such OHS Employees under
the OHS Savings Plans with amounts transferred on their behalf. The transfer to
the OHS Savings Plans shall be made in cash, securities, other property, or
notes evidencing plan loans to OHS Employees, and any outstanding balances of
plan loans to OHS Employees shall be transferred with the underlying accounts.
The account balances of the OHS Employees shall be valued as of the date on
which their transfer is made, which value shall include the earnings, gains and
losses, appreciation and depreciation of the investment funds in which the
accounts are invested through the date on which the transfer is made.
(c) Effective on the date of the transfer of assets of the Olsten Savings
Plans to the OHS Savings Plans, (i) OHS and the OHS Savings Plans shall assume
all liabilities to pay benefits in connection with the Transferred Assets, and
(ii) Olsten and the
5
<PAGE>
Olsten Savings Plans shall have no further liability to pay benefits with
respect to the Transferred Assets and any liabilities that are transferred.
(d) OHS and Olsten shall each make timely payment of their respective
portion of all contributions due and unpaid under the Olsten Savings Plans for
the period prior to the Effective Time. For purposes of the preceding sentence,
the respective portions of any contributions due to the Olsten Savings Plans for
the period prior to the Effective Time shall be based on the following rules:
(1) the contributions attributable to OHS Employees shall be allocated to OHS,
and (2) the contributions attributable to Olsten employees shall be allocated to
Olsten. From and after the Effective Time, (i) matching and discretionary
contributions under the Olsten Savings Plans with respect to Olsten Employees
(and there dependents and beneficiaries) will be made solely by Olsten pursuant
to the terms of the Olsten Savings Plans, and (ii) matching and discretionary
contributions under the OHS Savings Plans with respect to OHS Employees (and
their dependents and beneficiaries) will be made solely by OHS pursuant to the
terms of the OHS Savings Plans.
(e) Olsten and OHS shall, in connection with the plan-to-plan transfer
described in this Section 5, cooperate in making any and all appropriate filings
required by the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS"), or required under the Code or ERISA or any applicable
securities laws and the regulations thereunder, and take all such action as may
be necessary and appropriate to cause such plan-to-plan transfer to take place
as soon as practicable after the Effective Time or otherwise when required by
law. Further, OHS shall seek a favorable IRS determination letter that the OHS
Savings Plans as organized, satisfy all qualification requirements under Section
401(a) of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such plan-to-plan transfers
shall take place pending issuance of such favorable determination letter. OHS
shall make any necessary amendments on a retroactive basis to the OHS Savings
Plans as required by the IRS to issue the favorable determination letter
described above.
(f) Olsten shall be responsible for all liabilities incurred by Olsten or
OHS as a result of any failure of the Olsten Savings Plans to be qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Code. OHS shall be responsible for all liabilities
incurred by Olsten or OHS as a result of any failure of the OHS Savings Plans to
be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code.
(g) The Olsten Group also maintains the IMI Systems Inc. Savings and
Investment Plan and the IMI Systems Inc. Associates 401(k) Plan (collectively,
the "IMI Plans") for the benefit of the employees of its information technology
services business. Olsten and its subsidiaries shall retain the IMI Plans and
all liability with respect thereto.
6. Nonqualified Retirement and Savings Plans.
(a) Prior to or on the Effective Time, Olsten shall amend the Olsten
Nonqualified Retirement Plan for Selected Management Employees, the Olsten
Supplemental Retirement Plan, the Olsten Nonqualified Savings Plan for Selected
Management Employees,
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the Olsten Executive Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan and the Olsten
Nonqualified Retirement and Savings Plan (collectively, the "Olsten Nonqualified
Plans") to provide that OHS Employees and their dependents and beneficiaries
shall cease accruing benefits thereunder as of the Effective Time, and that no
benefits shall thereafter be payable under the Olsten Nonqualified Plans to OHS
Employees or their dependents or beneficiaries.
(b) As of the Effective Time, OHS shall establish or otherwise make
available by, or as soon as practicable after, such date nonqualified plans
substantially similar to the Olsten Nonqualified Plans (collectively, the "OHS
Nonqualified Plans"), corresponding to the Olsten Nonqualified Plans, and shall
assume, under such plans, all liabilities and obligations with respect to OHS
Employees under the Olsten Nonqualified Plans prior to the Effective Time. All
such liabilities and obligations shall cease to be liabilities or obligations of
Olsten as of the Effective Time.
(c) No termination of an Employee's employment shall be deemed to occur for
purposes of the OHS Nonqualified Plans as a result of any actions taken pursuant
to this Agreement or otherwise as a result of the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement, provided that the
Employee remains continuously employed by the OHS Group.
(d) As soon as practicable following the Effective Time, OHS shall
establish one or more trusts to be used in connection with the OHS Nonqualified
Plans (the "OHS Trusts") for the purpose of aiding in the provision of benefits
under its OHS Nonqualified Plans. As of the Effective Time, Olsten shall cause
the trustees of the trust agreements under the Olsten Nonqualified Plans (the
"Olsten Trusts") to transfer to the trustees of the corresponding OHS Trusts any
amounts held in the Olsten Trusts attributable to the benefits of OHS Employees.
7. Welfare Benefit Plans.
(a) Olsten currently maintains the Olsten medical plan, dental plan and
other "employee welfare benefit plans," within the meaning of Section 3(l) of
ERISA (collectively, the "Olsten Welfare Plans"), for the benefit of employees
of Olsten and affiliates and their dependents. Effective as of the Effective
Time, OHS shall establish or otherwise maintain medical, dental and other
welfare plans with substantially similar benefits as the Olsten Welfare Plans
("OHS Welfare Plans"). OHS will offer coverage under the OHS Welfare Plans to
OHS Employees and their dependents immediately after the Effective Time and
shall provide that such employees and dependents shall be eligible for immediate
participation in the OHS Welfare Plans with no interruption of coverage and
shall credit the period of coverage under the Olsten Welfare Plans toward any
preexisting conditions limited under the OHS Welfare Plans. All charges and
expenses of such OHS Employees and their eligible dependents which were applied
to the deductible and out-of-pocket maximums under Olsten' medical or dental
plans during the plan year of OHS in which the Effective Time falls shall be
credited toward any deductible and out-of-pocket maximum applicable in such OHS
plan year. For purposes of this Section 7, a health benefit claim is incurred
when the medical
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services are rendered, and a life insurance claim is incurred when the covered
person dies. A claim for a hospital admission shall be deemed to have been
incurred on the date of admission to the hospital and shall continue for the
duration of that period of hospital confinement, and costs for all services
provided during that period of hospital confinement shall be included in the
claim. A long-term disability claim shall be deemed to have been incurred on the
date the condition causing the disability rendered the employee disabled.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, as of the Effective Time, (i)
Olsten shall assume or retain and shall be responsible for, or cause its
insurance carriers or HMOs to be responsible for, all liabilities and
obligations related to claims asserted or incurred or premiums owed or due as of
and after the Effective Time in respect of any Olsten Employee and his or her
dependents under any Olsten Welfare Plan, and OHS shall have no liability or
obligation with respect thereto, and (ii) OHS shall assume or retain and shall
be responsible for, or cause its insurance carriers or HMOs to be responsible
for, all liabilities and obligations related to claims asserted or incurred or
premiums owed or due as of and after the Effective Time in respect of any OHS
Employee and his or her dependents under any OHS Welfare Plan, and Olsten shall
have no liability or obligation with respect thereto.
(c) As of the Effective Time, Olsten shall be solely responsible for, or
cause its insurance carriers or HMOs to be responsible for, providing and
administering the continuation coverage required by COBRA as it relates to any
Olsten Qualified Beneficiary, and OHS shall have no liability or obligation with
respect thereto. As of the Effective Time, OHS shall be solely responsible for,
or cause its insurance carriers or HMOs to be responsible for, providing and
administering the continuation coverage required by COBRA as it relates to any
OHS Qualified Beneficiary, and Olsten shall have no liability or obligation with
respect thereto.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Olsten shall permit participants (and
their eligible dependents) to remain covered under the Olsten Welfare Plans
through the end of the month in which the Effective Time occurs and OHS or its
successor shall promptly reimburse Olsten for claims incurred during such period
by such participants and their eligible dependents.
8. Flexible Spending Accounts. OHS shall establish at or as soon as
practicable after the Effective Time a flexible spending account plan designed
to qualify under Code Section 125 containing both a health care spending account
and a dependent care spending account (the "OHS Flex Plan") with features
substantially similar to those maintained under the Olsten Flexible Spending
Plan (the "Olsten Flex Plan") as of the Effective Time. Those participants in
the Olsten Flex Plan who are OHS Employees shall be eligible for immediate
participation in the OHS Flex Plan. OHS shall assume and fully perform, pay and
discharge all obligations and liabilities of Olsten and the Olsten Flex Plan for
and with respect to the accounts of those Olsten Flex Plan participants who are
OHS Employees.
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9. Equity-Based Compensation Plans. OHS agrees to assume the options to
purchase Olsten stock held by OHS Employees in accordance with the provisions of
Section 2.05 of the Merger Agreement.
10. Olsten Bonus Plans. OHS shall be responsible for annual bonus payments
for OHS Employees in respect of the calendar year during which the Effective
Time occurs, and Olsten shall have no liability with respect thereto. Olsten
shall be responsible for annual bonus payments for Olsten Employees in respect
of the calendar year during which the Effective Time occurs, and OHS shall have
no liability with respect thereto.
11. Vacation and Sick Pay Liabilities. As of the Effective Time, (i) Olsten
shall retain and shall be responsible for all accrued liabilities (whether
vested or unvested, and whether funded or unfunded) as of the Effective Time for
vacation and sick leave in respect of all Olsten Employees and (ii) OHS shall
assume and shall be responsible for all accrued liabilities (whether vested or
unvested, and whether funded or unfunded) as of the Effective Time for vacation
and sick leave in respect of all OHS Employees. From and after the Effective
Time, (x) Olsten shall be solely responsible for the payment to Olsten Employees
of vacation or sick leave accrued after the Effective Time and (y) OHS shall be
solely responsible for the payment to OHS Employees of vacation or sick leave
accrued after the Effective Time.
12. Payroll Reporting and Withholding.
(a) Olsten and OHS may adopt the "alternative procedure" for preparing and
filing IRS Forms W-2 (Wage and Tax Statements), as described in Section 5 of
Revenue Procedure 84-77, 1984-2 IRS Cumulative Bulletin 753 ("Rev. Proc.
84-77"). Under this procedure, OHS as the successor employer shall provide all
required Forms W-2 to all OHS Employees reflecting all wages paid and taxes
withheld by both Olsten as the predecessor and OHS as the successor employer for
the entire year during which the Split-Off takes place. Olsten shall provide all
required Forms W-2 to all Olsten Employees reflecting all wages and taxes paid
and withheld by Olsten before and after the Effective Time. In connection with
the aforesaid agreement under Rev. Proc. 84-77, each business unit or business
operation of Olsten shall be assigned to either Olsten or OHS , depending upon
whether it is a Olsten Retained Business or a Health Services Business, and each
Olsten Employee or OHS Employee associated with such business unit or business
operation shall be assigned for payroll reporting purposes to Olsten or OHS, as
the case may be. Olsten and OHS shall be responsible for filing IRS Forms 941
for their respective Employees.
(b) Olsten and OHS may adopt the alternative procedure of Rev. Proc. 84-77
for purposes of filing IRS Forms W-4 (Employee's Withholding Allowance
Certificate) and W-5 (Earned Income Credit Advance Payment Certificate). Under
this procedure Olsten shall provide to OHS all IRS Forms W-4 and W-5 on file
with respect to each OHS Employee, and OHS will honor these forms until such
time, if any, that such OHS Employee submits a revised form.
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(c) With respect to garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and
wage assignments in effect with Olsten at the Effective Time, OHS shall honor
such payroll deduction authorizations with respect to OHS Employees and will
continue to make payroll deductions and payments to the authorized payee, as
specified by the court or governmental order which was filed with Olsten at or
before the Effective Time, and Olsten will continue to make such payroll
deductions and payments to authorized payees with respect to Olsten Employees.
(d) As of the Effective Time, Olsten shall assume or retain and shall be
responsible for, or cause its insurance carriers or HMOs to be responsible for,
all liabilities and obligations related to claims asserted or incurred or
premiums owed as of and after the Effective Time for post-retirement medical or
life benefits in respect of any Olsten Employee under any Plan and claims
asserted or incurred or premiums due after the Effective Time in respect of any
Olsten Employee under any such Plan, and OHS shall have no liability or
obligation with respect thereto. As of the Effective Time, OHS shall assume or
retain and shall be responsible for, or cause its insurance carriers or HMOs to
be responsible for, all liabilities and obligations related to claims asserted
or incurred or premiums owed as of and after the Effective Time for
post-retirement medical or life benefits in respect of any OHS Employee under
any Plan and claims asserted or incurred or premiums due after the Effective
Time in respect of any OHS Employee under any such Plan, and Olsten shall have
no liability or obligation with respect thereto.
13. Labor and Employment Matters. Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Agreement or any other agreement between Olsten and OHS to the contrary,
Olsten and OHS understand and agree that:
(a) At and after the Effective Time and the separation of Employees into
their respective companies, Olsten and OHS will be separate and independent
employers.
(b) With regard to Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement
or other labor agreement at the Effective Time who are Olsten Employees and
become OHS Employees, Olsten and OHS promise and covenant to each other not to
take any action which disrupts or otherwise negatively impacts the labor
relations of the other. Olsten and OHS will diligently work to substitute the
appropriate employer for Olsten in such collective bargaining agreements and
other labor agreements with respect to OHS Employees.
(c) As of the Effective Time, Olsten shall assume all obligations and
liabilities for, and arising under all release and/or separation agreements with
respect to former Employees of Olsten whose last employment with Olsten was with
a Olsten Retained Business, and OHS shall have no liability or obligation with
respect thereto. As of the Effective Time, OHS shall assume all obligations and
liabilities for, and arising under all release and/or separation agreements with
respect to former Employees of Olsten whose last employment with Olsten was with
the Health Services Business, and Olsten shall have no liability or obligation
with respect thereto.
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14. Workers' Compensation. As of the Effective Time, (i) Olsten shall
assume or retain and shall be responsible for, or cause its insurance carriers
to be responsible for, all liabilities and obligations related to workers'
compensation claims asserted or benefits relating to any occupational illnesses
and injuries prior to and after the Effective Time in respect of any Olsten
Employee, and OHS shall have no liability or obligation with respect thereto,
and (ii) OHS shall assume or retain and shall be responsible for, or cause its
insurance carriers to be responsible for, subject to Section 5.11 of the
Separation Agreement with respect to pre-Effective Time Claims, all liabilities
and obligations related to workers' compensation claims asserted or benefits
relating to any occupational illnesses and injuries incurred prior to and after
the Effective Time in respect of any OHS Employee, and Olsten shall have no
liability or obligation with respect thereto.
15. Other Employee Benefit Plans. All Plans maintained by the Olsten Group
not specifically described herein, and all assets, obligations and liabilities
thereunder, shall be apportioned and allocated between Olsten and OHS based on
the relative participation in and accrued benefits under such Plan by Olsten
Employees and OHS Employees, respectively, in accordance with the general terms
and principles of this Agreement.
16. Non-U.S. Plans Generally. All Plans maintained by the Olsten Group (the
"Foreign Plans") which provide benefits to Employees located outside the United
States, including without limitation expatriates, and to expatriate Employees
located in the United States, and all assets, obligations and liabilities
thereunder, shall be apportioned and allocated between Olsten and OHS based on
the relative participation in and accrued benefits under such Foreign Plan by
Olsten Employees and OHS Employees, respectively, in accordance with the general
terms and principles of this Agreement. Any transfer of assets or liabilities
from a Foreign Plan shall be made on the basis of reasonable methods and
assumptions determined by the local actuarial firm that is, as of the date of
this Agreement, serving as the actuary for such Foreign Plan (or another
actuarial firm if the parties hereto so agree) (the "Local Actuary"), in
accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, local practice and
the past practice of Olsten, provided that each of Olsten and OHS shall be
entitled to review such methods and assumptions and object to them if they are
unreasonable, and to review all calculations and determinations of the Local
Actuary for accuracy.
17. Relationship of Parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed or
construed by the parties hereto or any third party as creating the relationship
of principal and agent, partnership or joint venture between the parties hereto,
it being understood and agreed that no provision contained herein, and no act of
the parties hereto, shall be deemed to create any relationship between such
parties other than the relationship set forth herein.
18. Access to Information; Cooperation. The parties hereto shall provide
one another with such information within the scope of this Agreement as is
reasonably necessary to administer each party's Plans. The parties hereto shall
cooperate with each other to minimize the disruption caused by any such access
and providing of information.
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19. Reimbursement. Olsten and OHS acknowledge that Olsten, on the one hand,
and OHS, on the other hand, may incur costs and expenses, including, but not
limited to, contributions to Plans and the payment of insurance premiums arising
from or related to any of the Plans which are, as set forth in this Agreement,
the responsibility of the other party hereto. Accordingly, Olsten and OHS shall
reimburse each other, as soon as practicable, but in any event within thirty
(30) days of receipt from the other party hereto of appropriate verification,
for all such costs and expenses.
20. Credit for Service Prior to the Effective Time. An OHS Employee shall
be given credit for all years of service with the Olsten Group performed prior
to the Effective Time with respect to matters of employment generally, including
participation in employee benefit plans, arrangements or practices, whether or
not such service credit is expressly provided for elsewhere in this Agreement as
to any particular employee benefit plan, arrangement or practice.
21. Amendment or Termination of Employee Benefit Plans. Except as otherwise
expressly provided herein, nothing in this Agreement is intended or does in fact
limit the ability of Olsten or OHS, as applicable, in its sole discretion, from
amending or terminating any employee benefit plan, arrangement or practice which
it now maintains or may hereafter establish at any time or for any reason;
provided, however, that neither party shall amend any Plan to the extent that
such amendment would have the effect of increasing the liabilities of the other
party under any Plan of the other party, without such other party's consent.
22. Further Assurances. Each party covenants that it will execute such
additional instruments and take such actions as may be reasonably requested by
the other to confirm or perfect or otherwise carry out the intent and purposes
of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, sharing of participant
information as necessary to facilitate administration of employee benefit plans,
arrangements and practices.
23. No Waiver. No failure by either party to insist upon the strict
performance of any term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement, or
to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon an event of default hereunder,
shall constitute a waiver of any such default or of such term, covenant,
condition or provision or a waiver or relinquishment for the future of the right
to insist upon and to enforce by any appropriate legal remedy a strict
compliance with all the terms, covenants, conditions and provision of this
Agreement, or of the right to exercise any such rights or remedies, if any
default by the other party be continued or repeated. No breach of this Agreement
shall be waived except as set forth in a written instrument executed by the
party waiving such breach. No waiver of any breach shall affect or alter this
Agreement but every term, covenant, condition and provision of this Agreement
shall continue in full force and effect with respect to any other existing or
subsequent breach hereof. Any failure on the part of any party hereto to comply
with any of its obligations hereunder may be waived by the other party.
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24. Captions. The captions of the Sections of this Agreement have been
inserted solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute a part of
this Agreement, nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.
25. Amendment of Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by a written
agreement duly executed by each of the parties hereto.
26. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to the
principles of conflict of laws thereof, to the extent not preempted by federal
law.
27. Multiple Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple
counterparts, each of which shall be regarded for all purposes as an original
constituting but one and the same instrument.
28. Severability. If any one or more of the Sections, sentences or other
portions of this Agreement shall be determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, the invalidity of any such Section, sentence, or
other portion of this Agreement shall in no way affect the validity or
effectiveness of the remainder of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall
continue in force to the fullest extent permitted by law.
29. Assignments. Except as otherwise provided herein, no party hereto shall
give, assign or pledge its rights under this Agreement without the written
consent of the other parties.
30. Notices; Demands; Requests. All notices, demands and requests to be
given or made hereunder to or by any party shall be in writing and hand
delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested)
or sent by any means of electronic message transmission with delivery confirmed
(by voice or otherwise) to the parties at the following addresses and will be
deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:
(a) As to Olsten, prior to the Effective Time and OHS, prior to and after
the Effective Time:
Olsten Corporation
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, New York
Attention: Edward A. Belchschmidt
Telephone: (516) 844-7220
Telecopy: (516) 844-7335
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With a copy to:
Cahill Gordon & Reindel
80 Pine Street
New York, New York 10005
Attention: Kenneth W. Orce, Esq.
(b) As to Adecco, prior to or after the Effective Time or to Olsten after
the Effective Time, to:
Adecco SA
1275 Cheserex
Switzerland
Attention: Felix A. Weber
Telephone: 011 41 21 321 6666
Telecopy:
With a copy to:
Latham & Watkins
633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: Thomas W. Dobson, Esq.
Telephone: (213) 485-1234
Telecopy: (213) 891-8763
With a copy to:
Baer & Karrer
Rechtsanwaelte
Seefeldstrasse 19
8024 Zurich
Switzerland
Attention: PD Dr. Rolf Watter
Telephone: 011 41 1 26 1 5150
Telecopy: 011 41 25 1 3025
Any of such addressees and addresses may be changed at any time upon
written notice given in accordance with this Section to the other party by the
party effecting the change. Any time periods commencing with notice prescribed
by the terms of this Agreement shall commence with the date of receipt of
written notice as provided under this Section.
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31. Survival of Covenants. All covenants set forth herein shall survive the
execution of this Agreement.
32. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of
the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes
all other prior and contemporaneous agreements, undertakings, negotiations,
discussions and representations, oral or written, between the parties.
33. Specific Performance. This Agreement and each and every provision
hereof shall be specifically enforceable. Each party hereto upon the
introduction and presentation to the applicable court having jurisdiction over
the matter of evidence showing a material breach by the other party hereto shall
be entitled to injunctive relief mandating specific performance. In addition,
each party shall have all of the rights and remedies conferred in this Agreement
or now or hereafter conferred at law or in equity, which rights and remedies are
cumulative.
34. No Third Party Beneficiaries. No person or entity shall be deemed to be
a third party beneficiary with respect to the obligations of any party hereto.
35. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective legal representatives,
successors and assigns.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Agreement have caused their
corporate names to be subscribed by officers duly authorized as of the date
first set forth above.
OLSTEN CORPORATION
By:
------------------------------------
Name: Edward A. Blechschmidt
Title: President and Chief
Executive Officer
AARONCO CORP.
By:
------------------------------------
Name: William P. Costantini
Title: Executive Vice President
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EXHIBIT B
TAX SHARING AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into as of August 17, 1999 by and between Olsten
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Olsten"), Aaronco Corp., a Delaware
corporation ("OHS"), and Adecco SA, a societe anonyme organized under the laws
of Switzerland ("Adecco"). Olsten and OHS are sometimes collectively referred to
herein as the "Companies." Capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined
in Section 1 below. Unless otherwise indicated, all "Section" references in this
Agreement are to sections of this Agreement.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Olsten is the common parent of an
affiliated group of corporations, including OHS, which has elected to file
consolidated federal income tax returns;
WHEREAS, the Companies have entered into a Separation Agreement setting
forth the corporate transactions pursuant to which Olsten will effect the
Split-Off;
WHEREAS, as a result of the Split-Off, OHS and its subsidiaries will cease
to be members of the affiliated group of which Olsten is the common parent,
effective as of the Split-Off Date; and
WHEREAS, the Companies desire to provide for and agree upon the allocation
between the parties of liabilities for Taxes arising prior to, as a result of,
and subsequent to the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement, and
to provide for and agree upon other matters relating to Taxes;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein,
the Companies hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Agreement (including
the recitals hereof), the following terms have the following meanings:
"Accounting Cutoff Date" means, with respect to an entity, any date as of
the end of which there is a closing of the financial accounting records for such
entity.
"Accounting Firm" shall have the meaning provided in Section 13.
"Adecco" means Adecco SA, a societe anonyme organized under the laws of
Switzerland, and any successor.
<PAGE>
-2-
"Adjustment Request" means any formal or informal claim or request filed
with any Tax Authority, or with any administrative agency or court, for the
adjustment, refund, or credit of Taxes, including without limitation (a) any
amended Tax return claiming adjustment to the Taxes as reported on a Tax Return
or, if applicable, as previously adjusted, or (b) any claim for refund or credit
of Taxes previously paid.
"Affiliate" means any entity that directly or indirectly is "controlled" by
the person or entity in question. "Control" means the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of a person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by
contract or otherwise. Except as otherwise provided herein, the term Affiliate
shall refer to Affiliates of a person as determined immediately after the
Split-Off.
"Agreement" shall mean this Tax Sharing Agreement.
"Allocated Federal Tax Liability" shall have the meaning provided in
Section 5.01(b)(i).
"Code" means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any
successor law.
"Companies" means Olsten and OHS, collectively, and "Company" means either
Olsten or OHS.
"Consolidated Or Combined Income Tax" means any Income Tax computed by
reference to the assets and activities of members of more than one Group.
"Consolidated Or Combined State Income Tax" means any State Income Tax
computed by reference to the assets and activities of members of more than one
Group.
"Consolidated Tax Liability" means, with respect to any Olsten Federal
Consolidated Return, the "tax liability of the group" as that term is used in
Treasury Regulation Section 1.1552-1(a)(1) (including applicable interest,
additions to the tax, additional amounts, and penalties as provided in the
Code), adjusted as follows:
(i) such tax liability shall be treated as including any alternative
minimum tax liability under Code Section 55; and
(ii) in the case of the Tax Period which includes the Split-Off Date,
the Consolidated Tax Liability shall be computed as if the Split-Off Date
were the last day of the Tax Period.
<PAGE>
-3-
"Cumulative Federal Tax Payment" shall have the meaning provided in Section
5.01(b)(ii).
"Effective Time" shall have the meaning provided in the Merger Agreement.
"Federal Allocation Method" shall have the meaning provided in Section
2.02(a).
"Federal Income Tax" means any Tax imposed by Subtitle A or F of the Code.
"Foreign Income Tax" means any Tax imposed by any foreign country or any
possession of the United States, or by any political subdivision of any foreign
country or United States possession, which is an income tax as defined in
Treasury Regulation Section 1.901-2.
"Group" means the Olsten Group or the OHS Group, as the context requires.
"Income Tax" means any Federal Income Tax, State Income Tax, or Foreign
Income Tax.
"Joint Adjustment" means any proposed adjustment by a Tax Authority or
claim for refund asserted in a Tax Contest which is neither an OHS Adjustment
nor a Olsten Adjustment.
"Merger Agreement" means an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among
Adecco, Staffing Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub") and
Olsten dated as of August 17, 1999.
"OHS" means Aaronco Corp., a Delaware corporation, and any successor.
"OHS Adjustment" means any proposed adjustment by a Tax Authority or claim
for refund asserted in a Tax Contest to the extent OHS would be exclusively
liable for any resulting Tax (or exclusively liable for an indemnification
payment (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 4.06(f))) under this
Agreement or exclusively entitled to receive any resulting Tax Benefit under
this Agreement.
"OHS Common Stock" means the shares of common stock, par value $.01, per
share, of OHS.
"OHS Consolidated NOL" means the portion of any consolidated or combined
net operating loss reported on any original Olsten Federal Consolidated Return
or original Consolidated or Combined State Income Tax Return that is
attributable to one or more members of the OHS Group.
<PAGE>
-4-
"OHS Group" means OHS and its Affiliates as determined immediately after
the Split-Off.
"OHS Group Prior Federal Tax Liability" shall have the meaning provided in
Section 2.02(b)(i)(B).
"OHS Group Prior State Tax Liability" shall have the meaning provided in
Section 2.03(b)(ii)(A)(ii).
"OHS Group Recomputed Federal Tax Liability" shall have the meaning
provided in Section 2.02(b)(i)(A).
"OHS Group Recomputed State Tax Liability" shall have the meaning provided
in Section 2.03(b)(ii)(A)(1).
"Olsten" means Olsten Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and any
successor.
"Olsten Adjustment" means any proposed adjustment by a Tax Authority or
claim for refund asserted in a Tax Contest to the extent Olsten would be
exclusively liable for any resulting Tax (or exclusively liable for an
indemnification payment) under this Agreement or exclusively entitled to receive
any resulting Tax Benefit under this Agreement.
"Olsten Common Stock" means, collectively, the outstanding shares of common
stock, par value $.10 per share, and the Class B common stock, par value $.10
per share, of Olsten.
"Olsten Federal Consolidated Return" means any United States federal Tax
Return for the affiliated group (as that term is defined in Code Section 1504)
that includes Olsten as the common parent and includes any member of the OHS
Group.
"Olsten Group" means Olsten and its Affiliates, excluding any entity that
is a member of the OHS Group.
"Payment Date" means, (i) with respect to any Olsten Federal Consolidated
Return, the due date for any required installment of estimated taxes determined
under Code Section 6655, the due date (determined without regard to extensions)
for filing the return determined under Code Section 6072, and the date the
return is filed, and (ii) with respect to any Tax Return for any Consolidated or
Combined State Income Tax, the corresponding dates determined under the
applicable Tax Law.
"Post-Split-Off Period" means any Tax Period beginning after the Split-Off
Date and, in the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of such Straddle
Period beginning the day after the Split-Off Date.
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"Pre-Split-Off Period" means any Tax Period ending on or before the
Split-Off Date and, in the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of such
Straddle Period ending on the Split-Off Date.
"Prime Rate" means the base rate on corporate loans charged by The Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A., New York, New York from time to time, compounded daily on
the basis of a year of 365 or 366 (as applicable) days and actual days elapsed.
"Prior Intercompany Tax Allocation Agreements" means any written or oral
agreement or any other arrangements relating to allocation of Taxes existing
between or among the Olsten Group and/or the OHS Group as of the Split-Off Date
(other than this Agreement and the Separation Agreement and other than any such
agreement or arrangement between or among persons who are members of a single
Group).
"Responsible Company" means, with respect to any Tax Return, the Company
having responsibility for preparing and filing such Tax Return under this
Agreement.
"Restructuring Income Taxes" means (i) any incremental Income Taxes imposed
on the Olsten Group or the OHS Group solely as a result of pre-Effective Time
transfers of assets (including, without limitation, any stock or other debt or
equity interests in entities) or liabilities pursuant to the Separation
Agreement (including, without limitation, any Income Taxes resulting from the
triggering of deferred intercompany gains or excess loss accounts), whether or
not liability for such Income Taxes is triggered by the Split-Off and (ii) any
incremental Income Taxes imposed on the Olsten Group or the OHS Group that are
not described in clause (i) and that result solely from the triggering of any
deferred intercompany gains or excess loss accounts by virtue of the Split-Off
(other than an excess loss account with respect to the stock of OHS), computed,
under both clause (i) and clause (ii), without taking into account any net
operating loss arising in the Olsten Federal Consolidated Returns or
Consolidated or Combined State Income Tax Returns.
"Section 311(b) Taxes" means any incremental Income Taxes imposed on Olsten
as a result of the distribution of OHS stock pursuant to the Split-Off, pursuant
to Section 311(b) of the Code (or any similar provision of state or local law)
and/or as a result of triggering an excess loss account with respect to the
stock of OHS, computed without taking into account any net operating loss
arising in the Olsten Federal Consolidated Returns or Consolidated or Combined
State Income Tax Returns.
"Separate Company Tax" means any Tax computed by reference to the assets
and activities of a member or members of a single Group.
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"Separation Agreement" means the agreement, as amended from time to time,
setting forth the corporate transactions required to effect the Split-Off, and
to which this Tax Sharing Agreement is attached as an exhibit.
"Split-Off" means the distribution by Olsten of all of the outstanding OHS
Common Stock in redemption of a portion of the outstanding Olsten Common Stock.
"Split-Off Date" means the date on which the Split-Off occurs.
"State Income Tax" means any Tax imposed by any State of the United States
or by any political subdivision of any such State which is imposed on or
measured by net income, including state and local franchise or similar Taxes
measured by net income.
"Straddle Period" means any Tax Period that begins on or before and ends
after the Split-Off Date.
"Tax" or "Taxes" means (i) any income, gross income, gross receipts,
profits, capital stock, franchise, withholding, payroll, social security,
workers compensation, unemployment, disability, property, ad valorem, stamp,
excise, severance, occupation, service, sales, use, license, lease, transfer,
import, export, value added, alternative minimum, estimated or other similar tax
(including any fee, assessment, or other charge in the nature of or in lieu of
any tax) imposed by any governmental entity or political subdivision thereof,
(ii) any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect
of the foregoing and (iii) any transferee, successor, joint and several or
contractual liability for any item described in clauses (i) or (ii).
"Tax Authority" means, with respect to any Tax, the governmental entity or
political subdivision thereof that imposes such Tax, and the agency (if any)
charged with the collection of such Tax for such entity or subdivision.
"Tax Benefit" means any refund, credit, or other reduction in otherwise
required Tax payments (including any reduction in estimated tax payments).
"Tax Contest" means an audit, review, examination, or any other
administrative or judicial proceeding with the purpose or effect of
redetermining Taxes of any of the Companies or their Affiliates (including any
administrative or judicial review of any claim for refund) for any Tax Period
ending on or before the Split-Off Date or any Straddle Period.
"Tax Contest Committee" shall have the meaning provided in Section 8.02(b).
"Tax Item" means, with respect to any Income Tax, any item of income, gain,
loss, deduction, and credit.
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"Tax Law" means the Law of any governmental entity or political subdivision
thereof relating to any Tax.
"Tax Period" means, with respect to any Tax, the period for which the Tax
is reported as provided under the Code or other applicable Tax Law.
"Tax Records" means Tax Returns, Tax Return workpapers, documentation
relating to any Tax Contests, and any other books of account or records required
to be maintained under the Code or other applicable Tax Laws or under any record
retention agreement with any Tax Authority.
"Tax Return" means any report of Taxes due, any claims for refund of Taxes
paid, any information return with respect to Taxes, or any other similar report,
statement, declaration, or document required to be filed under the Code or other
Tax Law, including any attachments, exhibits, or other materials submitted with
any of the foregoing, and including any amendments or supplements to any of the
foregoing.
"Transactions" means the transactions contemplated by the Separation
Agreement.
"Treasury Regulations" means the regulations promulgated from time to time
under the Code as in effect for the relevant Tax Period.
Section 2. Allocation of Tax Liabilities. The provisions of this Section 2
are intended to determine each Company's liability for Taxes with respect to
Pre-Split-Off Periods. Once the liability has been determined under this Section
2, Section 5 determines the time when payment of the liability is to be made,
and whether the payment is to be made to the Tax Authority directly or to
another Company.
2.01 General Rule.
(a) Olsten Liability. Olsten shall be liable for all Taxes not specifically
allocated to OHS under this Section 2, including, without limitation, all Taxes
specifically allocated to Olsten under this Section 2. Olsten shall indemnify
and hold harmless OHS from and against any liability for Taxes which Olsten is
liable under this Section 2.01(a).
(b) OHS Liability. OHS shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Olsten Group from and against any liability for, Taxes which are
specifically allocated to OHS under this Section 2.
(c) Treatment of Certain Deductions. For all purposes of this Agreement,
any disallowance on or after the date hereof, pursuant to Section 280G of the
Code (or any similar state or local provision), of the deduction for payments
made to Anthony H. Reeves taken by
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Olsten on the original Olsten Federal Consolidated Return and Consolidated or
Combined State Income Tax Returns for the taxable year ended January 1, 1995, in
connection with the merger of Lifetime Corporation with and into Olsten, shall
be treated as a disallowed deduction of a member of the OHS Group. Thus, for
example, in determining the OHS Group Recomputed Federal Tax Liability, the OHS
Group Prior Federal Tax Liability, the OHS Group Recomputed State Tax Liability
and the OHS Group Prior State Tax Liability, any such disallowed deduction shall
be treated as an adjustment to the taxable income (or loss) of the OHS Group at
the time such disallowance occurs.
2.02 Allocation of United States Federal Income Tax.
(a) Allocation of Tax Relating to Olsten Federal Consolidated Returns Filed
After the Effective Time. With respect to any Olsten Federal Consolidated Return
filed after the Effective Time (excluding any amended return), the Consolidated
Tax Liability shall be allocated between the Groups in accordance with the
method prescribed in Treasury Regulation Section 1.1552-1(a)(1) (as in effect on
the date hereof) determined by treating each Group as a single member of the
consolidated group (the "Federal Allocation Method"). For purposes of such
allocation, the excess, if any, of (i) Consolidated Tax Liability over (ii)
Consolidated Tax Liability determined without regard to any alternative minimum
tax liability under Code Section 55 shall be allocated between the Groups in
accordance with their respective amounts of alternative minimum taxable income,
and any corresponding alternative minimum tax credit shall be allocated in
accordance with the allocation of such alternative minimum tax liability. Any
amount so allocated to the OHS Group shall be a liability of OHS to Olsten under
this Section 2. Amounts described in Code Section 1561 (relating to limitations
on certain multiple benefits) shall be divided equally among the Olsten Group
and the OHS Group to the extent permitted by the Code.
(b) Allocation of Olsten Federal Consolidated Return Tax Adjustments. If
there is any adjustment to the reported Tax liability with respect to any Olsten
Federal Consolidated Return, or to such Tax liability as previously adjusted,
OHS shall be liable to Olsten for the lesser of:
(i) the excess (if any) of:
(A) the Consolidated Tax Liability of the OHS Group computed as
if all members of the OHS Group included in the Tax Return had filed a
consolidated Tax Return for such members based on the Tax Items of
such members as so adjusted, and computed without taking into account
any items of income for which Tax liability is allocated pursuant to
Section 2.04 and any carryback of net operating losses arising in the
Olsten Federal Consolidated Returns for the taxable years ended
January 3, 1999 and all subsequent Tax Periods, to the extent such net
operating losses are reflected in
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the Olsten Federal Consolidated Returns as originally filed (the "OHS
Group Recomputed Federal Tax Liability"); over
(B) the Consolidated Tax Liability of the OHS Group computed as
if such members of the OHS Group had filed a consolidated Tax Return
for such members based on the Tax items of such members as originally
reported (or, if applicable, as previously adjusted, but only if such
Consolidated Tax Liability as previously adjusted exceeds such
Consolidated Tax Liability as originally reported), and computed
without taking into account any items of income for which Tax
liability is allocated pursuant to Section 2.04 and any carryback of
net operating losses arising in the Olsten Federal Consolidated
Returns for the taxable years ended January 3, 1999 and all subsequent
Tax Periods, to the extent such net operating losses are reflected in
the Olsten Federal Consolidated Returns as originally filed (the "OHS
Group Prior Federal Tax Liability"); or
(ii) the amount determined under clause (i)(A).
If the OHS Group Prior Federal Tax Liability exceeds the OHS Group
Recomputed Federal Tax Liability, Olsten shall be liable to OHS for such excess,
but only to the extent that the OHS Group Prior Federal Tax Liability
immediately before the adjustment exceeds the OHS Group Prior Federal Tax
Liability as originally reported. For purposes of this Section 2.02(b), if the
OHS Group has a net operating loss after taking into account the adjustments
allocable to such group, the OHS Group Recomputed Federal Tax Liability shall be
less than zero to the extent such net operating loss produces a Tax Benefit in
consolidation for any taxable year. For purposes of this paragraph, the
determination and payment of estimated Taxes (including the determination and
payment of any Tax required to be paid with a request for an extension of time
to file a Tax Return) shall not be treated as an adjustment to the related
Consolidated Tax Liability.
2.03 Allocation of State Income Taxes. State Income Taxes shall be
allocated as follows:
(a) Separate Company Taxes. In the case of any State Income Tax which
is a Separate Company Tax, OHS shall be liable for any such Tax imposed on
any members of the OHS Group.
(b) Consolidated or Combined State Income Taxes. In the case of any
Consolidated or Combined State Income Tax, the liability of OHS with
respect to such Tax for any Tax Period shall be computed as follows:
(i) Allocation of Tax Reported on Tax Returns Filed After the
Effective Time. In the case of any Consolidated or Combined State
Income Tax
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reported on any Tax Return filed after the Effective Time (excluding
any amended return), OHS shall be liable to Olsten for the State
Income Tax liability computed as if all members of the OHS Group
included in the computation of such Tax had filed a Consolidated or
Combined Tax Return for such OHS Group members based on the income,
apportionment factors, and other items of such members.
(ii) Allocation of Combined or Consolidated State Income Tax
Adjustments. If there is any adjustment to the amount of Consolidated
or Combined State Income Tax reported on any Tax Return, or as
previously adjusted, the liability of the OHS Group shall be
recomputed as provided in this subparagraph. OHS shall be liable to
Olsten for the lesser of
(A) the excess (if any) of:
(1) the State Income Tax liability computed as if all
members of the OHS Group included in the Tax Return had
filed a consolidated or combined Tax Return for such members
based on the income, apportionment factors, and other items
of such members as so adjusted, and computed without taking
into account any items of income for which Tax liability is
allocated pursuant to Section 2.04 and any carryback of net
operating losses arising in a Consolidated or Combined State
Income Tax Return for the taxable years ended January 3,
1999 and all subsequent Tax Periods, to the extent such net
operating losses are reflected in the Olsten Consolidated or
Combined State Income Tax Returns as originally filed (the
"OHS Group Recomputed State Tax Liability"); over
(2) the State Income Tax liability computed as if such
members of the OHS Group had filed a consolidated or
combined Tax Return for such members based on the income,
apportionment factors, and other items of such members as
originally reported (or, if applicable, as previously
adjusted, but only if such Tax Liability as previously
adjusted exceeds such Tax Liability as originally reported),
and computed without taking into account any items of income
for which Tax liability is allocated pursuant to Section
2.04 and any carryback of net operating losses arising in a
Consolidated or Combined State Income Tax Return for the
taxable years ended January 3, 1999 and all subsequent Tax
Periods, to the extent such net operating losses are
reflected in the Olsten Consolidated or Combined State
Income Tax Returns as originally filed (the "OHS Group Prior
State Tax Liability"); or
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(B) the amount determined under clause (A)(1)
If the OHS Group Prior State Tax liability exceeds the OHS Group Recomputed
State Tax liability, Olsten shall be liable to OHS for such excess, but only to
the extent that the OHS Group Prior State Tax Liability immediately before the
adjustment exceeds the OHS Group Prior State Tax Liability as originally
reported. For purposes of this Section 2.03(b), if the OHS Group has a net
operating loss after taking into account the adjustments allocable to such
group, the OHS Group Recomputed State Tax Liability shall be less than zero to
the extent such net operating loss produces a Tax Benefit in consolidation for
any taxable year.
For purposes of this paragraph, the determination and payment of estimated
Taxes (including the determination and payment of any Tax required to be paid
with a request for an extension of time to file a Tax Return) shall not be
treated as an adjustment to the related Consolidated or Combined State Income
Tax.
2.04 Restructuring Income Taxes and Section 311(b) Taxes. All Restructuring
Income Taxes shall be allocated 50% to Olsten and 50% to OHS, and all Section
311(b) Taxes shall be allocated 100% to OHS.
2.05 Allocation of Other Taxes. All Taxes other than Income Taxes shall be
allocated based on the legal entity on which the primary legal incidence of the
Tax is imposed. As between the parties to this Agreement, OHS shall be liable
for all non-Income Taxes imposed on any member of the OHS Group. The Companies
believe that there is no non-Income Tax not specifically allocated pursuant to
Sections 2.02, 2.03 and 2.04 which is legally imposed on more than one legal
entity (e.g., joint and several liability); however, if there is any such Tax,
it shall be allocated in accordance with past practices as reasonably determined
by the affected Companies (as long as there is a reasonable basis to conclude
that the past practice at issue complies with applicable law), or in the absence
of such practices, in accordance with any allocation method agreed upon by the
affected Companies.
Section 3. Proration of Taxes for Straddle Periods
3.01 General Method of Proration. In the case of any Straddle Period, Tax
Items shall be apportioned between Pre-Split-Off Periods and Post-Split-Off
Periods in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Section
1.1502-76(b) as reasonably interpreted and applied by the Companies. No election
shall be made under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(ii) (relating to
ratable allocation of a year's items). If the Split-Off Date is not an
Accounting Cutoff Date, the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section
1.1502-76(b)(2)(iii) will be applied to ratably allocate the items (other than
extraordinary items) for the month which includes the Split-Off Date.
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3.02 Transaction Treated as Extraordinary Item. In determining the
apportionment of Tax Items between Pre-Split-Off Periods and Post-Split-Off
Periods, any Tax Items relating to the Transactions shall be treated as an
extraordinary item described in Treasury Regulation Section
1.1502-76(b)(2)(ii)(C) and shall be allocated to Pre-Split-Off Periods, and any
Taxes related to such items shall be treated under Treasury Regulation Section
1.1502-76(b)(2)(iv) as relating to such extraordinary item and shall be
allocated to Pre-Split-Off Periods.
Section 4. Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns.
4.01 General. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 4, Tax Returns
shall be prepared and filed when due (including extensions) by the person
obligated to file such Tax Returns under the Code or applicable Tax law. The
Companies shall provide, and shall cause their Affiliates to provide, assistance
and cooperate with one another in accordance with Section 6 with respect to the
preparation and filing of Tax Returns, including providing information required
to be provided in Section 7.
4.02 Olsten Responsibility. Olsten shall prepare and file, or shall cause
to be prepared and filed, (a) all Olsten Federal Consolidated Returns and (b)
all Consolidated or Combined State Income Tax Returns that include at least one
member of the Olsten Group and at least one member of the OHS Group.
4.03 Tax Accounting Practices. Except as otherwise provided in this Section
4.03, any Tax Return for any Pre-Split-Off Period or any Straddle Period, and
any Tax Return for any Post-Split-Off Period to the extent items reported on
such Tax Return might reasonably affect items reported on any Tax Return for any
Pre-Split-Off Period or any Straddle Period, shall be prepared in accordance
with past Tax accounting practices used with respect to the Tax Returns in
question (unless such past practices are no longer permissible under the Code or
other applicable Tax Law), and to the extent any items are not covered by past
practices (or in the event such past practices are no longer permissible under
the Code or other applicable Tax Law), in accordance with reasonable Tax
accounting practices selected by the Responsible Company.
4.04 Consolidated or Combined Returns. The Companies will elect and join,
and will cause their respective Affiliates to elect and join, in filing
consolidated, unitary, combined, or other similar joint Tax Returns, to the
extent each entity is eligible to join in such Tax Returns, if the Companies
reasonably determine that the filing of such Tax Returns is consistent with past
reporting practices, or in the absence of applicable past practices, will result
in the minimization of the net present value of the aggregate Tax to the
entities eligible to join in such Tax Returns.
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4.05 Right to Review and Consent to Tax Returns. The Responsible Company
with respect to any Tax Return shall make such Tax Return and related workpapers
available for review and consent (prior to filing) by the other Company, if
requested, to the extent (i) such Tax Return relates to Taxes for which the
requesting party may be liable or, if the requesting party is OHS, relates to
Tax attributes that may give rise to an indemnification obligation under Section
4.06(f), (ii) such Tax Return relates to Taxes for which the requesting party
may be liable in whole or in part for any additional Taxes owing as a result of
adjustments to the amount of Taxes reported on such Tax Return, (iii) such Tax
Return relates to Taxes for which the requesting party may have a claim for Tax
Benefits under this Agreement, or (iv) the requesting party reasonably
determines that it must inspect such Tax Return to confirm compliance with the
terms of this Agreement. The Responsible Company shall use its reasonable best
efforts to make such Tax Return available for review and consent as required
under this paragraph sufficiently in advance of the due date for filing such Tax
Returns (and in no event less than 21 days before the due date) to provide the
requesting party with a meaningful opportunity to analyze and comment on such
Tax Returns and have such Tax Returns modified before filing, taking into
account the person responsible for payment of the tax (if any) reported on such
Tax Return and the materiality of the amount of Tax liability with respect to
such Tax Return. The Companies shall attempt in good faith to resolve any issues
arising out of the review of such Tax Returns and the prior consent of a
requesting party shall not be unreasonably withheld. If there is an unresolved
disagreement as to the prior consent of a requesting party, such disagreement
shall be resolved prior to the due date for filing the Tax Return at issue as
provided in Section 13.
4.06 Claims for Refund, Carrybacks, and Self-Audit Adjustments ("Adjustment
Requests").
(a) Adjustment Requests Related to Consolidated or Combined Income Taxes.
Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) below, unless Olsten consents in
writing, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, (i) no Adjustment
Request with respect to any Consolidated or Combined Income Tax for a
Pre-Split-Off Period shall be filed by OHS. Olsten shall be entitled, without
the consent of OHS, to carryback any net operating loss reported on any Olsten
Federal Consolidated Returns or Consolidated or Combined State Income Tax
Returns (including any portion of such net operating loss attributable to a
member of the OHS Group) and shall be entitled to 100% of any resulting Tax
Benefit; provided that control of any Tax Contest with respect to any such
carryback refund claim shall be governed by Section 8.02. Subject to the
preceding sentence, without the prior written consent of OHS (which shall not be
unreasonably withheld), no member of the Olsten Group shall seek an Adjustment
Request or consent to an adjustment with respect to any Pre-Split-Off Period if
the requested adjustment would materially increase any payment or
indemnification obligation of any member of the OHS Group under this Agreement.
Any Adjustment Request made in accordance with this Section 4.06 shall be
prepared and filed by the Responsible Company for the Tax
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Return to be adjusted. The Company requesting the Adjustment Request shall
provide to the Responsible Company all information required for the preparation
and filing of such Adjustment Request in such form and detail as reasonably
requested by the Responsible Company.
(b) Exception for Adjustment Requests Related to Audit Adjustments. Each of
the Companies shall be entitled, without the consent of the other Company, to
file (or request the other Company to file) an Adjustment Request to take into
account any net operating loss, net capital loss, deduction, credit, or other
adjustment attributable to such Company or any member of its Group corresponding
to any adjustment resulting from any audit by the Internal Revenue Service or
other Tax Authority with respect to Consolidated or Combined Income Taxes for
any Pre-Split-Off Tax Period.
For example, if the Internal Revenue Service requires a Company to
capitalize an item deducted for the taxable year 1993, the Company shall be
entitled, without the consent of the other Company, to file (or request to be
filed) an Adjustment Request for the taxable year 1994 (and later years) to take
into account any depreciation or amortization deductions in such years directly
related to the item capitalized in 1993.
(c) Other Adjustment Requests Permitted. Nothing in this Section 4.06 shall
prevent any Company or its Affiliates from filing any Adjustment Request with
respect to Income Taxes which are not Consolidated or Combined Income Taxes or
with respect to any Taxes other than Income Taxes. Any refund or credit obtained
as a result of any such Adjustment Request (or otherwise) shall be for the
account of the person liable for the Tax under this Agreement.
(d) Payment of Refunds. Any refunds or other Tax Benefits received by any
Company (or any of its Affiliates) as a result of any Adjustment Request which
are for the account of another Company (or member of such other Company's Group)
shall be paid by the Company receiving (or whose Affiliate received) such refund
or Tax Benefit to such other Company within 10 business days of receipt.
(e) No Reattribution of Losses of the OHS Group. Olsten shall not make, and
shall not cause or permit to be made, any election pursuant to Treasury
Regulation Section 1.1502-20(g) or any other election that would have the effect
of reattributing net operating losses or other tax attributes of any member of
the OHS Group.
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(f) Indemnification of Olsten for Certain Disallowed Carrybacks.
If a carryback of any OHS Consolidated NOL for the taxable year ended
January 3, 1999 or any subsequent taxable year is denied in whole or in part
solely because such OHS Consolidated NOL is disallowed in whole or in part, OHS
shall indemnify Olsten for the resulting reduction in Olsten's carryback refund.
The resulting reduction in an Olsten carryback refund shall be computed without
taking into account any Tax attribute attributable to members of the Olsten
Group that is utilized by Olsten (in lieu of the disallowed OHS Consolidated
NOL) to obtain the carryback refund at issue, except to the extent that such
Olsten Group Tax attribute would not have provided a Tax Benefit to the Olsten
Group in any subsequent Tax Period.
Section 5. Tax Payments and Intercompany Billings.
5.01 Payment of Taxes With Respect to Olsten Federal Consolidated Returns
Filed After the Effective Time. In the case of any Olsten Federal Consolidated
Return the due date for which (including extensions) is after the Effective
Time,
(a) Computation and Payment of Tax Due. At least ten business days
prior to any Payment Date, Olsten shall compute the amount of Tax required
to be paid to the Internal Revenue Service (taking into account the
requirements of Section 4.03 relating to consistent accounting practices)
with respect to such Tax Return on such Payment Date and Olsten will pay
such amount to the Internal Revenue Service on or before such Payment Date.
(b) Computation and Payment of OHS Liability With Respect to Tax Due.
Within 5 days following any Payment Date, OHS will pay to Olsten the excess
(if any) of:
(i) the Consolidated Tax Liability determined as of such Payment
Date with respect to the applicable Tax Period allocable to the
members of the OHS Group as determined by Olsten in a manner
consistent with the provisions of Section 2.02(a) (relating to
allocation of the Consolidated Tax Liability in accordance with the
Federal Allocation Method) (the "Allocated Federal Tax Liability"),
over
(ii) the cumulative net payments with respect to such Tax Return
prior to such Payment Date by the members of the OHS Group (the
"Cumulative Federal Tax Payment").
If the OHS Group Cumulative Federal Tax Payment is greater than the
OHS Group Allocated Federal Tax Liability as of any Payment Date, then
Olsten shall pay
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such excess to OHS within 5 days of Olsten' receipt of the corresponding
Tax Benefit (i.e., through either a reduction in Olsten' otherwise required
Tax payment, or a refund of prior tax payments).
(c) Interest on Intergroup Tax Allocation Payments. In the case of any
payments to Olsten required under paragraph (b) of this subsection 5.01,
OHS shall also pay to Olsten an amount of interest computed at the Prime
Rate on the amount of the payment required based on the number of days from
the applicable Payment Date to the date of payment. In the case of any
payments by Olsten required under paragraph (b) of this subsection 5.01,
Olsten shall also pay to OHS an amount of interest computed at the Prime
Rate on the amount of the payment required based on the number of days from
the date of receipt of the Tax Benefit to the date of payment of such
amount to the payee.
5.02 Payment of Federal Income Tax Related to Adjustments.
(a) Adjustments Resulting in Underpayments. Olsten shall pay to the
Internal Revenue Service when due any additional Federal Income Tax required to
be paid as a result of any adjustment to the Tax liability with respect to any
Olsten Federal Consolidated Return for any Pre-Split-Off Period. Olsten shall
compute the amount attributable to the OHS Group in accordance with Section
2.02(b) and OHS shall pay to Olsten any amount due Olsten under Section 2.02(b)
within 5 days from the later of (i) the date the additional Tax was paid by
Olsten or (ii) the date of receipt by OHS of a written notice and demand from
Olsten for payment of the amount due, accompanied by evidence of payment and a
statement detailing the Taxes paid and describing in reasonable detail the
particulars relating thereto. Any payments required under this Section 5.02(a)
shall include interest computed at the Prime Rate based on the number of days
from the date the additional Tax was paid by Olsten to the date of the payment
under this Section 5.02(a).
(b) Adjustments Resulting in Overpayments. Within 5 days of receipt by
Olsten of any Tax Benefit resulting from any adjustment to the Consolidated Tax
Liability with respect to any Olsten Federal Consolidated Return for any
Pre-Split-Off Period, Olsten shall pay to OHS, or OHS shall pay to Olsten (as
the case may be), their respective amounts due from or to Olsten as determined
by Olsten in accordance with Section 2.02(b). Any payments required under this
Section 5.02(b) shall include interest computed at the Prime Rate based on the
number of days from the date the Tax Benefit was received by Olsten to the date
of payment to OHS under this Section 5.02(b).
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5.03 Payment of State Income Tax With Respect to Returns Filed After the
Effective Time.
(a) Computation and Payment of Tax Due. At least ten business days prior to
any Payment Date for any Tax Return with respect to any State Income Tax, the
Responsible Company shall compute the amount of Tax required to be paid to the
applicable Tax Authority (taking into account the requirements of Section 4.03
relating to consistent accounting practices) with respect to such Tax Return on
such Payment Date and:
(i) If such Tax Return is with respect to a Consolidated or Combined
State Income Tax, Olsten will pay such amount to such Tax Authority on or
before such Payment Date.
(ii) If such Tax Return is with respect to a Separate Company Tax, the
Responsible Company shall, if it is not the Company liable for the Tax
reported on such Tax Return, notify the Company liable for such Tax in
writing of the amount of Tax required to be paid on such Payment Date. The
Company liable for such Tax will pay such amount to such Tax Authority on
or before such Payment Date.
(b) Computation and Payment of OHS Liability With Respect to Tax Due.
Within 5 days following the due date (including extensions) for filing any Tax
Return for any Consolidated or Combined State Income Tax (excluding any Tax
Return with respect to payment of estimated Taxes or Taxes due with a request
for extension of time to file), (i) OHS shall pay to Olsten the tax liability
allocable to the OHS Group as determined by Olsten under the provisions of
Section 2.03(b)(i), plus interest computed at the Prime Rate on the amount of
the payment based on the number of days from the due date (including extensions)
to the date of payment by OHS to Olsten.
5.04 Payment of State Income Taxes Related to Adjustments.
(a) Adjustments Resulting in Underpayments. Olsten shall pay to the
applicable Tax Authority when due any additional State Income Tax required to be
paid as a result of any adjustment to the tax liability with respect to any Tax
Return for any Consolidated or Combined State Income Tax for any Pre-Split-Off
Period. OHS shall pay to Olsten its respective share of any such additional Tax
payment determined by Olsten in accordance with Section 2.03(b)(ii) within 5
days from the later of (i) the date the additional Tax was paid by Olsten or
(ii) the date of receipt by OHS of a written notice and demand from Olsten for
payment of the amount due, accompanied by evidence of payment and a statement
detailing the Taxes paid and describing in reasonable detail the particulars
relating thereto. OHS shall also pay to Olsten interest on its respective share
of such Tax computed at the Prime Rate based on the number of days from the date
the additional Tax was paid by Olsten to the date of its payment to Olsten under
this Section 5.04(a).
<PAGE>
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(b) Adjustments Resulting in Overpayments. Within 5 days of receipt by
Olsten of any Tax Benefit resulting from any adjustment to the tax liability
with respect to any Tax Return for any Consolidated or Combined State Income Tax
for any Pre-Split-Off Period, Olsten shall pay to OHS its respective share of
any such Tax Benefit determined by Olsten in accordance with Section
2.03(b)(ii). Olsten shall also pay to OHS interest on its respective share of
such Tax Benefit computed at the Prime Rate based on the number of days from the
date the Tax Benefit was received by Olsten to the date of payment to OHS under
this Section 5.04(b).
5.05 Payment of Separate Company Taxes. Each Company shall pay, or shall
cause to be paid, to the applicable Tax Authority when due all Separate Company
Taxes owed by such Company or a member of such Company's Group.
5.06 Indemnification Payments. If any Company (the "payor") is required to
pay to a Tax Authority a Tax that another Company (the "responsible party") is
required to pay to such Taxing Authority under this Agreement, the responsible
party shall reimburse the payor within 30 days of delivery by the payor to the
responsible party of an invoice for the amount due, accompanied by evidence of
payment and a statement detailing the Taxes paid and describing in reasonable
detail the particulars relating thereto. The reimbursement shall include
interest on the Tax payment computed at the Prime Rate based on the number of
days from the date of the payment to the Tax Authority to the date of
reimbursement under this Section 5.06.
Section 6. Assistance and Cooperation
6.01 General. After the Effective Time, each of the Companies shall
cooperate (and cause their respective Affiliates to cooperate) with each other
and with each other's agents, including accounting firms and legal counsel, in
connection with Tax matters relating to the Companies and their Affiliates,
including (i) preparation and filing of Tax Returns, (ii) determining the
liability for and amount of any Taxes due (including estimated Taxes) or the
right to and amount of any refund of Taxes, (iii) examinations of Tax Returns,
and (iv) any administrative or judicial proceeding in respect of Taxes assessed
or proposed to be assessed. Such cooperation shall include making all
information and documents in their possession relating to the other Companies
and their Affiliates available to such other Companies as provided in Section 7.
Each of the Companies shall also make available to each other, as reasonably
requested and available, personnel (including officers, directors, employees and
agents of the Companies or their respective Affiliates) responsible for
preparing, maintaining, and interpreting information and documents relevant to
Taxes, and personnel reasonably required as witnesses or for purposes of
providing information or documents in connection with any administrative or
judicial proceedings relating to Taxes. Any information or documents provided
under this Section 6 shall be kept confidential by the Company receiving the
information or documents, except as may otherwise be necessary in connection
with the filing of
<PAGE>
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Tax Returns or in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings
relating to Taxes.
6.02 Income Tax Return Information. Each Company will provide to the other
Company information and documents relating to their respective Groups required
by the other Company to prepare Tax Returns. The Responsible Company shall
determine a reasonable compliance schedule for such purpose in accordance with
Olsten's past practices. Any additional information or documents the Responsible
Company requires to prepare such Tax Returns will be provided in accordance with
past practices, if any, or as the Responsible Company reasonably requests and in
sufficient time for the Responsible Company to file such Tax Returns timely.
Section 7. Tax Records
7.01 Retention of Tax Records. Except as provided in Section 7.02, each
Company shall preserve and keep all Tax Records exclusively relating to the
assets and activities of their respective Groups for Pre-Split-Off Tax Periods,
and Olsten shall preserve and keep all other Tax Records relating to Taxes of
the Groups for Pre-Split-Off Tax Periods, for so long as the contents thereof
may become material in the administration of any matter under the Code or other
applicable Tax Law, but in any event until the later of (i) the expiration of
any applicable statutes of limitations, and (ii) seven years after the Effective
Time. If, prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations and
such seven-year period, a Company reasonably determines that any Tax Records
which it is required to preserve and keep under this Section 7 are no longer
material in the administration of any matter under the Code or other applicable
Tax Law, such Company may dispose of such records upon 90 days prior notice to
the other Companies. Such notice shall include a list of the records to be
disposed of describing in reasonable detail each file, book, or other record
accumulation being disposed. The notified Companies shall have the opportunity,
at their cost and expense, to copy or remove, within such 90-day period, all or
any part of such Tax Records.
7.02 State Income Tax Returns. Tax Returns with respect to State Income
Taxes and workpapers prepared in connection with preparing such Tax Returns
shall be preserved and kept, in accordance with the guidelines of Section 7.01,
by the Company responsible for preparing and filing the applicable Tax Return.
7.03 Access to Tax Records. The Companies and their respective Affiliates
shall make available to each other for inspection and copying during normal
business hours upon reasonable notice all Tax Records in their possession to the
extent reasonably required by the other Company in connection with the
preparation of Tax Returns, audits, litigation, or the resolution of items under
this Agreement.
<PAGE>
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Section 8. Tax Contests
8.01 Notice. Each of the parties shall provide prompt notice to the other
parties of any pending or threatened Tax audit, assessment or proceeding or
other Tax Contest of which it becomes aware related to Taxes for which it may be
indemnified by the other party hereunder (including, without limitation, any
carryback refund claim that could result in an indemnification obligation under
Section 4.06(f)). Such notice shall contain factual information (to the extent
known) describing any asserted Tax liability in reasonable detail and shall be
accompanied by copies of any notice and other documents received from any Tax
Authority in respect of any such matters. If an indemnified party has knowledge
of an asserted Tax liability with respect to a matter for which it is to be
indemnified hereunder and such party fails to give the indemnifying party prompt
notice of such asserted Tax liability, then (i) if the indemnifying party has no
remaining forum in which to contest the asserted Tax liability or is otherwise
materially prejudiced as a result of the failure to give prompt notice, the
indemnifying party shall have no obligation to indemnify the indemnified party
for any Taxes arising out of such asserted Tax liability, and (ii) if clause (i)
does not apply, but such failure to give prompt notice results in a monetary
detriment to the indemnifying party, then any amount which the indemnifying
party is otherwise required to pay the indemnified party pursuant to this
Agreement shall be reduced by the amount of such detriment.
8.02 Control of Tax Contests.
(a) Separate Company Taxes. In the case of any Tax Contest with respect to
any Separate Company Tax, the Company having liability for the Tax shall have
exclusive control over the Tax Contest, including exclusive authority with
respect to any settlement of such Tax liability.
(b) Consolidated or Combined Income Taxes. In the case of any Tax Contest
with respect to any Consolidated or Combined Income Tax, (i) Olsten shall
control the defense or prosecution of the portion of the Tax Contest directly
and exclusively related to any Olsten Adjustment, including settlement of any
such Olsten Adjustment, (ii) OHS shall control the defense or prosecution of the
portion of the Tax Contest directly and exclusively related to any OHS
Adjustment, including any settlement of any OHS Adjustment, and (iii) a
committee ("the Tax Contest Committee") shall control the defense or prosecution
of Joint Adjustments and any and all administrative matters not directly and
exclusively related to any Olsten Adjustment or OHS Adjustment. The Tax Contest
Committee shall be comprised of two persons, one person selected by OHS (as
designated in writing to Olsten) and one person selected by Olsten (as
designated in writing to OHS). Each person serving on the Tax Contest Committee
shall continue to serve unless and until he or she is replaced by the party
designating such person. Any and all matters to be decided by the Tax Contest
Committee shall require the unanimous approval of both persons serving on the
committee. In the event the Tax Con-
<PAGE>
-21-
test Committee shall be deadlocked on any matter, the provisions of Section 13
of this Agreement shall apply. A Company shall not agree to any Tax liability
for which another Company may be liable under this Agreement, or compromise any
claim for any Tax Benefit which another Company may be entitled under this
Agreement, without such other Company's written consent (which consent may be
given or withheld at the sole discretion of the Company from which the consent
would be required).
Section 9. Effective Date; Termination of Prior Intercompany Tax Allocation
Agreements. This Agreement shall become effective at the Effective Time. In the
event the Merger Agreement is terminated for any reason, notwithstanding any
other provision hereof, this Agreement shall terminate and no party shall have
any liability to any other party pursuant to this Agreement. Immediately prior
to the Effective Time, (i) all Prior Intercompany Tax Allocation Agreements
shall be terminated, and (ii) any remaining obligations under such agreements as
of the Split-Off Date shall be canceled as of the Split-Off Date. Upon such
termination and cancellation, no further payments by or to Olsten or by or to
OHS with respect to such agreements shall be made, and all other rights and
obligations resulting from such agreements between the Companies and their
Affiliates shall cease at such time. Any payments pursuant to such agreements
shall be ignored for purposes of computing amounts due under this Agreement.
Section 10. Survival of Obligations. The representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement shall be unconditional and
absolute and shall remain in effect without limitation as to time.
Section 11. Employee Matters. Each of the Companies agrees to utilize, or
cause its Affiliates to utilize, the alternative procedure set forth in Revenue
Procedure 84-77, 1984-2 C.B. 753, with respect to wage reporting.
Section 12. Treatment of Payments; Tax Gross Up
12.01 Treatment of Tax Indemnity Payments. In the absence of any change in
tax treatment under the Code or other applicable Tax Law, any Tax indemnity
payments made by a Company under Section 5 shall be reported for Tax purposes by
the payor and the recipient in a manner consistent with Treasury Regulation
Section 1.1552-1(b), but only to the extent the payment does not relate to a Tax
allocated to the payor in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section
1.1502-33(d) (or under corresponding principles of other applicable Tax Laws).
12.02 Tax Gross Up. If, notwithstanding the manner in which Tax indemnity
payments is reported, there is an adjustment to the Tax liability of a Company
as a result of its receipt of a payment pursuant to this Agreement, such payment
shall be appropriately adjusted so that the amount of such payment, reduced by
the amount of all Income Taxes payable with
<PAGE>
-22-
respect to the receipt thereof (but taking into account all correlative Tax
Benefits resulting from the payment of such Income Taxes), shall equal the
amount of the payment which the Company receiving such payment would otherwise
be entitled to receive pursuant to this Agreement.
12.03 Interest Under This Agreement. Anything herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, to the extent one Company ("indemnitor") makes a payment of
interest to another Company ("indemnitee") under this Agreement with respect to
the period from the date that the indemnitee made a payment of Tax to a Tax
Authority to the date that the indemnitor reimbursed the indemnitee for such Tax
payment, or with respect to the period from the date that the indemnitor
received a Tax Benefit to the date indemnitor paid the Tax Benefit to the
indemnitee, the interest payment shall be treated as interest expense to the
indemnitor (deductible to the extent provided by law) and as interest income by
the indemnitee (includible in income to the extent provided by law). The amount
of the payment shall not be adjusted under Section 12.02 to take into account
any associated Tax Benefit to the indemnitor or increase in Tax to the
indemnitee.
Section 13. Disagreements. If after good faith negotiations the parties
cannot agree on the application of this Agreement to any matter (including,
without limitation, the prior consent of a requesting party under Section 4.05),
then the matter will be referred to a nationally recognized accounting firm
acceptable to each of the parties (the "Accounting Firm"). The Accounting Firm
shall furnish written notice to the parties of its resolution of any such
disagreement as soon as practical, but in any event no later than 45 days after
its acceptance of the matter for resolution or, in the event of a disagreement
relating to the filing of a Tax Return, within 10 days of its acceptance of such
matter for resolution. Any such resolution by the Accounting Firm will be
conclusive and binding on all parties to this Agreement. In accordance with
Section 15, each party shall pay its own fees and expenses (including the fees
and expenses of its representatives) incurred in connection with the referral of
the matter to the Accounting Firm. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm
in connection with such referral shall be shared equally by the parties affected
by the matter.
Section 14. Late Payments. Any amount owed by one party to another party
under this Agreement which is not paid when due shall bear interest at the Prime
Rate plus two percent, compounded semiannually, from the due date of the payment
to the date paid. To the extent interest required to be paid under this Section
14 duplicates interest required to be paid under any other provision of this
Agreement, interest shall be computed at the higher of the interest rate
provided under this Section 14 or the interest rate provided under such other
provision.
<PAGE>
-23-
Section 15. Expenses. Except as provided in Section 13, each party and its
Affiliates shall bear their own expenses incurred in connection with preparation
of Tax Returns, Tax Contests, and other matters related to Taxes under the
provisions of this Agreement.
Section 16. General Provisions.
16.01 Addresses and Notices. Any notice, demand, request or report required
or permitted to be given or made to any party under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given or made when delivered to the party or when
sent by first class mail or by other commercially reasonable means of written
communication (including delivery by an internationally recognized courier
service or by facsimile transmission) to the party at the party's address as
follows:
If to Adecco or Olsten:
Adecco SA
1275 Cheserex
Switzerland
Attention: Felix A. Weber
Telephone: 011 41 21 321 6666
Telecopy: 011 41 21 321 6688
With a copy to:
Latham & Watkins
633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: Thomas W. Dobson, Esq.
Telephone: (213) 485-1234
Telecopy: (213) 891-8763
<PAGE>
-24-
If to OHS:
Aaronco Corp.
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, New York 11747
Attention: Edward A. Blechschmidt
With a copy to:
Cahill Gordon & Reindel
80 Pine Street
New York, New York 10005
Attention: Kenneth W. Orce
Telephone: (212) 701-3000
Telecopy: (212) 269-5420
A party may change the address for receiving notices under this Agreement
by providing written notice of the change of address to the other parties.
16.02 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and assigns.
16.03 Waiver. No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance
of any obligation under this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy under
this Agreement shall constitute waiver of any such obligation, right, or remedy
or any other obligation, rights, or remedies under this Agreement.
16.04 Invalidity of Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement is or
becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity,
legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall
not be affected thereby.
16.05 Further Action. The parties shall execute and deliver all documents,
provide all information, and take or refrain from taking action as may be
necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement, including
the execution and delivery to the other party and its Affiliates and
representatives of such powers of attorney or other authorizing documentation as
is reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with Tax Contests (or
portions thereof) under the control of such other party in accordance with
Section 8.
<PAGE>
-25-
16.06 Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between
the parties pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes
all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto. In the event of any
inconsistency between this Agreement and the Distribution Agreement or any other
agreements relating to the transactions contemplated by the Distribution
Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.
16.07 Construction. The language in all parts of this Agreement shall in
all cases be construed according to its fair meaning and shall not be strictly
construed for or against any party.
16.08 No Double Recovery; Subrogation. No provision of this Agreement shall
be construed to provide an indemnity or other recovery for any costs, damages,
or other amounts for which the damaged party has been fully compensated under
any other provision of this Agreement or under any other agreement or action at
law or equity. Unless expressly required in this Agreement, a party shall not be
required to exhaust all remedies available under other agreements or at law or
equity before recovering under the remedies provided in this Agreement. Subject
to any limitations expressly provided in this Agreement (for example, the
limitation on filing claims for refund in Section 4.06), the indemnifying party
shall be subrogated to all rights of the indemnified party for recovery from any
third party.
16.09 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
16.10 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts
executed in and to be performed in that State.
<PAGE>
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
by the respective officers as of the date set forth above.
OLSTEN CORPORATION
_________________________________
By: Edward A. Blechschmidt
Its: President and Chief
Executive Officer
AARONCO CORP.
_________________________________
By: William P. Costantini
Its: Executive Vice President
ADECCO SA
_________________________________
By: Felix A. Weber
Its: Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
OMNIBUS AMENDMENT
OMNIBUS AMENDMENT NO. 1 dated as of October 7, 1999 (the
"Omnibus Amendment") to each of the Separation Agreement dated as of August 17,
1999, by and among Olsten Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Olsten"),
Aaronco Corp., a Delaware Corporation ("OHS") and Adecco SA, a societe anonyme
organized under the laws of Switzerland ("Adecco") (the "Separation Agreement");
the Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement dated as of August 17, 1999, by and
between Olsten and OHS (the "Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement"); and the
Tax Sharing Agreement dated as of August 17, 1999, by and among, Olsten, OHS and
Adecco (the "Tax Sharing Agreement" and, collectively with the Separation
Agreement and the Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement, the "Agreements").
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Omnibus Amendment have the
meanings specified in the Separation Agreement.
W I T N E S S E T H
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:
1. Assignment to Olsten Health Services.
1.1 OHS hereby transfers, conveys, assigns and delivers to
Olsten Health Services Holding Corp. all of OHS's rights and interests in the
Agreements.
1.2 Olsten Health Services Holding Corp. hereby irrevocably and
unconditionally assumes, and undertakes to pay, honor, discharge and perform
when due or cause to be paid, honored, discharged or performed when due, all of
the debts, liabilities, obligations, commitments and responsibilities of any
nature of OHS pursuant to the Agreements.
1.3 Any and all references to OHS in the Agreements shall, from
and after the date hereof, be deemed to be references to Olsten Health Services
Holding Corp. and, therefore, shall no longer be references to Aaronco Corp.
2. Amendments to Separation Agreement.
2.1 The definition of "Consulting Agreements" is deleted in its
entirety and replaced with the following:
<PAGE>
"Consulting Agreements" means the Amended and Restated
Separation, Consulting and Non-Competition Agreements dated as of October 7,
1999 by and among Adecco, Olsten and each of Edward A. Blechschmidt and Stuart
Olsten.
3. Amendments to Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement.
3.1 The reference in Section 2(d) to "the Separation,
Consulting and Non-Competition Agreements between Albert, Olsten and the
following individuals dated August 17, 1999;" is hereby amended to refer to "the
Amended and Restated Separation, Consulting and Non-Competition Agreements
between Adecco, Olsten and the following individuals dated as of October 7,
1999".
3.2 The reference in Section 2(d) to "the Separation,
Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement between Olsten and Maureen McGurl dated
August 17, 1999" is hereby amended to refer to "the Amended and Restated
Separation, Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement between Olsten and Maureen
McGurl dated as of October 1, 1999".
3.3 The reference in Section 6(a) to the "Olsten Supplemental
Retirement Plan" is deleted.
3.4 New Section 6A is added to read as follows:
6A. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
(a) On or prior to the SERP Transfer Date (as defined below),
Olsten shall amend the Olsten Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
(the "Olsten SERP") to provide (i) that all accrued benefits thereunder
of actively employed OHS Employees shall be vested in full as of the
SERP Transfer Date (as defined below), (ii) that OHS Employees and
their dependents and beneficiaries shall cease to participate in and
accrue benefits thereunder as of the Olsten SERP transfer date
established by Olsten, which shall be at least two business days prior
to the date of the Effective Time (the "SERP Transfer Date"), and (iii)
that no benefits shall thereafter be payable under the Olsten SERP to
OHS Employees, Olsten Employees who (as of the date hereof) are former
Olsten Employees or any of their dependents or beneficiaries (the "OHS
SERP Participants").
(b) As of the SERP Transfer Date, OHS shall establish a
nonqualified supplemental executive retire-
<PAGE>
ment plan substantially similar to the Olsten SERP (the "OHS SERP"),
and shall assume all liabilities and obligations with respect to the
OHS SERP Participants under the Olsten SERP, whether arising prior to,
on or after the SERP Transfer Date (notwithstanding any subsequent
termination of the Olsten SERP). All such liabilities and obligations
shall cease to be liabilities or obligations of Olsten as of the SERP
Transfer Date.
(c) No termination of an Employee's employment shall be deemed
to occur for purposes of the OHS SERP as a result of any actions taken
pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise as a result of the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement, provided
that the Employee remains continuously employed by the OHS Group.
(d) As soon as practicable following the SERP Transfer Date,
OHS shall establish a trust to be used in connection with the OHS SERP
(the "OHS SERP Trust") for the purpose of aiding in the provision of
benefits under the OHS SERP. As of the SERP Transfer Date, Olsten shall
cause the trustee of the trust under the Olsten SERP (the "Olsten SERP
Trust") to transfer to the trustee of the OHS SERP Trust the amount
held in the Olsten SERP Trust in excess of the amount necessary to
fully satisfy all remaining benefits and obligations under the Olsten
SERP upon its termination in accordance with Section 6A(e) and (f)
below.
(e) Immediately prior to the Effective Time and after the SERP
Transfer Date, Olsten shall terminate the Olsten SERP, or cause it to
be terminated, shall cause all accrued benefits thereunder of actively
employed participants to be vested in full as of the date of
termination of the Olsten SERP, and all accrued benefits under the
Olsten SERP will be distributed by Olsten, or Olsten will cause such
accrued benefits to be distributed, to each participant or beneficiary
as soon as administratively practicable in the form of a lump sum
payment. In the event the amount of assets in the Olsten SERP Trust
(after taking into account the transfer of assets to the OHS SERP Trust
under Section 6A(d) above) exceeds the amount necessary to pay all
accrued benefits in full under the Olsten SERP, the Closing
Intercompany Balance shall be reduced by the amount of such excess. In
the event the amount of assets in the Olsten SERP Trust (after taking
into account the transfer of as-
<PAGE>
sets to the OHS SERP Trust under Section 6A(d) above) is insufficient
to pay all accrued benefits under the Olsten SERP in full, the Closing
Intercompany Balance shall be increased by the amount of such
shortfall.
(f) Olsten shall take all actions necessary to effectuate the
provisions of this Section 6A and to terminate the Olsten SERP
immediately prior to the Effective Time and distribute all accrued
benefits thereunder in the form of lump sum payments as soon as
practicable thereafter, including, without limitation, amending the
Olsten SERP to provide for (i) vesting of all accrued benefits of
actively employed participants as of the time of termination of the
Olsten SERP and (ii) distribution of all accrued benefits under the
Olsten SERP in the form of a lump sum as soon as administratively
practicable following termination of the Olsten SERP.
4. Miscellaneous.
4.1 Any and all references to Albert in the Agreements shall,
from and after the date hereof, be deemed to be references to Adecco and,
therefore, shall no longer be references to Albert.
4.2 Any and all references to the Agreements shall refer to the
Agreements as amended by this Omnibus Amendment.
4.3 The execution, delivery and/or effectiveness of this
Omnibus Amendment shall not, except as expressly provided herein, amend, revise,
add to or modify any provision of the Agreements or operate as a waiver of any
right, power or remedy of any party under any of the Agreements, nor constitute
a waiver of any provision of any of the Agreements.
4.4 This Omnibus Amendment shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to
any provisions thereof relating to conflicts of law.
4.5 This Omnibus Amendment may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of
which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed
counterpart of a signature page to this Omnibus Amendment by telecopier shall be
effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Omnibus
Amendment.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Omnibus
Amendment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,
as of the date first above written.
OLSTEN CORPORATION
/s/ Anthony J. Puglisi
---------------------------------------
Name: Anthony J. Puglisi
Title: Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
AARONCO CORP.
/s/ Anthony J. Puglisi
---------------------------------------
Name: Anthony J. Puglisi
Title: Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
ADECCO SA
/s/ John P. Bowmer
---------------------------------------
Name: John P. Bowmer
Title: Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Felix A. Weber
---------------------------------------
Name: Felix A. Weber
Title: Chief Financial Officer
OLSTEN HEALTH SERVICES HOLDING CORP.,
a Delaware corporation
/s/ Edward A. Blechschmidt
---------------------------------------
Name: Edward A. Blechschmidt
Title: President and Chief
Executive Officer
<PAGE>
ANNEX D-1
OPINION OF WARBURG DILLON READ LLC
<PAGE>
[Letterhead of Warburg Dillon Read LLC]
The Board of Directors
Olsten Corporation
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, New York 11747
August 17, 1999
Members of the Board:
We understand that Olsten Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Olsten" or the
"Company"), is considering a transaction whereby Adecco SA, a societe anonyme
organized under the laws of Switzerland ("Adecco"), will acquire the Company.
Pursuant to the terms of a Separation Agreement, dated as of August 17, 1999
(the "Separation Agreement"), by and among Olsten, Aaronco Corp., a newly formed
Delaware corporation ("OHS") and a wholly owned subsidiary of Olsten, and
Adecco, and an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 17, 1999 (the
"Purchase Agreement"), by and among Adecco, Staffing Acquisition Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub") and a wholly owned subsidiary of Adecco,
among other things, (i) Olsten will transfer its health services business and
related liabilities to OHS, (ii) Merger Sub will be merged with and into Olsten
(the "Company Merger"), and (iii) in connection with the Company Merger, Olsten
stockholders will receive shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"OHS Common Stock"), of OHS in consideration for the redemption of a portion of
their shares of Olsten common stock (the "Split-Off" and, together with the
Company Merger and related transactions, the "Transaction"). Pursuant to the
Company Merger and the Split-Off, Olsten will become a wholly owned subsidiary
of Adecco and each issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $.10
per share (the "Olsten Common Stock"), and Class B common stock, par value $.10
per share ("Olsten Class B Common Stock" and, together with the Olsten Common
Stock, the "Company Common Stock"), of Olsten (other than Dissenting Shares (as
defined in the Purchase Agreement), and shares, if any, owned by Olsten as
treasury stock or owned by Adecco, Merger Sub, or any of their wholly owned
subsidiaries or any wholly owned subsidiary of Olsten) will be converted into
the right to receive (x) shares of OHS Common Stock (the "Split-Off
Consideration") such that all shares of the OHS Common Stock, except for a
nominal number of the outstanding shares of OHS Common Stock which may be
retained by Olsten, will be received by the holders of outstanding shares of
Company Common Stock, and (y) either (A) $8.75 in cash, without interest
(subject to proration, the "Cash Consideration"), (B) 0.12472 Adecco American
Depositary Shares ("Adecco ADSs"), evidenced by American Depositary Receipts of
Adecco ("Adecco ADRs"), representing one-eighth of one share of Adecco's common
shares, par value CHF 10.00 per share ("Adecco Common Stock"), of Adecco
(subject to proration, the "Stock Consideration") or (C) a combination of a
fraction of an Adecco ADS and cash (the foregoing clause (A), (B) or (C), the
"Merger Consideration" and, together with the Split-Off Consideration, the
"Transaction Consideration"). The Purchase Agreement provides the holders of
Company Common Stock with the ability to elect to receive the Merger
Consideration either in the form of the Cash Consideration or the Stock
Consideration, in either case subject to proration. We understand that the
aggregate Cash Consideration and the aggregate Stock Consideration to be issued
to the holders of Company Common Stock in connection with the Company Merger
will be an amount equal to the product of (i) in the case of the Cash
Consideration, (1) $8.75 and (2) (x) 50% of the number of shares of Company
Common Stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the effective time of the
Company Merger (the "Outstanding Company Shares") minus (y)(A) the number of
Dissenting Shares, (B) the number of shares of Company Common Stock
D-1-1
<PAGE>
Page 2 of 4
August 17, 1999
for which cash in lieu of fractional shares of Adecco ADSs is payable pursuant
to the Purchase Agreement, and (C) the number of shares of Company Common Stock,
if any, owned by Olsten as treasury stock or owned by Adecco, Merger Sub, or any
of their wholly owned subsidiaries or any wholly owned subsidiary of Olsten, and
(ii) in the case of the Stock Consideration, (1) 0.12472 Adecco ADSs and (2)(A)
50% of the number of Outstanding Company Shares minus (B) the number of shares
of Company Common Stock, if any, owned by Olsten as treasury stock or owned by
Adecco, Merger Sub, or any of their wholly owned subsidiaries or any wholly
owned subsidiary of Olsten. The terms and conditions of the Transaction are more
fully set forth in the Separation Agreement and the Purchase Agreement.
We understand that Adecco and Olsten will treat the Split-Off as an integral
part of the Company Merger for all United States federal, state and local tax
purposes, and that Adecco and Olsten expect that (i) holders of Company Common
Stock will be treated as having had a portion of their shares of Company Common
Stock (equal in value to the value of the OHS Common Stock distributed in the
Split-Off) redeemed by the Company in a transaction governed by Section 302(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and as having sold their
remaining shares of Company Common Stock in a fully taxable transaction for
consideration consisting of the Merger Consideration and (ii) Olsten will
recognize gain, if any, with respect to the OHS Common Stock distributed in the
Split-Off.
You have requested our opinion as to whether, as of the date hereof, the
Transaction Consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to the
holders of Company Common Stock.
In arriving at our opinion, we have, among other things: (i) reviewed certain
publicly available business and historical financial information relating to the
Company, to OHS, and to Adecco, (ii) reviewed the reported prices and trading
activity for the Olsten Common Stock, the Adecco Common Stock and the Adecco
ADSs, (iii) reviewed certain internal financial information and other data
relating to the business and financial prospects of the Company, including
estimates and financial forecasts prepared by management of the Company, that
were provided to us by the Company and not publicly available, (iv) reviewed
certain internal financial information and other data relating to the business
and financial prospects of OHS, including estimates and financial forecasts
prepared by management of the Company, that were provided to us by the Company
and not publicly available, (v) reviewed certain internal financial information
and other data relating to the business and financial prospects of Adecco,
including estimates and financial forecasts prepared by the management of Adecco
and not publicly available, (vi ) conducted discussions with members of the
senior management of the Company, OHS and Adecco, (vii) reviewed publicly
available financial and stock market data with respect to certain other
companies in lines of business we believe to be generally comparable to those of
Adecco and the Company and OHS, (viii) compared the financial terms of the
Transaction with the publicly available financial terms of certain other
transactions which we believe to be generally relevant, (ix) considered certain
pro forma effects of the Transaction on Adecco's financial statements, (x)
reviewed drafts of the Purchase Agreement and the Separation Agreement, and (xi)
conducted such other financial studies, analyses, and investigations, and
considered such other information as we deemed necessary or appropriate .
In connection with our review, at your direction, we have not assumed any
responsibility for independent verification for any of the information reviewed
by us for the purpose of this opinion and have, at your direction, relied on its
being complete and accurate in all material respects. In addition, at your
direction, we have not made any independent evaluation or appraisal of any of
the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the Company, OHS, or
Adecco, nor have we been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal.
Further, we have assumed that OHS will not have any material contingent
liabilities except as reflected in the Company's financial statements. With
respect to the financial forecasts, estimates, and pro forma effects referred to
above, we have assumed, at your direction, that they have been reasonably
prepared on a basis reflecting the best
D-1-2
<PAGE>
Page 3 of 4
August 17, 1999
currently available estimates and judgments of the management of each company as
to the future performance of their respective companies. We also understand that
the financial statements, pro forma financial statements and registration
statement of, and relating to, OHS have not yet been prepared. Our opinion is
necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in
effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof.
WDR is not expressing any opinion as to the actual value of the OHS Common Stock
when issued to the holders of Company Common Stock in the Split-Off and the
Company Merger or the prices at which such OHS Common Stock will trade
subsequent to the Split-Off and the Company Merger. We are also not expressing
any opinion as to the actual value of the Adecco ADSs (or Adecco Common Stock)
when it has been issued to the holders of Company Common Stock in the Company
Merger or the prices at which such Adecco ADSs (or Adecco Common Stock) will
trade subsequent to the Company Merger. With respect to our opinion, in advising
you as to whether, as of the date hereof, the Transaction Consideration is fair,
from a financial point of view, our opinion addresses only the financial terms
of the Transaction and the Transaction Consideration to be received by the
holders of the Company Common Stock in the Split-Off and the Company Merger. We
have not specifically analyzed the impact on any individual Company stockholder
of exercising the election contemplated by the Purchase Agreement to receive
either the Cash Consideration or the Stock Consideration. In addition, we have
not been asked to and do not express any opinion as to the after-tax
consequences to any holder of Company Common Stock of the Split-Off, the Company
Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement and
the Purchase Agreement.
Our opinion does not address the Company's underlying business decision to
effect the Transaction or constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of the
Company as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the Transaction
or as to which election such shareholder should make regarding the form of
Merger Consideration. At your direction, we have not been asked to, nor do we,
offer any opinion as to the material terms of the Purchase Agreement, the
Separation Agreement or the form of the Transaction. In rendering this opinion,
we have assumed, with your consent, that the final executed form of the Purchase
Agreement and of the Separation Agreement do not differ in any material respect
from the drafts that we have examined, and that Adecco, the Company and OHS will
comply with all the material terms of the Purchase Agreement and the Separation
Agreement. We have further assumed, with your consent, that the Transaction will
comply with applicable foreign, federal and state laws, including without
limitation, laws relating to the payment of dividends, bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer or other similar laws
now or hereafter affecting creditors' rights generally.
Warburg Dillon Read LLC ("WDR") and its predecessors have acted as financial
advisor to the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with the
Transaction and will receive a fee upon the consummation thereof. At your
request, we have contacted third parties to solicit indications of interest in a
possible transaction with the Company, both in respect of the Company as a
whole, and in respect of OHS, and held discussions with certain of these parties
prior to the date hereof. In the past, WDR and its predecessors have provided
investment banking services to the Company and received customary compensation
for the rendering of such services. In the ordinary course of business, WDR, its
successors and affiliates may trade or have traded securities of the Company or
Adecco for their own accounts and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or
short position in such securities.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date
hereof, the Transaction Consideration to be received by the holders of the
Company Common Stock in the Split-Off and the Company Merger is fair, from a
financial point of view, to the holders of the Company Common Stock.
D-1-3
<PAGE>
Page 4 of 4
August 17, 1999
Very truly yours,
WARBURG DILLON READ LLC
/s/ William C. McGahan /s/ Kevin C. Knight
William C. McGahan Kevin C. Knight
Managing Director Executive Director
D-1-4
<PAGE>
ANNEX D-2
OPINION OF SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
<PAGE>
[Letterhead of Salomon Smith Barney Inc.]
August 17, 1999
The Board of Directors
Olsten Corporation
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, New York 11747
Members of the Board:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial
point of view, to the holders of the common stock of Olsten Corporation
("Olsten") of the Transaction Consideration (defined below) provided for in the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 17, 1999 (the "Merger
Agreement"), among Adecco SA ("Adecco"), Staffing Acquisition Corporation, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Adecco ("Merger Sub"), and Olsten. As more fully
described in the Merger Agreement, (i) Olsten will transfer to Aaronco Corp., a
wholly owned subsidiary of Olsten ("OHS"), all of its health services business
and related assumed liabilities (collectively, the "Health Services Business")
and the holders of shares of the common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of
Olsten (the "Olsten Common Stock") and holders of shares of the Class B common
stock, par value $0.10 per share, of Olsten (together with the Olsten Common
Stock, the "Olsten Stock") will receive 100% of the shares of the common stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of OHS (the "OHS Common Stock" and, such transaction,
the "Split-Off") and (ii) Merger Sub will be merged with and into Olsten (the
"Merger" and, together with the Split-Off, the "Transaction") resulting in the
transfer to Adecco of Olsten's staffing services and information services
businesses (together with the Health Services Business, the "Businesses"). The
Merger Agreement provides that, by virtue of the Transaction, each outstanding
share of Olsten Stock will be converted into the right to receive (x) shares of
OHS Common Stock (the "Split-Off Consideration") such that all shares of the OHS
Common Stock, except for a nominal number of outstanding shares of OHS Common
Stock which may be retained by Olsten, will be received by the holders of
outstanding shares of Olsten Stock and (y) subject to certain allocation and
proration procedures specified in the Merger Agreement (as to which we express
no opinion), either (A) $8.75, without interest (the "Cash Consideration"), (B)
0.12472 American Depositary Shares, evidenced by American Depositary Receipts,
of Adecco, representing one-eighth of one share of the common stock, par value
CHF 10 per share, of Adecco (collectively, the "Adecco Securities" and, such
number of Adecco Securities, the "Stock Consideration") or (C) a combination
thereof (the Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration being collectively
referred to as the "Merger Consideration" and such Merger Consideration, taken
together with the Split-Off Consideration, being collectively referred to as the
"Transaction Consideration"). The Merger Agreement further provides that the
Merger Consideration will consist of not more than 50% Cash Consideration and
50% Stock Consideration.
In arriving at our opinion, we reviewed the Merger Agreement and
certain related documents, and held discussions with certain senior officers,
directors and other representatives and advisors of Olsten and certain senior
officers and other representatives and advisors of Adecco concerning the
operations and prospects of the Businesses and Adecco. We examined certain
publicly available business and financial information relating to the Businesses
and Adecco as well as certain financial forecasts for the Businesses and Adecco
and other information and data for the Businesses and Adecco which were provided
to or otherwise discussed with us by the respective managements of Olsten and
Adecco, including information relating to certain strategic implications and
operational benefits anticipated to result from the Merger. We reviewed the
financial terms of the Transaction as set forth in the Merger Agreement in
relation to, among other things: current and historical market prices and
trading volumes of the Olsten Common Stock and Adecco Securities; the financial
condition and historical and projected earnings and other operating data of the
Businesses and Adecco; and the
D-2-1
<PAGE>
To the Board of Directors
Olsten Corporation
August 17, 1999
Page 2
capitalization of Olsten and Adecco. We considered, to the extent publicly
available, the financial terms of other transactions recently effected which we
considered relevant in evaluating the Merger and analyzed certain financial,
stock market and other publicly available information relating to the businesses
of other companies whose operations we considered relevant in evaluating those
of the Businesses and Adecco. We also evaluated the potential pro forma
financial impact of the Merger on Adecco. In addition to the foregoing, we
conducted such other analyses and examinations and considered such other
financial, economic and market criteria as we deemed appropriate in arriving at
our opinion.
In rendering our opinion, we have assumed and relied, without
independent verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all financial
and other information and data publicly available or furnished to or otherwise
reviewed by or discussed with us. With respect to financial forecasts and other
information and data provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with us,
we have been advised by the managements of Olsten and Adecco that such forecasts
and other information and data were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the
best currently available estimates and judgments of the managements of Olsten
and Adecco as to the future financial performance of the Businesses and Adecco
and the strategic implications and operational benefits anticipated to result
from the Merger. We are not expressing any opinion as to what the value of the
Adecco Securities or OHS Common Stock actually will be when issued to Olsten
shareholders pursuant to the Transaction or the prices at which the Adecco
Securities or OHS Common Stock will trade subsequent to the Transaction. We have
not made or been provided with an independent evaluation or appraisal of the
assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of the Businesses or Adecco nor
have we made any physical inspection of the properties or assets of the
Businesses or Adecco. In connection with our engagement, we were not requested
to, and we did not, solicit third party indications of interest in the possible
acquisition of all or a part of Olsten, although Olsten has advised us that such
third party indications of interest were solicited by other representatives of
Olsten. We express no view as to, and our opinion does not address, the relative
merits of the Transaction as compared to any alternative business strategies
that might exist for Olsten or the effect of any other transaction in which
Olsten might engage. Our opinion is necessarily based upon information available
to us, and financial, stock market and other conditions and circumstances
existing and disclosed to us, as of the date hereof.
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. has acted as financial advisor to Olsten in
connection with the proposed Transaction and will receive a fee for such
services, a significant portion of which is contingent upon the consummation of
the Transaction. We also will receive a fee upon the delivery of this opinion.
We and our affiliates have in the past provided investment banking services to
Olsten unrelated to the proposed Transaction, for which services we have
received compensation. In the ordinary course of our business, we and our
affiliates may actively trade or hold the securities of Olsten and Adecco for
our own account or for the account of our customers and, accordingly, may at any
time hold a long or short position in such securities. In addition, we and our
affiliates (including Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates) may maintain
relationships with Olsten, Adecco and their respective affiliates.
Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are provided for
the information of the Board of Directors of Olsten in its evaluation of the
proposed Transaction, and our opinion is not intended to be and does not
constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to the form of Merger
Consideration to be elected by such shareholder in the Merger or how such
shareholder should vote on any matter relating to the Transaction.
D-2-2
<PAGE>
To the Board of Directors
Olsten Corporation
August 17, 1999
Page 3
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, our experience as investment
bankers, our work as described above and other factors we deemed relevant, we
are of the opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Transaction Consideration is
fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of Olsten Stock.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
D-2-3
<PAGE>
ANNEX E
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT AMONG
ADECCO SA
AND
CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS OF OLSTEN CORPORATION
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
This PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of
August 17, 1999, is entered into by and among Adecco, a societe anonyme
("Adecco"), Miriam Olsten, Stuart Olsten, Cheryl Olsten, 1985 Cheryl Ashburn
Trust, 1995 Succeeding GRAT, Trust FBO Stuart Olsten and Trust FBO Cheryl
Olsten, each a record owner of outstanding Class B Common Stock of Olsten
Corporation as well as certain Common Stock of Olsten Corporation, individually
and/or as trustees of certain trusts, all as set forth on Exhibit "A"
(collectively, the "Stockholders" and each a "Stockholder").
RECITALS
A. Immediately prior to the execution of this Agreement, Adecco and Olsten
Corporation have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement
may hereafter be amended from time to time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to
which (i) Merger Sub, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco, will be merged with
and into Moses, which will be the surviving corporation in the Merger, and will,
as a result of the Merger, become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adecco and (ii)
as a result of the Merger, the stockholders of Olsten Corporation will receive
the Closing Consideration.
B. As an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger Agreement,
Adecco has required that the Stockholders agree, and the Stockholders have
agreed, to enter into this Agreement.
C. Prior to the date hereof, Adecco and the Stockholders had no agreement,
arrangement or understanding (as such terms are used in Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting
or disposing of the Shares (as such term is defined below).
AGREEMENT
In consideration of the Recitals and the mutual promises contained herein,
and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and adequacy of which are
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby,
agree as follows:
1. Certain Definitions. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have
the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement. For purposes
of this Agreement:
"Permitted Transfer" means a sale, transfer, assignment or other
disposition to a Permitted Transferee.
"Permitted Transferee" means any person who is (A) the spouse or former
spouse of, or any lineal descendent of, or any spouse of such lineal descendant
of, or the grandparent, parent, brother or sister of, or spouse of such brother
or sister of, a Stockholder or Permitted Transferee; (B) upon the death of any
Stockholder or any Permitted Transferee of such
1
<PAGE>
person, the executors of the estate of such Stockholder or such Permitted
Transferee, and any of such Stockholder's or such Permitted Transferee's heirs,
testamentary trustees, devisees, or legatees; (C) any trust principally for the
benefit of one or more of the foregoing Stockholders or Permitted Transferees;
(D) upon the disability of any Stockholder or Permitted Transferee, any guardian
or conservator of such Stockholder or such Permitted Transferee; or (E) any
corporation, partnership or other entity if all of the beneficial ownership is
held by Stockholders or Permitted Transferees; provided that in each case such
transferee assumes and agrees to perform and becomes a party to this Agreement,
agrees not to make or in any way assist in the making of any proposal involving
an Acquisition Transaction, and agrees not to dissent in the Merger, all on
terms reasonably acceptable to Adecco, and provided further that as a result of
any such transfer no Class B Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, of Olsten
Corporation is converted into Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, of Olsten
Corporation. For purposes of this Agreement, when a Permitted Transferee has
acquired Shares in accordance herewith, such person shall be deemed a
"Stockholder" hereunder.
"Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization or
other entity.
"Shares" shall mean the Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, and the
Class B Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, of Olsten Corporation owned by
the Stockholders on the date hereof and any shares acquired by any Stockholder
in any capacity after the date hereof and prior to the termination of this
Agreement. "Shares" shall include Shares acquired upon the exercise of options,
warrants or rights, the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable
securities, or by means of purchase, dividend, distribution, gift, bequest,
inheritance or as a successor in interest in any capacity or otherwise. In the
event of a stock dividend or distribution, or any change in the Common Stock or
Class B Common Stock by reason of any stock dividend, split-up,
recapitalization, reclassification, combination, exchange of shares or the like,
the term "Shares" shall be deemed to refer to and include the Shares as well as
all such stock dividends and distributions and any shares into which or for
which any or all of the Shares may be changed, reclassified or exchanged and
appropriate adjustments shall be made to the terms and provisions of this
Agreement. "Shares" shall also include voting trust certificates issued in
respect of any Shares.
2. Voting of Shares; No Inconsistent Agreements.
(a) Each Stockholder hereby severally and not jointly and solely with
respect to the Shares held of record by such Stockholder, agrees that during the
period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until the termination of
this Agreement in accordance with its terms, at any meeting (whether annual or
special and whether or not an adjourned or postponed meeting) of the holders of
Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, however called, or in connection with any
written consent of the holders of Common Stock or Class B Common Stock, such
Stockholder shall vote (or cause to be voted) all of the Shares held of record
by such Stockholder (i) in favor of the Merger, the execution, delivery and
performance of the Merger Agreement and the approval and adoption of the terms
thereof and each of the other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the
Separation Agreement and this Agreement and any actions required in furtherance
thereof and hereof (the "Subject Transactions"); (ii) against any
2
<PAGE>
Acquisition Transaction (other than the Merger and the transactions contemplated
thereby) and against any action or agreement that would result in a breach in
any respect of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation
or agreement under the Merger Agreement or the Separation Agreement or this
Agreement; and (iii) except as otherwise agreed to in writing in advance by
Adecco, and regardless of the status of the Merger and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, or the Separation
Agreement, against the following actions (other than pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, or the Separation Agreement): (A) any
extraordinary corporate transaction, such as a merger, consolidation or other
business combination involving Olsten Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries;
(B) any sale, lease or transfer by Olsten Corporation of a material amount of
assets (including stock) of Olsten Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, or a
merger, restructuring, recapitalization, special dividend, dissolution or
liquidation of Olsten Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; or (C)(1) any
change in a majority of the persons who constitute the board of directors of
Olsten Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries; (2) any change in the present
capitalization of Olsten Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries including any
proposal to sell a substantial equity interest in Olsten Corporation or any of
its Subsidiaries; (3) any amendment of Olsten Corporation's or any of its
Subsidiaries' charters or By-laws; (4) any other change in Olsten Corporation's
or any of its Subsidiaries' corporate structure or business; or (5) any other
action which, in the case of each of the matters referred to in clauses (C)(1),
(2), (3) or (4), is intended, or could reasonably be expected, to impede,
interfere with, delay, postpone, or materially adversely affect this Agreement,
the Merger Agreement, the Separation Agreement, the Merger, the Split-Off or the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the
Separation Agreement. In addition, such Stockholder agrees that it will, upon
request by Adecco, furnish written confirmation, in form and substance
reasonably acceptable to Adecco, of such Stockholder's vote in the manner
required by clauses (i)-(iii) of this Section 2(a). Each Stockholder
acknowledges receipt and review of a copy of the Merger Agreement.
(b) Each Stockholder severally and not jointly agrees that it shall not
enter into any agreement or understanding with any Person the effect of which
would be inconsistent with or violative of the provisions and agreements
contained herein, including in this Section 2, and shall take all such actions
necessary to approve, if so requested by Adecco, all or any actions incident to
the Subject Transactions or the other matters referred to in this Section 2 by
stockholder written consent.
3. Other Stockholder Covenants.
(a) Restriction on Transfer; Proxies and Non-interference. Except for
Permitted Transfers or as expressly permitted herein, each Stockholder severally
and not jointly agrees that it shall not directly or indirectly:
(i) offer for sale, sell, transfer, tender, pledge, encumber, assign or
otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract, option or other arrangement or
understanding with respect to, or consent to the offer for sale, sale, transfer,
tender, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other disposition of (collectively,
"transfer"), any or all of the Shares or any interest therein; provided that
nothing in this Agreement shall in any manner restrict the ability of the
Stockholders to pledge or encumber any Shares in connection with one or more
bona fide
3
<PAGE>
loans or advances to such Stockholder by one or more institutional lenders, but
only if and so long as (A) each such lender expressly (on behalf of itself and
any transferee of the collateral) assumes and agrees to perform and becomes a
party to this Agreement, agrees not to make or assist in any way in the making
of a proposal involving an Acquisition Transaction (other than the Merger and
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement), and agrees not to
dissent in the Merger, which agreement shall be on terms reasonably acceptable
to Adecco, (B) as a result of such pledge or encumbrance the subject Shares are
not converted into Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, of Olsten
Corporation, and (C), in the event of any foreclosure or other sale or retention
of Shares by such a lender, the subject Shares are not so converted (a loan or
advance meeting such requirements being herein called a "Loan");
(ii) grant any proxies or powers of attorney, deposit the Shares into a
voting trust or enter into a voting agreement with respect to the Shares;
provided that nothing in this Agreement shall in any manner restrict the ability
of any Stockholder to enter into any voting agreement in connection with any
Loan which is operative only upon default under such Loan and is not
inconsistent with this Agreement; or
(iii) take any action that would make any representation or warranty of
such Stockholder contained herein untrue or incorrect or would result in a
breach by such Stockholder of its obligations under this Agreement or a breach
by Olsten Corporation of its obligations under the Merger Agreement or the
Separation Agreement.
(b) No Solicitation.
(i) From the date hereof through the Closing Date or the earlier
termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, each Stockholder
severally and not jointly agrees that it shall not, and shall not permit any of
its Subsidiaries, or any of its or their officers, directors, employees,
representatives, agents or Affiliates (including, without limitation, any
investment banker, attorney or accountant retained by any Stockholder) to,
directly or indirectly, enter into, solicit, initiate or continue any
discussions or negotiations with, or encourage or respond to any inquiries or
proposals by, or participate in any negotiations with, or provide any
information to, or otherwise cooperate in any other way with or facilitate or
encourage, any Person or group, other than Adecco and its Affiliates, concerning
any Acquisition Transaction. Each Stockholder severally and not jointly agrees
that it will immediately notify Adecco if any discussions or negotiations are
sought to be initiated or continued, any inquiry or proposal is made, or any
information or documents is requested with respect to any Acquisition
Transaction, and notify Adecco of the terms of any proposal which it may receive
in respect of any such Acquisition Transaction, including the identity of the
prospective purchaser or soliciting party if known.
(ii) Each Stockholder severally and not jointly further agrees to use its
best efforts as a stockholder to cause Olsten Corporation not to, directly or
indirectly, solicit, initiate, seek, or encourage (including by way of
furnishing information or assistance), or take other action to facilitate, any
inquiries or the making of any proposal which constitutes or may reasonably be
expected to lead to, an Acquisition Transaction.
4
<PAGE>
(iii) The provisions of this Section 3(b) shall not prohibit any director
of Olsten Corporation from taking actions in his capacity as such which are
permitted or required under the Merger Agreement.
(c) Reliance. Each Stockholder understands and acknowledges that Adecco is
entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon each Stockholder's execution
and delivery of this Agreement.
(d) Further Assurances. From time to time, at Adecco's request and without
further consideration, each Stockholder severally and not jointly agrees that it
shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further
lawful action as may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective,
in the most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. Without limitation, each Stockholder who is a party to any
agreement that may conflict with this Agreement has caused such other agreement
to be amended to the extent required (if any) to permit him or her to enter into
and perform this Agreement.
(e) No Conversion. No Stockholder shall permit or take any action to cause
any shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, which such
Stockholder owns to be converted into shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per
share, and shall take any and all action required to prevent such conversion.
4. Representations and Warranties of Stockholders. Each Stockholder hereby
severally and not jointly (and solely with respect to itself and the Shares
owned of record by such Stockholder) represents and warrants to Adecco as
follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. Such Stockholder is the owner of record of the
Shares set forth on Exhibit A hereto. On the date hereof, the Shares set forth
on Exhibit A hereto constitute all of the Shares owned of record by such
Stockholder. With respect to the number of shares set forth opposite such
Stockholder's name on Exhibit A hereto, and with the exceptions noted thereon,
such Stockholder has sole voting power and sole power to issue instructions with
respect to the matters set forth in Sections 2 and 3 hereof, sole power of
disposition, sole power of conversion, sole power to demand appraisal rights and
sole power to agree to all of the matters set forth in this Agreement, in each
case with respect to all of the Shares with no limitations, qualifications or
restrictions on such rights, subject to applicable securities laws and the terms
of this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement does not cause
an automatic conversion of the Shares.
(b) Due Authorization; Binding Agreement. Such Stockholder is, as
applicable, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of its jurisdiction of organization, and has all requisite capacity, power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and perform its obligations
hereunder. The execution and delivery by such Stockholder of this Agreement and
the performance by such Stockholder of its obligations hereunder have been duly
and validly authorized by such Stockholder and no other proceedings on the part
of the such Stockholder are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or
performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
5
<PAGE>
This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such
Stockholder and constitutes a valid and binding agreement enforceable against
such Stockholder in accordance with its terms except to the extent (i) such
enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws
affecting creditors rights and (ii) the remedy of specific performance and
injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable
defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor
may be brought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, authorizations, consents and
approvals contemplated by the Merger Agreement or the Separation Agreement and
necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, (i) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or approval
of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the execution
and delivery of this Agreement by such Stockholder, the consummation by such
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby and the compliance by such
Stockholder with the provisions hereof and (ii) none of the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by such Stockholder, the consummation by such
Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by such
Stockholder with any of the provisions hereof shall (A) conflict with or result
in any breach of the organizational documents of such Stockholder, (B) result in
a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time
or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of termination,
cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms,
conditions or provisions of any note, loan agreement, bond, mortgage, indenture,
license, contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other
instrument or obligation of any kind, including, without limitation, any voting
agreement, proxy arrangement, pledge agreement, shareholders agreement or voting
trust, to which such Stockholder is a party or by which such Stockholder or any
of its properties or assets may be bound, or (C) violate any order, writ,
injunction, decree, judgment, statute, rule or regulation applicable to such
Stockholder or any of its properties or assets.
(d) No Encumbrances. Except as set forth on Exhibit A, the Shares and the
certificates representing such Shares are now, and at all times during the term
hereof, will be, held by such Stockholder or any Permitted Transferee, or by a
nominee, custodian or trust for the benefit of such Stockholder or any Permitted
Transferee, free and clear of all liens, claims, security interests, proxies,
voting trusts or agreements, understandings or arrangements or any other
encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such arising hereunder.
(e) No Finder's Fees. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or
other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial adviser's or other
similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of such Stockholder.
5. Representations and Warranties of Adecco. Adecco represents and warrants
to the Stockholders as follows:
(a) Organization. Adecco is a societe anonyme duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
organization, and has all requisite corporate power or other power and authority
to execute and deliver this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder. The
execution and delivery by Adecco of this Agreement and
6
<PAGE>
the performance by Adecco of its obligations hereunder have been duly and
validly authorized by its Board of Directors and, except as contemplated by the
Merger Agreement, no other corporate proceedings on the part of Adecco are
necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement
or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(b) Agreement. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by Adecco and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Adecco
enforceable against Adecco in accordance with its terms, except that (i) such
enforcement may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or other
similar laws, now or hereafter in effect, affecting creditors' rights generally,
and (ii) the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of
equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of
the court before which any proceedings therefor may be brought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings, authorizations, consents, and
approvals contemplated by the Merger Agreement or the Separation Agreement and
necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, (i) no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or approval
of, any state or federal public body or authority is necessary for the execution
of this Agreement by Adecco and the consummation by Adecco of the transactions
contemplated hereby, and (ii) none of the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Adecco, the consummation by Adecco of the transaction contemplated
hereby or compliance by Adecco with any of the provisions hereof shall (A)
conflict with or result in any breach of the charter or bylaws of Adecco, (B)
result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or
lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any third-party right of
termination, cancellation, material modifications or acceleration) under any of
the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, loan agreement, bond, mortgage,
indenture, license, contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement
or other instrument or obligation of any kind to which Adecco is a party or by
which Adecco or its properties or assets may be bound, or (C) violate any order,
writ, injunction, decree, judgment, statute, rule or regulation applicable to
Adecco or its properties or assets.
6. Stop Transfer. Each Stockholder severally and not jointly agrees with,
and covenants to, Adecco that such Stockholder shall not request that Olsten
Corporation register the transfer (by book-entry or otherwise) of any
certificate or uncertificated interest representing any of the Shares, unless
such transfer is in compliance with this Agreement.
7. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest of (i) the
Closing Date, or (ii) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with
its terms; provided that the provisions of Section 10 shall survive any
termination of this Agreement, and provided further that no such termination
shall relieve any party of liability for a breach hereof prior to termination.
8. Confidentiality and Public Announcements. The parties recognize that
successful consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may
be dependent upon confidentiality with respect to the matters referred to
herein. In this connection, pending public disclosure thereof, each of the
parties hereto severally and not jointly agrees not to disclose or discuss such
matters with anyone not a party to this Agreement (other than its counsel,
advisors,
7
<PAGE>
corporate parents and Affiliates) without the prior written consent of the other
parties hereto, except for filings required pursuant to the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder or disclosures its counsel advises are
necessary in order to fulfill its obligations imposed by law or the requirements
of any securities exchange. At all times during the term of this Agreement, the
parties hereto will consult with each other before issuing or making any
reports, statements or releases to the public with respect to this Agreement or
the transactions contemplated hereby and will use good faith efforts to agree on
the text of public reports, statements or releases. For purposes of this
Section, any consultation or consent required of Adecco may be obtained from Dr.
Felix A. Weber, and any consultation or consent required from the Stockholders
may be obtained from Stuart Olsten.
9. Voting Agreement. Adecco agrees that it shall vote (or cause to be
voted) all shares of Common Stock with respect to which Adecco has voting power
in favor of the Merger, the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement and
the Separation Agreement and the approval and adoption of the terms thereof and
each of the other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the
Separation Agreement and any action required in furtherance thereof.
10. General Provisions.
(a) Nonsurvival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. Except as
provided in Section 7, none of the representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements in this Agreement shall survive the Closing Date.
(b) Expenses. Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are
consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring
such expenses, except as otherwise specifically noted herein or in the Merger
Agreement.
(c) Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications which
are required or may be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall
be deemed to have been duly given when received if personally delivered; when
transmitted if transmitted by telecopy, electronic or digital transmission
method; the day after it is sent, if sent for next day delivery to a domestic
address by recognized overnight delivery service (e.g., Federal Express); and
upon receipt, if sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.
In each case notice shall be sent to:
(i) if to Adecco, to:
Attention: Dr. Felix A. Weber
1275 Cheserex
Switzerland
Telephone: 011 41 21 321 6666
Telecopy: 011 41 21 321 6688
8
<PAGE>
with copies to:
Latham & Watkins
633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attention: Thomas W. Dobson, Esq.
Telephone: (213) 485-1234
Telecopy: (213) 891-8763
(ii) if to the Stockholders, to the respective addresses and with the
copies set forth on Exhibit A.
(d) Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to Sections,
such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise
indicated. Headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only
and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Whenever the word "include", "includes" or "including" are used in this
Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation". This Agreement shall not be construed for or against either party
by reason of the authorship or alleged authorship of any provision hereof or by
reason of the status of the respective parties. All terms defined in this
Agreement in the singular shall have comparable meanings when used in the
plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified.
(e) Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement
constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and is not intended to confer upon any person other than
the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.
(f) Assignment. Except in connection with Permitted Transfers or as
permitted in Section 3(a), neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned (whether by operation of
law or otherwise) by any Stockholder without the consent of Adecco, or by Adecco
without the consent of the Stockholders holding 66% of the Shares subject to
this Agreement. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be
binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and
their respective successors and assigns.
(g) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and the
rights of the parties determined exclusively in accordance with the laws of the
State of Delaware (without reference to the choice of law provisions), except
with respect to matters of law concerning the internal corporate affairs of any
corporate entity which is a party to or the subject of this Agreement, and as to
those matters the law of the jurisdiction under which the respective entity
derives its powers shall govern.
(h) Severability. Each party agrees that, should any court or other
competent authority hold any provision of this Agreement or part hereof to be
null, void or unenforceable, or order any party to take any action inconsistent
herewith or not to take an action consistent
9
<PAGE>
herewith or required hereby, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions and obligations contained or set forth herein shall not in
any way be affected or impaired thereby. Upon any such holding that any
provision of this Agreement is null, void or unenforceable, the parties will
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end
that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated to the
extent possible. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, to the
extent that a party hereto took an action inconsistent herewith or failed to
take action consistent herewith or required hereby pursuant to an order or
judgment of a court or other competent authority, such party shall incur no
liability or obligation unless such party did not in good faith seek to resist
or object to the imposition or entering of such order or judgment.
(i) Injunctive Relief. The parties acknowledge that it will be impossible
to measure in money the damages that would be suffered if the parties fail to
comply with any of the obligations herein imposed on them and that in the event
of any such failure, an aggrieved person or entity will be irreparably damaged
and will not have an adequate remedy at law. Any such person or entity shall,
therefore, be entitled to injunctive relief, including specific performance, to
enforce such obligations, and if any action should be brought in equity to
enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, none of the parties shall raise
the defense that there is an adequate remedy at law.
(j) Attorneys' Fees. If any party to this Agreement brings an action to
enforce its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled
to recover its costs and expenses, including without limitation reasonable
attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with such action, including any appeal
of such action.
(k) Cumulative Remedies. All rights and remedies of either party hereto are
cumulative of each other and of every other right or remedy such party may
otherwise have at law or in equity, and the exercise of one or more rights or
remedies shall not prejudice or impair the concurrent or subsequent exercise of
other rights or remedies.
(l) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same instrument and
shall become effective when executed and delivered by each of the parties.
(m) Amendments, Waivers, Etc. This Agreement may not be amended, changed,
supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or terminated, except upon the
execution and delivery of a written agreement executed by the parties hereto.
(n) Binding Agreement. Each Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and the
obligations hereunder shall attach to the Shares and, shall be binding upon any
person or entity to which ownership of such shares shall pass, whether by
operation of law or otherwise, including, without limitation, such Stockholder's
heirs, distributees, guardians, administrators, executors, legal
representatives, or successors or other transferees (for value or otherwise) and
any other
10
<PAGE>
successors in interest. Notwithstanding any transfer of Shares, the transferor
shall remain liable for the performance of all obligations under this Agreement
of the transferor.
(o) Obligations of the Stockholders. The liabilities and obligations of
each Stockholder under any provision of this Agreement are several and not joint
and apply solely to such Stockholder and to the Shares held of record by such
Stockholder. No Stockholder shall have any liability or obligation under this
Agreement for any act, omission or breach by any other Stockholder.
(p) Service of Process. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to
the service of any process, pleading, notices or other papers by the mailing of
copies thereof by registered, certified or first class mail, postage prepaid, to
such party at such party's address set forth herein, or by any other method
provided or permitted under Delaware law. Additionally, each party hereby
appoints RL&F Service Corp., One Rodney Square, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 as
agent for service of process in Delaware.
(i) Consent and Jurisdiction. Each party irrevocably and unconditionally
agrees and consents that any suit, action or other legal proceeding arising out
of or related to this Agreement shall be brought and heard exclusively in New
Castle County, State of Delaware and each party irrevocably consents to personal
jurisdiction in any and all tribunals in said County.
11
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Principal Stockholders
Agreement as of the date first written above.
Adecco SA,
a societe anonyme organized
under the laws of Switzerland
By: /s/ John P. Bowmer
--------------------------------
Name: John P. Bowmer
Title: Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Felix A. Weber
--------------------------------
Name: Felix A. Weber
Title: Chief Financial Officer
S-1
<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDERS
/s/ Miriam Olsten
------------------------------------------
Name: Miriam Olsten
/s/ Stuart Olsten
------------------------------------------
Name: Stuart Olsten
/s/ Cheryl Olsten
------------------------------------------
Name: Cheryl Olsten
/s/ Miriam Olsten
------------------------------------------
For the 1985 Cheryl Ashburn Trust
Name: Miriam Olsten
/s/ Cheryl Olsten
------------------------------------------
For the 1995 Succeeding GRAT
Name: Cheryl Olsten
/s/ Stuart Olsten
------------------------------------------
For the 1995 Succeeding GRAT
Name: Stuart Olsten
/s/ Robert Riedinger
------------------------------------------
For the 1995 Succeeding GRAT
Name: Robert Riedinger
/s/ Andrew Heine
------------------------------------------
For the Trust FBO Stuart Olsten
Name: Andrew Heine
/s/ Stuart Olsten
------------------------------------------
For the Trust FBO Stuart Olsten
Name: Stuart Olsten
/s/ Robert Riedinger
------------------------------------------
For the Trust FBO Stuart Olsten
Name: Robert Riedinger
S-2
<PAGE>
/s/ Andrew Heine
------------------------------------------
For the Trust FBO Cheryl Olsten
Name: Andrew Heine
/s/ Cheryl Olsten
------------------------------------------
For the Trust FBO Cheryl Olsten
Name: Cheryl Olsten
/s/ Robert Riedinger
------------------------------------------
For the Trust FBO Stuart Olsten
Name: Robert Riedinger
S-3
<PAGE>
Exhibit A
to Principal Stockholders Agreement
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF SHARES
NAME AND ADDRESS FOR NOTICE CLASS B COMMON
OF RECORD OF RECORD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miriam Olsten 3,138,904 6,600
25 Willets Road
Box 326
Old Westbury, NY 11568
Stuart Olsten 1,928,629 3,600
67 Willets Road
Old Westbury, NY 11568
Cheryl Olsten 938,165
6550 Meeting House Road
New Hope, PA 18938
1985 Cheryl Ashburn Trust 936,810
25 Willets Road
Box 326
Old Westbury, NY 11568
1995 Succeeding GRAT 2,522,837
25 Willets Road
Box 326
Old Westbury, NY 11568
Trust FBO Stuart Olsten 1,563,805
25 Willets Road
Box 326
Old Westbury, NY 11568
Trust FBO Cheryl Olsten 1,563,805
25 Willets Road
Box 326
Old Westbury, NY 11568
TOTAL 12,592,955 10,200
========== ======
A-1
<PAGE>
ANNEX F
SECTION 262 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
<PAGE>
DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
SECTION 262 OF SUBCHAPTER IX
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
(a) Any stockholder of a corporation of this State who holds shares of
stock on the date of the making of a demand pursuant to subsection (d)
of this section with respect to such shares, who continuously holds
such shares through the effective date of the merger or consolidation,
who has otherwise complied with subsection (d) of this section and who
has neither voted in favor of the merger or consolidation nor consented
thereto in writing pursuant to ss. 228 of this title shall be entitled
to an appraisal by the Court of Chancery of the fair value of the
stockholder's shares of stock under the circumstances described in
subsections (b) and (c) of this section. As used in this section, the
word "stockholder" means a holder of record of stock in a stock
corporation and also a member of record of a nonstock corporation; the
words "stock" and "share" mean and include what is ordinarily meant by
those words and also membership or membership interest of a member of a
nonstock corporation; and the words "depository receipt" mean a receipt
or other instrument issued by a depository representing an interest in
one or more shares, or fractions thereof, solely of stock of a
corporation, which stock is deposited with the depository.
(b) Appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any class or
series of stock of a constituent corporation in a merger or
consolidation to be effected pursuant to ss.ss. 251 (other than a
merger effected pursuant to ss. 251(g) of this title), 252, 254, 257,
258, 263 or 264 of this title:
(1) Provided, however, that no appraisal rights under this section
shall be available for the shares of any class or series of
stock, which stock, or depository receipts in respect thereof,
at the record date fixed to determine the stockholders
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting of
stockholders to act upon the agreement of merger or
consolidation, were either (i) listed on a national securities
exchange or designated as a national market system security on
an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held of record by more than
2,000 holders; and further provided that no appraisal rights
shall be available for any shares of stock of the constituent
corporation surviving a merger if the merger did not require
for its approval the vote of the stockholders of the surviving
corporation as provided in subsection (f) of ss. 251 of this
title.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, appraisal
rights under this section shall be available for the shares of
any class or series of stock of a constituent corporation if
the holders thereof are required by the terms of an agreement
of merger or consolidation pursuant to ss.ss. 251, 252, 254,
257, 258, 263 and 264 of this title to accept for such stock
anything except:
a. Shares of stock of the corporation surviving or
resulting from such merger or consolidation, or
depository receipts in respect thereof;
b. Shares of stock of any other corporation, or
depository receipts in respect thereof, which shares
of stock or (depository receipts in respect thereof)
at the effective date of the merger or consolidation
will be either listed on a national securities
exchange or designated as a national market system
security on an interdealer quotation system by the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or
held of record by more than 2,000 holders;
c. Cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional
depository receipts described in the foregoing
subparagraphs a. and b. of this paragraph; or
F-1
<PAGE>
d. Any combination of the shares of stock, depository
receipts and cash in lieu of fractional shares or
fractional depository receipts described in the
foregoing subparagraphs a., b. and c. of this
paragraph.
(3) In the event all of the stock of a subsidiary Delaware
corporation party to a merger effected under ss. 253 of this
title is not owned by the parent corporation immediately prior
to the merger, appraisal rights shall be available for the
shares of the subsidiary Delaware corporation.
(c) Any corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation that
appraisal rights under this section shall be available for the shares
of any class or series of its stock as a result of an amendment to its
certificate of incorporation, any merger or consolidation in which the
corporation is a constituent corporation or the sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the corporation. If the certificate
of incorporation contains such a provision, the procedures of this
section, including those set forth in subsections (d) and (e) of this
section, shall apply as nearly as is practicable.
(d) Appraisal rights shall be perfected as follows:
(1) If a proposed merger or consolidation for which appraisal
rights are provided under this section is to be submitted for
approval at a meeting of stockholders, the corporation, not
less than 20 days prior to the meeting, shall notify each of
its stockholders who was such on the record date for such
meeting with respect to shares for which appraisal rights are
available pursuant to subsections (b) or (c) hereof that
appraisal rights are available for any or all of the shares of
the constituent corporations, and shall include in such notice
a copy of this section. Each stockholder electing to demand
the appraisal of such stockholder's shares shall deliver to
the corporation, before the taking of the vote on the merger
or consolidation, a written demand for appraisal of such
stockholder's shares. Such demand will be sufficient if it
reasonably informs the corporation of the identity of the
stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to demand
the appraisal of such stockholder's shares. A proxy or vote
against the merger or consolidation shall not constitute such
a demand. A stockholder electing to take such action must do
so by a separate written demand as herein provided. Within 10
days after the effective date of such merger or consolidation,
the surviving or resulting corporation shall notify each
stockholder of each constituent corporation who has complied
with this subsection and has not voted in favor of or
consented to the merger or consolidation of the date that the
merger or consolidation has become effective; or
(2) If the merger or consolidation was approved pursuant to ss.
228 or ss. 253 of this title, each constituent corporation,
either before the effective date of the merger or
consolidation or within 10 days thereafter, shall notify each
of the holders of any class or series of stock of such
constituent corporation who are entitled to appraisal rights
of the approval of the merger or consolidation and that
appraisal rights are available for any or all of the shares of
such class of series of stock of such constituent corporation,
and shall include in such notice a copy of this section;
provided that, if the notice is given on or after the
effective date of the merger or consolidation, such notice
shall be given by the surviving or resulting corporation to
all such holders of any class or series of stock of a
constituent corporation that are entitled to appraisal rights.
Such notice may, and, if given on or after the effective date
of the merger or consolidation, shall, also notify such
stockholders of the effective date of the merger or
consolidation. Any stockholder entitled to appraisal rights
may, within 20 days after the date of mailing of such notice,
demand in writing from the surviving or resulting corporation
the appraisal of such holder's shares. Such demand will be
sufficient if it reasonably informs the corporation of the
identity of the stockholder and that the stockholder intends
thereby to demand the ap-
F-2
<PAGE>
praisal of such holder's shares. If such notice did not notify
stockholders of the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, either (i) each such constituent corporation
shall send a second notice before the effective date of the
merger or consolidation notifying each of the holders of any
class or series of stock of such constituent corporation that
are entitled to appraisal rights of the effective date of the
merger or consolidation or (ii) the surviving or resulting
corporation shall send such a second notice to all such
holders on or within 10 days after such effective date;
provided, however, that if such second notice is sent more
than 20 days following the sending of the first notice, such
second notice need only be sent to each stockholder who is
entitled to appraisal rights and who has demanded appraisal of
such holder's shares in accordance with this subsection. An
affidavit of the secretary of assistant secretary or of the
transfer agent of the corporation that is required to give
either notice that such notice has been given shall, in the
absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated
therein. For purposes of determining the stockholders entitled
to receive either notice, each constituent corporation may
fix, in advance, a record date that shall be not more than 10
days prior to the date the notice is given, provided, that if
the notice is given on or after the effective date of the
merger or consolidation, the record date shall be such
effective date. If no record date is fixed and the notice is
given prior to the effective date, the record date shall be
the close of business on the day next preceding the day on
which the notice is given.
(e) Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation or any
stockholder who has complied with subsections (a) and (d) hereof and
who is otherwise entitled to appraisal rights, may file a petition in
the Court of Chancery demanding a determination of the value of the
stock of all such stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any
time within 60 days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, any stockholder shall have the right to withdraw such
stockholder's demand for appraisal and to accept the terms offered upon
the merger or consolidation. Within 120 days after the effective date
of the merger or consolidation, any stockholder who has complied with
the requirements of subsections (a) and (d) hereof, upon written
request, shall be entitled to receive from the corporation surviving
the merger or resulting from the consolidation a statement setting
forth the aggregate number of shares not voted in favor of the merger
or consolidation and with respect to which demands for appraisal have
been received and the aggregate number of holders of such shares. Such
written statement shall be mailed to the stockholder within 10 days
after such stockholder's written request for such a statement is
received by the surviving or resulting corporation or within 10 days
after expiration of the period for delivery of demands for appraisal
under subsection (d) hereof, whichever is later.
(f) Upon the filing of any such petition by a stockholder, service of a
copy thereof shall be made upon the surviving or resulting corporation,
which shall within 20 days after such service file in the office of the
Register in Chancery in which the petition was filed a duly verified
list containing the names and addresses of all stockholders who have
demanded payment for their shares and with whom agreements as to the
value of their shares have not been reached by the surviving or
resulting corporation. If the petition shall be filed by the surviving
or resulting corporation, the petition shall be accompanied by such a
duly verified list. The Register in Chancery, if so ordered by the
Court, shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the hearing of
such petition by registered or certified mail to the surviving or
resulting corporation and to the stockholders shown on the list at the
addresses therein stated. Such notice shall also be given by 1 or more
publications at least 1 week before the day of the hearing, in a
newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Wilmington,
Delaware or such publication as the Court deems advisable. The forms of
the notices by mail and by publication shall be approved by the Court,
and the costs thereof shall be borne by the surviving or resulting
corporation.
(g) At the hearing on such petition, the Court shall determine the
stockholders who have complied with this section and who have become
entitled to appraisal rights. The Court may require the stockholders
who
F-3
<PAGE>
have demanded an appraisal for their shares and who hold stock
represented by certificates to submit their certificates of stock to
the Register in Chancery for notation thereon of the pendency of the
appraisal proceedings; and if any stockholder fails to comply with such
direction, the Court may dismiss the proceedings as to such
stockholder.
(h) After determining the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the Court
shall appraise the shares, determining their fair value exclusive of
any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of
the merger or consolidation, together with a fair rate of interest, if
any, to be paid upon the amount determined to be the fair value. In
determining such fair value, the Court shall take into account all
relevant factors. In determining the fair rate of interest, the Court
may consider all relevant factors, including the rate of interest which
the surviving or resulting corporation would have had to pay to borrow
money during the pendency of the proceeding. Upon application by the
surviving or resulting corporation or by any stockholder entitled to
participate in the appraisal proceeding, the Court may, in its
discretion, permit discovery or other pretrial proceedings and may
proceed to trial upon the appraisal prior to the final determination of
the stockholder entitled to an appraisal. Any stockholder whose name
appears on the list filed by the surviving or resulting corporation
pursuant to subsection (f) of this section and who has submitted such
stockholder's certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery, if
such is required, may participate fully in all proceedings until it is
finally determined that such stockholder is not entitled to appraisal
rights under this section.
(i) The Court shall direct the payment of the fair value of the shares,
together with interest, if any, by the surviving or resulting
corporation to the stockholders entitled thereto. Interest may be
simple or compound, as the Court may direct. Payment shall be so made
to each such stockholder, in the case of holders of uncertificated
stock forthwith, and the case of holders of shares represented by
certificates upon the surrender to the corporation of the certificates
representing such stock. The Court's decree may be enforced as other
decrees in the Court of Chancery may be enforced, whether such
surviving or resulting corporation be a corporation of this State or of
any state.
(j) The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the Court and taxed
upon the parties as the Court deems equitable in the circumstances.
Upon application of a stockholder, the Court may order all or a portion
of the expenses incurred by any stockholder in connection with the
appraisal proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable
attorney's fees and the fees and expenses of experts, to be charged pro
rata against the value of all the shares entitled to an appraisal.
(k) From and after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, no
stockholder who has demanded such stockholder's appraisal rights as
provided in subsection (d) of this section shall be entitled to vote
such stock for any purpose or to receive payment of dividends or other
distributions on the stock (except dividends or other distributions
payable to stockholders of record at a date which is prior to the
effective date of the merger or consolidation); provided, however, that
if no petition for an appraisal shall be filed within the time provided
in subsection (e) of this section, or if such stockholder shall deliver
to the surviving or resulting corporation a written withdrawal of such
stockholder's demand for an appraisal and an acceptance of the merger
or consolidation, either within 60 days after the effective date of the
merger or consolidation as provided in subsection (e) of this section
or thereafter with the written approval of the corporation, then the
right of such stockholder to an appraisal shall cease. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, no appraisal proceeding in the Court of Chancery shall
be dismissed as to any stockholder without the approval of the Court,
and such approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Court deems
just.
(l) The shares of the surviving or resulting corporation to which the
shares of such objecting stockholders would have been converted had
they assented to the merger or consolidation shall have the status of
authorized and unissued shares of the surviving or resulting
corporation.
F-4
<PAGE>
FORM F-4
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Swiss law does not permit a corporation to indemnify a director or an
officer of the corporation against any liability which such director or
officer would otherwise incur in relation to the corporation. The
corporation may not limit such director's or officer's liability in its
charter. However, legal practice permits the purchase of directors and
officers insurance by the corporation. Adecco maintains directors and
officers insurance for all of its directors and executive officers. In
addition, during a general meeting, shareholders may grant discharge of
a specific liability by the directors and officers to the corporation
or to the shareholders, provided that the shareholders are fully
informed of the potential breaches of the directors' and officers'
fiduciary duties.
Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit
No. Description
- -------- -----------
1.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 17, 1999,
among Adecco SA, Staffing Acquisition Corporation and Olsten
Corporation (included as Annex B to the proxy
statement/prospectus included in this Registration Statement).
1.2 Separation Agreement, dated as of August 17, 1999, among
Adecco SA, Olsten Corporation and Aaronco Corp. (included as
Annex C to the proxy statement/prospectus included in this
Registration Statement).
3.1(a)* Statuts of Adecco (in French) as amended on September 10,
1999.
3.1(b)* English translation of Statuts of Adecco, as amended on
September 10, 1999.
4.1 Specimen of certificate representing ordinary shares, par
value CHF 10 per share (incorporated by reference from
Adecco's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission).
4.3* Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement among Adecco,
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and holders from
time to time of ADRs issued thereunder, including the form of
ADR certificate.
5.1* Opinion of Baer & Karrer, special Swiss counsel to Adecco,
relating to the validity of Adecco common shares.
9.1 Principal Stockholders Agreement, dated as of August 17, 1999,
among Adecco SA, and Miriam Olsten, Stuart Olsten, Cheryl
Olsten, 1985 Cheryl Ashburn Trust, 1995 Succeeding GRAT, Trust
FBO Stuart Olsten and Trust FBO Cheryl Olsten (included as
Annex E to the proxy stat-
II-1
<PAGE>
ement/prospectus included in this Registration Statement).
23.1* Consent of Baer & Karrer (contained in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.3 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
24.1 Power of Attorney of Adecco SA (included on the signature page
to this Registration Statement).
99.1* Form of Proxy Card.
99.2 Consent of Warburg Dillon Read LLC.
99.3 Consent of Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
- ------------------------
* To be filed by amendment.
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
None.
Item 22. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the
most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in
the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
II-2
<PAGE>
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the
registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.
(4) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to
include any financial statements required by Rule 3-19 under Regulation S-X at
the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial
statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act
need not be furnished, provided that the registrant includes in the prospectus,
by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant
to this paragraph (a)(4) and other information necessary to ensure that all
other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those
financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to
registration statements on Form F-3, a post-effective amendment need not be
filed to include financial statements and information required by Section
10(a)(3) of the Act or Rule 3-19 under Regulation S-X if such financial
statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or
furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant
to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the Form F-3.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to
any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a
prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the
registrant undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the
information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to
reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other Items of the applicable form.
The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (i) that is filed
pursuant to paragraph (1) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet
the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in
connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as
a part of an amendment to the Registration Statement and will not be used until
such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be initial bona
fide offering thereof.
The undersigned registrant here undertakes: (i) to respond to requests
for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant
to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means; and (ii) to arrange or provide for a facility in the
U.S. for the purpose of responding to such requests. The undertaking in
subparagraph (i) above includes information contained in documents filed
subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date
of responding to the request.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to apply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction and the
company being acquired involved herein, that was not the subject of and included
in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-3
<PAGE>
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that insofar as
indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the provisions in Item 20, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of
1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the act and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant certifies that it has duly caused this registration statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Zurich, Switzerland on October 5, 1999.
ADECCO SA
By: /s/ John Bowmer
-------------------------------
Name: John Bowmer
Title: Chief Executive Officer
By: /s/ Felix A. Weber
-------------------------------
Name: Felix A. Weber
Title: Chief Financial Officer
II-5
<PAGE>
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENT, that each of the undersigned directors
and officers of Adecco SA, for himself and not for one another, does hereby
constitute and appoint each of John Bowmer and Felix A. Weber, his true and
lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement on
Form F-4, or any registration statement for this offering that is to be
effective upon the filing pursuant to rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of
1933, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto
said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and as of the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Dates
--------- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ John P. Bowmer
- ----------------------------
John P. Bowmer Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) October 5, 1999
/s/ Felix A. Weber
- ----------------------------
Felix A. Weber Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) October 5, 1999
/s/ Nigel A. Rees
- ----------------------------
Nigel A. Rees Vice President and Finance & Corporate Controller
(Controller) October 5, 1999
/s/ Henri F. Lavanchy
- ----------------------------
Henri F. Lavanchy Honorary Chairman and Director October 5, 1999
/s/ Philippe Foriel-Destezet
- ----------------------------
Philippe Foriel-Destezet Chairman and Director October 5, 1999
/s/ Philippe Beauviala
- ----------------------------
Philippe Beauviala Vice-Chairman and Director October 5, 1999
/s/ Yves Perben
- ----------------------------
Yves Perben Director October 5, 1999
/s/ Andreas Schmid
- ----------------------------
Andreas Schmid Director October 5, 1999
Authorized Representative in the United States:
/s/ Mark A. Eaton
- ----------------------------
Mark A. Eaton October 5, 1999
</TABLE>
II-6
STATUTES
of Adecco SA, Cheserex
I. Name, Registered Office, Duration, Purpose
Art. 1 1 A joint-stock company is formed under the name of Adecco SA,
governed by these Articles and by Title XXVI of the Swiss Code
of Obligations.
2 The registered office of the company shall be in Cheserex,
Vaud. The company is formed for an unlimited duration.
Art. 2 1 The object and purpose of the corporation is the acquisition
and management of financial holdings, of whatever form, in
service, commercial, financial and industrial enterprises and
companies in Switzerland and abroad and, in particular, in
enterprises and companies supplying employees, or providing
supervision, inspection or consulting services.
2 The company may grant loans to such enterprises and
companies and conduct all such operations as have a bearing on
the above mentioned object and purpose, including borrowing
money and acquiring real estate.
II. Capital Structure
A. Share Capital and Shares
Art. 3 The share capital totals CHF 170'982'840.-- (one hundred seventy
million nine hundred eighty-two thousand eight hundred and forty
Swiss francs), divided into 17'098'284 (seventeen million
ninety-eight thousand two hundred eighty-four) fully paid up
registered shares of CHF 10.-- (ten Swiss francs) each.
Art. 3bis The Board of Directors is authorized to increase the share
capital in one or more steps by maximum CHF 49'000.--
(forty-nine thousand Swiss francs) by issuing 4'900 (four
thousand nine hundred) registered shares of CHF 10.-- (ten Swiss
francs) par value each which have to be fully paid up, such
authorization being valid until April 20, 2001. The priority
subscription rights of shareholders and holders of participation
certificates are suspended in favor of Credit Suisse First
Boston, Zurich which will act as exchange agent in connection
with an offer of the corporation to holders of participation
certificates to exchange 5 (five) participation
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 2
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
certificates of CHF 2.-- (two Swiss francs) for 1 (one)
registered share of CHF 10.-- (ten Swiss francs). Any usage of
such authorized capital other than for the exchange of
participation certificates for registered shares is excluded.
The Board of Directors shall determine the terms and conditions,
including the date of dividend entitlement, of such exchange.
The new registered shares are subject to the transfer
restrictions of Art. 4 of the Articles of Association.
Art. 3ter 1 The share capital of the corporation shall be increased by
maximum CHF 1'798'350.-- (one million seven hundred ninety-eight
thousand three hundred fifty Swiss francs) by issuing maximum
179'835 (one hundred seventy-nine thousand eight hundred
thirty-five) fully paid up registered shares of CHF 10.-- (ten
Swiss francs) each, through the exercise of option rights which
the Board of Directors grants to employees including members of
the Board of Directors of the corporation or its affiliated
companies. The new registered shares are subject to the transfer
of restrictions of Art. 4 of the Articles of Association.
2 The preemptive rights of the shareholders and the holders of
participation certificates are suspended.
3 The Board of Directors will issue rules governing the terms
and conditions of option grants and exercise of options.
Art. 3quater In accordance with the contract on contribution in kind dated 20
August 1996 the company has acquired from Credit Suisse (France)
in the public share tender offer made to the shareholders of
Ecco S.A. 9'275'000 (nine million two hundred and seventy-five
thousands) fully paid bearer shares of Ecco S.A. with a nominal
value of FF 25.-- each. These shares are transferred to the
company for a total price of CHF 412'185'081.-- (four hundred
and twelve million one hundred eighty-five thousands and
eighty-one Swiss francs), which corresponds to the value
attributed to the shares so contributed. Credit Suisse (France)
receives 9'534'700 (nine million five hundred thirty-four
thousands and seven hundred) fully paid bearer shares of the
company of a nominal value of CHF 10.-- (ten Swiss francs) each,
representing a total nominal value of CHF 95'347'000.--
(ninety-five million three hundred and forty-seven thousands
Swiss francs); CHF 316'838'081.-- (three hundred and sixteen
million eight hundred thirty-eight thousands and eighty-one
Swiss francs) are recorded in the books of the company as agio.
Art. 3quinquies 1 The share capital of the corporation is increased by maximum
CHF 5'000'000.-- (five million Swiss francs) by issuing maximum
500'000 (five hundred thousand) fully paid up registered shares
with a nominal value of CHF 10.-- (ten Swiss francs) each,
through the exercise of option rights which the Board of
Directors grants to employees as well as to members of the Board
of Directors of the corporation or its affiliated companies. The
new registered shares are subject to the transfer restrictions
of Art. 4 of the Articles of Association.
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 3
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 The preemptive rights of shareholders and holders of
participation certificates as well as the advance subscription
rights are excluded.
3 The Board of Directors shall issue rules governing the terms
and conditions of the option grants and exercise of options.
Art. 3sexies 1 The share capital of the corporation shall be increased by a
maximum aggregate amount of CHF 14'000'000.-- (fourteen million
Swiss francs) through the issuance of a maximum of 1'400'000
(one million four hundred thousand) registered shares, which
shall be fully paid in, with a par value of CHF 10.-- (ten Swiss
francs) per share by the exercise of option and conversion
rights to be granted in relation with bond issues or other
obligations of the corporation or affiliated companies.
2 The rights of the shareholders of the corporation and of the
participants to subscribe shares in priority are excluded. The
acquisition of shares through the exercise of option or
conversion rights and the later transfer of the shares shall be
subject to the transfer restrictions of Art. 4 of the Articles
of Association.
3 The shareholders' advanced subscription rights can be
limited or excluded by the Board of Directors (1) to finance the
acquisition of enterprises, divisions thereof, or of
participations or of significant investments of the corporation,
or (2) to issue the warrants or the convertible bonds on the
international capital markets.
4 To the extent that the right to subscribe in advance is
excluded, (1) the bonds are to be placed with the public at
market conditions, (2) the term to exercise the option rights
may not exceed five years and the term to exercise conversion
rights may not exceed ten years as of the date of the bond issue
and (3) the exercise price for the new shares must at least
correspond to the market price at the time of the bond issue.
5 On the basis of the present article and of art. 3octies of
the articles of incorporation (providing for an authorized share
capital of up to 700'000 registered shares) together, no more
than 1'400'000 new registered shares may be created in total.
Art. 3septies 1 The board of directors is authorized, until April 20, 2000,
to increase the company's share capital by a maximum amount of
CHF 6'000'000.-- (six million Swiss francs) by means of issuing
up to 600'000 (six hundred thousand) fully paid up registered
shares with a par value of CHF 10.-- (ten Swiss francs) each. It
may do so in several partial amounts.
2 The preemptive rights of existing shareholders and holders
of participation certificates are excluded. The shares are to be
issued by the board of directors at
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 4
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
market conditions on the international capital markets for the
purpose of refinancing the business combination with Olsten
Corporation (Melville N.Y., USA).
3 The issue price of the shares, the form of contribution and
the initial date of the right to a dividend shall be fixed by
the board of directors.
4 The new registered shares are subject to the transfer
restrictions of art. 4 of the present articles.
Art. 3octies 1 The board of directors is authorized, until June 30, 2001,
to increase the company`s share capital, in one or more steps,
by a maximum amount of CHF 7'000'000 (seven million Swiss
francs), by issuing up to 700'000 (seven hundred thousand) fully
paid up registered shares with a par value of CHF 10.-- (ten
Swiss francs) each.
2 The issue price of the shares, the form of contribution, the
initial date of the right to a dividend and any further terms of
the issuance of the new registered shares shall be fixed by the
board of directors.
3 The preemptive rights of existing shareholders and holders
of participation certificates are excluded. The shares are
intended for the implementation of a business combination with
Olsten Corporation (Melville N.Y., USA) and will serve directly
or indirectly as consideration for the shareholders of Olsten
Corporation. A use of this authorized capital other than for the
provision of shares in view of this business combination is
excluded.
4 The new registered shares are subject to the transfer
restrictions of art. 4 of the present articles.
5 The present article is subject to art. 3sexies sect. 5.
Art. 4 1 The corporation shall maintain a share register showing the
surnames, first names, domicile, address and nationality (in the
case of legal entities the registered office) of the holders or
usufructuaries of registered shares.
2 Upon request acquirers of registered shares are registered
in the share register as shareholders with the right to vote,
provided that they declare explicitly to have acquired the
registered shares in their own name and for their own account.
No person or entity shall be registered with the right to vote
for more than 5% of the registered share capital as set forth in
the commercial register. The registration restriction also
applies to persons who hold some or all of their shares through
nominees pursuant to paragraph 3 of this article. All of the
foregoing is subject to art. 685d paragraph 3 of the Swiss Code
of Obligations and to paragraph 6 of this article.
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 4
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 The Board
of Directors may register nominees with the right to vote in the
share register to the extent of up to 5% of the registered share
capital as set forth in the commercial register. Registered
shares held by a nominee that exceed this limit may be
registered in the share register if the nominee discloses the
names, addresses and the number of shares of the persons for
whose account it holds 0.5% or more of the registered share
capital as set forth in the commercial register. Nominees within
the meaning of this provision are persons who do not explicitly
declare in the request for registration to hold the shares for
their own account or with whom the Board of Directors has
entered into a corresponding agreement.
4 Corporate bodies and partnerships or other groups of persons
or joint owners who are interrelated to one another through
capital ownership, voting rights, uniform management or
otherwise linked as well as individuals or corporate bodies and
partnerships who act in concert to circumvent the regulations
concerning the limitation of participation or the nominees
(especially as syndicates), shall be treated as one single
person or nominee within the meaning of paragraphs 2 and 3 of
this article.
5 After hearing the registered shareholder or nominee, the
Board of Directors may cancel, with retroactive effect as of the
date of registration, the registration of shareholders if the
registration was effected based on false information. The
respective shareholder or nominee shall be informed immediately
of the cancellation of the registration.
6 The Board of Directors shall specify the details and give
the necessary orders concerning the adherence to the preceding
regulations. In particular cases, it may allow exemptions from
the limitation for registration in the share register or the
regulation concerning nominees.
7 The limitation for registration in the share register
provided for in this article shall also apply to shares acquired
or subscribed by the exercise of subscription, option or
conversion rights.
Art. 4bis The corporation may issue certificates representing several
shares. They may be exchanged at any time for smaller portions
or individual share certificates.
Art. 4ter 1 The corporation may renounce the printing and delivery of
certificates and may, with the consent of the owner of issued
shares, cancel issued certificates for registered shares that
are returned to the corporation. It may renounce the issuance of
new certificates for registered shares if the owner of the
shares does not demand the issuance of certificates for its
shares with the cooperation of the bank which handles the book
entries.
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 5
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Registered shares not represented by a certificate may only
be transferred by way of assignment which assignment must
encompass all rights connected with the transferred shares. To
be valid, the assignment must be notified to the corporation.
Registered shares not represented by a certificate which a bank
has been instructed by the shareholder to administer may only be
transferred with the cooperation of that bank.
3 Registered shares not represented by a certificate may only
be pledged to the bank which handles the book entries of such
shares for the shareholder, and only based on a written pledge
agreement. A notification of the corporation is not necessary.
The right to require delivery of a certificate may be
transferred to the bank accepting the pledge. In all other
cases, the pledge of registered shares requires the transfer of
the certificates to be valid.
Art. 4quater 1 The shares are not divisible. The corporation accepts only
one representative per share.
2 The right to vote and the other rights associated with a
registered share may only be exercised by a shareholder,
usufructuary or nominee who is registered in the share register.
Art. 5 The General Meeting shall be entitled to convert registered
shares into bearer shares, or vice-versa, bearer shares into
registered shares at any time, all in accordance with the law
and the Articles.
B. Participation Capital and Participation Certificates
Art. 6 The participation capital (non-voting share capital) totals CHF
49'000.-- (forty-nine thousand Swiss francs) divided into 24'500
(twenty-four thousand five hundred) fully paid up bearer
participation certificates of CHF 2.-- (two Swiss francs)
nominal value each.
Art. 6bis Article 4 applies accordingly to participation certificates.
Art. 6ter The general meeting shall be entitled to convert participation
certificates into registered shares at any time.
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 7
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C. Preemptive Rights
Art. 7 1 In case of an increase in share and/or participation
capital, shareholders and holders of participation certificates
have the following preferential subscription rights:
a) If the increase applies only to the share capital or
only to the participation capital, both the shareholders
and the holders of participation certificates shall have
preferential rights.
b) If the increase in share capital and the increase in
participation capital take place simultaneously and are in
the same proportion as the different categories of
securities issued, the preferential subscription right of
the shareholder shall apply only to the shares, and the
preferential subscription right of the holders of
participation certificates shall apply only to the
participation certificates.
c) If the increase in share capital and the increase in
participation capital take place simultaneously but are not
in the same proportion as the different categories of
securities issued, the initial procedure adopted shall be
the same as that for a proportionate increase, as mentioned
in b) above.
2 On the excess portion of either category of securities
issued, both the shareholders and the holders of participation
certificates shall have preferential subscription rights.
III. Governing Bodies of the Company
Art. 8 The governing bodies of the company are:
a) the General Meeting
b) the Board of Directors
c) the Auditors.
A. The General Meeting
Art. 9 1 The Ordinary Annual General Meeting shall be convened once a
year within six months of the end of each financial year. The
General Meeting takes decisions
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 8
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on all matters assigned to it by law or by the Articles of
Association, in particular it decides on the report on the
company's activities and the annual accounts.
2 An Extraordinary General Meeting may be convened by the
Board of Directors, the Auditors, the liquidator or by a General
Meeting as often as the company may warrant. The convening of a
General Meeting may also be requested by one or more
shareholders representing a total of not less than one tenth of
the share capital.
Art. 10 The convening of a General Meeting shall be published in
accordance with article 25. The publication must be made at
least 20 days before the General Meeting takes place. The
convening must state the matters on the agenda and the proposals
of the Board of Directors and the shareholders who demanded that
a General Meeting be called.
Art. 11 The Meeting shall be chaired by the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, or by any other member of the Board. The Chairman
shall appoint a secretary for keeping the minutes and, if
necessary, one or more tellers, who need not to be shareholders.
Art. 12 1 The Board of Directors shall provide for the rules regarding
the participation and the representation at the General Meeting.
2 A shareholder shall only be represented by his legal
representative, another shareholder with the right to vote,
corporate bodies (Organvertreter), independent proxies
(unabhangige Stimmrechtsvertreter) or by a depositary
(Depotvertreter).
3 The Chairman of the General Meeting decides whether a proxy
will be accepted.
Art. 13 1 The General Meeting shall constitute a quorum however many
shareholders are present and however many shares are
represented.
2 During the Meeting, each shareholder shall have as many
votes as the shares he possesses or represents. Subject to any
quorum or qualified majority prescribed by law or by the
Articles, elections shall be carried out and decisions taken by
an absolute majority of the number of votes represented. As a
rule, voting takes place by show of hands; voting is carried out
by secret ballot at the request of the Chairman or shareholders
representing not less than 5% of the share capital.
3 At least a two thirds majority of the votes represented and
an absolute majority of the par values of the shares represented
is required for the adoption of a resolution concerning:
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 9
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- an alteration of the purpose of the corporation
- a creation of shares with increased voting powers
- an implementation of restrictions on transfer of
registered shares and the removal of such
restrictions
- an authorized increase of the capital or a
conditional increase of the capital
- an increase of the capital by conversion of capital
surplus, by contribution of property for the purpose
of an acquisition of property and the grant of
special rights
- a restriction or suspension of preemptive rights
- a change of location of the principal office of the
corporation
- the dissolution of the corporation without
liquidation
Art. 14 1 The General Meeting is the supreme body of the corporation.
2 It has the following powers which shall not be delegated:
- to adopt and amend the Articles of Association
- to elect the members of the Board of Directors and
the Auditors
- to approve the annual report and the consolidated
financial statements
- to approve the annual financial statements and
determine the allocation of profit as shown on the
balance sheet, in particular with regard to dividends
and bonus payments to members of the board of
directors
- to discharge the members of the Board of Directors
- to pass resolutions concerning all matters which are
reserved to the authority of the General Meeting by
law or the Articles of Association
B. The Board of Directors
Art. 15 1 The Board of Directors of the company consists of five to
nine members, who must be shareholders.
2 The members of the Board shall be elected for three years
and may be re-elected.
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 10
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3 The term of office of the members of the Board shall expire
on the date of the General Meeting.
4 The Board of Directors organizes itself. The Board of
Directors is authorized to delegate the management of the
corporation in whole or in part to individual directors or to
third parties in accordance with by-laws governing the internal
organization. Such by-laws shall contain provisions concerning
the management, the necessary executive positions and duties of
the officers and in particular the reporting.
Art. 16 1 The Board of Directors is authorized to pass resolutions
concerning all matters which are not reserved by law or by the
Articles of Association to other governing bodies.
2 The Board of Directors has the following non delegable and
inalienable duties:
- the ultimate direction of the business of the
corporation and to give the necessary instructions
- the determination of the organization of the
corporation
- the administration of accounting, financial control
and, to the extent necessary for the management of
the corporation, financial planning
- the appointment and removal of the persons entrusted
with the management and representation of the
corporation
- the ultimate supervision of the persons entrusted
with the management of the corporation, mainly in
view of their compliance with the law, the Articles
of Association, by-laws and instructions
- the preparation of the annual report and the General
Meeting and to carry out the resolutions adopted by
the General Meetings.
- the notification of the court in case of
overindebtedness
Art. 17 1 The majority of the members of the board of directors must
be present in order for the board to be able to pass
resolutions.
2 Resolutions must be passed by a majority of all the members
of the board of directors.
3 In the event of a tie in the number of votes cast, the
chairman shall not have a casting vote.
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 11
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4 No majority must be present to adopt resolutions of the
Board of Directors regarding a report on capital increase and
for those resolutions which require to be evidenced in a
notarized instrument.
Art. 18 Repealed by resolution of the Ordinary General Meeting of the
Shareholders on May 9, 1995.
C. The Auditors
Art. 19 The General Meeting shall elect Auditors and an auditor of a
group of companies every year , who may be re-elected and who
shall perform the tasks allocated by law.
IV. Representation of the Company
Art. 20 Repealed by resolution of the Ordinary General Meeting of the
Shareholders on May 9, 1995.
V. Accounts, Balance Sheet, Net Income
Art. 21 The balance sheet and the income statement of the company shall
be closed annually as of December 31, the next time as of
December 31, 1996.
Art. 22 The income statement and the balance sheet shall be drawn up in
accordance with the provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations.
Art.23 1 One twentieth (1/20) of the annual profit shall be allocated
to the general reserves until such reserve equals one fifth
(1/5) of the paid in share and participation capital.
2 The balance of the remaining annual profit shall be at the
disposal of the General Meeting, subject to the mandatory
requirements of Article 671 of the Swiss Code of Obligations.
As amended through September 10, 1999
<PAGE>
Statutes of Adecco SA, Cheserex 11
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Art. 24 A decision to dissolve the company shall require a two thirds
majority of the votes allocated to all issued shares.
VI. Publications
Art. 25 To be valid, publications shall be made in the official Swiss
Commercial Gazette (`Feuille Officielle Suisse du Commerce). The
Board may decide upon further publications.
VII. Interim Provisions
Art. 26 1 Under the terms of the merger contract of October 26, 1989,
the company has taken over all the assets and liabilities of
Inspectorate International AG, Berne, by universal succession,
as specified in Article 748 of the Swiss Code of Obligations. On
the basis of the merger balance sheet of June 30, 1989,
Inspectorate International AG holds assets of CHF
2'376'896'787.-- and liabilities of CHF 1'795'783'344.-- thus
producing an excess of assets of CHF 581'086'443.--.
2 For each bearer share with a par value of CHF 100.--, the
shareholder of Inspectorate International AG shall receive one
fully paid up bearer share in the company with a par value of
CHF 100.--. Holders of participation certificates in
Inspectorate International AG, with a par value of CHF 20.--,
shall receive a fully paid up participation certificate in the
company with a par value of CHF 20.--. For this purpose, the
company has increased its share capital by CHF 105'000'000.-- by
issuing 1'050'000 fully paid up bearer shares, each with a par
value of CHF 100.--, and has increased its participation
certificate capital by CHF 32'000'000.-- issuing 1'600'000 fully
paid up participation certificates each with a par value of CHF
20.--.
As amended through September 10, 1999
Free translation from the French original. The French original governs.
[Letterhead of Arthur Andersen LLP]
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report dated January 29, 1999 included in Adecco SA's annual report to
stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1998 in this Form F-4.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
-------------------------
Arthur Andersen LLP
San Jose, California
October 5, 1999
EXHIBIT 23.3
[LETTERHEAD OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP]
Consent of Independent Accountants
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form F-4 of Adecco SA which contains the Proxy Statement of Olsten
Corporation and Subsidiaries of our report dated February 28, 1999, except as to
the information presented in Notes 3, 6 and 14, for which the date is September
29, 1999, relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule
which appears in Olsten Corporation and Subsidiaries Annual Report on Form
10-K/A for the year ended January 3, 1999. We also consent to the reference to
us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement of Adecco SA of our
report dated February 28, 1999, except as to the information presented in Notes
4, 8 and 15, for which the date is September 29, 1999, relating to the financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Olsten Health Services Holding
Corp. and Subsidiaries, which appears in the Olsten Health Services Holding
Corp. Prospectus annexed to such Registration Statement. We also consent to the
reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus annexed to such
Proxy Statement.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
October 7, 1999
EXHIBIT 99.2
[LETTERHEAD OF WARBURG DILLON READ LLC]
CONSENT OF WARBURG DILLON READ LLC
We hereby consent to the use of Annex D-1 containing our opinion letter
dated August 17, 1999 to the Board of Directors of Olsten Corporation (the
"Company") in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus constituting a part of the
Registration Statement on Form F-4 of Adecco SA and the Registration Statement
on Form S-4 of Olsten Health Services Holding Corp., each relating to the
proposed combination of the Company and Adecco SA and the split-off from the
Company of Olsten Health Services Holding Corp., and to the references to our
firm in such Proxy Statement/Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not admit
that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under
Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.
WARBURG DILLON READ LLC
By /s/ Sage N. Kelly
---------------------------
Sage N. Kelly
By /s/ William C. McGahan
---------------------------
William C. McGahan
New York, New York
October 7, 1999
EXHIBIT 99.3
[LETTERHEAD OF SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.]
The Board of Directors
Olsten Corporation
175 Broad Hollow Road
Melville, New York 11747
Members of the Board:
We hereby consent to the inclusion of our opinion letter dated August 17, 1999
as Appendix D-2 to, and to the reference thereto under the caption "THE
TRANSACTIONS -- Opinion of Olsten's Financial Advisors" in, the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus of Olsten Corporation ("Olsten") and Adecco SA ("Adecco")
relating to the proposed merger transaction involving Olsten and Adecco, which
Proxy Statement/Prospectus is part of the Registration Statement on Form F-4 of
Adecco and on Form S-4 of Olsten Health Services Holding Corp. By giving such
consent, we do not thereby admit that we are experts with respect to any part of
such Registration Statement within the meaning of the term "expert" as used in,
or that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under,
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.
By /s/ Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
--------------------------------
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
New York, New York
October 7, 1999
