SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 1)
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[x] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
e.spire Communications, Inc.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[x] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid: -
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number,
or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
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(2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
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(3) Filing party:
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(4) Date filed:
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[e.spire LOGO]
e.spire Communications, Inc.
12975 Worldgate Drive
Herndon, Virginia 21070
(703) 639-6000
Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders
____________ __, 2000
To our Stockholders:
A special meeting of stockholders (the "Special Meeting") of e.spire
Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("e.spire" or the "Company"), will
be held at on , 2000, at 10:00
a.m. Eastern time, for the following purposes:
1. to approve the issuance of the following securities pursuant to
purchase agreements dated March 1, 2000 between the Company and certain
investors:
o Series A convertible preferred stock, and the issuance of common
stock payable as dividends on the Series A convertible preferred
stock; and
o warrants exercisable into up to 8,829,000 shares of common stock at
an exercise price of $9.89 per share; and
2. to approve the issuance of the following securities pursuant to
purchase agreements dated September 19, 2000 between the Company and certain
investors:
o up to $124.3 million of common stock at a price per share equal to
the lesser of $3.37 per share and 80% of the market price at time of
issuance (to be sold for cash or in exchange for outstanding
exchangeable preferred stock);
o up to $124.3 million of convertible preferred stock in one or more
series which will be convertible into common stock at lesser of $3.37
per share and 80% of the market price at time of issuance (to be sold
for cash or in exchange for outstanding exchangeable preferred
stock), and the issuance of common stock as dividends thereon;
o up to $124.3 million of warrants, at a price determined by the Board
of Directors based on the written opinion of the financial advisor to
the Company that such price is fair to the Company and the public
stockholders of the Company from a financial point of view ; and
o transaction fee warrants to purchase common stock at an exercise
price of $.01 in an amount equal to 60,000 divided by the market
price of the common stock at the time of any closing under the
purchase agreements (less $.01) per one million dollars sold of any
common stock, convertible preferred stock, debt securities or
warrants; and
3. to approve an amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation providing for an increase in the number of shares
of the Company's common stock authorized to be issued from 125 million to 250
million; and
4. to transact such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.
You should note that, out of the securities referred to above, we have
already issued shares of (a) Series A convertible preferred stock initially
convertible into 10,264,385 shares of common stock and (b) 7.715 million of the
warrants proposed to be issued. The outstanding securities will remain
outstanding whether or not Proposals No. 1,
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2 or 3 (collectively, the "Proposals") are approved, with such terms as are
described in the accompanying Proxy Statement. In addition, we have issued
50,000 shares of exchangeable preferred stock pursuant to such purchase
agreements that are exchangeable into convertible preferred stock, common stock
or warrants at our option. These will remain outstanding whether or not the
Proposals are approved.
Our Board of Directors has carefully considered the proposals that are
described in the enclosed proxy statement and unanimously recommends a vote for
approval of each of the proposals. We believe that the issuance of the
securities described in the enclosed proxy statement is vital to the Company's
continued success in an increasingly competitive world.
Accompanying this notice are a Proxy Card and a Proxy Statement. Whether
or not you expect to be present at the meeting, please sign and date the Proxy
Card and return it in the enclosed envelope provided for that purpose prior to
the date of the Special Meeting. The Proxy represented by the Proxy Card may be
revoked at any time prior to the time that it is voted at the Special Meeting.
The Board of Directors has set , 2000 as the record date for determining the
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting or any
adjournments thereof. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on ,
2000 will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
You are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting, and you may vote
in person even though you have returned your Proxy Card.
Herndon, Virginia By Order of the Board of Directors
, 2000
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George F. Schmitt
Director
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[e.spire LOGO]
e.spire Communications, Inc.
12975 Worldgate Drive
Herndon, Virginia 21070
(703) 639-6000
PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT
Introduction
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies for use at the Special Meeting of stockholders of e.spire
Communications, Inc. ("e.spire" or the "Company") to be held at ___________ on
__________, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time and at any adjournments thereof.
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company
and is revocable by the stockholder at any time before it is voted. For more
information concerning the procedure for revoking the proxy, see below. This
Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy were first mailed to stockholders of
the Company on or about , 2000. The principal executive offices of the Company
are located at 12975 Worldgate Drive, Herndon, Virginia 21070, telephone (703)
639-6000.
The Board of Directors, including all of our disinterested directors, has
unanimously determined that the issuance of the Series A convertible preferred
stock and warrants, and the issuance of common stock as accrued but unpaid
dividends on such convertible preferred stock, all as described below (Proposal
No. 1 on the proxy card) is fair to the Company, and recommends a vote for
approval of the Proposal No. 1.
The Board of Directors, including all of our disinterested directors, has
unanimously determined that the issuance of up to $124.3 million of common
stock, convertible preferred stock and warrants (and transaction fee warrants
in connection therewith), all as described below (Proposal No. 2 on the proxy
card), is fair to the Company, and recommends a vote for approval of the
Proposal No. 2.
The Board of Directors, including all of our disinterested directors, has
unanimously determined that the proposed amendment to the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation providing for an increase in the number of shares
of the Company's common stock authorized to be issued, as described below
(Proposal No. 3 on the proxy card) is in the best interests of the Company, and
recommends a vote for approval of the Proposal No. 3.
Houlihan, Lokey, Howard & Zukin Financial Advisors, financial advisor to
the Company, has delivered to the Board of Directors its written opinion to the
effect that the transactions described under Proposals No. 1 and No. 2 below
are fair to the Company and the public stockholders of the Company from a
financial point of view. No such opinion was required to be obtained in
connection with Proposal No. 3. The full text of the written opinions of
Houlihan, Lokey containing the assumptions made, the matters considered and the
scope of the review undertaken in rendering such opinion, as well as the
limitations of such opinion, are included as Exhibits A and B to this proxy
statement. Stockholders are urged to read the full text of the opinion.
Outstanding Shares and Voting Rights
Only holders of record of the Company's common stock, $.01 par value (the
"Common Stock") outstanding at the close of business on [ ], 2000 (the "Record
Date") are entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Special Meeting.
As of the Record Date, [ ] shares of Common Stock were outstanding and
will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. Each share of Common Stock is
entitled to one vote on all matters. There are no cumulative voting rights.
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Please note that none of the purchasers of the Series A convertible
preferred stock and warrants issued in connection with the transaction
described in Proposal No. 1 will be permitted to vote any shares of Common
Stock that may be issued to such purchasers upon any conversion or exercise of
such securities that might occur (or that may be issued as dividends thereon)
on or prior to the record date.
Beneficial Ownership of Certain Holders
The following table sets forth as of August 31, 2000 certain information
regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock outstanding
(assuming the exercise of options and warrants exercisable on or within 60 days
of such date) by (i) each person who is known to the Company to own 5% or more
of the Common Stock, (ii) each director of the Company, (iii) the Chief
Executive Officer and each of the Named Officers and (iv) all executive
officers and directors of the Company as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, the named persons exercise sole voting and
investment power over the shares that are shown as beneficially owned by them.
<TABLE>
Number of Percent of Shares
Holder Shares Total(2) Outstanding
--------------------------------- ------------- -------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
The Huff Alternative Income Fund, L.P. 25,569,598 (3) 45.9% 54,638,076
ING Equity Partners, L.P., I 40,000 (4) 0.1%* 54,638,076
ING Equity Holdings, Inc. 4,693,036 (5) 8.6 % 54,638,076
George F. Schmitt 235,000 (6) 0.4%* 54,638,076
Bradley E. Sparks 5,000 (7) 0.0%* 54,638,076
Christopher J. Resavy 31,200 (8) 0.1%* 54,638,076
Juliette W. Pryor 26,075 (9) 0.0%* 54,638,076
Donald Bush - (10) 0.0%* 54,638,076
Sean S. Scarlis 6,942 (11) 0.0%* 54,638,076
Edwin Banks 6,500 (12) 0.0%* 54,638,076
Peter C. Bentz 16,000 (12) 0.0%* 54,638,076
Frederick Galland 41,000 (13) 0.1%* 54,638,076
William R. Huff 228,999 (14) 0.4%* 54,638,076
Christopher L. Rafferty 12,000 (12) 0.0%* 54,638,076
Joseph R. Thornton 42,000 (15) 0.1%* 54,638,076
All executive officers and directors as a group (12
persons) 30,953,350 56.7% 54,638,076
==========
</TABLE>
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* Less than one percent.
(1) The address of all officers and directors listed above is in the care of
the Company.
(2) The percentage of total outstanding for each stockholder is calculated by
dividing (i) the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be
beneficially owned by such stockholder as of August 31, 2000 by (ii) the
sume of (A) the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of August
31, 2000 plus (B) the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the
exercise of options or warrants held by such stockholder which were
exercisable as of the Recorded Date or will become exercisable within 60
days after August 31, 2000 ("currently exercisable").
(3) Includes currently exercisable warrants to purchase 6,610,000 shares and
currently exercisable options to purchase 70,000 shares. Also, includes
47,455 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock currently
convertible into 5,999,461 shares of common stock. The address for The
Huff Alternative Income Fund ("Huff") is 1776 On the Green, 67 Park Place,
Morristown, NJ 07960.
(4) Represents currently exercisable options to purchase 40,000 shares. The
address for ING Equity Partners is 135 East 57th Street, 16th Floor, New
York, NY 10022.
(5) The address for ING Equity Holdings, Inc. is 230 Park Avenue, New York,
NY 10169.
(6) Includes currently exercisable options to 10,000 shares. Does not include
2,031 shares of 12.75% Redeemable Preferred Stock due 2009. Mr. Schmitt
62,500 owns shares in his IRA, 47,500 with his spouse and 10,000 in his
family foundation.
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(7) Includes 5,000 shares owned.
(8) Mr. Resavy owns 25,800 shares directly, of which 23,800 shares are held
jointly with his spouse and 2000 shares are held in his 401(k). Mr. Resavy
indireclty owns 5,400 shares of which 5,000 shares are owned by his
spouse's 401(k) and 400 shares are owned by his minor children's trust.
(9) Includes currently exercisable options to purchase 25,875 shares and 200
shares owned.
(10)
(11) Includes currently exercisable options to purchase 3,875 shares and 3,067
shares owned.
(12) Messrs. Banks and Bentz are employees of W.R. Huff Asset Management Co.,
L.L.C., an affiliate of Huff. Mr. Rafferty is an employee of WRH Partners,
LLC, the general partner of Huff. Messrs. Rafferty, Bentz and Banks
disclaim beneficial ownership of all shares held by Huff. Represents
shares owned by Messrs. Rafferty, Banks and Bentz.
(13) Represents 31,000 shares owned and currently exercisable options to
purchase 10,000 shares.
(14) Includes current exercisable options to purchase 10,000 shares and 228,999
shares owned.
(15) Mr. Thornton owns 6,000 shares directly, of which 2,000 shares are held
jointly with his spouse. Mr. Thornton indirectly owns 36,000 shares of
which 7,000 shares are held by his spouse in her IRA, 6,000 are held in
his SEPT account and 23,000 shares are held in a family trust in which Mr.
Thornton directs investment(s).
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Voting and Proxy Procedures
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the
Special Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Special Meeting. The
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present in person
or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting and entitled to vote thereon,
whether or not a quorum is present when a vote is taken, is required for
approval of the Proposals. An automated system administered by the Company's
transfer agent will be used to tabulate the votes. Abstentions, votes against
or withholding approval and broker non-votes will be counted to determine
whether a quorum is present.
Abstentions and votes against or withholding approval will be counted as
votes against any given proposal, whereas broker non-votes will not be counted
in determining whether a particular proposal has been approved by the
stockholders.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition
to the use of mailings, proxies may be solicited by personal interview,
telephone and telegraph, and by directors, officers and regular employees of
the Company, without special compensation therefor. The Company has retained
Corporate Investor Communications, Inc. ("CIC") to assist it in its
solicitation of proxies for which CIC will receive a fee of approximately
$[10,000], plus all reasonable expenses. In addition, the Company expects to
reimburse banks, brokers and other persons for their reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses in handling proxy materials for beneficial owners of the Common Stock.
The Board of Directors has selected Juliette Pryor and George Schmidt,
and each of them, to act as proxies with full power of substitution. With
respect to all Proposals stockholders may (i) vote "for", (ii) vote "against"
or (iii) abstain from voting as to such matter. All properly executed proxy
cards delivered by stockholders and not revoked will be voted at the Special
Meeting in accordance with the directions given. If no specific instructions
are given with regard to the matters to be voted upon, the shares represented
by a properly executed proxy card will be voted "for" all Proposals. Management
knows of no other matters that may come before the Special Meeting for
consideration by the stockholders. However, if any other matter properly comes
before the Special Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy card as
proxies will vote upon such matters in accordance with their judgment.
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person
giving it at any time before it is voted. Proxies may be revoked by filing with
the Secretary of the Company prior to the date of the Special Meeting written
notice of revocation bearing a later date than the proxy, by duly executing and
delivering to the Secretary of
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the Company prior to the date of the Special Meeting a subsequent proxy
relating to the same shares of Common Stock or by attending the Special Meeting
and voting in person. Attendance at the Special Meeting will not in and of
itself constitute revocation of a proxy unless the stockholder votes his or her
shares of Common Stock in person at the Special Meeting. To be valid, any
notice revoking a proxy should be sent to the Secretary of the Company,
Juliette Pryor, e.spire Communications, Inc., 12975 Worldgate Drive, Herndon,
Virginia 21070, in a manner designed to ensure that it is received by the
Secretary prior to the date of the Special Meeting.
Proposal No. 1 - Issuance of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrants
The Board of Directors, including all of our disinterested directors, has
unanimously determined that the issuance of the Series A convertible preferred
stock and Warrants described below (Proposal No. 1 on the proxy card) is fair
to the Company, and recommends a vote for approval of Proposal No. 1.
Houlihan, Lokey, Howard & Zukin Financial Advisors, financial advisor
to the Company, has delivered to the Board of Directors its written opinion to
the effect that the transaction contemplated below is fair to the Company and
the public stockholders of the Company from a financial point of view. The full
text of the written opinion of Houlihan, Lokey containing the assumptions made,
the matters considered and the scope of the review undertaken in rendering such
opinion, as well as the limitations of such opinion, is included as Exhibit A
to this proxy statement.
Background of the Transaction
The Company needs a significant amount of cash to fund its
operations, capital expenditures and debt service. As the Company disclosed in
its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the year ended September 30, 1999, its
available cash at such date was only sufficient to fund its operations and
other liquidity needs into 2000. To increase liquidity and provide funds for
operations, the Company began seeking additional capital early in the first
quarter of 2000. Among the factors that the Company's Board of Directors
considered in determining what type of capital to raise were:
1. the Company's existing senior secured credit facilities, which
provided that the Company will have an additional $36 million
available under such facilities if it were able to complete an
additional issuance of at least $100 million in aggregate gross
proceeds of junior capital (assuming that all other borrowing
conditions, including the absence of any default and the accuracy of
all representations and warranties contained in such credit
facilities, were satisfied);
2. the Company's existing capital lease financing, which provided that
it will have an additional $25 million available thereunder if it
were able to complete an additional issuance of junior capital that
generates net proceeds of at least $100 million (assuming that all
conditions thereunder, including the absence of any default, were
satisfied); and
3. the Company's outstanding bond indentures and preferred stock
instruments, which contain covenants limiting the Company's
incurrence of debt, permit the Company to borrow incremental debt
based upon additional equity raised (subject to certain additional
conditions).
In the first quarter of 2000, after approaching other potential investors
and being unable to reach an agreement to secure financing, the Company
approached The Huff Alternative Income Fund, L.P. ("Huff"), the Company's
majority shareholder. By binding commitment letter dated February 3, 2000, Huff
offered to invest $100 million in convertible preferred stock and warrants,
which, at the time, would have allowed the Company access to an additional $61
million in additional financing under the Company's secured credit facilities
and capital lease financing (subject to satisfaction of the borrowing
conditions thereunder), and would have provided the Company with additional
flexibility to incur debt in accordance with the Company's bond indentures and
preferred stock instruments. In addition, Huff agreed to assist the Company in
locating other institutional investors that might be interested in investing in
the Company. As a result of the Company's efforts:
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o Greenwich Street Capital Partners II, L.P. ("Greenwich") signed a
separate binding commitment letter on February 3, 2000, on
substantially the same terms as Huff to purchase an additional $25
million in convertible preferred stock and warrants as Huff.
o Honeywell International Inc. Master Retirement Trust ("Honeywell")
signed a binding commitment letter on February 24, 2000, on
substantially the same terms as Huff for an additional $50 million of
the same securities.
The purchase agreements entered into pursuant to the commitment letters
between the Company and each of Huff, Greenwich and Honeywell (collectively,
the "March Purchase Agreements"), each dated March 1, 2000, provided that the
Company would sell the securities at two separate times. On March 3, 2000 (the
"initial issuance"), the Company issued 100,000 shares of Series A convertible
preferred stock (initially convertible into an aggregate of 19.9% of the
Company's Common Stock outstanding before the issuance) and warrants to
purchase 44.1 shares of Common Stock, for a total of approximately $100
million. The Company does not anticipate issuing any more securities pursuant
to the March Purchase Agreements.
NASDAQ Approval Policy
It is the policy (the "stockholder approval rule") of The NASDAQ National
Market System ("NASDAQ"), through which e.spire's Common Stock is quoted, to
require stockholder approval of a transaction if the present or potential
issuance of newly issued shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into
Common Stock could result in an increase of 20% or more in the outstanding
Common Stock of the Company whenever the sale price of the newly issued shares
of Common Stock is less than the greater of book value or market value of the
Common Stock on the date of issuance. As a result, pursuant to the stockholder
approval rule, the Company did not issue Common Stock, or securities
convertible into Common Stock, in the March transaction at a price below market
value in an amount that is more than 19.9% of the Company's Common Stock
outstanding before the issuance. The shares of convertible preferred stock
issued in March to Huff, Honeywell and Greenwich are convertible, in the
aggregate, into a number of shares equal to approximately 19.9% of the
outstanding Common Stock, although they are potentially convertible into an
even greater number because, as described in further detail below: (i)
dividends on the convertible preferred stock will be paid upon conversion of
the Series A convertible preferred stock in the form of additional shares of
Common Stock at a value dependent upon whether stockholder approval of the
issuance of the Series A convertible preferred is obtained, (ii) the dividend
rate on the Series A convertible preferred stock will increase, upon the
occurrence of a "Change of Control" (as defined below), and (iii) the
conversion price on the Series A convertible preferred stock and the price per
share of Common Stock issuable as dividends on the Series A convertible
preferred stock may be decreased as a result of anti-dilution adjustments
contained therein. Under the stockholder approval rule, the market value of
common stock is determined as of the date of signing a binding commitment
letter; in connection with the transaction in March, the conversion price was
determined based on the market value as of an earlier date (January 18, 2000,
the date of approval of the transaction by the board of directors).
In accordance with the stockholder approval rule, as part of the initial
issuance the Company issued Series A convertible preferred stock and warrants.
Because the warrants were sold at a price that, together with the exercise
price thereon, was greater than fair market value, the purchasers purchased all
of the 7.718 million warrants proposed to be issued to them and no approval was
required for their issuance. Stockholder approval of the issuance of the
outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock is required, however, in order
for the anti-dilution and dividend provisions to be effective as originally
contemplated. The terms of the Series A convertible preferred stock currently
prohibit the Company from (1) paying any dividends in the form of Common Stock
using a value below fair market value at the time of issuance or (2) entering
into transactions that would trigger anti-dilution provisions that would, in
any such case, result in the issuance of more than 19.9% of the Common Stock at
a price below market value, until stockholder approval is obtained.
The certificate of designation provides that the shares of the Series A
convertible preferred stock will accrue dividends on a daily basis from the
date of issuance at a rate per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year
of twelve 30-day months), compounded quarterly (on each March 31, June 30,
September 30 and December 31), of
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7.0% of $1,000 (the "stated value"), plus 7.0% of the accrued but unpaid
dividends thereon, subject to dividend rate adjustments upon the occurrence of
certain events described below. The certificate further provides that if
stockholder approval authorizing the payment of the dividends is not obtained
prior to June 8, 2000 (the expiration of 100 days following the initial
issuance), the dividend rate with respect to the Series A convertible preferred
stock will be reset to accrue from and after the issue date at the rate per
annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months),
compounded quarterly, of 15.0% of the stated value, plus accrued but unpaid
dividends thereon. The Company has successfully negotiated with each of the
holders of the Series A convertible preferred stock to waive the dividend rate
increase to 15% until September 19, 2000 (the expiration of 200 days following
the initial issuance).
The Proposal
In connection with the above transaction, stockholders are being asked to
approve the issuance of the outstanding shares of Series A convertible
preferred stock. If the required vote is obtained and the proposal is adopted:
o the Company will, upon conversion of the Series A convertible
preferred stock, pay dividends (in the form of Common Stock) on the
Series A convertible preferred stock that will have accrued since the
date of the initial issuance through September 19, 2000, and from the
date of receipt of stockholder approval through the date of
conversion, at a rate per annum equal to 7% of the stated value, plus
7% of the accrued but unpaid dividends thereon and (ii) for the
period from September 19, 2000 through the date of receipt of
stockholder approval, at a rate per annum equal to 15% of the stated
value, plus 15% of the accrued and unpaid dividends thereon;
o the Company will not be subject to the dividend rate increase to 15%
per annum for the period described above; and
o the anti-dilution provisions will require adjustment to the
conversion price of the Series A convertible preferred stock in the
event of the issuance of any Common Stock (or rights to acquire
Common Stock) at a price less than the current market price and upon
conversion of the Series A convertible preferred stock, accrued
dividends will be paid in the form of Common Stock valued at $7.91
(subject to adjustment).
If the required vote is not obtained and the proposal is not approved:
o the dividend rate on the convertible preferred stock will be
increased to 15% and, upon conversion of the Series A convertible
preferred stock, accrued dividends will be paid in the form of Common
Stock valued at an effective price equal to the closing price of
e.spire's Common Stock on March 3, 2000 (the closing date of the
initial issuance), which then would no longer require stockholder
approval;
o the Company will not be permitted to enter into transactions that
could trigger the anti-dilution provisions of the Series A
convertible preferred stock; and
o the Company may not be able to obtain the waiver of the holders of
the Series A convertible preferred stock to issue additional junior
securities in the future.
Proposal No. 2 -- Issuance of up to $124.3 million of Common Stock, Convertible
Preferred Stock and Warrants
The Board of Directors, including all of our disinterested directors, has
unanimously determined that the issuance of up to $124.3 million of Common
Stock, Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrants (and transaction fee warrants
in connection therewith), all as described below (Proposal No. 2 on the proxy
card) is fair to the Company, and recommends a vote for approval of Proposal
No. 2.
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Houlihan, Lokey, Howard & Zukin Financial Advisors, financial advisor to
the Company, has delivered to the Board of Directors its written opinion to the
effect that the transaction contemplated below is fair to the Company and the
public stockholders of the Company from a financial point of view. The full
text of the written opinion of Houlihan, Lokey containing the assumptions made,
the matters considered and the scope of the review undertaken in rendering such
opinion, as well as the limitations of such opinion, is included as Exhibit B
to this proxy statement. Stockholders are urged to read the full text of the
opinion.
Background of the Transaction
As a result of its continuing cash requirements and in light of market
conditions, in the third quarter of 2000 the Company needed to obtain
additional financing other than pursuant to the March Purchase Agreements.
Following new negotiations, Huff, Greenwich and Honeywell each signed binding
purchase agreements on September 19, 2000. In its agreement, Huff agreed to
purchase from the Company an aggregate of $124.3 million in the form of Common
Stock, one or more series of convertible preferred stock, subordinated debt
securities and warrants (collectively, "Purchaser Junior Securities"). Under
the terms of their agreements, Greenwich and Honeywell have committed to
purchase the same securities Huff may purchase in an amount equal to 25% and
50%, respectively, of any such purchase by Huff, subject to a maximum amount of
$10,619,286 and $21,238,572, respectively. Each purchase agreement
(collectively, the "September Purchase Agreements") provides that any Common
Stock purchased thereunder shall be sold at a price equal to the lesser of
$3.367496 or 80% of the average market price for the 20 trading days preceding
such sale (the "Common Stock purchase price"), any convertible preferred stock
will be sold at its liquidation value (with a conversion price equal to the
Common Stock purchase price) and any subordinated debt securities or warrants
will be sold at a price so as to provide the purchaser with a value
substantially equivalent to the purchase of Common Stock at the Common Stock
purchase price or convertible preferred stock upon the foregoing terms, as
specified by the purchaser. The obligations of Huff, Greenwich and Honeywell to
purchase securities are subject to certain conditions, which include, but are
not limited to, receiving shareholder and any required governmental approval,
the absence of any material adverse change in the business of the Company or
the price of the Common Stock or certain debt covenant violations under the
Credit Facilities. In addition, the Company also agreed to use reasonable
efforts to seek additional investors to purchase a portion of the $124.3
million on the same terms and conditions.
On September 19, 2000, pursuant to the September Purchase Agreements, the
Company issued an aggregate of $50 million non-voting exchangeable preferred
stock bearing an annual dividend rate of 30% of the stated value thereof to
Huff, Greenwich and Honeywell at a price equal to the liquidation value
thereof. By its terms, the exchangeable preferred stock is exchangeable for
Purchaser Junior Securities at the option of the Company once the Company has
obtained the shareholder approval authorizing the issuance of such securities.
The Proposal
Stockholders are being asked to approve the issuance of shares of up to
$124.3 million of Purchaser Junior Securities consisting of Common Stock,
convertible preferred stock or warrants and the transaction fee warrants
described below in connection with the September Purchase Agreements, including
any shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of any convertible preferred
stock as dividends on such convertible preferred stock. If the required vote is
obtained and the proposal is adopted, the Company:
o will be able to exchange the exchangeable preferred stock into
Purchaser Junior Securities designated by Huff, including a new
series of convertible preferred stock bearing an annual dividend rate
of 7% as soon as practicable after the date of the Special Meeting
(assuming that all conditions precedent are satisfied);
o will be able to sell the remaining $74.3 million of Purchaser Junior
Securities to the purchasers and thereby readily obtain additional
financing for the Company; and
o will have additional cash to fund operations and other liquidity needs
into 2001;
If the required vote is not obtained and the proposal is not approved:
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o the Company will not be permitted to exchange the exchangeable
preferred stock into a new series of convertible preferred stock and
dividends on the exchangeable preferred stock will continue to accrue
at a rate per annum of 30%;
o the Company will not sell, and Huff and the other purchasers will not
purchase, the remaining $74.3 million of securities in the form of
Purchaser Junior Securities; and
o the Company may not be able to raise additional cash to fund
operations and other liquidity needs into 2001.
Proposal No. 3 -- Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
The Board of Directors, including all of our disinterested directors, has
unanimously determined that the amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation providing for an increase in the number of shares
of common stock authorized to be issued described below (Proposal No. 3 on the
proxy card) is in the best interests of the Company and recommends a vote for
approval of Proposal No. 3.
The Company's board of Directors is proposing to amend the Company's
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of
shares of Common Stock authorized to be issued from 125 million to 250 million.
The additional shares of Common Stock to be authorized would be available
not only to consummate the transactions described above in Proposals 1 and 2,
but also for possible future financing transactions, stock dividends or splits
and other corporate purposes. The additional shares of Common Stock would be
available for issuance without further action by the stockholders of the
Company unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of the
NASDAQ, on which the issued shares of the Company's common Stock is listed. The
NASDAQ requires stockholder approval as a prerequisite to listing shares in
certain instances, including in connection with transactions where the present
or potential issuance of shares could result in an increase in the number of
shares of common stock outstanding by 20% or more.
On September 19, 2000, the authorized capital of the Company consisted of
125,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of which approximately 54,683,057 shares
were issued and outstanding.
As of September 19, 2000, there are not any outstanding options, warrants,
rights (including conversion or preemptive rights), subscriptions or agreements
for the purchase, or acquisition from or by the Company of any shares of its or
any of its Subsidiaries capital stock or any other securities convertible into
or exercisable for any shares of its or any of its Subsidiaries capital stock
except for (A) 1,316,266 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the
Company's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; (B) 1,000,000 shares of Common
Stock reserved for issuance under the Company' s 1998 Restricted Stock Plan;
(C) 5,646,355 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of the
warrants issued by the Company in connection with the sale of the 14.75%
Preferred Stock; (D) 2,125,311 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
upon exercise of the warrants issued by the Company in connection with the sale
of the Company's 13% Senior Discount Notes due 2005, (E) 4,890,577 shares of
Common Stock reserved for issuance in connection with the Company's non-plan
employee stock options; (F) 9,471,992 shares of Common Stock reserved for
issuance under the Company's 1994 Employee Stock Option Plan as of May 31,
2000; (G) 601,103 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the
Company's Annual Performance Plan; (H) 480,000 shares of Common Stock reserved
for issuance in connection with stock options granted to the Company's outside
directors; (I) 295,407 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon
exercise of warrants issued by the Company in connection with certain preferred
provider and local services agreements entered into by the Company; (J) 262,474
shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of warrants
registered pursuant to Form S-3, Commission File No. 333-40337, (K) shares of
Common Stock in an amount equal to $862,500 reserved for issuance in connection
with a settlement agreement to be entered into between the Company and a third
party and (L) 18,216,526 shares of common stock reserved to be issued upon
conversion of the Series A convertible preferred stock and the warrants issued
in connection therewith.
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Description of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
The following summarizes the principal features of the Series A
convertible preferred stock. Because it is only a summary, it may not contain
all of the provisions that may be important to you. As a result, you may want
to read the certificate of designation for the Series A convertible preferred
stock, which is the legal document that sets out all of the terms of the
preferred stock, prior to making your decision on Proposal No. 1. A copy of the
certificate of designations may be obtained from the Secretary of the Company,
Juliette Pryor, 12975 Worldgate Drive, Herndon, Virginia 21070.
Dividends. Shares of the Series A convertible preferred stock will accrue
dividends on a daily basis from the date of issuance at a rate per annum
(computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months), compounded
quarterly (on each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31), of 7.0% of
$1,000 (the "stated value"), plus 7.0% of the accrued but unpaid dividends
thereon, subject to dividend rate adjustments upon the occurrence of certain
events described below. Dividends on the Series A convertible preferred stock
are cumulative and shall accrue whether or not the Company has earnings or
profits, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of
such dividends and whether or not dividends are declared by the Company.
Dividends on the Series A convertible preferred stock are payable only when and
if declared by the Company; provided that all accrued but unpaid dividends on
any share of Series A convertible preferred stock must be paid by the Company
upon the conversion of such share of Series A convertible preferred stock. All
dividends on the Series A convertible preferred stock will be paid by the
Company in shares of its Common Stock.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, no dividends will be paid on the
shares of Series A convertible preferred stock issued in the initial issuance
until the earlier of (i) the date that the stockholder approval sought pursuant
to this proxy statement is obtained or (ii) September 19, 2000, the expiration
of 200 days following the closing with respect to the initial issuance. If the
stockholder approval is not obtained prior to the expiration of 200 days
following the initial issuance, (i) the dividend rate with respect to the
Series A convertible preferred stock will be reset to accrue from and after the
issue date at the rate per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of
twelve 30-day months), compounded quarterly as aforesaid, of 15.0% of the
stated value, plus accrued but unpaid dividends thereon and (ii) no additional
shares of Series A convertible preferred stock will be issued by the Company.
In addition to the circumstances set forth in the preceding sentence, the
dividend rate with respect to the Series A convertible preferred stock is
subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of any one or more of the following
events:
o In the event of a change in control (as described below) of the
Company, and commencing as of the date such change in control is
effective, the dividend rate of the Series A convertible preferred
stock shall be reset to accrue at the rate per annum (computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months), compounded
quarterly as aforesaid, of 20.0% of the stated value, plus accrued
but unpaid dividends thereon;
o In the event that the Company fails to (i) file a shelf registration
statement with respect to the outstanding Series A convertible
preferred stock prior to the later to occur of (A) May 2, 2000 and
(B) the date that is 15 days after closing of the purchase of the
additional shares of Series A convertible preferred stock (the
"filing date"), or (ii) have such registration statement declared
effective on or prior to the date that is 90 days after the filing
date (the "effective date") or (iii) maintain the effectiveness of
such registration statement (if required to be maintained pursuant to
the terms of the registration rights agreement among the Company and
the holders of the Series A convertible preferred stock), or (iv) to
file and have declared effective an additional registration statement
within 45 days after the preceding registration statement has ceased
to be effective, then additional dividends shall accrue and cumulate
on the Series A convertible preferred stock as follows:
o If the shelf registration statement is not filed prior to the
filing date, additional dividends will accrue and cumulate on
the Series A convertible preferred stock over and above the
stated dividend at a rate of 0.50% per annum.
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o If the shelf registration statement is not declared effective
prior to the effectiveness date, additional dividends will
accrue and cumulate on the Series A convertible preferred stock
over and above the stated dividend at a rate of 0.50% per annum.
o If the shelf registration statement has been declared effective
and ceases to be effective at any time that the Company is
required to maintain the effectiveness thereof, unless an
additional shelf registration statement has been filed and
declared effective within 45 days of the date on which the shelf
registration statement ceases to be effective, then additional
dividends will accrue and cumulate on the Series A convertible
preferred stock over and above the stated dividend at a rate of
0.50% per annum, commencing on the 45th day following the day
such shelf registration statement ceases to be effective.
The additional dividends accruing on the Series A convertible
preferred stock as a result of the failure of the Company to file the
shelf registration statement prior to the filing date, to have the
shelf registration statement declared effective prior to the
effectiveness date or to maintain the effectiveness of the shelf
registration statement as required (or to file and have declared
effective an additional shelf registration statement) will cease to
accrue as soon as the Company's default has been cured.
As used above, a "change in control" of the Company means:
o the sale, conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company to any person or group (within the
meaning of sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other
than Huff, ING Equity Partners L.P.I., Apex Investment Fund I, L.P.,
Apex Investment Fund II, L.P., The Productivity Fund II, L.P. and
Anthony Pompliano, or any of their affiliates (the "permitted
holders"); or
o any person or group (within the meaning of sections 13(d)(3) and
14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the permitted holders
becoming the beneficial owner of more than 35% of the total voting
power of all classes of the Company's stock entitled to vote in the
election of the members of the Company's board of directors if that
percentage of voting power is greater than or equal to the total
voting power percentage of the permitted holders taken as a whole; or
o during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors of the
Company cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors then in office.
In addition to the dividends described above, holders of shares of Series
A convertible preferred stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared
by the Board of Directors of the Company, dividends and other distributions
equivalent to those declared or paid on Common Stock, determined as if the
Series A convertible preferred stock had, at the time such dividend or other
distribution is declared, been converted into Common Stock at the conversion
price (subject to adjustment as described below) (as if the shares of Common
Stock payable as dividends thereon had likewise been distributed).
Ranking of Dividends. The Certificate of Designations provides that:
o no dividend whatsoever (other than dividends payable in Common Stock)
shall be declared or paid upon, or any sum set apart for the payment
of dividends upon, any outstanding share of the Series A convertible
preferred stock unless all dividends on all outstanding shares of
then outstanding capital stock of the Company that ranks senior in
right of payment to the Series A convertible preferred stock
(including, without limitation, the Company's 14.75% Redeemable
Preferred Stock) (the "senior stock") for all preceding dividend
periods in respect of such senior stock have been declared and paid,
or declared and a sufficient sum set apart for the payment thereof;
and
o dividends on the Series A convertible preferred stock will rank on
par with dividends payable upon all other capital stock of the
Company that ranks pari passu in right of payment with the Series A
convertible
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preferred stock (including the Company's 12.75% Redeemable Preferred
Stock) (the "parity stock") and senior to dividends on all capital
stock of the Company that ranks junior in right of payment to the
Series A convertible preferred stock (including the Company's common
stock)(the "junior stock").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the absence of any default under any of the
covenants contained in the certificate of designation and subject to compliance
with certain other conditions, (1) the Company may be permitted to pay
dividends on junior stock consisting of junior stock and may be permitted to
pay dividends on parity stock consisting of junior stock or parity stock, and
(ii) the Company may pay cash dividends and make other cash distributions on
parity stock or junior stock to the extent such payments are permitted by the
Company's outstanding debt instruments
Under the terms of the Credit Agreement and the indentures governing the
Company's outstanding indebtedness, the Company is prohibited from redeeming
from the convertible preferred stock when dividends thereon are in arrears.
Liquidation. Upon liquidation (whether voluntary or involuntary),
dissolution or winding-up of the Company, each holder of shares of Series A
convertible preferred stock is entitled to be paid out of the assets of the
Company available for distribution to its stockholders, after payment to the
holders of any then outstanding senior stock of the Company, but before any
payment is made to holders of any then outstanding junior stock of the Company,
an amount (the "liquidation preference") equal to the greater of (i) the stated
value of the shares of Series A convertible preferred stock held by such
holders plus, to the extent permitted by law, an amount in cash equal to all
accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (including accrued but unpaid dividends on
such dividends) through the date fixed for liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up (the "accrued dividends") and (ii) the liquidation value
attributable to the shares of Common Stock into which such shares of Series A
convertible preferred stock are then convertible on an as-if-converted basis,
plus accrued dividends. If the assets of the Company available for distribution
to its stockholders are not sufficient, after payment of all amounts payable to
holders of senior stock, to pay in full all amounts payable to holders of
shares of Series A convertible preferred stock and all other parity stock of
the Company, the holders of shares of Series A convertible preferred stock and
parity stock will share equally and ratably in any distribution of the assets
of the Company in proportion to the full liquidation preferences and accrued
but unpaid dividends to which each is entitled.
Conversion. Shares of Series A convertible preferred stock are convertible
at any time, at the option of the holder, into the number of shares of Common
Stock that is obtained by dividing (i) a number equal to (A) the number of
shares of Series A convertible preferred stock to be converted, multiplied by
(B) the stated value of such shares; by (ii) the conversion price of $7.91 per
share of Series A convertible preferred stock (subject to adjustment as
described below). Shares of Series A convertible preferred stock are subject to
mandatory conversion, at the option of the Company, at any time after third
anniversary of the initial issuance of the Series A convertible preferred stock
(the "conversion trigger date"), if, for any period of 30 consecutive trading
days following the conversion trigger date, the closing price for the Common
Stock is equal to or greater than 175% of the conversion price (subject to
adjustment as described below) on each of such trading days.
Upon conversion of any shares of Series A convertible preferred stock, the
Company will pay to the holder of such shares, all accrued but unpaid dividends
thereon (including accrued but unpaid dividends on such dividends) through and
including the conversion date. All dividends are payable solely in shares of
Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock payable to any holder of
Series A convertible preferred stock upon conversion of his shares shall be
determined as follows:
o In the event that the stockholder approval sought pursuant to this
proxy statement either (i) is not required in order to permit the
issuance of shares of Series A convertible preferred stock which, in
the aggregate, are convertible into shares of Common Stock that
exceeds 20% of the total outstanding Common Stock of the Company
immediately prior to the initial issuance without the violation,
breach of contravention of any NASDAQ rule or (ii) has been obtained,
by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of accrued but unpaid dividends
payable with respect to the shares of Series A convertible preferred
stock being converted by (B) the conversion price (subject to
adjustment as described below); or
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o In the event that the stockholder approval sought pursuant to this
proxy statement (i) is required in order to permit the issuance of
shares of Series A convertible preferred stock which, in the
aggregate, are convertible into shares of Common Stock that exceeds
20% of the total outstanding Common Stock of the Company immediately
prior to the initial issuance without the violation, breach of
contravention of any NASDAQ rule and (ii) has not been obtained, by
dividing (A) the aggregate amount of accrued but unpaid dividends
payable with respect to the shares of Series A convertible preferred
stock being converted by (B) the closing price of the Common Stock on
the trading day immediately preceding the date of the initial
issuance (subject to certain adjustments described below, as if such
closing price were the conversion price).
No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued upon conversion of the
Series A convertible preferred stock or upon issuance of shares of Common Stock
in respect of accrued but unpaid dividends payable upon such conversion.
Instead, the Company will pay to the holder surrendering shares of Series A
convertible preferred stock for conversion an amount in cash equal to the
current market value of his or her fractional interest.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no shares of Series A convertible preferred
stock may be converted until each of the following have occurred: (i) any
applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act shall have expired;
(ii) any consent, approval, authorization or order of the United States Federal
Communications Commission necessary to allow such conversion shall have been
obtained, and (iii) any consent, approval, authorization or order any U.S.
state telecommunications regulatory authority or commission necessary to allow
such conversion shall have been obtained, except where the absence of such
state telecommunications regulatory authority or commission consent, approval,
authorization or order would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Adjustments to Conversion Price. The conversion price and the number of
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A convertible
preferred stock are subject to adjustment from time to time upon the occurrence
of any of the following events:
(i) If, at any time after the initial issuance, the Company (A) pays
a dividend or makes a distribution with respect to its Common
Stock in any shares of any class or series of its capital stock
or other securities, (B) subdivides or combines its outstanding
shares of Common Stock into a greater or smaller number of
shares, as applicable or (C) issues any shares of its capital
stock in a reclassification of its shares of Common Stock (other
than pursuant to a merger, consolidation or business
combination);
(ii) If at any time after the initial issuance, the Company issues or
sells rights (subject to certain exceptions) to all holders of
shares of Common Stock, entitling the holders thereof to acquire
shares of Common Stock at a price per share of Common Stock that
is below the current market value per share of the Common Stock,
determined as of the record date for the issuance of said
rights; or
(iii)If at any time after the initial issuance, the Company issues or
sells any shares of Common Stock or right (subject to certain
exceptions) at a price that is lower than the current market
value per share of the Common Stock immediately prior to such
sale or issuance.
In the event that the stockholder approval sought pursuant to this proxy
statement is required in order to implement the provisions described in (ii) or
(iii), or any adjustment to the conversion price triggered by the occurrence by
either of the events described in (ii) or (iii) without contravention of a
NASDAQ rule, no such adjustment shall be effective unless and until stockholder
approval is obtained and, the Company may not (without the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A convertible
preferred stock, voting or consenting as a single class) engage in any
transaction that would cause an adjustment to be made pursuant to either (ii)
or (iii) above.
No adjustment in the conversion price or number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of any share of Series A convertible preferred stock
shall be required unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease
of at least one percent (1%) in the conversion price or number of shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of any share of Series A convertible
preferred stock, as the case may be; provided however, that any
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adjustments which by reason of this Section 6(e) are not required to be made
shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment.
Merger, Consolidation, Sale of Assets. In the event that the Company
consolidates with, merges with or into, or sells, transfers or otherwise
disposes of all or substantially all of its property and assets to, any person,
and in connection therewith consideration is payable to holders of shares of
Common Stock (or other securities or property into which the Series A
convertible preferred stock is then convertible), each share of Series A
convertible preferred stock shall, after such consolidation, merger or sale,
entitle the holder thereof to receive, upon conversion, the number of shares of
capital stock or other securities or property (including cash) of the Company,
or of such person resulting from such consolidation or surviving such merger or
to which such sale shall be made, or of the parent of such person, as the case
may be, that would have been distributable or payable on account of the shares
of Common Stock (or other securities or property purchasable upon conversion of
Series A convertible preferred stock) had such holder's shares of Series A
convertible preferred stock been converted (and shares of Common Stock
distributed) immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or sale (or, if
applicable, any record date therefor); and in any such case, the provisions of
the Certificate of Designation with respect to the rights and interests
thereafter of the holders of shares of Series A convertible preferred stock
shall be appropriately adjusted by the Board of Directors, in good faith, as
evidenced by a board resolution delivered to the holder; so as to be
applicable, as nearly as reasonably possible, to any shares of capital stock or
other securities or any property thereafter deliverable upon conversion of the
Series A convertible preferred stock. As a condition precedent to the
consummation of any merger, consolidation or sale of assets described above,
the person resulting from such consolidation or merger or to which such sale
has been made, or the parent of such person, as the case may be, shall have and
agree to maintain sufficient capital stock or other securities to reasonably
ensure compliance with this provision and otherwise take such actions as may be
reasonably requested by the holder of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Series A convertible preferred stock to ensure such compliance.
Reservation of Shares. The Company has authorized and reserved for
issuance and will at all times reserve and keep available such number of shares
of Common Stock of the Company as will be issuable upon the conversion of all
outstanding shares of Series A convertible preferred stock and dividends
payable thereon. Such shares of the Company's Common Stock, when paid for and
issued, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, free of
preemptive rights and free from all taxes, liens, charges and security
interests with respect to issuance thereof.
Voting. The holders of Series A convertible preferred stock are not
entitled or permitted to vote upon any matter required or permitted to be voted
upon by the stockholders of the Company, except that
(i) holders of Series A convertible preferred stock are entitled and
permitted to vote on all matters required to be voted upon by them
pursuant to Delaware law,
(ii) holders of Series A convertible preferred stock may, upon the
affirmative vote of a majority of the then outstanding shares of
Series A convertible preferred stock, voting or consenting as a
single class,
(A) waive compliance by the Company with any provision of the
certificate of designation relating to the Series A convertible
preferred stock or
(B) waive any default by the Company of its obligations under the
financial covenants contained in such certificate of designation
(described below), and
(iii) the Company may not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the
holders of a majority of the then outstanding Series A convertible
preferred stock, voting or consenting as a single class
(A) modify or amend any obligation or covenant of the Company under
the certificate of designation with respect to the Series A
convertible preferred stock,
(B) authorize, create or issue any senior stock (other than shares
of 14.75% redeemable preferred stock already outstanding on the
date of the initial issuance (or additional shares issuable as
pay-in-kind
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dividends on such outstanding shares)), parity stock (other than
shares of 12.75% preferred stock already outstanding on the date
of the initial issuance (or additional shares issuable as
pay-in-kind dividends on such outstanding shares)) or any
security convertible into or exchangeable for senior stock or
parity stock,
(C) hold any meeting of its stockholders or circulate or provide to
its stockholders (or participate or assist in the circulation or
provision of) any consent of its stockholders, which meeting of
stockholders or consent is being held or circulated or provided
for the purpose of considering the approval of a merger or
consolidation to which the Company is a party, the sale, lease
or exchange of all or substantially all of the Company's
property and assets, or the dissolution of the Company, or any
transactions similar to any of the foregoing, if such meeting
would be held or such consent would be so circulated or provided
on a date on or prior to six months after the final closing, or
if there is no final closing, six months after March 3, 2000; or
(D) amend or otherwise modify its bylaws, certificate of
incorporation, the certificate of designation relating to the
Series A convertible preferred stock in a manner that would
adversely affect the powers, rights or privileges of the holders
of Series A convertible preferred stock, or reduce the time for
any notice to which holders of Series A convertible preferred
stock are entitled.
In addition, to the extent that any waiver to be granted pursuant to clause
(ii) above or any action taken pursuant to clause (iii) above would adversely
affect the conversion price, date of conversion, liquidation preference,
dividend rate, form or timing of the payment of dividends with respect to the
Series A convertible preferred stock or the voting rights of holders of Series
A convertible preferred stock, the affirmative vote or consent of each holder
of the then outstanding shares of Series A convertible preferred stock must be
obtained.
Restrictions on Transfer. The Series A convertible preferred stock was
issued to Huff, Greenwich and the other purchasers in a private offering. As a
consequence, the Series A convertible preferred stock can be sold without
registration only pursuant to a transaction exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable state
securities laws. See "Registration Rights."
Restrictive Covenants. In connection with the issuance of the Series A
convertible preferred stock, the Company has agreed to certain restrictive
covenants, which are substantially similar to the covenants that were entered
into in connection with the issuance of the Company's 12 3/4% Junior Redeemable
Preferred Stock. The terms of these restrictive covenants are attached to this
proxy as Exhibit B. The Certificate of Designation provides that these
covenants shall be deemed waived automatically if waived or amended by the
holders of the 12 3/4% preferred stock.
Description of Convertible Preferred Stock
The following summarizes the principal features of the convertible
preferred stock that may be issued under the September Purchase Agreements.
Because it is only a summary, it may not contain all of the provisions that may
be important to you. As a result, you may want to read the Certificate of
Designation, which is the legal document that sets out all of the terms of the
convertible preferred stock, prior to making your decision on Proposal. A copy
of the certificate of designations may be obtained from the Secretary of the
Company, Juliette Pryor, 12975 Worldgate Drive, Herndon, Virginia 21070.
The Company's First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated September
19, 2000 (the "Credit Agreement") permits the convertible preferred stock to
have terms substantially identical (and in any event with no changes that are
adverse to the Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement)) to those set forth
in the Certificate of Designation for the Series A convertible preferred stock
or, to the extent the terms of the convertible preferred stock are not
substantially identical to such terms, such non-conforming terms (1) relate to
which holders or the percentage of holders that may exercise voting rights or
consent to amendments and waivers, (2) are to the seniority, registration
rights or anti-dilution provisions, or (3) are to the covenants or default
provisions as long as such covenants and
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defaults as so modified are not more restrictive to the Company than those set
forth in the Certificate of Designation, and changes in addition to the
foregoing upon receipt of the consent of the Lenders.
Dividends. Shares of the convertible preferred stock will accrue dividends
on a daily basis from the date of issuance at a rate per annum (computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months), compounded quarterly (on each
March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31), of 7.0% of $1,000 (the
"stated value"), plus 7.0% of the accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, subject
to dividend rate adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events described
below. Dividends on the convertible preferred stock are cumulative and shall
accrue whether or not the Company has earnings or profits, whether or not there
are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends and whether or
not dividends are declared by the Company. Dividends on the convertible
preferred stock are payable only when and if declared by the Company; provided
that all accrued but unpaid dividends on any share of convertible preferred
stock must be paid by the Company upon the conversion of such share of
convertible preferred stock. All dividends on the convertible preferred stock
will be paid by the Company in shares of its Common Stock.
In addition to the circumstances set forth in the preceding sentence, the
dividend rate with respect to the convertible preferred stock is subject to
adjustment upon the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
o In the event of a change in control (as described below) of the
Company, and commencing as of the date such change in control is
effective, the dividend rate of the convertible preferred stock shall
be reset to accrue (or in the event a change of control occurred
after September 19, 2000 and on or before the date of issuance,
cumulative dividends on the convertible preferred stock shall accrue
from the date of issuance) at the rate per annum (computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months), compounded
quarterly as aforesaid, of 20.0% of the stated value, plus accrued
but unpaid dividends thereon;
o In the event that the Company fails to (i) file a shelf registration
statement with respect to the outstanding convertible preferred stock
prior to a date that is 60 days after the date of issuance of
convertible preferred stock (the "filing date"), or (ii) have such
registration statement declared effective on or prior to the date
that is 90 days after the filing date (the "effective date") or (iii)
maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement (if
required to be maintained pursuant to the terms of the registration
rights agreement among the Company and the holders of the convertible
preferred stock), or (iv) to file and have declared effective an
additional registration statement within 45 days after the preceding
registration statement has ceased to be effective, then additional
dividends shall accrue and cumulate on the convertible preferred
stock as follows:
o If the shelf registration statement is not filed prior to the
filing date, additional dividends will accrue and cumulate on
the convertible preferred stock over and above the stated
dividend at a rate of 0.50% per annum.
o If the shelf registration statement is not declared effective
prior to the effectiveness date, additional dividends will
accrue and cumulate on the convertible preferred stock over and
above the stated dividend at a rate of 0.50% per annum.
o If the shelf registration statement has been declared effective
and ceases to be effective at any time that the Company is
required to maintain the effectiveness thereof, unless an
additional shelf registration statement has been filed and
declared effective within 45 days fo the date on which the shelf
registration statement ceases to be effective, then additional
dividends will accrue and cumulate on the convertible preferred
stock over and above the stated dividend at a rate of 0.50% per
annum, commencing on the 45th day following the day such shelf
registration statement ceases to be effective.
The additional dividends accruing on the convertible preferred stock
as a result of the failure of the Company to file the shelf
registration statement prior to the filing date, to have the shelf
registration statement declared effective prior to the effectiveness
date or to maintain the effectiveness of the shelf
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registration statement as required (or to file and have declared
effective an additional shelf registration statement) will cease to
accrue as soon as the Company's default has been cured.
As used above, a "change in control" of the Company means:
o the sale, conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company to any person or group (within the
meaning of sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other
than Huff, ING Equity Partners L.P.I., Apex Investment Fund I, L.P.,
Apex Investment Fund II, L.P., The Productivity Fund II, L.P. and
Anthony Pompliano, or any of their affiliates (the "permitted
holders"); or
o any person or group (within the meaning of sections 13(d)(3) and
14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) other than the permitted holders
becoming the beneficial owner of more than 35% of the total voting
power of all classes of the Company's stock entitled to vote in the
election of the members of the Company's board of directors if that
percentage of voting power is greater than or equal to the total
voting power percentage of the permitted holders taken as a whole; or
o during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors of the
Company cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors then in office.
In addition to the dividends described above, holders of shares of
convertible preferred stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared
by the Board of Directors of the Company, dividends and other distributions
equivalent to those declared or paid on Common Stock, determined as if the
convertible preferred stock had, at the time such dividend or other
distribution is declared, been converted into Common Stock at the conversion
price (subject to adjustment as described below) (as if the shares of Common
Stock payable as dividends thereon had likewise been distributed).
Ranking of Dividends. The convertible preferred stock's certificate of
designation provides that:
o no dividend whatsoever (other than dividends payable in Common Stock)
shall be declared or paid upon, or any sum set apart for the payment
of dividends upon, any outstanding share of the Series A convertible
preferred stock unless all dividends on all outstanding shares of
then outstanding capital stock of the Company that ranks senior in
right of payment to the convertible preferred stock (including,
without limitation, the Company's 14.75% Redeemable Preferred Stock)
(the "senior stock") for all preceding dividend periods in respect of
such senior stock have been declared and paid, or declared and a
sufficient sum set apart for the payment thereof; and
o dividends on the convertible preferred stock will rank on par with
dividends payable upon all other capital stock of the Company that
ranks pari passu in right of payment with the convertible preferred
stock (including the Company's 12.75% Redeemable Preferred Stock)
(the "parity stock") and senior to dividends on all capital stock of
the Company that ranks junior in right of payment to the convertible
preferred stock (including the Company's common stock)(the "junior
stock").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the absence of any default under any of the
covenants contained in the certificate of designation and subject to compliance
with certain other conditions, (1) the Company may be permitted to pay
dividends on junior stock consisting of junior stock and may be permitted to
pay dividends on parity stock consisting of junior stock or parity stock, and
(ii) the Company may pay cash dividends and make other cash distributions on
parity stock or junior stock to the extent such payments are permitted by the
Company's outstanding debt instruments.
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Liquidation. Upon liquidation (whether voluntary or involuntary),
dissolution or winding-up of the Company, each holder of shares of convertible
preferred stock is entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company
available for distribution to its stockholders, after payment to the holders of
any then outstanding senior stock of the Company, but before any payment is
made to holders of any then outstanding junior stock of the Company, an amount
(the "liquidation preference") equal to the greater of (i) the stated value of
the shares of convertible preferred stock held by such holders plus, to the
extent permitted by law, an amount in cash equal to all accrued and unpaid
dividends thereon (including accrued but unpaid dividends on such dividends)
through the date fixed for liquidation, dissolution or winding-up (the "accrued
dividends") and (ii) the liquidation value attributable to the shares of Common
Stock into which such shares of convertible preferred stock are then
convertible on an as-if-converted basis, plus accrued dividends. If the assets
of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders are not
sufficient, after payment of all amounts payable to holders of senior stock, to
pay in full all amounts payable to holders of shares of convertible preferred
stock and all other parity stock of the Company, the holders of shares of
convertible preferred stock and parity stock will share equally and ratably in
any distribution of the assets of the Company in proportion to the full
liquidation preferences and accrued but unpaid dividends to which each is
entitled.
Conversion. Shares of convertible preferred stock are committed at any
time, at the option of the holder, into the number of shares of Common Stock
that is obtained by dividing (i) a number equal to (A) the number of shares of
convertible preferred stock to be converted, multiplied by (B) the stated value
of such shares; by (ii) the conversion price under the Certificate of
Designation (subject to adjustment as described below). Shares of convertible
preferred stock are subject to mandatory conversion, at the option of the
Company, at any time after third anniversary of the initial issuance of the
convertible preferred stock (the "conversion trigger date"), if, for any period
of 30 consecutive trading days following the conversion trigger date, the
closing price for the Common Stock is equal to or greater than 300% of the
conversion price (subject to adjustment as described below) on each of such
trading days.
Upon conversion of any shares of convertible preferred stock, the Company
will pay to the holder of such shares, all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon
(including accrued but unpaid dividends on such dividends) through and
including the conversion date. All dividends are payable solely in shares of
Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock payable to any holder of
convertible preferred stock upon conversion of his or her shares shall be
determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of accrued but unpaid dividends
payable with respect to the shares of convertible preferred stock being
converted by (B) the conversion price (subject to adjustment as described
below).
No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued upon conversion of the
convertible preferred stock or upon issuance of shares of Common Stock in
respect of accrued but unpaid dividends payable upon such conversion. Instead,
the Company will pay to the holder surrendering shares of convertible preferred
stock for conversion an amount in cash equal to the current market value of his
or her fractional interest.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no shares of convertible preferred stock
may be converted until each of the following have occurred: (i) any applicable
waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act shall have expired; (ii) any
consent, approval, authorization or order of the United States Federal
Communications Commission necessary to allow such conversion shall have been
obtained, and (iii) any consent, approval, authorization or order of any U.S.
state telecommunications regulatory authority or commission necessary to allow
such conversion shall have been obtained, except where the absence of such
state telecommunications regulatory authority or commission consent, approval,
authorization or order would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Adjustments to Conversion Price. The conversion price and the number of
shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible preferred
stock are subject to adjustment from time to time upon the occurrence of any of
the following events:
(i) If, at any time after the initial issuance, the Company (A) pays a
dividend or makes a distribution with respect to its Common Stock in
shares of any class or series of its capital stock or other
securities, (B) subdivides or combines its outstanding shares of
Common Stock into a greater or smaller number of
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shares, as applicable or (C) issues any shares of its capital stock
in a reclassification of its shares of Common Stock (other than
pursuant to a merger, consolidation or business combination);
(ii) If at any time after the initial issuance, the Company issues or
sells rights (subject to certain exceptions) to all holders of shares
of Common Stock, entitling the holders thereof to acquire shares of
Common Stock at a price per share of Common Stock that is below the
current dilution value per share of the Common Stock, determined as
of the record date for the issuance of said rights; or
(iii)If at any time after the initial issuance, the Company issues or
sells any shares of Common Stock or right (subject to certain
exceptions) at a price that is lower than the current dilution value
per share of the Common Stock immediately prior to such sale or
issuance.
Upon the occurrence of the following events, the conversion price will be
adjusted so that it is the lesser of (i) the conversion price which would
otherwise be in effect, or (ii) the purchase price (or deemed purchase price,
as described in the September Purchase Agreements) for the purchase or exchange
of Common Stock under (A) or (C) below or the initial conversion price under
(B) or (C) below:
(A) any Common Stock is sold by the Company after September 19, 2000, but
prior to the last closing to occur under the September Purchase
Agreements, for a purchase price that is less than the conversion
price then in effect; or
(B) any convertible preferred stock is sold by the Company after
September 19, 2000 but prior to the last closing to occur under the
September Purchase Agreements, with an initial conversion price that
is less than the conversion price then in effect; or
(C) any exchangeable preferred stock sold by the Company after September
19, 2000 but prior to the last closing to occur under the September
Purchase Agreements, is exchanged for (x) Common Stock at a deemed
purchase price of less than the conversion price then in effect, or
(y) convertible preferred stock with an initial conversion price of
less than the conversion price then in effect.
In the event that the adjustment results in the conversion price being
lower than the conversion price which would otherwise be in effect under the
certificate of designation, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
the conversion of the convertible preferred stock will be adjusted. The amount
of shares issuable will be adjusted by multiplying the number of shares
issuable prior to the adjustment by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
conversion price in effect prior the adjustment, and the denominator of which
is the conversion price in effect after the adjustment. The above adjustments
will be repeated in successive transactions under (A), (B) or (C) above. After
the above adjustments, the conversion price will not be higher and the number
of Common Stock shares issuable upon conversion will not be lower than the
conversion price or number of issuable Common Stock shares which would
otherwise be provided for under the certificate of designation.
No adjustment in the conversion price or number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of any share of convertible preferred stock shall be
required unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at
least one percent (1%) in the conversion price or number of shares of Common
Stock issuable upon conversion of any share of convertible preferred stock, as
the case may be; provided however, that any adjustments which are not required
to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent
adjustment.
Merger, Consolidation, Sale of Assets. In the event that the Company
consolidates with, merges with or into, or sells, transfers or otherwise
disposes of all or substantially all of its property and assets to, any person,
and in connection therewith consideration is payable to holders of shares of
Common Stock (or other securities or property into which the convertible
preferred stock is then convertible), each share of convertible preferred stock
shall, after such consolidation, merger or sale, entitle the holder thereof to
receive, upon conversion, the number of shares of capital stock or other
securities or property (including cash) of the Company, or of such person
resulting from such consolidation or surviving such merger or to which such
sale shall be made, or of the parent of such person, as the case may be, that
would have been distributable or payable on account of the shares of Common
Stock (or other
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<PAGE>
securities or property purchasable upon conversion of convertible preferred
stock) had such holder's shares of convertible preferred stock been converted
(and shares of Common Stock distributed) immediately prior to such merger,
consolidation or sale (or, if applicable, any record date therefor); and in any
such case, the provisions of the Certificate of Designation with respect to the
rights and interests thereafter of the holders of shares of convertible
preferred stock shall be appropriately adjusted by the Board of Directors, in
good faith, as evidenced by a board resolution delivered to the holder; so as
to be applicable, as nearly as reasonably possible, to any shares of capital
stock or other securities or any property thereafter deliverable upon
conversion of the convertible preferred stock. As a condition precedent to the
consummation of any merger, consolidation or sale of assets described above,
the person resulting from such consolidation or merger or to which such sale
has been made, or the parent of such person, as the case may be, shall have and
agree to maintain sufficient capital stock or other securities to reasonably
ensure compliance with this provision and otherwise take such actions as may be
reasonably requested by Huff to ensure such compliance.
Voting. The holders of convertible preferred stock are not entitled or
permitted to vote upon any matter required or permitted to be voted upon by the
stockholders of the Company, except that
(i) holders of convertible preferred stock are entitled and permitted to
vote on all matters required to be voted upon by them pursuant to
Delaware law,
(ii) Huff may
(A) waive compliance by the Company with any provision of the
certificate of designation relating to the convertible preferred
stock; or
(B) waive any default by the Company of its obligations under the
financial covenants contained in such certificate of designation
(described below), and
(iii) the Company may not, without the consent of Huff
(A) modify or amend any obligation or covenant of the Company under
the certificate of designation with respect to the convertible
preferred stock,
(B) authorize, create or issue any senior stock (other than shares
of 14.75% redeemable preferred stock already outstanding on the
date of the initial issuance (or additional shares issuable as
pay-in-kind dividends on such outstanding shares)), parity stock
(other than shares of Series A convertible preferred stock,
exchangeable preferred stock, or 12.75% Preferred Stock already
outstanding on the date of the initial issuance (or additional
shares issuable as pay-in-kind dividends on such outstanding
shares) or any security convertible into or exchangeable for
senior stock or parity stock,
(C) hold any meeting of its stockholders or circulate or provide to
its stockholders (or participate or assist in the circulation or
provision of) any consent of its stockholders, which meeting of
stockholders or consent is being held or circulated or provided
for the purpose of considering the approval of a merger or
consolidation to which the Company is a party, the sale, lease
or exchange of all or substantially all of the Company's
property and assets, or the dissolution of the Company, or any
transactions similar to any of the foregoing, if such meeting
would be held or such consent would be so circulated or provided
on a date on or prior to six months after the date of issuance;
or
(D) amend or otherwise modify its bylaws, certificate of
incorporation, the certificate of designation relating to the
convertible preferred stock in a manner that would adversely
affect the powers, rights or privileges of the holders of
convertible preferred stock, or reduce the time for any notice
to which holders of convertible preferred stock are entitled.
In addition, to the extent that any waiver to be granted pursuant to clause
(ii) above or any action taken pursuant to clause (iii) above would adversely
affect the conversion price, date of conversion, liquidation preference,
dividend
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rate, form or timing of the payment of dividends with respect to the
convertible preferred stock or the voting rights of holders of convertible
preferred stock, the affirmative vote or consent of each holder of the then
outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock must be obtained.
Restrictions on Transfer. The convertible preferred stock is being issued
to Huff, Greenwich and the other purchasers in a private offering. As a
consequence, the convertible preferred stock can be sold without registration
only pursuant to a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable state securities laws. See
"Registration Rights."
Restrictive Covenants. In connection with the issuance of the convertible
preferred stock, the Company has agreed to certain restrictive covenants, which
are substantially similar to the covenants that were entered into in connection
with the issuance of the Company's 12 3/4% Junior Redeemable Preferred Stock.
The terms of these restrictive covenants are attached to this proxy as Exhibit
C. The certificate of designation provides that these covenants shall be deemed
waived automatically if waived or amended by the holders of the 12 3/4%
preferred stock.
Description of Transaction Fee Warrants
Transaction Fee Warrants. As a transaction fee for the September Purchase
Agreements the Company will issue warrants for Common Stock to the purchasers,
other than the exchangeable preferred stock, simultaneously with the closing of
each sale of the securities under those agreements. The amount of stock issued
under these transaction fee warrants will be subject to adjustment for stock
dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations and similar events.
The amount of Common Stock issued under these transaction fee warrants will be
equal to (i) 60,000, divided by (ii) the common stock purchase price in effect
at each closing minus $.01, for each million dollars of gross proceeds to the
Company from each sale (prorated for any portion of million dollars of gross
proceeds). However, additional transaction fee warrants will be issued if there
is any subsequent closing under the agreements at which the common stock
purchase price is lower than the common stock purchase price that was in effect
at the immediately preceding closing at which transaction fee warrants were
issued. These additional transaction fee warrants will be issued in an amount
so that the additional transaction fee warrants, when added to the transaction
fee warrants issued in the immediately preceding closing, will equal the number
of transaction fee warrants that would have been issued at the preceding
closing had the purchase price been in effect at the time of the immediately
preceding closing. The Company has already issued transaction fee warrants to
Huff and certain other purchasers in connection with the sale of the
exchangeable preferred stock on September 19, 2000.
The following summarizes the principal features of the warrants. Because
it is only a summary, it may not contain all of the provisions that may be
important to you. As a result, you may want to read the warrant agreement,
which is the legal document that sets out all of the terms of the warrants,
prior to making your decision on Proposal No. 1. A copy of the warrant
agreement may be obtained from the Secretary of the Company, Juliette Pryor,
12975 Worldgate Drive, Herndon, Virginia 21070.
Terms. The warrants will entitle the holders to purchase shares of Common
Stock, at an initial exercise price of $.01 (the "initial exercise price"),
subject to the adjustments described below. The warrants will automatically
expire on the tenth anniversary after the date that they are issued.
Exercise. Except as otherwise described in this section, the warrants are
exercisable at any time on or after the date that they are issued until the
date fixed for expiration of such warrants.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no warrants may be exercised until each of
the following have occurred:
(i) any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act has
expired;
(ii) any consent, approval, authorization or order of the United States
Federal Communication Commission necessary to allow such exercise has
been obtained;
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(iii) any consent, approval, authorization or order of any U.S. state
telecommunications regulatory authority or commission necessary to
allow such exercise has been obtained, except where the absence of
such state telecommunications regulatory authority or commission
consent, approval, authorization or order would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company; and
(iv) a shelf registration statement relating to the warrants has been
filed and declared effective under the Securities Act; provided that
if such warrants are exercised in a "cashless exercise" or in
exchange for other securities of the Company and no cash
consideration is received by the Company (or in any other exchange
that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act), then the
requirements of clause (iv) need not be met. A "cashless exercise" is
effected by a holder of warrants by surrendering to the Company
certificates representing a warrant or warrants in exchange for that
number of shares of Common Stock equal to the product of (i) the
number of shares of Common Stock for which the surrendered warrant or
warrants are exercisable as of the date of exercise (as if the
exercise price with respect to such warrants were being paid in cash)
and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is equal to (A) the
current market value per share of the Common Stock on the date of
exercise, less (B) the exercise price per share as of the date of
exercise, and the denominator of which is equal to the current market
value per share of the Common Stock on the date of exercise.
Any warrant not exercised prior to the date fixed for its expiration shall
expire as of such date, and the holder of such warrant will have no further
rights under such warrant or the warrant agreement relating to such warrant.
Issuance of Additional Warrants upon a Change in Control. Upon the
occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined above), the purchasers will
receive additional warrants in an amount equal to 25% of the warrants initially
sold to them, each of which will be exercisable for the number of shares of
Common Stock and at no additional cost, and will have the same exercise price
and rights (including, without limitation, rights to adjustments described
below), as the warrants purchased by the purchasers as then in effect under any
outstanding warrants.
Exercise Price Adjustments. The exercise price of the warrants and the
number of shares of the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of each warrant are
subject to adjustment from time to time upon the occurrence of any of the
following events:
(i) If, at any time after the initial issuance, the Company (A) pays a
dividend or makes a distribution with respect to its Common Stock in
any shares of any class or series of its capital stock or other
securities, (B) subdivides or combines its outstanding shares of
Common Stock into a greater or smaller number of shares, as
applicable or (C) issues any shares of its capital stock in a
reclassification of its shares of Common Stock (other than pursuant
to a merger, consolidation or business combination);
(ii) If at any time after the initial issuance, the Company issues or
sells rights (subject to certain exceptions) to all holders of
shares of Common Stock, entitling the holders thereof to acquire
shares of Common Stock at a price per share of Common Stock that is
below the current market value per share of the Common Stock,
determined as of the record date for the issuance of said rights;
(iii) If at any time after the initial issuance, the Company issues or
sells any shares of Common Stock or right (subject to certain
exceptions) at a price that is lower than the current market value
per share of the Common Stock immediately prior to such sale or
issuance; or
(iv) If at any time after the initial issuance, the Company declares,
orders, pays or makes a dividend (other than cash dividends out of
current or retained earnings) or other distribution of property,
assets, debt securities or rights to all holders of shares of Common
Stock.
No adjustment in the exercise price or number of shares of Common Stock
purchasable upon exercise of any warrant shall be required unless such
adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least one percent (1%)
in the exercise price or number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the
exercise of each warrant, as the
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case may be; provided however, that any adjustments which are not required to
be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent
adjustment.
Merger; Consolidation; Sale of Assets. Subject to the provisions of the
next succeeding paragraph, in the event that the Company consolidates with,
merges with or into, or sells, transfers or otherwise disposes of all or
substantially all of its property and assets to, any person, and in connection
therewith consideration is payable to holders of shares of common stock (or
other securities or property purchasable upon exercise of warrants), the
warrants shall remain subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
warrant agreement and each warrant shall, after such consolidation, merger or
sale, entitle the holder thereof to receive, upon exercise, the number of
shares of capital stock or other securities or property (including cash) of the
Company, or of such person resulting from such consolidation or surviving such
merger or to which such sale shall be made, or of the parent of such person, as
the case may be, that would have been distributable or payable on account of
the shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property purchasable upon
exercise of warrants) if such holder's warrants had been exercised immediately
prior to such merger, consolidation or sale (or, if applicable, any record date
therefor); and, in any such case, the provisions of the warrant agreement with
respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the holders of warrants shall
be appropriately adjusted by the Board of Directors, in good faith, so as to be
applicable, as nearly as reasonably possible, to any shares of stock or other
securities or any property thereafter deliverable on the exercise of the
warrants.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) if the Company consolidates with,
merges with or into, or sells, transfers or otherwise disposes of all or
substantially all of its property and assets to, any Person, and consideration
is payable to holders of shares of Common Stock in exchange for their shares of
Common Stock in connection with such merger, consolidation or sale which
consists solely of cash, or (y) in the event of the dissolution, liquidation or
winding-up of the Company, then the holder shall receive distributions at the
same time as and on an equal basis with holders of shares of Common Stock (or
other securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants) as if the warrants
had been exercised immediately prior to such event (or, if applicable, any
record date therefor), less the exercise price. Upon receipt of such payment,
with respect to the warrants in respect of which such payment was received, the
rights of a holder hereunder shall terminate except as expressly provided
herein or in the warrant certificate and such warrants shall expire. In the
case of any such merger, consolidation or sale of assets, the surviving or
acquiring person or, in the event of any dissolution, liquidation or winding up
of the Company, the Company, shall deposit promptly in an escrow account
established by each holder the funds or other consideration, if any, necessary
to pay holders pursuant to this subsection.
Reservation of Shares. The Company has authorized and reserved for
issuance and will at all times reserve and keep available such number of shares
of Common Stock of the Company as will be issuable upon the exercise of all
outstanding warrants. Such shares of the Company's Common Stock, when paid for
and issued, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable,
free of preemptive rights and free from all taxes, liens, charges and security
interests with respect to issuance thereof.
Voting. The holders of warrants are not entitled or permitted to vote on
any matter required or permitted to be voted on by the Company's stockholders.
Restrictions on Transfer. The warrants are being issued to Huff and the
other purchasers in a private offering. As a consequence, the warrants can be
sold without registration under the Securities Act only pursuant to a
transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and
in compliance with any applicable state securities laws.
Registration Rights
The Company has agreed to enter into a registration rights agreement
pursuant to which it will agree to file a shelf registration statement with the
SEC to cover resales of the Purchaser Junior Securities and transaction fee
warrants and each share of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of any
convertible preferred stock or exercise of warrants by holders thereof. The
Company has agreed to maintain the continuous effectiveness of such shelf
registration statement, subject to customary blackout and deferral provisions,
until the earlier of (i) the date on
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which all of the securities covered thereby have been effectively registered
under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the shelf
registration statement; (ii) the date on which a subsequent shelf registration
covering the securities has been declared effective under the Securities Act or
(iii) there are no longer outstanding any registrable securities covered by the
shelf registration or subsequent shelf registration.
The Company has agreed in the registration rights agreements to pay all
costs related to the registration obligations thereunder, subject to certain
exceptions, and has agreed to indemnify the holders against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
Possible Dilutive Effect
You should be aware that the sale of additional Common Stock, convertible
preferred stock and warrants will have a dilutive effect on earnings per share
and (in the case of convertible preferred stock and warrants, upon the
conversion or exercise thereof) the relative voting power of the Company's
present stockholders. In addition, you should note that the Company will issue
additional shares of Common Stock in payment of dividends on the convertible
preferred stock, which will increase the number of shares of Common Stock that
may be issued in connection with the transactions described in Proposals 1 and
2.
Interest of Certain Persons in Proposals No. 1 and No. 2
Four of e.spire's directors, William R. Huff, Edwin M. Banks, Peter Bentz,
and Joseph Thornton, are employees of W. R. Huff Asset Management Co., L.L.C.,
an affiliate of The Huff Alternative Income Fund, L.P., which is purchasing up
to approximately $103 million worth of shares of Purchaser Junior Securities,
and one other director, Christopher L. Rafferty, is an employee of WRH
Partners, L.L.C., the general partner of The Huff Alternative Income Fund, L.P.
See "Outstanding Shares and Voting Rights--Beneficial Ownership of Certain
Holders." In addition, Huff received a commitment fee of $1 million from the
Company in connection with its participation in the transaction described in
Proposal No. 1 and approximately 510,662 transaction fee warrants in connection
with the transaction described in Proposal No. 2, and the Company has agreed to
pay all fees and expenses, including the reasonable fees and expenses of
counsel, of the purchasers in connection with this transaction, including the
cost of holding and/or converting the securities, subject to certain
exceptions.
The Huff Alternative Income Fund, L.P. has advised the Company that it
intends to vote its shares in favor of the Proposals.
Other Matters
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before the
Special Meeting. It is expected that KPMG LLP, the Company's independent public
accountants, [will][will not] be present at the Special Meeting, have an
opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and be available to
respond to appropriate questions. If matters other than the foregoing should
properly come before the Special Meeting, it is intended that the shares
represented by proxies will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the
persons named in the proxy as to the best interests of the Company.
23
<PAGE>
Stockholders' Proposals
The Company's next Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on or
around [May 12,] 2001. Such Annual Meeting of Stockholders will present
information relating to the Company's fiscal year ending December 31, 2000. Any
proposal by stockholders intended to be presented at the next Annual Meeting of
Stockholders must be received by the Company at the above address for inclusion
in its Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting by [January
13,] 2001.
By Order of the Board of Directors
----------------------------------
George F. Schmitt
Director
Dated: , 2000
24
<PAGE>
e.spire Communications, Inc.
Proxy
Common Stock
Special Meeting: , 2000
This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors
[Juliette Pryor] and [George Schmidt], and each of them, to act as proxies
with full power of substitution in each of them, are hereby authorized to
represent and to vote, as designated below and on the reverse side, upon the
following proposals and in the discretion of the proxies on such other matters
as may properly come before the Special Meeting of Stockholders of e.spire
Communications, Inc. to be held at [location] on , 2000 or any adjournment(s),
postponement(s), or other delay(s) thereof (the "Special Meeting"), all shares
of Common Stock of e.spire Communications, Inc. to which the undersigned is
entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. The following proposals are more fully
described in the Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement
(receipt of which is hereby acknowledged).
UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" PROPOSALS NO. 1,
2 AND 3 AND WILL BE VOTED IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES ON SUCH OTHER
MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE SPECIAL MEETING. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSALS NO. 1, 2 AND 3.
(Continued and to be dated and signed on the reverse side.)
25
<PAGE>
e.spire Communications, Inc.
P.O. Box 11144
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0144
1. To approve the issuance of the following securities pursuant to
purchase agreements dated March 1, 2000 between the Company and certain
investors:
o Series A convertible preferred stock, and the issuance of common
stock payable as dividends on the Series A convertible preferred
stock; and
o warrants exercisable into up to 8,829,000 shares of common stock at
an exercise price of $9.89 per share.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
2. To approve the issuance of the following securities pursuant to
purchase agreements dated September 19, 2000 between the Company and certain
investors:
1. up to $124.3 million of common stock at a price per share equal to
the lesser of $3.37 per share and 80% of the market price at time of
issuance (to be sold for cash or in exchange for outstanding
exchangeable preferred stock);
2. up to $124.3 million of convertible preferred stock in one or more
series which will be convertible into common stock at lesser of $3.37
per share and 80% of the market price at time of issuance (to be sold
for cash or in exchange for outstanding exchangeable preferred
stock), and the issuance of common stock as dividends thereon;
3. up to $124.3 million of warrants, at a price determined by the Board
of Directors based on the written opinion of the financial advisor to
the Company that such price is fair to the Company and the public
stockholders of the Company from a financial point of view; and
4. transaction fee warrants to purchase common stock at an exercise
price of $.01 in an amount equal to 60,000 divided by the market
price of the common stock at the time of any closing under the
purchase agreements (less $.01) per one million dollars sold of any
common stock, convertible preferred stock, debt securities or
warrants.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
3. To approve an amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation providing for an increase in the number of shares of
the Company's common stock authorized to be issued from 125 million
to 250 million.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
PLEASE CHECK THIS BOX IF YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING IN
PERSON. o
(Please sign exactly as
name appears to the left,
date and return. If
shares are held by joint
tenants, both should
sign. When signing as an
attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give
full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign
in full corporate name by
president or other
authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign
in partnership name by
authorized person.)
Please Date:_________________________
Sign Here:___________________________
------------------------------
Signature (if held jointly)
26
<PAGE>
------------------------------
Capacity (Title or Authority,
i.e., President, Partner,
Executor, Trustee)
PLEASE SIGN AND DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY TODAY. VOTES MUST BE INDICATED (X)
IN BLACK OR BLUE INK.
27
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
[Letterhead of Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin Financial Advisors, Inc.]
March 1 , 2000
The Board of Directors
e.spire Communications, Inc.
Dear Members of the Board:
We understand that e.spire Communications, Inc. ("e.spire" or the
"Company") is considering selling (the "Offering") to The Huff Alternative
Income Fund, L.P. ("Huff"), Greenwich Street Capital Partners II, L.P.,
("Greenwich") and other investors (collectively the "Purchasers") $200 million
of a newly issued class of 7% Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Preferred
Stock") which will initially be convertible into approximately 25,284,450
shares of the Company's common stock. We also understand that the Purchasers of
the Preferred Stock will receive ten-year warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase
8.82 million shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $9.89
per share. We also understand that the Offering will be completed in an initial
closing and (subject to receipt of the requisite shareholder approval) a final
closing. The Offering and related transactions are referred to collectively
herein as the "Transaction."
You have requested our opinion (the "Opinion") as to the matters set forth
above. The Opinion does not address the Company's underlying business decision
to effect the Transaction. We have not been requested to, and did not, solicit
third party indications of interest in acquiring all or any part of the
Company. Furthermore, at your request, we have not negotiated the Transaction
or advised you with respect to alternatives to it.
In connection with this Opinion, we have made such reviews, analyses and
inquiries as we have deemed necessary and appropriate under the circumstances.
Among other things, we have:
1. reviewed e.spire's audited financial statements on Form 10-KSB for the
fiscal years ended June 1995 and 1996 and December 31, 1996, 1997 and
1998, and the unaudited financial statements on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1999, which e.spire's management has
identified as being the most current financial statements available;
2. reviewed copies of the following documents and agreements:
(i) Unit Purchase Agreement between e.spire Communications, Inc. and
(a) The Huff Alternative Income Fund L.P., (b) Greenwich Street
Capital Partners II, L.P., GSCP Offshore Fund L.P., Greenwich
Fund L.P., Greenwich Street Employees Fund L.P. and TRV
Executive Fund L.P. and (c) Honeywell International Inc. Master
Retirement Trust, execution copies dated March 1,2000;
(ii) e.spire Communications, Inc. Certificate of Designation of
Series A convertible preferred stock, execution copy dated March
1, 2000;
(iii) Registration Rights Agreement between e.spire Communications,
Inc. and The Huff Alternative Income Fund L.P., Greenwich Street
Capital Partners II, L.P GSCP Offshore Fund L.P., Greenwich Fund
L.P., Greenwich Street Employees Fund L.P. and TRV Executive
Fund L.P. and Honeywell International Inc. Master Retirement
Trust, execution copy dated March 1, 2000;
(iv) Warrant Agreement among e.spire Communications, Inc. and The
Huff Alternative Income Fund L.P., Greenwich Street Capital
Partners II, L.P GSCP Offshore Fund L.P., Greenwich Street
A-1
<PAGE>
Employees Fund L.P. and TRV Executive Fund L.P. and Honeywell
International Inc. Master Retirement Trust, execution copy dated
March 1, 2000 draft dated 2/23/00;
3. spoke with certain members of the senior management of e.spire
to discuss the operations, financial condition, future prospects
and projected operations of e.spire;
4. reviewed forecasts and projections prepared by the Company's
management with respect to e.spire for the years ended December
31, 2000 through 2008;
5. reviewed the historical market prices and trading volume for
e.spire's publicly traded securities;
6. reviewed certain other publicly available financial data for
certain companies that we deem comparable to e.spire;
7. reviewed certain publicly available financial data for certain
transactions that we deemed comparable to the Transaction; and
8. conducted such other studies, analyses and inquiries as we have
deemed appropriate.
We have relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, that
the financial forecasts and projections provided to us have been reasonably
prepared and reflect the best currently available estimates of the future
financial results and condition of the Company, and that there has been no
material change in the assets, financial condition, business or prospects of
the Company since the date of the most recent financial statements made
available to us.
We have not independently verified the accuracy and completeness of the
information supplied to us with respect to the Company and do not assume any
responsibility with respect to it. We have not made any physical inspection or
independent appraisal of any of the properties or assets of the Company. Our
opinion is necessarily based on business, economic, market and other conditions
as they exist and can be evaluated by us at the date of this letter.
Based upon the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, it is our opinion that
the Transaction is fair to the Company and the Company's public stockholders
from a financial point of view.
/s/ HOULIHAN LOKEY HOWARD & ZUKIN FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC.
----------------------------------------------------------
A-2
<PAGE>
Exhibit B
[Letterhead of Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin Financial Advisors, Inc.]
September 19, 2000
The Board of Directors
e.spire Communications, Inc.
Dear Members of the Board:
We understand that e.spire Communications, Inc. ("e.spire" or the "Company")
has agreed to sell (the "Offering") to The Huff Alternative Income Fund, L.P.,
Greenwich Street Capital Partners II, L.P., GSCP Offshore Fund, L.P., Greenwich
Fund, L.P., Greenwich Street Employees Fund, L.P. and TRV Executive Fund, L.P.
and The Honeywell International Inc. Master Retirement Trust (collectively the
"Purchasers"), and other investors newly issued securities ("Junior
Securities"). We further understand that the Junior Securities will, at the
Purchaser's option, consist of common stock, warrants for common stock,
preferred stock or subordinated notes of the Company. We also understand that
the Company will sell $50 million in shares of Exchangeable Preferred Stock
("Exchangeable Preferred Stock") to the Purchasers and the Exchangeable
Preferred Stock will be exchangeable, at the Company's option, into Junior
Securities. The Offering and related transactions are referred to collectively
herein as the "Transaction."
You have requested our opinion (the "Opinion") as to the matters set forth
above. The Opinion does not address the Company's underlying business decision
to effect the Transaction. We have not been requested to, and did not, solicit
third party indications of interest in acquiring all or any part of the
Company. Furthermore, at your request, we have not negotiated the Transaction
or advised you with respect to alternatives to it.
In connection with this Opinion, we have made such reviews, analyses and
inquiries as we have deemed necessary and appropriate under the circumstances.
Among other things, we have:
1. reviewed e.spire's audited financial statements on Form 10-KSB
for the fiscal years ended June 1995 and 1996 and December 31,
1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, and the unaudited financial
statements on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000,
which e.spire's management has identified as being the most
current financial statements available;
2. reviewed copies of the following agreements:
(i) Purchase Agreement between the Company and The Huff
Alternative Income Fund, L.P., draft dated September 19,
2000;
(ii) First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, draft dated
September 19, 2000;
(iii) Loan Put Agreement, draft dated September 11, 2000;
(iv) Voting Agreement, draft dated August 29, 2000;
(v) Certificate of Designation Exchangeable Preferred Stock,
draft dated September 19, 2000;
B-1
<PAGE>
3. spoke with certain members of the senior management of e.spire
to discuss the operations, financial condition, future prospects
and projected operations of e.spire;
4. reviewed forecasts and projections prepared by the Company's
management with respect to e.spir3e
for the years ended December 31, 2000 through 2005;
5. reviewed the historical market prices and trading volume for
e.spire's publicly traded securities;
6. reviewed certain other publicly available financial data for
certain companies that we deem comparable to e.spire;
7. reviewed certain publicly available financial data for certain
transactions that we deemed comparable to the Transaction; and
8. conducted such other studies, analyses and inquiries as we have
deemed appropriate.
We have relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, that the
financial forecasts and projections provided to us have been reasonably
prepared and reflect the best currently available estimates of the future
financial results and condition of the Company, and that there has been no
material change in the assets, financial condition, business or prospects of
the Company since the date of the most recent financial statements made
available to us.
We have not independently verified the accuracy and completeness of the
information supplied to us with respect to the Company and do not assume any
responsibility with respect to it. We have not made any physical inspection or
independent appraisal of any of the properties or assets of the Company. Our
opinion is necessarily based on business, economic, market and other conditions
as they exist and can be evaluated by us at the date of this letter.
Based upon the foregoing, and in reliance thereon, it is our opinion that the
Transaction is fair to the Company and the Company's public stockholders from a
financial point of view.
/s/HOULIHAN LOKEY HOWARD & ZUKIN FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC.
B-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
Covenants contained in the Certificate of Designation. See "Certain
Definitions" below for the definitions of capitalized terms used below:
8. Restrictive Covenants
(a) Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock or
Preferred Stock.
(i) The Corporation shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume,
guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable,
contingently or otherwise, for the payment of (collectively, "incur"
and correctively, "incurred" and "incurrence") any Indebtedness
(including, without limitation, Acquired Indebtedness) and shall not
issue any Disqualified Stock and shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to issue any shares of Subsidiary Preferred Stock;
provided that the Corporation may incur Indebtedness (including,
without limitation, Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of
Disqualified Stock or Subsidiary Preferred Stock if the Corporation's
Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Corporation's
most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial
statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such
Indebtedness is incurred, or such Disqualified Stock or Subsidiary
Preferred Stock is issued, as the case may be, would have been greater
than zero and less than 5.0 to 1.0 determined on a pro forma basis
(including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as
if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the Disqualified
Stock or Subsidiary Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may
be, at the beginning of such fiscal quarter.
(ii) The provisions of Section 8(a)(i) shall not apply to:
(A) the incurrence of Indebtedness by the Corporation or
any Subsidiary pursuant to Credit Agreement(s); provided that
the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness under such Credit
Agreement(s) at any one time outstanding under this clause (A)
does not exceed $200.0 million for the Corporation and all of
its Subsidiaries combined;
(B) Existing Indebtedness (including all amounts that
accrue thereon);
(C) the incurrence of Vendor Debt by the Corporation or
any Subsidiary; provided that the aggregate principal amount of
such Vendor Debt does not exceed 80% of the purchase price or
cost of the construction, acquisition or improvement of the
applicable Telecommunications Related Assets financed therewith
(or 100% of the total cost of the Telecommunications Related
Assets financed therewith if such Vendor Debt was extended for
the purchase of tangible physical assets and was so financed by
the vendor thereof or an affiliate of such vendor);
(D) the incurrence by the Corporation or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries of Refinancing Indebtedness with respect
to Indebtedness permitted pursuant to clause (B) and (C) of this
paragraph;
(E) the incurrence of Indebtedness by the Corporation not
to exceed, at any one time outstanding, 2.0 times the sum of (1)
the net cash proceeds received by the Corporation from the
issuance and sale of the convertible preferred stock and the
issuance and sale of any other class or series of its Capital
Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) from and after the initial
date of issuance of the 12.75% Preferred Stock plus (2) the fair
market value at the time of issuance of Capital Stock (other
than Disqualified Stock) issued in connection with any
acquisition of a Telecommunications Corporation, in each case to
a Person other than a Subsidiary of the Corporation; and
(F) the incurrence by the Corporation of Indebtedness (in
addition to Indebtedness permitted by any other clause of this
paragraph) in an aggregate principal amount (or accreted value,
as applicable) at any time outstanding not to exceed $100.0
million;
C-1
<PAGE>
(iii) If an item of Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred or
an item of Disqualified Stock or Subsidiary Preferred Stock is
permitted to be issued on the basis of one or more of clauses (A)
through (F) of Section 8(a)(ii) above, or is permitted to be incurred
on the basis of Section 8(a)(i) above, then the Corporation shall, in
its sole discretion, classify such item in any manner that complies
with Section 8(a) and such item shall be treated as having been
incurred pursuant to only one of such clauses of Section 8(a)(ii) or
pursuant to Section 8(a)(i). Accrual of interest or dividends, the
accretion of accreted value or liquidation preference and the payment
of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness or
shares of Capital Stock shall not be deemed to be an incurrence of
Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 8(a).
(iv) For purposes of this Section 8(a), in the event that the
Corporation proposes to incur Indebtedness pursuant to Section
8(a)(ii)(E) hereof, the Corporation shall, simultaneously with the
incurrence of such Indebtedness, deliver to the Transfer Agent a
resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in an Officer's
Certificate stating that the sale or sales of Capital Stock forming
the basis for the incurrence of such Indebtedness (i) constitutes an
investment in the Corporation and (ii) has not been made for the
purpose of circumventing Section 8(a) hereof. In the event that the
Corporation rescinds, reverses or unwinds such sale of Capital Stock
or otherwise returns or refunds all or any portion of the net cash
proceeds of such sale of Capital Stock (whether by dividend,
distribution or otherwise) within 270 days of the date of the
incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness shall be deemed to
be incurred on the date of, and immediately after giving effect to,
such rescission, reversal, unwinding, return or refund.
(b) Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets. The Corporation shall not in
any transaction or series of transactions consolidate with, or merge with or
into any other Person (other than a merger of a Restricted Subsidiary into the
Corporation in which the Corporation is the continuing corporation), or sell,
assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially
all of the property or assets of the Corporation and the Restricted
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, to any other Person (any Person referred to in
this Section 8(b) above, a "Successor") unless:
(i) either (A) the Corporation is the continuing corporation or
(B) the corporation (if other than the Corporation) formed by such
consolidation or into which the Corporation is merged, or the Person
which acquires, by sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or
other disposition, all or substantially all of the property and assets
of the Corporation and the Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole
(such corporation or Person, the "Surviving Entity"), shall be a
corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the
United States of America, any political subdivision thereof, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia and the convertible preferred
stock shall be converted into or exchanged for, and shall become
shares of, such Surviving Entity, successor, transferee or resulting
Person, having in respect of such Surviving Entity the same powers,
preference and relative participating, optional or other special
rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon, that
the convertible preferred stock had with respect to the Corporation
immediately prior to such transaction;
(ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or
series of related transactions on a pro forma basis (including,
without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be
incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction or
series of related transactions) neither of the following events shall
have occurred or resulted therefrom (A) the Corporation fails to
comply with any of its covenants set forth in this Certificate of
Designation and such failure continues for at least 30 consecutive
days after receipt by the Corporation of notice of such failure from
the Holders of at least 25% of the shares of convertible preferred
stock then outstanding or (B) there occurs a default under any
mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or
by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money
borrowed by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries (or the payment
of which is guaranteed by the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries)
whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after
the Issue Date, which default (x) is caused by a failure to pay
principal of or premium, if any, or interest on such Indebtedness
prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such
Indebtedness on the date of such default (a "Payment Default") or (y)
results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express
maturity, and, in each case, the principal amount of any such
Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such
Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the
maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million or
more, at any time, in each case, after a 60-day period during which
such Payment
C-2
<PAGE>
Default shall not have been cured or such acceleration rescinded; and
(iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or
series of related transaction on a pro forms basis (including, without
limitation, any Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred in
connection with or in respect of such transaction or series of related
transactions), the Corporation (or the Successor, if the Corporation
is not continuing) would (A) be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 8(a)(i) hereof or (B) have
a Total Equity Market Capitalization of at least $750 million and
total Indebtedness, net of cash and Cash Equivalents (as presented on
the Corporation's consolidated balance sheet), in an amount less than
50% of its Total Market Capitalization.
(c) Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries. The
Corporation shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or
become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any
Restricted Subsidiary to:
(i) (x) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the
Corporation or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on its Capital Stock
or (y) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Corporation or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries;
(ii) make loans or advances to the Corporation or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries;
(iii) transfer any of its properties or assets to the
Corporation or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, except for such
encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:
1. Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the Issue Date;
2. any Credit Agreement creating or evidencing Indebtedness
permitted by Section 8(a)(ii)(A) and any amendments, modifications,
restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings,
replacements or refinancings thereof;
3. any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement
relating to an acquisition of assets or property, so long as the
encumbrances or restrictions in any agreement relate solely to the
assets of property so acquired;
4. the Certificate of Designation of the Series A convertible
preferred stock or the convertible preferred stock;
5. applicable law;
6. customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of
any lease of the Corporation or any Restricted Subsidiary;
7. customary provisions in certain agreements that restrict the
assignment of such agreement or any rights thereunder;
8. purchase money obligations or Vendor Debt for property
acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions
of the nature described in Section 8(c)(iii) on the property so
acquired;
9. any encumbrance or restriction relating to any Indebtedness
of any Restricted Subsidiary existing on the date on which such
Restricted Subsidiary is acquired by the Corporation or any
Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness issued by such
Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or in anticipation of its
acquisition);
10. any temporary encumbrance or restriction with respect to a
Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement that has been entered
into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the
Capital
C-3
<PAGE>
Stock of, or property and assets of, such Restricted Subsidiary;
11. any restriction on the sale or other disposition of assets
or property securing Indebtedness as a result of a Permitted Lien on
such assets or property; and
12. Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that such
encumbrances or restrictions are not materially more restrictive than
those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being
extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded.
(d) Reports. Whether or not the Corporation is subject to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision thereto,
the Corporation shall file with the Commission the annual reports, quarterly
reports and other documents which the Corporation would have been required to
file with the Commission pursuant to such Section 13(a) or 15(d) or any
successor provision thereto if the Corporation were subject thereto, such
documents to be filed with the Commission on or prior to the respective dates
(the "Required Filing Dates") by which the Corporation would have been required
to file them. The Corporation shall also (whether or not it is required to file
reports with the Commission), within 30 days of each Required Filing Date, (1)
transmit by mail to all Holders of the Committed Preferred Stock, as their
names and addresses appear on the records of the Transfer Agent and to any
Persons that request such reports in writing, without cost to such holders or
Persons, and (2) file with the Transfer Agent copies of the annual reports,
quarterly reports and other documents (without exhibits) which the Corporation
has filed or would have filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Exchange Act, any successor provisions thereto or this covenant.
The Corporation shall not be required to file any report or other information
with the Commission if the Commission does not permit such filing.
(e) Default. Unless such default is waived by the Holders of the
convertible preferred stock, in the event of any default by the Corporation in
the performance of any covenant set forth in this Section 8, if such default is
not cured by the Corporation within 30 days following notice to the Corporation
from Holders of no less than 25% of the outstanding shares of convertible
preferred stock of the existence of such default, or if the Corporation is in
default in its obligations under Section 3(g) or 5(c) or clause (ii) of Section
7(c) above, the Corporation shall not, throughout the period such default is
continuing, declare, pay or set aside for payment any dividends on any Junior
Stock or Parity Stock (or pay-in-kind dividends pursuant to the certificate of
designation for the 12.75% Preferred Stock) or purchase or redeem any shares of
Junior Stock or Parity Stock (other than mandatory redemption pursuant to the
certificate of designation of the 12.75% Preferred Stock); provided, however,
that nothing in this Section 8(e) shall be deemed to limit the provisions of
(i) the Series A Stock or Exchangeable Preferred Stock with respect to the
conversion (including without limitation with respect to the issuance of
Dividend Shares) or exchange thereof, respectively; (ii) the Exchangeable
Preferred Stock with respect to the redemption thereof under Section 7(c)(iv)
of the certificate of designation of the Exchangeable Preferred Stock; or (iii)
any Purchase Agreement Preferred with respect to the conversion thereof.
Nothing in this Section 8(e) is intended to limit any other right or remedy to
which the Holders of convertible preferred stock are otherwise entitled.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, a default under Section 8(a), 8(b), 8(c)
or 8(d) shall be automatically deemed waived by the Holders if the holders of
12.75% Preferred Stock have, in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(h)
of the certificate of designation of the 12.75% Preferred Stock (the "12.75%
Certificate of Designation"), waived (including by way of amendment) the
Corporation's default under the corresponding provisions (Sections 8(a), 8(b),
8(c) and 8(d), respectively) of the 12.75% Certificate of Designation.
Certain Definitions
Unless the context otherwise requires, each of the terms defined below
shall have the meaning specified in the Certificate of Designation (with terms
defined in the singular having comparable meanings when used in the plural):
"Acquired Indebtedness" means, with respect to any specified Person,
Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person merged
with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified Person, including
Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other
Person merging with or into or becoming a Subsidiary of such specified Person,
but excluding Indebtedness which is extinguished, retired or repaid in
connection with such other Persons merging with or into or becoming a
Subsidiary of such specified Person.
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"Affiliate" means, as to any Person, any other Person which directly or
indirectly controls, or is under common control with, or is controlled by, such
Person; provided that each Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be an
Affiliate of the Corporation and of each other Subsidiary of the Corporation;
provided, further, that neither the Corporation nor any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be Affiliates of each other; and provided,
further, that any lender under the Secured Credit Facility and its Affiliates
shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of the Corporation or any Restricted
Subsidiary solely as a result of the existence of the Secured Credit Facility
or their holdings of Capital Stock of the Corporation or any Restricted
Subsidiary acquired in connection with the Secured Credit Facility. For
purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings,
the terms "controlling," "under common control with" and "controlled by"), and
as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or
policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of Voting Stock, by
agreement or otherwise; provided that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of
the Voting Stock of a Person shall be deemed to be control.
"Annualized Pro Forma EBITDA" means with respect to any Person, such
Person's Pro Forma EBITDA for the latest fiscal quarter for which internal
financial statements are then available multiplied by four.
"Asset Sale" means, with respect to any Person, any transfer, conveyance,
sale, lease or other disposition (including, without limitation, by way of
consolidation or merger, but excluding by means of any Sale and Leaseback
Transaction or by the granting of a Lien permitted under the definition of
"Permitted Liens" herein) by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
to any Person other than the Corporation or a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Corporation, in one transaction, or a series of related transactions (each
hereinafter referred to as a "Disposition"), of property or assets of such
Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, the Fair Market Value of which
exceeds $2.0 million, other than (i) a Disposition of property in the ordinary
course of business consistent with industry practice and (ii) a Disposition by
the Corporation in connection with a transaction permitted under Section 8(b)
hereof.
"Attributable Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Sale and Leaseback
Transaction of any Person, as at the time of determination, the greater of (i)
the capitalized amount in respect of such transaction that would appear on the
balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and (ii) the present value
(discounted at a rate consistent with accounting guidelines, as determined in
good faith by such Person) of the payments during the remaining term of the
lease (including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at
the option of the lessor, be extended) or until the earliest date on which the
lessee may terminate such lease without penalty or upon payment of a penalty
(in which case the rental payments shall include such penalty).
"Capital Lease Obligation" of any Person means the obligation to pay rent
or other payment amounts under a lease of (or other Indebtedness arrangement
conveying the right to use) real or personal property of such Person which is
required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease or a liability
on the face of a balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and the
stated maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any
amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may
be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty.
"Capital Stock" in any Person means any and all shares, interests,
participations or other equivalents in the equity interest (however designated)
in such Person and any rights (other than Indebtedness convertible into an
equity interest), warrants or option to acquire an equity interest in such
Person.
"Cash Equivalent" means (i) securities issued or directly and fully
guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or
instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United
States of America is pledged in support thereof), (ii) time deposits and
certificates of deposit of any commercial bank organized in the United States
of America having capital and surplus in excess of $500 million with a maturity
date not more than one year from the date of acquisition, (iii) repurchase
obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities
of the types described in clause (i) above entered into with any bank meeting
the qualifications specified in clause (ii) above, (iv) direct obligations
issued by any state of the United States of America or any political
subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing,
or subject to tender at the option of the holder thereof within ninety days
after the date of acquisition thereof, and, at the time of acquisition, having
a rating of A or better from Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard &
Poor's") or A-2 or better from Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
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("Moody's"), (v) commercial paper issued by the parent corporation of any
commercial bank organized in the United States of America having capital and
surplus in excess of $500 million and commercial paper issued by others having
one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either Standard & Poor's or
Moody's and in each case maturing within ninety days after the date of
acquisition, (vi) overnight bank deposits and bankers' acceptances at any
commercial bank organized in the United States of America having capital and
surplus in excess of $500 million, (vii) deposits available for withdrawal on
demand with a commercial bank organized in the United States of America having
capital and surplus in excess of $500 million and (viii) investments in money
market funds substantially all of whose assets comprise securities of the type
described in clauses (i) through (vi).
"Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, without duplication, (A) the sum of (i) the aggregate amount of cash
and non-cash interest expense (including capitalized interest) of such Person
and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP in respect of Indebtedness (including, without
limitation, (v) any amortization of debt discount, (w) net costs associated
with Interest Hedging Obligations (including any amortization of discounts),
(x) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation, (y) all accrued
interest and (z) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed
with respect to letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities)
paid or accrued, or scheduled to be paid or accrued, during such period; (ii)
dividends or distributions with respect to preferred stock or Disqualified
Stock of such Person (and of its Restricted Subsidiaries if paid to a Person
other than such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries) declared and payable in
cash; (iii) the portion of any rental obligation of such Person or its
Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Capital Lease Obligation allocable to
interest expense in accordance with GAAP; (iv) the portion of any rental
obligation of such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Sale
and Leaseback Transaction allocable to interest expense (determined as if such
were treated as a Capital Lease Obligation); and (v) to the extent any
Indebtedness of any other Person is Guaranteed by such Person or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, the aggregate amount of interest paid, accrued or
scheduled to be paid or accrued, by such other Person during such period
attributable to any such Indebtedness, less (B) to the extent included in (A)
above, amortization or write-off of deferred financing costs of such Person and
its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period and any charge related to any
premium or penalty paid in connection with redeeming or retiring any
Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to its stated
maturity, in the case of both (A) and (B) above, after elimination of
intercompany accounts among such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries and as
determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Leverage Ratio" means, for any Person, as of any date, the
ratio of (i) the sum of the aggregate outstanding amount of all Indebtedness of
such Person and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP to (ii) the Annualized Pro Forma EBITDA of such Person.
"Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, the aggregate net income (or net loss) of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis determined in
accordance with GAAP, provided that there shall be excluded therefrom, without
duplication, (i) all items classified as extraordinary, (ii) any net income of
any Person other than such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, except to
the extent of the amount of dividends or other distributions actually paid to
such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries by such other Person during such
period; (iii) the net income of any Person acquired by such Person or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries in a pooling of interests transaction for any
period prior to the date of the related acquisitions; (iv) any gain or loss,
net of taxes, realized on the termination of any employee pension benefit plan;
(v) net gains (but not net losses) in respect of Asset Sales by such Person or
its Restricted Subsidiaries (vi) the net income (but not net loss) of any
Restricted Subsidiary of such Person to the extent that the payment of
dividends or other distributions to such Person is restricted by the terms of
its charter or any agreement, instrument, contract, judgment, order, decree,
statute, rule, governmental regulation or otherwise, except for any dividends
or distributions actually paid by such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person;
(vii) with regard to a non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary, any aggregate
net income (or loss) in excess of such Person's or such Restricted Subsidiary's
pro rata share of such non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary's net income (or
loss); and (viii) the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles.
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"Credit Agreement" means, with respect to any Person, any agreement
entered into by and among such Person and one or more commercial banks or
financial institutions, providing for senior term or revolving credit
borrowings of a type similar to credit agreements typically entered into by
commercial banks and financial institutions, including any related notes,
Guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in
connection therewith, as such credit agreement and related agreements may be
amended, extended, refinanced, renewed, restated, replaced or refunded from
time to time.
"Disqualified Stock" means any Capital Stock (other than the 14.75%
Preferred Stock and the 12.75% Preferred Stock) which, by its terms (or by the
terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is
exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, or otherwise, matures
(excluding any maturity as the result of an optional redemption by the issuer
thereof) or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or
otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, or is
exchangeable for Indebtedness at any time, in whole or in part, on or prior to
the Conversion Date.
"EBIT" means the amount calculated in the same manner as EBITDA, but not
including clauses (iii) and (iv) of the definition thereof.
"EBITDA" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum for
such Person for such period of Consolidated Net Income plus, to the extent
reflected in the income statement of such Person for such period from which
Consolidated Net Income is determined, without duplication, (i) Consolidated
Interest Expense, (ii) income tax expense (iii) depreciation expense, (iv)
amortization expense, (v) any non-cash expense related to the issuance to
employees of such Person of options to purchase Capital Stock of such Person
and (vi) any charge related to any premium or penalty paid in connection with
redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness prior to its stated maturity and minus,
to the extent reflected in such income statement, any non-cash credits that had
the effect of increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such
period.
"Exchange Rate Obligation" means, with respect to any Person, any currency
swap agreements, forward exchange rate agreements, foreign currency futures or
options, exchange rate collar agreements, exchange rate insurance and other
agreements or arrangements, or combination thereof, designed to provide
protection against fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
"Existing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Corporation and its
Subsidiaries outstanding on the Issue Date.
"Existing Notes" means, collectively, the Corporation's 13% Senior
Discount Notes due 2005 (the "2005 Notes"), the Corporation's 12.75% Senior
Discount Notes due 2006 (the "2006 Notes"), the Corporation's 13.75% Senior
Notes due 2007 (the "2007 Notes") and the Corporations 105/8% Senior Discount
Notes due 2008 (the "2008 Notes").
"Fiber Network" means a digital fiber optic telecommunications network
wholly owned by the Corporation that serves a Metropolitan Area.
"GAAP" means United States generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied, as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the
Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board, or in such other statements by such other entity as may be
approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United
States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of
determination; provided that, except as otherwise specifically provided, all
calculations made for purposes of determining compliance with the terms of the
provisions of this Certificate of Designation shall utilize GAAP as in effect
on the Issue Date.
"Goldman Facility" means the Credit Agreement dated as of August 11, 1999
among the Corporation and e.spire Finance Corporation, as Borrowers, the
Lenders listed therein, as Lenders, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners, L.P., as
sole lead arranger and syndication agent, The Bank of New York, as
administrative agent, First Union National Bank, as documentation agent and
Newcourt Commercial Finance Corporation, as collateral agent.
"Guarantee" means any direct or indirect obligation, contingent or
otherwise, of a Person guaranteeing or having
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the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person in any
manner (and "Guaranteed," "Guaranteeing" and "Guarantor" shall have meanings
correlative to the foregoing).
"Indebtedness" means at any time (without duplication), with respect to
any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such
Person, and whether or not contingent, (i) any obligations of such Person for
money borrowed, (ii) any obligation of such Person evidenced by bonds,
debentures, notes, Guarantees or other similar instruments, including, without
limitation, any such obligations incurred in connection with acquisition of
property, assets or businesses, excluding trade accounts payable made in the
ordinary course of business, (iii) any reimbursement obligation of such Person
with respect to letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities
issues for the account of such Person, (iv) any obligation of such Person
issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but
excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary
course of business, which in either case are not more than 60 days overdue or
which are being contested in good faith), (v) any Capital Lease Obligation of
such Person, (vi) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of
Disqualified Stock of such Person and, to the extent held by other Persons, the
maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of Disqualified Stock of such
Person's Restricted Subsidiaries, at the time of determination, (vii) the
notional amount of any Interest Hedging Obligations or Exchange Rate
Obligations of such Person at the time of determination, (viii) any
Attributable Indebtedness with respect to any Sale and Leaseback Transaction to
which such Person is a party and (ix) any obligation of the type referred to in
clauses (i) through (viii) of this definition of another Person and all
dividends and distributions of another Person the payment of which, in either
case, such Person has Guaranteed or is responsible or liable for, directly or
indirectly, as obligor, Guarantor or otherwise. For purposes of the preceding
sentence, the maximum fixed repurchase price of any Disqualified Stock that
does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with
the terms of such Disqualified Stock as if such Disqualified Stock were
repurchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be
determined pursuant to this Certificate of Designation; provided that if such
Disqualified Stock is not then permitted to be repurchased, the repurchase
price shall be the book value of such Disqualified Stock. The amount of
Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such
date of all unconditional obligations as described above and the maximum
liability of any Guarantees at such date; provided that for purposes of
calculating the amount of any Indebtedness issued prior to the Issue Date with
an original issue discount ("Discounted Indebtedness") outstanding at any date,
the amount of such Discounted Indebtedness shall be the Accreted Value (as
defined in the relevant indenture) thereof as of such date unless cash interest
has commenced to accrue pursuant to the relevant indenture, in which case the
amount of the Discounted Indebtedness outstanding will be determined pursuant
to the relevant indenture and will not include any accrued and unpaid cash
interest which would otherwise be included in Accreted Value because of clause
(iii) of the definition thereof in the relevant indenture.
"Interest Hedging Obligation" means, with respect to any Person, an
obligation of such Person pursuant to any interest rate swap agreement,
interest rate cap, collar or floor agreement or other similar agreement or
arrangement designed to protect against or manage such Person's or any of its
Subsidiaries' exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.
"Investment" in any Person means any direct, indirect or contingent (i)
advance or loan to, Guarantee of any Indebtedness of, extension of credit or
capital contribution to such Person, (ii) the acquisition of any shares of
Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities of such Person, or
(iii) the acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of all or substantially all of
the business, assets or stock or other evidence of beneficial ownership of such
Person; provided that the Investments shall exclude commercially reasonable
extensions of trade credit. The amount of any Investment shall be the original
cost of such Investment, plus the cost of all additions thereto and minus the
amount of any portion of such investment repaid to such person in cash as a
repayment of principal or a return of capital, as the case may be, but without
any other adjustments for increases or decreases in value, or write-ups,
write-downs or write-offs with respect to such Investment. In determining the
amount of any Investment involving a transfer of any property other than cash,
such property shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at the time of such
transfer.
"Lien" means, with respect to any property or other asset, any mortgage or
deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security
interest, lien (statutory or other), charge, easement, encumbrance, preference,
priority or other security or similar agreement or preferential arrangement of
any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect to such property or other
asset (including, without limitation, any conditional sale or title retention
agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the
foregoing).
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"Metropolitan Area" means the metropolitan areas in which the Corporation,
as of the Issue Date, has a Fiber Network and other metropolitan areas deemed
in the reasonable business judgment of the management of the Corporation to
provide an opportunity for the building and operation of such a Fiber Network
with the reasonable potential to produce financial results for the Corporation
at least substantially comparable to the metropolitan areas in which the
Corporation has such operational Fiber Networks.
"Parent" means, with respect to any corporation or other entity, an entity
that, directly or indirectly, owns, at the time, a majority of the voting
interest of such corporation or other entity.
"Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens on property or assets of a Person
existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated with the
Corporation or any Subsidiary of the Corporation, provided that such Liens were
in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do
not secure any property or assets of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries
other than the property or assets subject to such Liens prior to such merger or
consolidation; (ii) Liens on Telecommunications Related Assets existing during
the time of the construction thereof; (iii) Liens incurred or deposits made to
secure the performance of tenders, bids, leases, statutory or regulatory
obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of
a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with
industry practice; (iv) Liens existing as of the Issue Date; (v) Liens to
secure borrowings permitted under Section 8(a)(ii)(A) hereof (including any
such liens arising in connection with a Secured Credit Facility); (vi) any Lien
on property of the Corporation in favor of the United States of America or any
state thereof, or any instrumentality of either, to secure certain payments
pursuant to any contract or statute; (vii) any Lien for taxes or assessments or
other governmental charges or levies not then due and payable or which, if due
and payable, are being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves
are being maintained, to the extent required by GAAP); (viii) easements,
rights-of-way, licenses and other similar restrictions on the issue of
properties or minor imperfections of title that, in the aggregate, are not
material in amount and do not in any case materially detract from the
properties subject thereto or interfere with the ordinary conduct of the
business or the Corporation or its Subsidiaries; (ix) any Lien to secure
obligations under workmen's compensation laws or similar legislation, including
any Lien with respect to judgments that are not currently dischargeable; (x)
any statutory warehousemen's, materialmen's or other similar Liens for sums not
then due and payable (or which, if due and payable are being contested in good
faith and with respect to which adequate reserves are being maintained, to the
extent required by GAAP): (xi) any interest or title of a lessor in property
subject to a Capital Lease Obligation; (xii) Liens to secure any Vendor Debt;
provided that such Liens do not extend to any property or assets other than the
property or assets the acquisition of which was financed by such Indebtedness;
(xiii) Liens in favor of the Corporation or any Restricted Subsidiary; (xiv)
Liens on property or assets of a Person existing prior to the time such Person
is acquired by the Corporation as a result of (a) Investments by the
Corporation or a Restricted Subsidiary in or in respect of a Person to the
extent the consideration for such Investment consists of shares of Qualified
Stock of the Corporation or (b) Investments in certain joint venture entities,
provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such
Investment and do not secure any property or assets of the Corporation or any
of its Subsidiaries other than the property or assets subject to such Liens
prior to such Investment; (xv) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with
respect to letters of credit that encumber documents and other property
relating to such letters of credit and the products and proceeds thereof; (xvi)
Liens on the escrow account for the 2007 Notes and all funds and securities
therein securing only the 2007 Notes equally and ratably; and (xvii) Liens to
secure any permitted extension, renewal refinancing or refunding (or successive
extensions, renewals, refinancings or refundings), in whole or in part, of any
Indebtedness secured by Liens referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through
(v) and (xii), provided that such Liens do not extend to any other property or
assets and the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by such Liens is
not increased.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political
subdivision thereof.
"Preferred Stock" means, with respect to any person, Capital Stock of such
Person of any class or classes (however designated) that ranks prior, as to the
payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of such Person, to shares of
Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.
"Pro Forma EBITDA" means, for any Person, for any period, the EBITDA of
such Person as determined on a
(NY) 07676/003/PROXY.SEPT/am1.sch14a.wpd
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consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, after giving
effect to the following: (i) if, during or after such period, such Person or
any of its Subsidiaries shall have made any Asset Sale, Pro Forma EBITDA for
such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period shall be reduced by an amount
equal to the Pro Form EBITDA (if positive) directly attributable to the assets
which are the subject of such Asset Sale for the period or increased by an
amount equal to the Pro Forma EBITDA (if negative) directly attributable
thereto for such period and (ii) if, during or after such period, such Person
or any of its Subsidiaries completes an acquisition of any Person or business
which immediately after such acquisition is a Subsidiary of such Person, Pro
Forma EBITDA shall be computed so as to give pro forma effect to such Asset
Sale or the acquisition of such Person or business, as the case may be, as if
such acquisition had been completed as of the beginning of such period, and
(iii) if, during or after such period, such Person or any of its Subsidiaries
incurs any Indebtedness (including without limitation, any Acquired
Indebtedness) or issues any Disqualified Stock, Pro Forma EBITDA shall be
computed so as to give pro forma effect (including pro forma application of the
proceeds therefrom) thereto as if such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock had
been incurred as of the beginning of such period.
"Qualified Stock" of any Person means a class of Capital Stock other than
Disqualified Stock.
"Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness issued in exchange for, or
the proceeds of which are used to refinance, repurchase, replace, refund or
defease other Indebtedness.
"Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Corporation that has
not been classified as an "Unrestricted Subsidiary".
"Rule 144" means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as such
Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule (other than Rule
144A) or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission providing for offers
and sales of securities made in compliance therewith resulting in offers and
sales by subsequent holders that are not affiliates of an issuer of such
securities being free of the registration and prospectus delivery requirements
of the Securities Act.
"Rule 144A" means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act, as such
Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule (other than Rule
144) or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission.
"Sale and Leaseback Transaction" means, with respect to any Person, any
direct or indirect arrangement pursuant to which property is sold or
transferred by such Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person and is
thereafter leased back from the purchaser or transferee thereof by such Person
or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
"Secured Credit Facility" means the AT&T Facility and the Goldman Facility
each as in effect on the Issue Date, and additional secured credit agreements
to which the Corporation is or becomes a party, in an aggregate amount not to
exceed $35.0 million, and all related amendments, notes, collateral documents,
guarantees, instruments and other agreement executed in connection therewith,
as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, restated, renewed,
extended, refinanced, substituted or replaced from time to time.
"Stated Value" has the meaning set forth above.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation more
than 50% of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock of which is owned, directly
or indirectly, by such Person, or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such
Person, or by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person,
(ii) any general partnership, joint venture or similar entity, more than 50% of
the outstanding partnership or similar interests in which are owned, directly
or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such
Person, or by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person and
(iii) any limited partnership of which such Person or any Subsidiary of such
Person is a general partner.
"Telecommunications Business" means the business of (i) transmitting, or
providing services relating to the transmission of, voice, video or data
through owned or leased transmission facilities, (ii) creating, developing or
marketing communication-related network equipment, software and other devices
for use in (i) above or (iii) evaluating, participating or pursuing any other
activity or opportunity that is related to those specified in (i) or (ii)
above.
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"Telecommunications Related Assets" means all assets, rights (contractual
or otherwise) and properties, whether tangible or intangible, used or intended
for use in connection with a Telecommunications Business.
"Total Equity Market Capitalization" of any Person means, as of any day of
determination, the sum of (1) the product of (A) the aggregate number of
outstanding primary shares of common stock of such Person on such day (which
shall not include any options or warrants on, or securities convertible or
exchangeable into or exercisable for, shares of common stock of such person)
multiplied by (B) the average closing price of such common stock over the 20
consecutive trading days immediately preceding such day, plus (ii) the
liquidation value of any outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock of
such Person on such day.
"Total Market Capitalization" of any Person mean, as of any day of
determination, the sum of (1) the consolidated Indebtedness of such Person and
its Subsidiaries on such day, plus (2) the product of (i) the aggregate number
of outstanding primary shares of common stock of such Person on such day (which
shall not include any options or warrants on, or securities convertible or
exchangeable into, shares of common stock of such Person) and (ii) the average
closing price of such common stock of the 20 consecutive trading days
immediately preceding such day, plus (3) the liquidation value of any
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of such Person on such day, less (4) cash
and cash equivalents as presented on such Person's consolidated balance sheet
on such date. If no such closing price exists with respect to shares of such
common stock, the value of such shares for purposes of clause (2) of the
preceding sentence shall be determined by an Independent Financial Advisor
retained by the Corporation, subject to the prior approval of the Holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock.
"Unrestricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Corporation that the
Corporation has classified as an "Unrestricted Subsidiary" and that has not
been reclassified as a Restricted Subsidiary, pursuant to the terms of each of
the indentures governing the Existing Notes.
"Value Report" has the meaning set forth in Section 5(f) below.
"Vendor Debt" means any purchase money Indebtedness of the Corporation or
any Subsidiary incurred in connection with the acquisition of
Telecommunications Related Assets.
"Voting Stock" means, with respect to any Person, securities of any class
or classes of Capital Stock in such Person entitling the holders thereof
(whether at all times or at the times that such class of Capital Stock has
voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) to vote in the
election of members of the board of directors or comparable body of such
Person.
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