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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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Date of Report: September 15, 1996
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CHECKFREE CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware 0-26802 31-1013521
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(State or other (Commission File No.) (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of Identification Number)
incorporation or
organization)
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8275 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 825-3000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number
including area code of Registrant's
principal executive offices)
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Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS.
On September 15, 1996, Checkfree Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Checkfree"), Checkfree Acquisition Corporation II, a Delaware corporation and
a wholly owned subsidiary of Checkfree ("Checkfree Acquisition"), Intuit Inc.,
a Delaware corporation ("Intuit"), and Intuit Services Corporation, a Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Intuit ("Services"), entered into
an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 15, 1996 (the "Merger
Agreement"), whereby Checkfree Acquisition will be merged with and into
Services with Services being the surviving entity as a wholly owned subsidiary
of Checkfree (the "Merger").
Checkfree is acquiring Services in exchange for 12.6 million shares of
common stock, $.01 par value, of Checkfree ("Checkfree Common Stock"). Based on
the September 13, 1996 closing price of 18 1/6 for Checkfree Common Stock, the
indicated price Checkfree is paying for Services is $227 million. The Merger
was announced in a press release issued by Checkfree, Intuit and Services on
September 16, 1996.
The closing of the Merger is subject to certain conditions, including
the approval of the stockholders of Checkfree and the obtaining of certain
regulatory approvals. In addition, the 12.6 million Checkfree shares exchanged
for the Services shares must be registered on a Form S-4 Registration Statement
which must be declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Merger Agreement and Checkfree's press release issued September 16,
1996 regarding the Merger are attached as exhibits to this report and are
incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing summary of the Merger Agreement
does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to such exhibit.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. Description
2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 15,
1996, among Checkfree Corporation, Checkfree Acquisition
Corporation II, Intuit Inc., and Intuit Services
Corporation.
99 Press release of Checkfree Corporation issued
September 16, 1996, regarding the Merger.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
CHECKFREE CORPORATION
By: /s/ Mark A. Johnson
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Mark A. Johnson, President-Business Services
Date: September 25, 1996
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description Page
2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
September 15, 1996, among Checkfree
Corporation, Checkfree Acquisition Corporation
II, Intuit Inc., and Intuit Services Corporation.
99 Press release of Checkfree Corporation issued
September 16, 1996, regarding the Merger.
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EXHIBIT 2
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AMONG
CHECKFREE CORPORATION
CHECKFREE ACQUISITION CORPORATION II
INTUIT INC.
AND
INTUIT SERVICES CORPORATION
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Dated as of September 15, 1996
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 1.01 The Merger...............................................................
SECTION 1.02 Effect of the Merger.....................................................
SECTION 1.03 Consummation of the Merger ..............................................
SECTION 1.04 Charter; By-Laws; Directors and Officers.................................
SECTION 1.05 Acknowledgement Regarding the Company's Assets...........................
SECTION 1.06 Further Assurances.......................................................
ARTICLE II
CONVERSION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 2.01 Conversion of Securities of the Company..................................
SECTION 2.02 Merger Consideration Adjustment..........................................
SECTION 2.03 Release of Escrow Shares.................................................
SECTION 2.04 Conversion of Acquisition Common Stock...................................
SECTION 2.05 Surrender and Exchange of Shares.........................................
SECTION 2.06 Closing of Stock Transfer Books..........................................
SECTION 2.07 Closing ........................................................
SECTION 2.08 Tax-Free Reorganization..................................................
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 3.01 Representations and Warranties of Holdings and the Company...............
SECTION 3.02 Representations and Warranties of Holdings...............................
SECTION 3.03 Representations and Warranties of Parent.................................
SECTION 3.04 Representations and Warranties of Acquisition............................
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.01 Conduct of the Company's Business........................................
SECTION 4.02 Registration Statement; Stockholder Approval, Etc........................
SECTION 4.03 Access to Information....................................................
SECTION 4.04 Further Assurances.......................................................
SECTION 4.05 Inquiries and Negotiations...............................................
SECTION 4.06 Notification of Certain Matters..........................................
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SECTION 4.07 Compliance with the Securities Act........................................
SECTION 4.08 Conduct of Parent's Business..............................................
SECTION 4.09 Employment and Severance Liabilities......................................
SECTION 4.10 Contractual Obligations...................................................
SECTION 4.11 Indemnity.................................................................
SECTION 4.12 Agreements Executed.......................................................
SECTION 4.13 Stockholder Agreements and Proxies........................................
SECTION 4.14 Revenue Make-Up...........................................................
SECTION 4.15 Board Visitation Rights...................................................
SECTION 4.16 Reimbursement for Certain Charges and Costs...............................
SECTION 4.17 Debt......................................................................
ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
SECTION 5.01 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger...............
SECTION 5.02 Conditions to the Obligation of Holdings and the Company
to Effect the Merger.....................................................
SECTION 5.03 Conditions to the Obligation of Parent and Acquisition
to Effect the Merger......................................................
ARTICLE VI
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
SECTION 6.01 Termination and Abandonment..............................................
SECTION 6.02 Effect of Termination....................................................
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 7.01 Indemnification by Holdings................................................
SECTION 7.02 Claims.....................................................................
SECTION 7.03 Notice and Defense of Third-Party Claims...................................
SECTION 7.04 Settlement or Compromise...................................................
SECTION 7.05 Limitations on Indemnification.............................................
ARTICLE VIII
NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT
SECTION 8.01 Certain Acknowledgments....................................................
SECTION 8.02 Noncompetition Agreement...................................................
SECTION 8.03 Exception..................................................................
SECTION 8.04 No Objection or Defense....................................................
SECTION 8.05 Enforcement of Noncompetition Agreement....................................
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SECTION 8.06 Early Termination of Noncompetition Agreement............................
SECTION 8.07 Effect on Acquiror.......................................................
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.01 Survival of Representations and Warranties...............................
SECTION 9.02 Interpretation of Representations and Warranties.........................
SECTION 9.03 Reliance by Parent and Acquisition.......................................
SECTION 9.04 Expenses, Etc............................................................
SECTION 9.05 Publicity................................................................
SECTION 9.06 Execution in Counterparts................................................
SECTION 9.07 Notices..................................................................
SECTION 9.08 Waivers..................................................................
SECTION 9.09 Amendments, Supplements, Etc.............................................
SECTION 9.10 Entire Agreement.........................................................
SECTION 9.11 Applicable Law...........................................................
SECTION 9.12 Binding Effect, Benefits.................................................
SECTION 9.13 Assignability............................................................
SECTION 9.14 Severability.............................................................
SECTION 9.15 Variation and Amendment..................................................
</TABLE>
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INDEX TO SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule Description
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<S> <C>
1.05 Illinois-Located Assets and Properties Owned by Holdings
3.01(c) Capitalization/Stockholders
3.01(e) Certain Conflicts
3.01(f) Consents
3.01(g) Certain Liabilities
3.01(h) Certain Changes or Events
3.01(j) Litigation
3.01(k) Liens and Encumbrances
3.01(l) Real Property Interests
3.01(m) Intellectual Property Rights
3.01(n) Labor Matters
3.01(o) Severance Arrangements
3.01(p) Taxes
3.01(q) Permits
3.01(r) Employee Benefit Plans
3.01(s) Environmental Matters
3.01(u) Material Contracts
3.01(v) Insurance
3.01(x) Claims Against Officers and Directors
3.01(y) Customers; Suppliers, etc.
3.01(z) Improper Payments
3.01(aa) Brokers
3.01(bb) Accounts Receivable
3.02(d) Certain Conflicts
3.02(e) Consents
3.02(g) Brokers
3.03(b) Subsidiaries
3.03(c) Capitalization
3.03(f) Consent
3.03(j) Registration Rights
3.03(k) Brokers
4.09 Employment and Severance Liabilities
4.10 Contractual Obligations of Holdings
4.16 Reimbursement Matters
9.04 Expenses
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibits Description
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<S> <C>
Exhibit A Parent Tax Representation Certificate
Exhibit B Services and License Agreement
Exhibit C Assignment and License Agreement
Exhibit D Stock Restriction Agreement
Exhibit E Shareholder Agreement and Proxy
Exhibit F Escrow Agreement
Exhibit G Registration Rights Agreement
Exhibit H Opinions of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur
Exhibit I Opinions of Fenwick & West LLP
</TABLE>
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of September 15, 1996 (the
"Effective Date"), among CHECKFREE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
("Parent"), CHECKFREE ACQUISITION CORPORATION II, a Delaware corporation and a
wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Acquisition"), INTUIT INC., a Delaware
corporation ("Holdings"), and INTUIT SERVICES CORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"). The Company and Acquisition are hereinafter
sometimes referred to as the "Constituent Corporations" and the Company as the
"Surviving Corporation."
WHEREAS, Parent, Acquisition, Holdings, and the Company desire that
Acquisition merge with and into the Company (the "Merger"), upon the terms and
conditions set forth herein and in accordance with the General Corporation Law
of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware GCL") with the result that the Company
shall continue as the surviving corporation and the separate existence of
Acquisition shall cease; and
WHEREAS, Parent, Acquisition, Holdings, and the Company desire that at
the Effective Time (as hereinafter defined) all outstanding shares of the
capital stock of the Company be converted into the right to receive fully paid
and nonassessable shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of Parent ("Parent
Common Stock"), as hereinafter provided; and
WHEREAS, Parent, Acquisition, Holdings, and the Company desire that,
immediately after the Effective Time and solely as a result of the Merger,
Parent will own all the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of
the Surviving Corporation; and
WHEREAS, for Federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the
Merger qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"); and
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Parent, Acquisition,
Holdings, and the Company, have approved the Merger;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations,
warranties, covenants, agreements and conditions contained herein, and in order
to set forth the terms and conditions of the Merger and the mode of carrying the
same into effect, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
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ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
SECTION 1.01 The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, at the Effective Time, in accordance with this Agreement and the
Delaware GCL, Acquisition shall be merged with and into the Company, the
separate existence of Acquisition shall cease, and the Company shall continue as
the Surviving Corporation under the corporate name of "CHECKFREE SERVICES
CORPORATION."
SECTION 1.02 Effect of the Merger. Upon the effectiveness of the
Merger, the Surviving Corporation shall succeed to, and assume all the rights
and obligations of, the Company and Acquisition in accordance with the Delaware
GCL and the Merger shall otherwise have the effects set forth in Section 259 of
the Delaware GCL.
SECTION 1.03 Consummation of the Merger. As soon as practicable after
the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the obligations of the parties
to effect the Merger set forth herein, provided that this Agreement has not
previously been terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.01
hereof, the parties hereto will cause the Merger to be consummated by filing
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a properly executed
certificate of merger in accordance with the Delaware GCL (the time of such
filing being referred to herein as the "Effective Time").
SECTION 1.04 Charter; By-Laws; Directors and Officers. The Certificate
of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation from and after the Effective Time
shall be the Certificate of Incorporation of Acquisition as in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time, until thereafter amended in accordance
with the provisions thereof and as provided by the Delaware GCL, except that, at
the Effective Time, Article I thereof shall be amended to read as follows: "The
name of the Corporation is "CHECKFREE SERVICES CORPORATION." The By-Laws of the
Surviving Corporation from and after the Effective Time shall be the By-Laws of
Acquisition as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, continuing
until thereafter amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and the
provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation and
as provided by the Delaware GCL. The initial directors and officers of the
Surviving Corporation shall be the directors and officers, respectively, of
Acquisition immediately prior to the Effective Time, in each case until their
removal or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.
SECTION 1.05 Acknowledgement Regarding the Company's Assets. For
purposes of clarifying the rights to be acquired upon consummation of the
Merger, Parent and Acquisition hereby acknowledge and agree with Holdings and
the Company that the assets set forth on Schedule 1.05 hereto, located at 2001
Butterfield Road, Suite 700, 800 and 900, Downer's Grove, Illinois and 444 North
Commerce Street, Aurora, Illinois are as of the Effective Date of this
Agreement, owned by Holdings.
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SECTION 1.06 Further Assurances. Subject to the provisions of Section
1.05 hereof, if at any time after the Effective Time the Surviving Corporation
shall consider or be advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignments or
assurances or any other acts or things are necessary, desirable or proper (i) to
vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Surviving Corporation,
its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, privileges,
powers, franchises, properties or assets of either of the Constituent
Corporations, or (ii) otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the
Surviving Corporation and its proper officers and directors or their designees
shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of either
of the Constituent Corporations, all such deeds, bills of sale, assignments and
assurances and do, in the name and on behalf of such Constituent Corporation,
all such other acts and things necessary, desirable or proper to vest, perfect
or confirm its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights,
privileges, powers, franchises, properties or assets of such Constituent
Corporation and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement; provided,
however, that the Surviving Corporation shall have no rights under this Section
1.06 in connection with any of Holdings' assets, properties, services,
businesses or properties.
ARTICLE II
CONVERSION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 2.01 Conversion of Securities of the Company. By virtue of the
Merger and without the need for any action on the part of the holders of the
capital stock of the Company, at the Effective Time, all outstanding shares of
the capital stock of the Company (excluding shares held in the treasury of the
Company, which shall be canceled as provided in paragraph (c) below, and subject
to Section 2.05(c) hereof) shall be converted into the right to receive fully
paid and nonassessable shares of Parent Common Stock on the following basis:
(a) Merger Consideration. The shares of Common Stock, $1.00
par value, of the Company (the "Company Common Stock") that are issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into the
right to receive 12,600,000 shares of Parent Common Stock, subject to the
potential adjustment set forth in Section 2.02 hereof, as follows (the "Merger
Consideration"):
(i) 11,340,000 shares of Parent Common Stock shall be
issued to the sole stockholder of the Company Common Stock at
Closing (as hereinafter defined); and
(ii) 1,260,000 shares of Parent Common Stock (the
"Escrow Shares") shall be issued to the sole stockholder of
the Company Common Stock subject to Section 2.03 below. Upon
any adjustment of the Merger Consideration pursuant to
Section 2.02, the number of shares of Parent Common Stock
that are Escrow Shares shall be reduced in proportion to such
Merger Consideration Adjustment (as hereinafter defined).
If, prior to the Effective Time, Parent recapitalizes through a subdivision of
its outstanding shares into a greater number of shares, or a combination of its
outstanding shares into a lesser number of shares, or reorganizes, reclassifies
or otherwise changes its outstanding shares into the same or a
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different number of shares of other classes or series, or declares a dividend on
its outstanding shares payable in shares of its capital stock or securities
convertible into shares of its capital stock (a "Capital Change"), then the
number of shares of Parent Common Stock constituting the Merger Consideration
shall be adjusted appropriately to reflect each such Capital Change.
(b) Company Common Stock. At the Effective Time, each share of
Company Common Stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be canceled and converted into the right to receive that
number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by
dividing the Merger Consideration by the number of shares of Company Common
Stock that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(c) Treasury Stock. At the Effective Time, each share of
capital stock of the Company that is then held in the treasury of the Company
(if any) shall be canceled and retired and no capital stock of Parent and no
cash or other consideration shall be paid or delivered in exchange therefor.
SECTION 2.02 Merger Consideration Adjustment. In the event that, after
the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing, the Company incurs,
realizes, or otherwise experiences a Material Adverse Change (as hereinafter
defined) in its financial condition, properties, assets, liabilities, Business
(as defined herein), operations, or results of operations, then at or prior to
the Effective Time, the Merger Consideration shall be adjusted as follows:
(a) Change Notice. If Parent believes that the Company has
incurred, realized, or otherwise experienced a Material Adverse Change in its
financial condition, properties, assets, liabilities, Business (as defined
herein), operations, or results of operations and Parent desires a Merger
Consideration Adjustment (as defined below), then Parent must prior to Closing
give Holdings and the Company written notice of Parent's claim that such a
Material Adverse Change has occurred (the "Change Notice"), which Change Notice
shall state with specificity the grounds on which Parent contends that such
Material Adverse Change has occurred and Parent's proposal for a Merger
Consideration Adjustment. Parent may only make one (1) request for a Merger
Consideration Adjustment.
(b) Attempt to Agree. Following their receipt of the Change
Notice, Parent, Holdings and the Company will in good faith consider Parent's
assertions set forth in the Change Notice and will use their best efforts to in
good faith reach a mutual agreement, as promptly as practicable, as to the
amount by which the Merger Consideration shall be reduced by reason of the
Material Adverse Change described in the Change Notice (the "Merger
Consideration Adjustment"). In attempting to reach an agreement as to the Merger
Consideration Adjustment, the parties will consider, among other things, the
extent (if any) to which the fair market value of the Company has been
diminished by the Material Adverse Change described in the Change Notice. If
Parent, Holdings and the Company agree to a Merger Consideration Adjustment,
then they shall execute a written agreement to such effect (the "Merger
Consideration Agreement") setting forth the amount of the Merger Consideration
Adjustment they have agreed to.
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(c) Dispute Resolution Procedure.
(i) Agreement on Material Adverse Change. If Parent,
Holdings and the Company agree that a Material Adverse Change in the Company's
financial condition, properties, assets, liabilities, Business, operations, or
results of operations occurred after the Effective Date of this Agreement and
prior to the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), but are unable to mutually
agree in writing on the amount of a Merger Consideration Adjustment within ten
(10) days after the date on which Holdings and the Company receive the Change
Notice (the "Receipt Date"), then the amount of the Merger Consideration
Adjustment (if any) shall be determined in accordance with the appraisal
procedure set forth in Section 2.02(c)(iii) below.
(ii) No Agreement on Material Adverse Change. If
Holdings and the Company do not agree with Parent's assertion in the Change
Notice that a Material Adverse Change in the Company's financial condition,
properties, assets, liabilities, Business, operations, or results of operations
occurred after the Effective Date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing
Date, and Parent, Holdings and the Company have not agreed in writing on the
amount of a Merger Consideration Adjustment within ten (10) days after the
Receipt Date, then, within twenty (20) days after the Receipt Date, the parties
shall submit to mandatory binding arbitration the sole issue of whether or not
such a Material Adverse Change occurred. Such arbitration shall be conducted in
Chicago, Illinois in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
American Arbitration Association then in effect, and shall be concluded within
thirty (30) days to the extent reasonably practicable. The arbitration will be
conducted by a single arbitrator, mutually selected by the parties, who shall
decide only the issue of whether or not a Material Adverse Change in the
Company's financial condition, properties, assets, liabilities, Business,
operations, or results of operations occurred after the Effective Date of this
Agreement and prior to the Closing Date in the manner set forth in the Change
Notice. The arbitrator's determination as to whether or not such a Material
Adverse Change occurred after the Effective Date of this Agreement and prior to
the Closing Date shall be conclusive, final, non-appealable and binding upon
each of the parties to this Agreement and judgment may be entered upon the
arbitrator's determination in accordance with applicable law in any court having
competent jurisdiction over the matter. In connection with the arbitration
proceedings, the parties will be entitled to conduct discovery in scope, timing,
types, and under such procedures as such parties would otherwise be afforded had
the dispute or controversy hereunder been subject to the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure. If the arbitrator determines that no Material Adverse Change occurred
after the Effective Date of this Agreement, then no Merger Consideration
Adjustment shall be made; and if the arbitrator determines that a Material
Adverse Change has occurred after the Effective Date of this Agreement, then the
amount of the Merger Consideration Adjustment shall be determined by the
appraisal procedure set forth in Section 2.02(c)(iii) below (unless the parties
otherwise agree in writing). The foregoing agreement to arbitrate shall be
specifically enforceable under the prevailing arbitration law.
(iii) Appraisal Procedure. When the appraisal
procedure set forth in this subparagraph is required to be used by the
provisions of subparagraph 2.02(c)(i) or (ii), then the amount of the Merger
Consideration Adjustment shall be determined as follows. Within twenty (20) days
after the Receipt Date (or within ten (10) days after the completion of the
arbitration referred to in Section 2.02(c)(ii) if such arbitration occurs) (A)
Parent, on the one hand, and Holdings and the
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Company, on the other hand, shall each select one Qualified Appraiser (as
defined below) (the "Selected Appraiser") to determine the amount of the Merger
Consideration Adjustment (if any) arising from the Material Adverse Change set
forth in the Change Notice; and (B) Parent, on the one hand, and Holdings and
the Company, on the other hand, shall each give the other written notice (the
"Appraiser Notice") of the identity of their respective Selected Appraiser.
Parent's Selected Appraiser is sometimes hereinafter called the "Parent
Appraiser" and the Selected Appraiser of Holdings and the Company is sometimes
hereinafter called the "Holdings Appraiser." The Company shall provide each
side's Selected Appraiser with full access during normal business hours to the
Company's facilities, products, personnel, books, records and financial
statements (subject to the execution of reasonable confidentiality agreements by
such Selected Appraisers) solely for purposes of assisting the Selected
Appraisers in determining the amount of the Merger Consideration Adjustment.
Each Selected Appraiser shall attempt to determine the amount of the Merger
Consideration Adjustment, which, for purposes of such appraisal, shall be the
number of shares of the Parent's Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by
dividing (i) the amount (if any) by which the fair market value of the Company
was diminished from the Effective Date of this Agreement to the Closing Date as
a result of the Material Adverse Change described in the Change Notice, by (ii)
the average closing price per share of the Parent's Common Stock as reported on
the Nasdaq National Market (the "Nasdaq NM") for the five (5) trading days
immediately preceding the Effective Date of this Agreement. Within ten (10) days
after a Selected Appraiser has been selected, the Parent Appraiser and the
Holdings Appraiser shall each deliver to Parent and Holdings a brief written
report (the "Appraisal Report") setting forth such Selected Appraiser's
appraisal and determination of the amount of the Merger Consideration Adjustment
and, unless the parties otherwise agree in writing to the amount of the Merger
Consideration Adjustment, the Parent Appraiser and the Holdings Appraiser shall
select a third appraiser (the "Determining Appraiser") which shall also be a
Qualified Appraiser. The Determining Appraiser will review the Appraisal Reports
and the amount of the Merger Adjustment will be the amount set forth in the
Appraisal Report which is, in the judgment of the Determining Appraiser, the
most nearly correct; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, if
there is only one Selected Appraiser because Parent, on the one hand, or
Holdings or the Company, on the other hand, fail to select its Selected
Appraiser, then unless the parties otherwise agree in writing to the amount of
the Merger Consideration Adjustment, the amount of the Merger Consideration
Adjustment shall conclusively be deemed to be the amount thereof determined by
such Selected Appraiser in its Appraisal Report. Parent, on the one hand, and
Holdings, on the other hand, shall pay the fees and expenses charged by such
party's Selected Appraiser and shall share equally the fees and expenses charged
by the Determining Appraiser. As used herein, the term "Qualified Appraiser"
means an investment banking firm of national or regional reputation that is
substantially experienced in representing and valuing software companies in
underwritten public offerings and/or merger and acquisition transactions,
provided that such investment banking firm and its affiliates do not have a
family relationship, or a then-currently active significant business
relationship with the party who selected such appraiser, or advised or
represented any of the parties in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereunder.
(iv) Efforts to Agree. Nothing in this paragraph
shall prevent the parties from further efforts to reach a mutual agreement on
the amount of the Merger Consideration Adjustment (if any) while the arbitration
procedure and/or the appraisal procedure described in
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Sections 2.02(c)(ii) and (iii) above is pending and any mutual written agreement
reached by Parent, Holdings and the Company regarding the amount of the Merger
Consideration Adjustment shall be the conclusive, final, non-appealable and
determinative resolution of the amount of the Merger Consideration Adjustment,
binding upon each of the parties hereto.
(d) Material Adverse Change. As used herein, "Material Adverse
Change" means a material adverse change other than a change arising or
resulting, directly or indirectly, from industry conditions or the public
announcement of, or the response or reaction of customers, vendors, licensors,
investors, Company employees or others to, this Agreement, the Merger, or any of
the agreements or transactions contemplated by this Agreement or entered into in
connection with this Agreement or the Merger.
(e) Meaning of Merger Consideration. From and after the
effectiveness of any Merger Consideration Adjustment in accordance with this
Section 2.02, the term "Merger Consideration" as used in this Agreement, shall
mean the reduced amount of Merger Consideration to be paid to Holdings as the
sole stockholder of the Company pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement, as
modified by the Merger Consideration Adjustment.
SECTION 2.03 Release of Escrow Shares. The Escrow Shares shall be
released from escrow and delivered to Holdings one (1) year after the Closing
Date, subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement (as hereinafter defined) and
the provisions of Article VII. The rights of Parent and Acquisition under
Article VII shall not be in any manner limited to the Escrow Shares, but shall
be subject to the limitations set forth in Article VII.
SECTION 2.04 Conversion of Acquisition Common Stock. At the Effective
Time, each share of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of Acquisition that is issued
and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding
and, by virtue of the Merger, automatically and without the need for any action
on the part of the holder thereof, shall be converted into and become one (1)
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock of the
Surviving Corporation.
SECTION 2.05 Surrender and Exchange of Shares.
(a) At the Effective Time, each holder of an outstanding
certificate or certificates that immediately prior thereto represented shares of
the capital stock of the Company shall surrender the same to Parent or its
agent, and each such holder shall be entitled upon such surrender to receive in
exchange therefor, without cost to it, the number of shares of Parent Common
Stock into which the shares theretofore represented by the certificate so
surrendered shall have been converted as provided in Section 2.01 hereof, and
the certificate or certificates so surrendered in exchange for such
consideration shall forthwith be canceled by Parent.
(b) If a certificate representing shares of the capital stock
of the Company has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the holder of such
certificate shall submit an affidavit describing the lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate, the number of shares evidenced thereby and affirming the status of
that certificate in lieu of surrendering such certificate to Parent, which shall
deem such certificate
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canceled; provided that Parent may require the holder of such certificate to
provide Parent with a bond in such amount as Parent may direct as a condition to
paying any consideration hereunder. Until so surrendered, the outstanding
certificates that, prior to the Effective Time, represented shares of the
capital stock of the Company that shall have been converted as aforesaid shall
be deemed for all corporate purposes, except as hereinafter provided, to
evidence the ownership of the Merger Consideration into which such shares have
been so converted.
(c) No certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of
Parent Common Stock shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of
certificates held by stockholders of the Company, and such fractional share
interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any rights of a
stockholder of Parent. Each holder of shares of the capital stock of the Company
who would otherwise have been entitled to receive in the Merger a fraction of a
share of Parent Common Stock (after taking into account all certificates
surrendered by such holder) shall be entitled to receive from Parent at the
Effective Time, in lieu thereof, cash (without interest) in an amount equal to
such fractional part of a share of Parent Common Stock multiplied by the average
of the per share closing prices on the Nasdaq NM of shares of Parent Common
Stock during the five (5) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the
Effective Date of this Agreement. It is understood (i) that the payment of cash
in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock is solely for the purpose of
avoiding the expense and inconvenience to Parent of issuing fractional shares
and does not represent separately bargained-for consideration; and (ii) that no
holder of shares of Company capital stock will receive cash in lieu of
fractional shares of Parent Common Stock in an amount greater than the value of
one full share of Parent Common Stock.
SECTION 2.06 Closing of Stock Transfer Books. On and after the
Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer books of the
Company or Parent of shares of capital stock of the Company that were issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.
SECTION 2.07 Closing. The closing (the "Closing") shall be scheduled to
occur at the offices of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur, Columbus, Ohio at 10:00
a.m. local time, on a date as soon as practicable (but in any event not later
than the third business day, unless otherwise agreed) after the satisfaction or
waiver of the conditions to the obligations of the parties to effect the Merger
set forth herein. The Closing, and all transactions to occur at the Closing,
shall be deemed to have taken place at, and shall be effective as of, the close
of business on the date of closing (the "Closing Date").
SECTION 2.08 Tax-Free Reorganization. The parties intend to adopt this
Agreement as a tax-free plan of reorganization and to consummate the Merger in
accordance with the provisions of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue
Code by virtue of the provisions of Section 368(a)(2)(E) of the Internal Revenue
Code. The parties believe that the value of the Parent Common Stock to be issued
to Holdings as the sole stockholder of the Company in the Merger is equal to the
value of the Company Common Stock to be surrendered in exchange therefor. The
Parent Common Stock issued in the Merger will be issued solely in exchange for
the Company's outstanding Common Stock, and no other transaction other than the
Merger represents, provides for or is intended to be an adjustment to, the
consideration paid for the Company's Common Stock. Except for cash paid in lieu
of fractional shares, no consideration that could constitute "other property"
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<PAGE> 15
within the meaning of Section 356 of the Internal Revenue Code is being paid by
Parent for the Company Common Stock in the Merger. The parties will not take a
position on any tax returns that is inconsistent with the provisions of this
Section . In addition, Parent represents now, and as of the Effective Time, that
it intends to continue the Company's historic business or use a significant
portion of the Company's business assets in a business. Concurrently herewith,
and again at the Closing, Parent shall execute and deliver to Holdings a
certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit A. The provisions and
representations contained or referred to in this Section 2.08 and in Exhibit A
shall survive until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 3.01 Representations and Warranties of Holdings and the
Company. Holdings and the Company, jointly and severally, represent and warrant
to Parent and Acquisition, except as set forth in the Holdings/Company
Disclosure Letter dated of even date herewith that is being delivered to Parent
concurrently herewith (the "Holdings/Company Disclosure Letter"), as follows:
(a) Organization and Qualification. The Company is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to
own or lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business
as it is now being conducted. The Company is duly qualified as a foreign
corporation to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction in
which the character of its properties owned or leased or the nature of its
activities makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so
qualified would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect (as hereinafter
defined). As used in this Agreement, the term "Company Material Adverse Effect"
shall mean a material adverse effect on the properties, assets, financial
condition, operating results or business of the Company, taken as a whole;
provided, however, that the term "Company Material Adverse Effect" shall not
include any such material adverse effect arising or resulting, directly or
indirectly, from industry conditions or the public announcement of, or the
response or reaction of customers, vendors, licensors, investors, Company
employees or others to, this Agreement, the Merger, or any of the agreements or
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or entered into in connection with
this Agreement or the Merger.
(b) Subsidiaries. The Company does not have any subsidiaries
or ownership of any equity interest in any corporation, partnership, joint
venture, or other business entity.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term
"subsidiary," when used with respect to Holdings or the Company, shall mean any
corporation or other business entity a majority of whose outstanding equity
securities is at the time owned, directly or indirectly, by either Holdings, the
Company, and/or one or more of their other subsidiaries.
(c) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of the
Company consists of 1,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock, $1.00 par value
per share. A total of 100 shares of Company Common Stock are issued and
outstanding, all of which were duly authorized and validly
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<PAGE> 16
issued and are fully paid and nonassessable. No subscription, warrant, option,
call, commitment, convertible security, stock appreciation or other right
(contingent or other) to purchase or acquire any shares of any class of capital
stock of the Company is authorized or outstanding and there is not any
commitment of the Company to issue any shares, warrants, options, or other such
rights or to distribute to holders of any class of its capital stock any
evidences of indebtedness or assets. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(c),
the Company does not have any obligation (contingent or other) to purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or any interest
therein or to pay any dividend or make any other distribution in respect
thereof. Schedule 3.01(c) sets forth a complete and correct list of the holders
of record of the Company Common Stock and the holders of all options or other
rights, if any, to purchase Company Common Stock, including by name of the
holder the number of shares or the number of shares obtainable on exercise of
options or rights held.
(d) Authority Relative to Agreement. The Company has all
requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement
and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by it of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by the Company's
Board of Directors and no other corporate approvals or proceedings on the part
of the Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, other than the approval and adoption of this Agreement by
the sole stockholder of the Company as required by the Delaware GCL. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and, subject to
obtaining such stockholder approval, constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with
its terms, subject to the effect, if any, of (a) applicable bankruptcy and other
similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally, (b) rules of law
governing specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies,
and (c) the limitations imposed by public policy on the enforceability of
provisions requiring indemnification in connection with the offering, issuance
or sale of securities. The Company's Board of Directors has by the requisite
vote (i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger is advisable and fair and
in the best interests of the Company and its sole stockholder and (ii) resolved
to recommend the approval of this Agreement and the Merger by the Company's sole
stockholder and to submit this Agreement and the Merger to the Company's sole
stockholder for its consideration and approval when the Company is permitted to
do so by applicable law. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding Company Common Stock is the only vote of the holders of any
class or series of the Company's capital stock necessary to approve this
Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(e) Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not (i) violate or conflict with any provision of the
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of the Company or (ii) except as set
forth on Schedule 3.01(e) hereof, result in any violation of, conflict with, or
default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute
a default) or loss of a benefit under, or permit the termination of or the
acceleration of any obligation under, any material mortgage, indenture, lease,
agreement or other instrument to which the Company is a party or by which its
assets are bound, permit, concession, grant, franchise, license, judgment,
order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the
business conducted by the Company (the "Business") or to the Company or their
respective properties, or (iii) result in the
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<PAGE> 17
creation or imposition of any liens, claims, charges, restrictions, rights of
others, security interests, prior assignments or other encumbrances
(collectively, "Claims") in favor of any third person or entity upon any of the
assets of the Company, other than any such violation, conflict, default, loss,
termination or acceleration that would not have a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
(f) Consents. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(f), no
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or
filing with, any Federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory
authority is required to be made or obtained by the Company in connection with
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company or the consummation
by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for (i)
compliance by the Company with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act
of 1976 (the "HSR Act"), (ii) the filing of a certificate of merger with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the Delaware GCL
and (iii) such consents, approvals, orders or authorizations which if not
obtained, or registrations, declarations or filings which if not made, would not
have a Company Material Adverse Effect or materially adversely affect the
ability of the Company to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or the
ability of the Surviving Corporation or any of its subsidiaries to conduct the
Business after the Effective Time.
(g) Financial Statements, Etc. The Company has furnished to
Parent the unaudited balance sheet of the Company of July 31, 1996 and the
related statements of operations for each of the two years ended July 31, 1996
and 1995, certified by the principal financial officer of the Company. The
foregoing unaudited financial statements of the Company shall be collectively
referred to as the "Financial Statements." All such Financial Statements
(including any related schedules and/or notes, if any) have been prepared in a
manner consistent with the manner with which Holdings has prepared financial
statements for the Company and Holdings' other subsidiaries under accounting
principles consistently applied and consistent with prior periods, except that
such statements are subject to year end adjustments (which consist of normal
recurring accruals) and do not contain footnote disclosures. Such balance sheet
fairly presents in all material respects the financial position of the Company
as of its respective date, and such statements of operations fairly present in
all material respects the results of operations of the Company for the
respective periods then ended, subject to normal year-end adjustments and the
absence of footnote disclosures.
Except as and to the extent (i) reflected on the
unaudited balance sheet of the Company as of July 31, 1996 referred to above,
(ii) incurred since July 31, 1996 in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice, or (iii) set forth on Schedule 3.01(g) hereto, the Company
does not have any liabilities or obligations of any kind or nature, whether
known or unknown or secured or unsecured (whether absolute, accrued, contingent
or otherwise, and whether due or to become due) that would be required to be
reflected on a balance sheet, or the notes thereto, prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. Between July 31, 1996 and the
Effective Date of this Agreement, the Company has not suffered any Company
Material Adverse Effect.
(h) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth
on Schedule 3.01(h) hereto, or as otherwise disclosed in the Financial
Statements of the Company, since July 31, 1996, the Company has not (i) issued
any stock, bonds or other corporate securities, (ii) borrowed
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<PAGE> 18
or refinanced any amount or incurred any liabilities (absolute or contingent) in
excess of $50,000, other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice, (iii) discharged or satisfied any claim
in excess of $100,000 or incurred or paid any obligation or liability (absolute
or contingent) other than current liabilities shown on the balance sheet of the
Company as of July 31, 1996 and current liabilities incurred since the date of
such balance sheet in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, (iv) declared or made any payment or distribution to stockholders or
purchased or redeemed any shares of its capital stock or other securities, (v)
mortgaged, pledged or subjected to lien any of its assets, tangible or
intangible, other than liens for current real property taxes not yet due and
payable, (vi) sold, assigned or transferred any of its tangible assets, or
canceled any debts or claims, except in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice or as otherwise contemplated hereby, (vii) sold,
assigned or transferred any Intellectual Property Rights (as hereinafter
defined) or other intangible assets, (viii) waived any rights of substantial
value, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, (ix) entered into,
adopted, amended or terminated any bonus, profit sharing, compensation,
termination, stock option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock,
performance unit, pension, retirement, deferred compensation, employment,
severance or other employee benefit plan, agreement, trust, fund or other
arrangement for the benefit of any director, officer or employee of the Company,
or increased in any manner the compensation or fringe benefits of any director
or officer of the Company, or increased the compensation or fringe benefits of
any executive officer of the Company other than in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices, or made any payment of a cash bonus to
any director or officer or to any employee of, or consultant or agent to, the
Company or made any other material change in the terms or conditions of
employment, (x) announced any plan or legally binding commitment to create any
employee benefit plan, program or arrangement or to amend or modify in any
material respect any existing employee benefit plan, program or arrangement,
(xi) eliminated the vesting conditions or otherwise accelerated the payment of
any compensation, (xii) suffered any damage, destruction or loss to any of its
assets or properties, (xiii) made any change in its accounting systems,
policies, principles or practices, (xiv) made any loans to any person, (xv)
incurred damage, destruction, or loss, whether or not covered by insurance,
affecting the properties, assets, or Business of the Company, (xvi) made any
change with respect to management, supervisory, or other key personnel of the
Company, (xvii) paid or discharged a lien or liability not appearing on the
Financial Statements, or (xviii) to the extent not otherwise set forth herein,
taken any action described in Section 4.01 hereof. Between July 31, 1996 and the
Effective Date of this Agreement, there has not been a Material Adverse Change
(as defined in Section 2.02(d)) in the financial condition, properties, assets,
liabilities, Business, operations, results of operations of the Company.
(i) Certain Information. Provided that Parent allows Holdings
and the Company to modify any information regarding Holdings or the Company
contained therein, none of the information supplied by the Company for inclusion
in the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as hereinafter
defined) will, at the respective times such documents or any amendments or
supplements thereto are filed with the SEC, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading, except that no representation is made by the Company with
respect to information supplied by Parent which relates to the Parent,
Acquisition, or any affiliate or associate of Parent for inclusion in the
Registration Statement or the
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<PAGE> 19
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Provided that Parent allows Holdings and the Company
to modify any information regarding Holdings or the Company contained therein,
none of the information relating to the Company included in the Registration
Statement or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus that has been supplied by the
Company and/or Holdings will, at the time the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is
distributed to the Company's and/or Parent's stockholders, be false or
misleading with respect to any material fact or omit to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
(j) Actions Pending. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(j)
hereto, (i) there is no action, suit, dispute, investigation, proceeding or
claim pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings and the Company, threatened
against or affecting the Company, or its properties or rights, or the Business,
before any court, administrative agency, governmental body, arbitrator, mediator
or other dispute resolution body, and the Company is not aware of any facts or
circumstances which are reasonably likely to give rise to any such action, suit,
dispute, investigation, proceeding or claim, (ii) the Company is not subject to
any order, judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation, or consent order of or
with any court or other governmental agency, and (iii) the Company has not
entered into any agreement to settle or compromise any proceeding pending or
threatened against it which has involved any obligation other than the payment
of money or for which the Company has any continuing obligation, which (in the
case of each of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this Section 3.01(j)) is
reasonably likely to have a Company Material Adverse Effect or which might
materially and adversely affect the ability of the Company to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby, or materially and adversely affect the ability
of Parent to conduct the Business after the Effective Time.
(k) Title to Properties. The Company has good and valid title
to the properties and assets reflected on the unaudited balance sheet of the
Company as of July 31, 1996 other than nonmaterial properties and assets
disposed of in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice
since the date of such balance sheet, and all such properties and assets are
free and clear of Claims, except (i) as described on Schedule 3.01(k) hereto,
(ii) liens for current taxes not yet due, and (iii) minor imperfections of
title, if any, not material in amount and not materially detracting from the
value or impairing the use of the property subject thereto or impairing the
operations or proposed operations of the Company (collectively, "Permitted
Liens"). Such properties and assets constitute all of the assets necessary to
conduct the Business substantially in the same manner as it has been conducted
prior to the date hereof.
(l) Real Property Interests. Schedule 3.01(l) hereto sets
forth a complete and accurate list of (i) the real properties owned by the
Company (the "Fee Properties") and (ii) the real properties leased by the
Company (the "Leased Properties"). The Company has good and marketable fee
simple title to the Fee Properties and good and marketable leasehold title to
the Leased Properties, listed on Schedule 3.01(l), free and clear of all Claims,
tenants and occupants except for Permitted Liens. Complete and accurate copies
of all leases or other agreements relating to the Leased Properties have been
delivered to Parent and there have been no material changes or amendments to
such leases or agreements since such delivery. The Company is the lawful owner
of all improvements and fixtures located on the Fee Properties and all moveable
fixtures located at
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<PAGE> 20
the Leased Properties, free and clear of all Claims except for Permitted Liens.
Each lease or other agreement relating to the Leased Properties is a valid and
subsisting agreement, without any material default of the Company thereunder and
without any material default thereunder of the other party thereto, and such
leases and agreements give the Company the right to use or occupy, as the case
may be, all real properties as are sufficient and adequate to operate the
Business as it is currently being conducted. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.01(l), the Company's possession of such property has not been disturbed nor
has any claim relating to the Company's title to or possession of such property
been asserted against the Company that would have a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
(m) Intellectual Property Rights. The patents, trademarks and
trade names, trademark and trade name registrations, service mark, brand mark
and brand name registrations, copyrights, inventions, know-how, trade secrets,
proprietary processes and information, software source and object code, the
applications therefor and the licenses with respect thereto (collectively,
"Intellectual Property Rights") listed on Schedule 3.01(m) hereto constitute all
material proprietary rights owned or held by the Company that are necessary to
the conduct of the Business. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(m), (i) the
Company conducts the Business without any known infringement or claim of
infringement of any Intellectual Property Right of others and the conduct by the
Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time of the Business, in substantially
the same manner as it is currently conducted, will not constitute a breach or
violation of any agreement relating to the Intellectual Property Rights listed
on Schedule 3.01(m) (other than as a result of agreements to which Parent or any
of its affiliates is a party); (ii) the Company is, and after the consummation
of the Merger will be, the sole and exclusive owner of each Intellectual
Property Right listed on Schedule 3.01(m), free and clear of any Claims (other
than Permitted Liens), and, to the knowledge of Holdings and the Company, no
person is challenging, infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating any
such Intellectual Property Rights or claiming that the conduct of the Business,
infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates the Intellectual Property
Rights of any third party; (iii) the Company is not aware of any impediment to
the registration of any trademark that is the subject of any application for
registration listed on Schedule 3.01(m) that would have a Company Material
Adverse Effect; (iv) none of the Intellectual Property Rights listed on Schedule
3.01(m) is the subject of any outstanding order, ruling, decree, judgment or
stipulation specifically binding on the Company; (v) to the knowledge of
Holdings and the Company, none of the activities of any employee of the Company
on behalf thereof violates any obligations of such employee to third parties,
including, without limitation, confidentiality or noncompetition obligations
under agreements with a former employer; (vi) the Company is not aware of any
unauthorized use by a third party of any computer software programs or
applications that the Company considers to be a trade secret belonging to the
Company; (vii) the Company has taken and is taking reasonable precautions to
protect all material trade secrets and other confidential information relating
to its proprietary computer software programs and applications or included in
the Intellectual Property Rights that are material to the conduct of the
Business; and (viii) the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement
and the consummation of the Merger will not constitute a breach or default of
any Intellectual Property Rights that are material to the conduct of the
Business.
(n) Labor Matters. The Company is not a party to any
collective bargaining or union agreement, and no such agreement is applicable to
any employees of the Company. There are
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<PAGE> 21
not any controversies between the Company and any of such employees that might
reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect, or any
unresolved labor union grievances or unfair labor practice or labor arbitration
proceedings pending, or threatened relating to the Business. There are no labor
unions or other organizations representing or purporting to represent any
employees of the Company and there are not any organizational efforts currently
being made or threatened involving any of such employees. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.01(n) hereto, the Company is in compliance in all material respects
with all laws and regulations or other legal or contractual requirements
regarding the terms and conditions of employment of employees, former employees
or prospective employees or other labor related matters, including, without
limitation, laws, rules, regulations, orders, rulings, conciliation agreements,
decrees, judgments and awards relating to wages, hours, the payment of social
security and similar taxes, equal employment opportunity, employment
discrimination, fair labor standards and occupational health and safety,
wrongful discharge or violation of the personal rights of employees, former
employees or prospective employees. The Company is not liable for any material
amount of arrears of wages or any taxes or penalties for failure to comply with
any of the foregoing.
(o) Severance Arrangements. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.01(o) hereto, the Company is not party to any agreement with any employee (i)
the benefits of which (including, without limitation, severance benefits) are
contingent, or the terms of which are materially altered, upon the occurrence of
a transaction involving the Company of the nature of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or (ii) providing severance benefits in excess of
those generally available under the Company's severance policies (which are
described on Schedule 3.01(o)), or which are conditioned upon a change of
control, after the termination of employment of such employees regardless of the
reason for such termination of employment, and the Company is not a party to any
employment agreement or compensation guarantee extending for a period longer
than one year. Schedule 3.01(o) sets forth all employment agreements and
compensation guarantees, regardless of duration, to which the Company is a
party. Except as a result of actions taken by Parent or the Surviving
Corporation, no amounts will be due or payable to any employee of the Company
under any such severance arrangement or otherwise by virtue of the refusal of
such employee to accept the offer of employment of the Surviving Corporation.
(p) Taxes.
(i) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(p) hereto,
the Company or an affiliate on behalf of the Company has (A) timely
filed all Federal and all material state, local and foreign returns,
declarations, reports, estimates, information returns and statements
relating to the Company's operations ("Returns") required to be filed
by it in respect of any Taxes (as hereinafter defined), (B) timely paid
all Taxes that are due and payable with respect to the periods covered
by the Tax Returns referred to in clause (A) without regard to whether
such Taxes have been assessed (except for audit adjustments not
material in the aggregate or to the extent that liability therefor is
reserved for in the Company's most recent unaudited financial
statements), (C) established reserves that are adequate for the payment
of all Taxes not yet due and payable with respect to the results of
operations of the Company, and (D) complied in all material respects
with all applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the payment
and withholding of Taxes and has in all material respects timely
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<PAGE> 22
withheld from employee wages and paid over to the proper governmental
authorities all amounts required to be so withheld and paid over.
(ii) The Company has no liability for the Taxes of
any Person or entity other than the Company under Regulation 1.1502-6
of the Internal Revenue Code.
(iii) Schedule 3.01(p) sets forth the last taxable
period through which the Federal income Tax Returns of the Company have
been examined by the Internal Revenue Service or otherwise closed. All
deficiencies asserted as a result of such examinations and any
examination by any applicable state, local or foreign taxing authority
which have not been or will not be appealed or contested in a timely
manner have been paid, fully settled or adequately provided for in the
Company's most recent audited financial statements. Except as set forth
on Schedule 3.01(p), no Federal, state, local or foreign Tax audits or
other administrative proceedings or court proceedings are currently
pending with regard to any Federal or material state, local or foreign
Taxes for which the Company would be liable, and no deficiency for any
such Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed or threatened
pursuant to such examination of the Company by such Federal, state,
local or foreign taxing authority with respect to any period.
(iv) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(p), the
Company has not executed or entered into (or prior to the Effective
Time will execute or enter into) with the Internal Revenue Service or
any taxing authority (A) any agreement or other document extending or
having the effect of extending the period for assessments or collection
of any Federal, state, local or foreign Taxes for which the Company
would be liable or (B) a closing agreement pursuant to Section 7121 of
the Internal Revenue Code, or any predecessor provision thereof or any
similar provision of state, local or foreign income tax law that
relates to the assets or operations of the Company.
(v) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(p), the
Company is not a party to any agreement providing for the allocation or
sharing of liability for any Taxes.
(vi) The Company has made available to Parent
complete and accurate copies of all income and franchise Tax Returns
pertaining solely to the Company and all material other Tax Returns
pertaining solely to the Company filed by or on behalf of the Company
for the taxable years ending on or prior to July 31, 1996.
(vii) The Company is not a "U.S. real property
holding corporation" (as defined in Section 897(c)(2) of the Internal
Revenue Code), and neither the Company nor any stockholder of the
Company is a non-resident alien individual, foreign corporation,
foreign partnership, or foreign trust.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Taxes" shall mean
all Federal, state, local, foreign or other taxing authority income, franchise,
sales, use, ad valorem, property, payroll, social security, unemployment,
assets, value added, withholding, excise, severance, transfer, employment,
alternative or add-on minimum and other taxes, charges, fees, levies, imposts,
duties or other
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<PAGE> 23
assessments, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or
additional amounts imposed by any taxing authority.
(q) Compliance with Law; Permits. The Company is not in
default in any material respect under any order or decree of any court,
governmental authority, arbitrator or arbitration board or tribunal that is
specifically binding on the Company or under any laws, ordinances, governmental
rules or regulations to which the Company or any of its respective properties or
assets is subject. Schedule 3.01(q) hereto sets forth a list of all material
permits, authorizations, approvals, registrations, variances and licenses
("Permits") issued to or used by the Company in connection with the conduct of
the Business; such Permits constitute all Permits necessary for the Company to
own, use and maintain its properties and assets or required for the conduct of
the Business in substantially the same manner as it is currently conducted. Each
Permit listed on Schedule 3.01(q) is in full force and effect and no proceeding
is pending or threatened to modify, suspend, revoke or otherwise limit any of
such Permits and no administrative or governmental actions have been taken or
threatened in connection with the expiration or renewal of any of such Permits.
Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(q), neither the Company nor Parent or
Acquisition will be required, as a result of the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, to obtain or renew any Permits.
(r) Employee Benefit Plans.
(i) Schedule 3.01(r) hereto sets forth a complete and
accurate list of each plan, program, arrangement, agreement or
commitment that is an employment, consulting or deferred compensation
agreement, or an executive compensation, incentive bonus or other
bonus, employee pension, profit-sharing, savings, retirement, stock
option, stock purchase, severance pay, life, health, disability or
accident insurance plan, or vacation or other employee benefit plan,
program, arrangement, agreement or commitment, including, without
limitation, each employee benefit plan (as defined under Section 3(3)
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA") in which employees of the Company participate that is (i)
maintained by the Company or any trade or business (whether or not
incorporated) which, together with the Company, would be treated as a
single employer under Title IV of ERISA or Section 414 of the Internal
Revenue Code (collectively, the "ERISA Affiliates") or (ii) to which
any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has any obligation to contribute to,
or has or may have any liability (including, without limitation, a
liability arising out of an indemnification, guarantee, hold harmless
or similar agreement) (collectively, the "Plans"). Each Plan is
identified on Schedule 3.01(r), to the extent applicable, as one or
more of the following: an "employee pension plan" (as defined in
Section 3(2)(A) of ERISA), an "employee welfare plan" (as defined in
Section 3(1) of ERISA), or as a plan intended to be qualified under
Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code.
(ii) The Plans have been, and currently are in
compliance, in all material respects, with all laws and regulations
applicable to the Plans under which noncompliance would have a Company
Material Adverse Effect, including, without limitation, ERISA and the
Internal Revenue Code.
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<PAGE> 24
(iii) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(r), no
ERISA Affiliate has maintained, adopted or established, contributed to
or been required to contribute to, or otherwise participated in or been
required to participate in, any employee benefit plan or other program
or arrangement subject to Title IV of ERISA (including, without
limitation, a "multi-employer plan" (as defined in Section 3(37) of
ERISA), a multiple employer plan (as defined in Section 210 of ERISA)
and a defined benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA)).
(iv) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(r), the
Company neither provides nor may be required to provide and no Plan,
other than a Plan that is an employee pension benefit plan (within the
meaning of Section 3(2)(A) of ERISA), provides or may be required to
provide benefits, including, without limitation, death, health or
medical benefits (whether or not insured), with respect to current or
former employees of the Company beyond their retirement or other
termination of service with the Company (other than (A) coverage
mandated by applicable law, (B) deferred compensation benefits accrued
as liabilities on the books of the Company, or (C) benefits the full
cost of which is borne by the current or former employee (or his or her
beneficiary)). No ERISA Affiliate maintains any Plan under which any
employee or former employee of the Company may receive medical benefits
which cannot be modified or terminated by the ERISA Affiliates at any
time without the consent of any person, and no employees or former
employees of the Company will have any claim in respect of such
benefits as of the Effective Time.
(v) The transactions contemplated hereby will not
result in (i) any portion of any amount paid or payable by the Company
to a "disqualified individual" (within the meaning of Section 280G(c)
of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated
thereunder), whether paid or payable in cash, securities of the Company
or otherwise and whether considered alone or in conjunction with any
other amount paid or payable to such a "disqualified individual," being
an "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1)
of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated
thereunder, (ii) any employee of the Company being entitled to
severance pay, unemployment compensation (other than payments by state
unemployment compensation program), or any other payment, (iii) an
acceleration of the time of payment (other than eligibility for a
distribution from a defined contribution plan) or vesting or an
increase in the amount of compensation due to any such employee or
former employee of the Company or (iv) any prohibited transaction
described in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal
Revenue Code for which an exemption is not available.
(vi) No ERISA Affiliates has incurred any material
liability with respect to any Plan under ERISA (including, without
limitation, Title I or Title IV thereof, other than liability for
premiums due to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation which are
current if applicable), the Internal Revenue Code or other applicable
law for which the Company may be held liable, which has not been
satisfied in full or been accrued on the balance sheet of the Company
as of July 31, 1996 pending full satisfaction, and no event has
occurred, and there exists no condition or set of circumstances, which
could result in the imposition of any material liability on the Company
not set forth in or reserved in the Company's unaudited
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<PAGE> 25
balance sheet at July 31, 1996 under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code
or other applicable law with respect to any Plan.
(vii) With respect to each Plan subject to Section
412 of the Internal Revenue Code that is funded wholly or partially
through an insurance policy, all premiums required to have been paid to
date under the insurance policy have been paid, and, except as set
forth on Schedule 3.01(r), as of the Effective Time there will be no
liability of the Company under any such insurance policy or ancillary
agreement with respect to such insurance policy in the nature of a
retroactive rate adjustment, loss sharing arrangement or other actual
or contingent liability arising wholly or partially out of events
occurring prior to the Effective Time.
(viii) None of the ERISA Affiliates has made any
contribution to any Plan that may be subject to any excise tax under
Section 4972 of the Internal Revenue Code for which the Company may be
held liable.
(s) Environmental Matters. The Company is in compliance in all
material respects with all Federal, state or local statutes, ordinances, orders,
judgments, rulings or regulations relating to environmental pollution or to
environmental regulation or control. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(s)
hereto, neither the Company nor any of its respective officers, employees,
representatives or agents has treated, stored, processed, discharged, spilled or
otherwise disposed of any substance defined as hazardous or toxic by any
applicable Federal, state or local law, rule, regulation, order or directive, or
any waste or by-product thereof, at any real property or any other facility
owned, leased or used by the Company, in material violation of any applicable
statutes, regulations, ordinances or directives of any governmental authority or
court, which violations may result in any material liability to the Company,
taken as a whole. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(s), no employee of the
Company or other person has ever made a claim or demand against the Company
based on alleged damage to health caused by any such hazardous or toxic
substance or by any waste or by-product thereof. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.01(s), the Company has not been charged by any governmental authority with
improperly using, handling, storing, discharging or disposing of any such
hazardous or toxic substance or waste or by-product thereof or with causing or
permitting any pollution of any body of water. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.01(s), to the best knowledge of Holdings and the Company, the Fee or Leased
Properties and the Business are not subject to any pending or threatened
administrative or judicial proceeding under any environmental law and there are
no facts or circumstances known to the Company which are reasonably likely to
give rise to any proceeding. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(s), to the
best knowledge of Holdings and the Company, there are no inactive, closed, or
abandoned storage or disposal areas or facilities or underground storage tanks
on the Fee or Leased Properties.
(t) Personal Property. The Company has provided Parent lists
of (i) all of the tangible personal property used by the Company in its business
having an original acquisition cost of $50,000 or more, and (ii) all leases of
personal property binding upon the Company having an annual rental in excess of
$25,000. All of such tangible personal property is presently utilized by the
Company in the ordinary course of its business and is in good repair, ordinary
wear and tear excepted.
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<PAGE> 26
(u) Contracts. Schedule 3.01(u) lists all contracts and
arrangements of the following types to which the Company is a party or by which
it is bound and which are material to the conduct of the Business or to the
financial condition or results of operations of the Company, taken as a whole,
including without limitation the following:
(i) any contract or arrangement with a sales
representative, distributor, dealer, broker, sales agency, advertising
agency or other person engaged in sales, distribution or promotional
activities, or any contract to act as one of the foregoing on behalf of
any person, which is not terminable by the Company on 30 or fewer days
notice;
(ii) any contract or arrangement of any nature which
involves the payment or receipt of cash or other property, an
unperformed commitment, or goods or services, having a value in excess
of $100,000;
(iii) any contract or arrangement pursuant to which
the Company has made or will make loans or advances, or has or will
have incurred indebtedness for borrowed money or become a guarantor or
surety or pledged its credit on or otherwise become responsible with
respect to any undertaking of another (except for the negotiation or
collection of negotiable instruments in transactions in the ordinary
course of business) in excess of $50,000;
(iv) any indenture, credit agreement, loan agreement,
note, mortgage, security agreement, lease of real property or personal
property, loan commitment or other contract or arrangement relating to
the borrowing of funds, an extension of credit or financing;
(v) any contract or arrangement involving a
partnership, a limited liability company, a joint venture or other
cooperative undertaking requiring a sharing of assets or technology of
the Company;
(vi) any contract or arrangement involving any
restrictions with respect to the geographical area of operations or
scope or type of business of the Company;
(vii) any power of attorney or agency agreement or
arrangement with any person pursuant to which such person is granted
the authority to act for or on behalf of the Company, or the Company is
granted the authority to act for or on behalf of any person;
(viii) any contract not fully performed and relating
to any acquisition or disposition of the Company or any predecessor in
interest of the Company, or any acquisition or disposition of any
subsidiary, division, line of business, or real property of the
Company;
(ix) any contract or arrangement with a customer or
financial institution;
(x) all such contracts and arrangements between the
Company and Holdings or its affiliates that are material to the
operations of the Company; and
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<PAGE> 27
(xi) any contract not specified above which the
cancellation, breach, or nonperformance of would constitute a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
The Company has delivered to Parent complete and accurate copies of the
contracts and agreements set forth on Schedule 3.01(u), and each such contract
or agreement is a valid and subsisting agreement, without any material default
of the Company thereunder and, to Holdings' and the Company's knowledge, without
any material default thereunder of the other party thereto. Except as set forth
on Schedule 3.01(u), the Company has not received notice of any cancellation or
termination of, or of any threat to cancel or terminate, any of such contracts
or agreements required to be listed on Schedule 3.01(u) where such cancellation
or termination would have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(v) Insurance.
(i) All policies of fire, liability, workers'
compensation and other forms of insurance providing insurance coverage
to or for the Company for events or occurrences arising or taking place
in the case of occurrence type insurance, and for claims made and/or
suits commenced in the case of claims-made type insurance, between the
Effective Date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, are listed on
Schedule 3.01(v) hereto, and, except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(v),
all premiums with respect thereto have been paid, and no notice of
cancellation or termination has been received with respect to any such
policy. All such policies are in full force and effect, and, except as
set forth on Schedule 3.01(v), provide insurance in such amounts and
against such risks as Holdings and the Company believe are customary
for companies engaged in similar businesses to protect the employees,
properties, assets, businesses and operations of the Company. All such
policies will remain in full force and effect and will not be adversely
modified or affected by, or terminate or lapse by reason of, any of the
transactions contemplated hereby, except by reason of an insurer's
assessment of Parent or the conduct of the Business after the Effective
Time.
(ii) The Company has provided Parent information
concerning all claims, which (including related claims which in the
aggregate) exceed $50,000 and which have been made by the Company in
the last two years under any workers' compensation, general liability,
property, directors' and officers' liability or other insurance policy
applicable to the Company or any of its properties. Except as set forth
in written materials provided by the Company to Parent, there are no
pending or threatened claims under any insurance policy, the outcome of
which would have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(w) Pending Transactions. Except for this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, the Company is not a party to or bound by any
agreement, negotiation, discussion, commitment or undertaking with respect to a
merger or consolidation with, or an acquisition of all or substantially all of
the property and assets of, any other corporation or person or the sale, lease
or exchange of all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any
other person.
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<PAGE> 28
(x) Claims Against Officers and Directors. Except as set forth
on Schedule 3.01(x), to the knowledge of Holdings and the Company, there are no
pending or threatened claims against any director, officer, employee or agent of
the Company which could give rise to any claim for indemnification against the
Company.
(y) Customers, Suppliers, Etc. The Company has provided Parent
information concerning the 15 largest customers of the Company in terms of
revenue to the Company ("Major Customers") and the 10 largest suppliers in terms
of charges to the Company ("Major Suppliers") during the fiscal year ended July
31, 1996. Except to the extent set forth in Schedule 3.01(y), between July 31,
1996 and the Effective Date of this Agreement: (i) there has not been any
material dispute between the Company and any Major Customer or Major Supplier;
(ii) the Company did not receive notice from any Major Customer stating that
such Major Customer intends to reduce its purchases from the Company; or (iii)
the Company did not receive notice from any Major Supplier stating that such
Major Supplier intends to reduce its sale of goods or services to the Company.
(z) Improper and Other Payments. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.01(z), neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of Holdings and the
Company, any director, officer, employee, agent or representative of the
Company, nor any person acting on behalf of any of them, has (i) made, paid or
received any bribes, kickbacks or other similar payments to or from any person,
whether lawful or unlawful, (ii) made any unlawful contributions, directly or
indirectly, to a domestic or foreign political party or candidate, or (iii) made
any improper foreign payment (as defined in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act).
(aa) Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(aa), the
Company has not used any broker or finder in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby, and the Company has not nor will have any liability or
otherwise suffer or incur any loss as a result of or in connection with any
brokerage or finder's fee or other commission of any person retained by the
Company or the sole stockholder of the Company in connection with any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(bb) Accounts Receivable and Advances. Except as disclosed on
Schedule 3.01(bb), (i) each account receivable of the Company (collectively, the
"Accounts Receivable") represents a sale made in the ordinary course of business
other than to affiliates and which arose pursuant to an enforceable written
contract for a bona fide sale of goods or for services performed, and the
Company has performed all of its obligations to produce the goods or perform the
services to which such Accounts Receivable relates, and (ii) no Account
Receivable is subject to any claim for reduction, counterclaim, set-off,
recoupment or other claim for credit, allowances or adjustments by the obligor
thereof, in an amount individually or in the aggregate that would have a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
(cc) OCC Examination. The Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency ("OCC") has not notified the Company of, nor imposed upon the Company,
any order, judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation, liability, obligation,
violation, fine, penalty, or burden that has material and adverse financial
consequences on the Company or its Business.
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<PAGE> 29
(dd) Accuracy of Statements. Neither this Agreement, the
Holdings/Company Disclosure Letter, nor any schedule, exhibit, statement, list,
document, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished by or on
behalf of the Company to Parent in connection with this Agreement, when read
together, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of
the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.
SECTION 3.02 Representations and Warranties of Holdings. Except as set
forth in the Holdings/Company Disclosure Letter, Holdings represents and
warrants to Parent and Acquisition as follows:
(a) Organization and Qualification. Holdings is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware.
(b) Ownership. Holdings owns beneficially and of record 100%
of the Company Common Stock, free and clear of any liens, claims, charges,
restrictions, rights of others, security interests, prior assignments or other
encumbrances.
(c) Authority Relative to Agreement. Holdings has all
requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement
and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by Holdings and the consummation by Holdings of
the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by Holdings'
Board of Directors and no other corporate approvals or proceedings on the part
of Holdings are necessary to authorize this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Holdings and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Holdings,
enforceable against Holdings in accordance with its terms, subject to the
effect, if any, of (a) applicable bankruptcy and other similar laws affecting
the rights of creditors generally, (b) rules of law governing specific
performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies, and (c) the
limitations imposed by public policy on the enforceability of provisions
requiring indemnification in connection with the offering, issuance or sale of
securities. No approval of the holders of any class or series of Holdings'
capital stock is necessary to approve this Agreement, the Merger and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(d) Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Holdings and the consummation by Holdings of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not (i) violate or conflict with any provision of the
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of Holdings or (ii) except as set forth
on Schedule 3.02(d) hereof, result in any violation of, conflict with, or
default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute
a default) or loss of a benefit under, or permit the termination of or the
acceleration of any obligation under, any mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement
or other instrument, permit, concession, grant, franchise, license, judgment,
order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the
Company's Business as conducted by the Company or the Company's properties, or
(iii) result in the creation or imposition of any Claim in favor of any third
person or entity upon any of the assets of the
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<PAGE> 30
Company or the Company's Business, other than any such violation, conflict,
default, loss, termination or acceleration that would not have a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Consents. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.02(e), no
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or
filing with, any Federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory
authority is required to be made or obtained by Holdings or any of its
subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Holdings or the consummation by Holdings of the transactions contemplated
hereby, except for (i) compliance by Holdings with the HSR Act, (ii) filing with
the SEC of such reports, schedules, and information under Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated by the
SEC thereunder, as may be required to be filed by Holdings in connection with
this Agreement, the Merger, and other transactions contemplated hereby, (iii)
the filing of a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State
of Delaware in accordance with the Delaware GCL, and (iv) such consents,
approvals, orders or authorizations which if not obtained, or registrations,
declarations or filings which if not made, would not materially adversely affect
the ability of Holdings to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby.
(f) Certain Information. Provided that Parent allows Holdings
and the Company to modify any information regarding Holdings or the Company
contained therein, none of the information supplied by Holdings for inclusion in
the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will, at the
respective times such documents or any amendments or supplements thereto are
filed with the SEC, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that no
representation is made by Holdings with respect to information supplied by
Parent which relates to the Parent or any affiliate or associate of Parent for
inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
Provided that Parent allows Holdings and the Company to modify any information
regarding Holdings or the Company contained therein, none of the information
relating to Holdings and its subsidiaries included in the Registration Statement
or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus that has been supplied by Holdings or its
subsidiaries will, at the time the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is distributed to
the Company's and/or Parent's stockholders, be false or misleading with respect
to any material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(g) Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.02(h), neither
Holdings nor any of its subsidiaries has used any broker or finder in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby, and neither Holdings nor any of its
subsidiaries has or shall have any liability or otherwise suffer or incur any
loss as a result of or in connection with any brokerage or finder's fee or other
commission of any person retained by Holdings, any of its subsidiaries, or the
stockholders of Holdings in connection with any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.
(h) Accuracy of Statements. Neither this Agreement nor any
schedule, exhibit, statement, list, document, certificate or other information
furnished or to be furnished by or on behalf of Holdings to Parent in connection
with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated
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<PAGE> 31
hereby contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits
or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained
herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not
misleading.
SECTION 3.03 Representations and Warranties of Parent. Except as set
forth in the Parent Disclosure Letter dated of even date herewith, Parent
represents and warrants to Holdings and the Company as follows:
(a) Organization and Qualification. Parent is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or
lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it
is now being conducted. Parent is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to do
business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction in which the character
of its properties owned or leased or the nature of its activities makes such
qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would not
have a Parent Material Adverse Effect (as hereinafter defined). As used in this
Agreement, the term "Parent Material Adverse Effect" shall mean a material
adverse effect on the properties, assets, financial condition, operating results
or business of Parent, taken as a whole; provided, however, that the term
"Parent Material Adverse Effect" shall not include any such material adverse
effect arising or resulting, directly or indirectly, from industry conditions or
the public announcement of, or the response or reaction of customers, vendors,
licensors, investors, Parent employees or others to, this Agreement, the Merger,
or any of the agreements or transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
entered into in connection with this Agreement or the Merger.
(b) Subsidiaries. Schedule 3.03(b) includes a complete and
accurate list of each subsidiary of the Parent, indicating the jurisdiction of
incorporation and the nature and level of ownership in such subsidiary by the
Parent, any subsidiary of the Parent and any other person. Complete and correct
copies of the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the Parent and of each
subsidiary of the Parent have previously been delivered to the Company. Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.03(b) hereto, neither the Parent nor any of its
subsidiaries owns of record or beneficially, directly or indirectly, (i) any
shares of outstanding capital stock or securities convertible into capital stock
of any other corporation or (ii) any participating interest in any partnership,
joint venture or other noncorporate business enterprise. Each subsidiary of the
Parent is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and has all requisite
corporate power and authority to own or lease and operate its properties and
assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Each
subsidiary of the Parent is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to do
business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction in which the character
of its properties owned or leased or the nature of its activities makes such
qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would not
have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. All the outstanding shares of capital
stock of the Parent's subsidiaries are duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable and, except as set forth on Schedule 3.03(b), are owned
by the Parent or by a wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent free and clear of
any Claims, and there are no proxies or voting or transfer agreements or
understandings outstanding with respect to any such shares. Without limiting the
foregoing representations and warranties, Parent owns beneficially of record all
of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of Acquisition free
and clear of all Claims.
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<PAGE> 32
For purposes of this Agreement, the term "subsidiary," when
used with respect to the Parent, shall mean any corporation or other business
entity a majority of whose outstanding equity securities is at the time owned,
directly or indirectly, by the Parent and/or one or more other subsidiaries of
the Parent.
(c) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of Parent consists
of 150,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock and 15,000,000 shares of Parent
Preferred Stock, and, as of August 31, 1996, 41,669,035 shares of Parent Common
Stock were issued and outstanding, all of which were duly authorized and validly
issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and no shares of Parent Preferred
Stock were issued and outstanding. As of August 31, 1996, Parent had outstanding
options to purchase up to a total of 3,387,803 shares of Parent Common Stock.
Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence or in Schedule 3.03(c)
hereto, Parent has, no subscription, warrant, option, convertible security,
stock appreciation or other right (contingent or other) to purchase or acquire
any shares of any class of capital stock of Parent that is authorized or
outstanding and there is not any commitment of Parent to issue any shares,
warrants, options or other such rights or to distribute to holders of any class
of its capital stock any evidences of indebtedness or assets. Except as
disclosed in Schedule 3.03, Parent does not have any obligation (contingent or
other) to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock
or any interest therein or to pay any dividend or make any other distribution in
respect thereof.
(d) Authority Relative to Agreements. Parent has all requisite
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent
and the consummation by Parent of the transactions contemplated hereby have been
duly authorized by the Board of Directors of Parent, and except for approval by
the stockholders of Parent, no other corporate approvals or proceedings on the
part of Parent are necessary to authorize this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Parent and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Parent,
enforceable against Parent in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect,
if any, of (a) applicable bankruptcy and other similar laws affecting the rights
of creditors generally, (b) rules of law governing specific performance,
injunctive relief and other equitable remedies, and (c) the limitations imposed
by public policy on the enforceability of provisions requiring indemnification
in connection with the offering, issuance or sale of securities. The Parent's
Board of Directors has by the requisite vote of its Board of Directors present
(i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger is advisable and fair and in
the best interests of the Parent and its stockholders, and (ii) resolved to
recommend the approval of this Agreement and the Merger by the Parent's
stockholders and directed that the Merger be submitted for consideration by such
stockholders. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding Parent Common Stock is the only vote of the holders of any class or
series of the Parent's capital stock necessary to approve this Agreement, the
Merger, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(e) Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Parent and the consummation by Parent of the transactions contemplated hereby
will not (i) violate or conflict with any provision of the Certificate of
Incorporation or By-Laws of Parent, (ii) result in any violation of, conflict
with, or default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would
constitute a default) or loss of a benefit under, or permit the termination of
or the acceleration
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of any obligation under, any material mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement or
other instrument to which Parent is a party or by which its assets are bound,
permit, concession, grant, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute,
law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Parent or any of its
subsidiaries or their respective properties, or (iii) result in the creation or
imposition of any Claim in favor of any third person or entity upon any of the
assets of Parent or any of its subsidiaries, other than any such violation,
conflict, default, loss, termination or acceleration that would not have a
Parent Material Adverse Effect or adversely affect the ability of Parent to
consummate the Merger or any other transaction contemplated hereby.
(f) Consents. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or
registration, declaration or filing with, any Federal, state, local or foreign
governmental or regulatory authority is required to be made or obtained by
Parent in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent
or the consummation by Parent of the transactions contemplated hereby, except
for (i) compliance by Parent with the HSR Act, (ii) filings pursuant to the
Securities Act as contemplated by Section 4.02 hereof, (iii) the filing of a
certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in
accordance with the Delaware GCL, (iv) any licenses, permits, franchises or
other governmental authorizations pertaining to the Business that are required
as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (v) the
consents described in Schedule 3.03(f), and (vi) such consents, approvals,
orders or authorizations which if not obtained, or registrations, declarations
or filings which if not made, would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect or
materially adversely affect the ability of Parent to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby or to conduct the Business after the Effective Time.
(g) SEC Filings. Parent has filed all forms, reports and documents
required to be filed with the SEC since September 28, 1995, and Parent has made
available to the Company, as filed with the SEC, complete and accurate copies of
all reports, statements and registration statements (including Current Reports
on Form 8-K) filed by Parent with the SEC since September 28, 1995, in each case
including all amendments and supplements (collectively, the "Parent SEC
Filings"). The Parent SEC Filings (including, without limitation, any financial
statements or schedules included therein) (i) were prepared in compliance with
the requirements of the Securities Act or Exchange Act, as the case may be, and
(ii) did not at the time of filing (or if amended, supplemented or superseded by
a filing prior to the date hereof, on the date of that filing) contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
The financial statements of Parent included in the Parent SEC
Filings have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP") consistently applied and consistent with prior periods
indicated (except as otherwise noted therein or, in the case of unaudited
statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) and fairly present (subject,
in the case of unaudited statements, to normal, recurring year-end adjustments
and any other adjustments described therein) the consolidated financial position
of Parent and its consolidated subsidiaries as at the dates thereof and the
consolidated results of operations and cash flows of Parent and its consolidated
subsidiaries for the periods then ended. Since June 30, 1996, there has been no
change in any of the significant accounting (including tax accounting) policies,
practices or procedures of
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the Parent or any of its subsidiaries. Except for liabilities or obligations
that are accrued or reserved against in Parent's financial statements included
in the Parent SEC Reports neither of Parent or its subsidiaries has any
liabilities or obligations (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise,
and whether due or to become due) that would be required by GAAP to be reflected
on a consolidated balance sheet, or the notes thereto, or which would have a
Parent Material Adverse Affect.
(h) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth in the
Parent SEC Filings made through the date hereof, (i) Parent has not conducted
its business and operations other than in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practices or taken any of the actions set forth in Section
4.02 hereof and (ii) there has not been any fact, event, circumstance or change
affecting or relating to Parent or its subsidiaries that has caused or is
reasonably likely to cause a Material Adverse Change in Parent's financial
condition, properties, assets, liabilities, business, operations, or results of
operations. As used with reference Parent, the term "Material Adverse Change"
refers to a material adverse change other than a change arising or resulting,
directly or indirectly, from industry conditions or the public announcement of,
or the response or reaction of customers, vendors, licensors, investors, Parent
employees or others to, this Agreement, the Merger, or any of the agreements or
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or entered into in connection with
this Agreement of the Merger.
(i) Certain Information. None of the information supplied by Parent
or Acquisition for inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus (as defined in Section 4.02 hereof) will, at the respective
times such documents or any amendments or supplements thereto are filed with the
SEC, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except no
representation is made by Parent or Acquisition with respect to information
supplied by the Company which relates to the Company or any affiliate or
associate of the Company for inclusion in the Registration Statement or the
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. None of the information relating to Parent included
in the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement/Prospectus that has been
supplied by Parent will, at the time the Proxy Statement/Prospectus is
distributed to the Company's and/or Parent's stockholders, be false or
misleading with respect to any material fact or omit to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
(j) Registration Rights. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.03(j) and
except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, Parent is not a party to any
agreement obligating or requiring it to register under the Securities Act any
Parent Common Stock or other security of Parent.
(k) Brokers. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.03(k), neither Parent
nor any of its subsidiaries has used any broker or finder in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby, and neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries
has or shall have any liability or otherwise suffer or incur any loss as a
result of or in connection with any brokerage or finder's fee or other
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commission of any person retained by Parent or any of its subsidiaries in
connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(l) Title to Properties. Parent has good and valid title to the
properties and assets reflected on the audited balance sheet of Parent as of
June 30, 1996 other than nonmaterial properties and assets disposed of in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since the date of such
balance sheet, and all such properties and assets are free and clear of Claims,
except (i) as described in the Parent SEC Filings, (ii) liens for current taxes
not yet due, and (iii) minor imperfections of title, if any, not material in
amount and not materially detracting from the value or impairing the use of the
property subject thereto or impairing the operations or proposed operations of
the Company (collectively, "Permitted Liens"). Such properties and assets
constitute all of the assets necessary to conduct Parent's business
substantially in the same manner as it has been conducted prior to the date
hereof.
(m) Intellectual Property Rights. The patents, trademarks and trade
names, trademark and trade name registrations, service mark, brand mark and
brand name registrations, copyrights, inventions, know-how, trade secrets,
proprietary processes and information, software source and object code, the
applications therefor and the licenses with respect thereto (collectively,
"Intellectual Property Rights") currently owned by, or licensed to, Parent and
its subsidiaries hereto constitute all material proprietary rights owned or held
by Parent or its subsidiaries that are necessary to the conduct of Parent's
business as currently conducted. Except as set forth in the Parent SEC Filings,
Parent and its subsidiaries conduct their business without any known
infringement or claim of infringement of any Intellectual Property Right of
others; (ii) to the knowledge of Parent, no person is challenging, infringing,
misappropriating or otherwise violating any such Intellectual Property Rights or
claiming that the conduct by Parent of its business, infringes, misappropriates
or otherwise violates the Intellectual Property Rights of any third party; (iii)
none of the Intellectual Property Rights currently used by Parent is the subject
of any outstanding order, ruling, decree, judgment or stipulation specifically
binding on Parent; (v) to the knowledge of Parent, none of the activities of any
employee of Parent or its subsidiaries on behalf thereof violates any
obligations of such employee to third parties, including, without limitation,
confidentiality or noncompetition obligations under agreements with a former
employer; (vi) Parent is not aware of any unauthorized use by a third party of
any computer software programs or applications that Parent considers to be a
trade secret belonging to the Company; (vii) Parent has taken and is taking
reasonable precautions to protect all material trade secrets and other
confidential information relating to its proprietary computer software programs
and applications or included in the Intellectual Property Rights that are
material to the conduct of its business; and (viii) the execution, delivery, and
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger will not
constitute a breach or default of any Intellectual Property Rights that are
material to the conduct of Parent's business.
(n) Environmental Matters. Parent and its subsidiaries are in
compliance in all material respects with all Federal, state or local statutes,
ordinances, orders, judgments, rulings or regulations relating to environmental
pollution or to environmental regulation or control. Parent has not been charged
by any governmental authority with improperly using, handling, storing,
discharging or disposing of any such hazardous or toxic substance or waste or
by-product thereof or with causing or permitting any pollution of any body of
water. To the best knowledge of Parent
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no properties or facilities used by Parent or its subsidiaries are subject to
any pending or threatened administrative or judicial proceeding under any
environmental law and there are no facts or circumstances known to Parent which
are reasonably likely to give rise to any proceeding. To the best knowledge of
Parent, there are no inactive, closed, or abandoned storage or disposal areas or
facilities or underground storage tanks on the properties or facilities used by
Parent or its subsidiaries.
(o) Insurance. All policies of fire, liability, workers'
compensation and other forms of insurance providing insurance coverage to or for
Parent are in full force and effect, and provide insurance in such amounts and
against such risks as Parent believes are customary for companies engaged in
similar businesses to protect the employees, properties, assets, businesses and
operations of Parent and its subsidiaries. All such policies will remain in full
force and effect and will not be adversely modified or affected by, or terminate
or lapse by reason of, any of the transactions contemplated hereby, except by
reason of an insurer's assessment of Parent or the conduct of the Business after
the Effective Time.
(p) Pending Transactions. Except for this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, Parent is not a party to or bound by any
agreement, negotiation, discussion, commitment or undertaking with respect to a
merger or consolidation with, or an acquisition of all or substantially all of
the property and assets of, any other corporation or person or the sale, lease
or exchange of all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any
other person.
(q) Claims Against Officers and Directors. To the knowledge of
Parent, there are no pending or threatened claims against any director, officer,
employee or agent of the Company which could give rise to any claim for
indemnification against the Company.
SECTION 3.04 Representations and Warranties of Acquisition. Acquisition
represents and warrants to Holdings and the Company as follows:
(a) Organization and Qualification. Acquisition is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or
lease and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it
is now being conducted. Acquisition is duly qualified as a foreign corporation
to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction in which the
character of its properties owned or leased or the nature of its activities
makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified
would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, operating
results or business of Acquisition.
(b) Capitalization. The authorized capital stock of Acquisition
consists of 3,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value. As of the date hereof,
100 shares of Common Stock are issued and outstanding, all of which were duly
authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and all such
shares are owned of record and beneficially by Parent free of all Claims, and no
shares of Common Stock are held in the treasury of Acquisition. Acquisition has
no commitments to issue or sell any shares of its capital stock or any
securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for, or giving any
person any right to subscribe for or acquire from
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Acquisition, any shares of its capital stock, and no securities or obligations
evidencing any such rights are outstanding.
(c) Authority Relative to Agreement. Acquisition has all requisite
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Acquisition and the consummation by Acquisition of the transactions contemplated
hereby have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of Acquisition and by
Parent as its sole stockholder, and no other corporate approvals or proceedings
on the part of Acquisition are necessary to authorize this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by Acquisition and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation
of Acquisition, enforceable against Acquisition in accordance with its terms
subject to the effect, if any, of (a) applicable bankruptcy and other similar
laws affecting the rights of creditors generally, (b) rules of law governing
specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies, and (c)
the limitations imposed by public policy on the enforceability of provisions
requiring indemnification in connection with the offering, issuance or sale of
securities.
(d) Non-Contravention. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
by Acquisition and the consummation by Acquisition of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not (i) violate or conflict with any provision of the
Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws of Acquisition or (ii) result in any
violation of, conflict with, or default (or an event which with notice or lapse
of time or both would constitute a default) or loss of a benefit under, or
permit the termination of or the acceleration of any obligation under, any
material mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement, license, judgment, order,
decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Acquisition or
its properties.
(e) Consents. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or
registration, declaration or filing with, any Federal, state, local or foreign
governmental or regulatory authority is required to be made or obtained by
Acquisition in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Acquisition or the consummation by Acquisition of the transactions contemplated
hereby, except for (i) compliance by Acquisition with the HSR Act, (ii) the
filing of a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware in accordance with the Delaware GCL, and (iii) any licenses, permits,
franchises or other governmental authorizations pertaining to the Business that
are required as a result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby.
(f) Other Matters. Acquisition has been formed for the sole purpose
of effecting the Merger and, except as contemplated by this Agreement,
Acquisition has not conducted any business activities and does not have any
material liabilities or obligations.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.01 Conduct of the Company's Business. The Company covenants
and agrees that, prior to the Effective Time, unless Parent shall otherwise
consent in writing and except as
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otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement or by any other contract or
agreement that the Company may enter into with Parent and/or Holdings:
(a) the business of the Company shall be conducted only in,
and the Company shall not take any action except in, the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice and the Company shall
use its best efforts to preserve intact its present business
organization, keep available the services of its current officers and
employees, maintain its assets (other than those permitted to be
disposed of hereunder) in good repair and condition, maintain its books
of account and records in the usual, regular and ordinary manner and
preserve its goodwill and ongoing business;
(b) the Company shall not directly or indirectly do any of the
following: (i) issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any property
or assets (including Intellectual Property Rights) of the Company,
except inventory and immaterial assets in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice; (ii) amend or propose to amend
its Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws; (iii) split, combine or
reclassify any outstanding shares of its capital stock, or declare, set
aside or pay any dividend payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise
with respect to such shares (except for any dividends paid in the
ordinary course to the Company); (iv) redeem, purchase, acquire or
offer to acquire (or permit any of its subsidiaries to redeem,
purchase, acquire or offer to acquire) any shares of its capital stock;
(v) incorporate or otherwise form or create any subsidiary; (vi)
materially change the Company's equipment or technology; or (vii) enter
into any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement with respect to
any of the matters set forth in this paragraph (b);
(c) the Company shall not (i) issue, sell, pledge or dispose
of, or agree to issue, sell, pledge or dispose of, any additional
shares of, or securities convertible or exchangeable for, or any
options, warrants or rights of any kind to acquire any shares of, its
capital stock of any class or other property or assets; (ii) acquire
(by merger, consolidation or acquisition of stock or assets) any
corporation, partnership or other business organization or division
thereof or any material amount of assets; (iii) incur or guarantee any
indebtedness for borrowed money other than in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practices, or refinance any such
indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities; (iv) enter into or
modify any material contract, lease, agreement or commitment, or permit
or perform any act that would cause a material breach of any such
contract, lease, agreement or commitment; (v) terminate, modify,
assign, waive, release or relinquish any material contract rights or
amend any material rights or claims; (vi) discharge or satisfy any
material claim or settle or compromise any material claim, action, suit
or proceeding pending or threatened against the Company (or, if the
Company may be liable or obligated to provide indemnification to its
directors or officers), against the Company's directors or officers,
before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator; (vii) make any
loans, advances or capital contributions to or investments in, any
other person, except as may be required under agreements in effect as
of and identified on Schedule 3.01(u) hereto and upon prior notice to
Parent; (viii) alter through merger, liquidation, reorganization,
restructuring or in any other manner the corporate structure or
ownership of the Company; (ix) violate or fail to perform, in any
material respect, any obligation imposed upon the Company by any
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applicable laws, orders or decrees, ordinances, government rules or
regulations or conciliation agreements; or (x) to the extent not
described herein, take any action described in Section 3.01(h) hereof;
(d) the Company shall not grant any increase in the salary or
other compensation of its directors, officers or employees, except
reasonable salary increases for employees or executive officers of the
Company, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, or grant any bonus to any employee or enter into any
employment agreement or make any loan to or enter into any material
transaction of any other nature with any employee of the Company;
(e) the Company shall not take any action to institute any new
severance or termination pay practices with respect to any directors,
officers or employees of the Company or to increase the benefits
payable under its severance or termination pay practices;
(f) the Company shall not adopt or amend, in any material
respect, any plan for the benefit or welfare of any directors, officers
or employees of the Company, except as contemplated hereby or as may be
required by applicable law or regulation;
(g) the Company shall use its best efforts, to the extent not
prohibited by the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.01, to
maintain its relationships with its suppliers and customers, clients,
and others having business dealings with it, and if and as requested by
Parent or Acquisition, (i) the Company shall use its best efforts to
make reasonable arrangements for representatives of Parent or
Acquisition to meet with customers and suppliers of the Company, and
(ii) the Company shall schedule, and the management of the Company
shall participate in, meetings of representatives of Parent or
Acquisition with employees of the Company for purposes of dealing with
the transition issues related to the Merger;
(h) the Company shall provide to Parent a draft of any Federal
income Tax return pertaining only to the Company or material state,
local or foreign Tax return (other than state or local sales and use
taxes) pertaining only to the Company required to be filed on behalf of
the Company between the Effective Date of this Agreement and the
Effective Time at least 15 days prior to the date on which such return
is due; and
(i) the Company shall respond to inquiries of and shall
consult with Parent as to the management, Business, and affairs of the
Company; provided, however, that the final decisions as to the conduct
of the management, Business, and affairs of the Company shall remain
with the Company.
SECTION 4.02 Registration Statement; Stockholder Approval; Etc.
(a) Parent, Holdings, and the Company shall, in consultation
with each other, prepare a joint proxy statement pertaining to the Merger and
containing the recommendation of the Board of Directors of each of Parent and
the Company to approve and adopt this Agreement and the
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Merger as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date hereof. The
Company's proxy or information statement shall also constitute the prospectus
included in the Registration Statement to be filed by Parent pursuant to Section
4.02(b) hereof (the "Proxy Statement/Prospectus"). Parent, Holdings, and the
Company shall cooperate fully with each other in the preparation of the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and any amendments and supplements thereto, and Parent,
Holdings, and the Company will provide any audited and unaudited financial
statements that may be required by the applicable rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission or otherwise to be included in the Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. The Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall not be distributed,
and no amendment or supplement thereto shall be made by Parent, Holdings, or the
Company, without the prior consent of any other party and its counsel. Each of
Parent and the Company shall cause a definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be
distributed to its stockholders entitled to vote upon the Merger promptly
following the effective date of the Registration Statement.
(b) (i) As promptly as reasonably practicable after the date
hereof, Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC under the Exchange Act and
the Securities Act, a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement") with respect to the approval of the Merger and the issuance of the
shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the Merger, and shall use its best
efforts to have the Proxy Statement and Registration Statement declared
effective by the SEC as promptly as practicable. Parent shall also take any
action required to be taken under state blue sky or other securities laws in
connection with the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock in the Merger.
(ii) As soon as reasonably practicable after the effective
date of the Registration Statement, Parent shall take all action necessary,
subject to and in accordance with the Delaware GCL and its Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws, to obtain the requisite approval and adoption of this
Agreement and the Merger by the Parent's stockholders at a duly called meeting
pursuant to the Delaware GCL and shall take such other actions as may be
required by applicable law and the applicable rules of the Nasdaq NM. The Board
of Directors of the Parent has determined that the Merger is advisable and in
the best interests of the stockholders of the Parent and shall recommend that
Parent's stockholders vote to approve and adopt this Agreement and the Merger
and any other matters to be submitted to Parent's stockholders in connection
therewith.
(iii) Holdings and the Company shall cooperate fully with
Parent in the preparation of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration
Statement and any amendments and supplements thereto and shall furnish Parent
with all information and shall take such other action as Parent may reasonably
request in connection therewith. Holdings and the Company shall provide Parent
with all pro forma financial information required by Regulation S-X to be
included in the Registration Statement or in any other filing that is required
to be made by Parent pursuant to the Securities Act or the Exchange Act in
connection with the Merger. All such pro forma financial information shall be
prepared in accordance with Regulation S-X and shall not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
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(c) As soon as reasonably practicable after the effective date
of the Registration Statement, the Company and Parent shall take all action
necessary, subject to and in accordance with the Delaware GCL and its
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, to obtain the requisite approval and
adoption of this Agreement and the Merger by their respective stockholders at a
duly called meeting or by written consents pursuant to Section 228 of the
Delaware GCL and shall take such other actions as may be required by applicable
law. The Board of Directors of the Company and Parent have each determined that
the Merger is advisable and in the best interests of their respective
stockholders and shall recommend that their respective stockholders vote to
approve and adopt this Agreement and the Merger and any other matters to be
submitted to such stockholders in connection therewith.
(d) Parent shall notify Holdings and the Company of the
receipt of any comments of the SEC with respect to (and of any requests by the
SEC for amendments or supplements to) the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the
Registration Statement, or for additional information within 24 hours after
receipt thereof from the SEC, and shall promptly supply Holdings and the Company
with copies of all correspondence between Parent (or its representatives) and
the SEC (or its staff) with respect thereto within 24 hours after receipt
thereof from the SEC. If, at any time prior to the approval of the Merger by
Parent's or the Company's stockholders, any event should occur relating to or
affecting Holdings, the Company, Parent or Acquisition, or to their respective
officers or directors, which event should be described in an amendment or
supplement to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the Registration Statement, the
parties shall promptly inform one another and shall cooperate in promptly
preparing, filing and clearing with the SEC and, if required by applicable
securities laws, distributing to Parent's or the Company's stockholders, such
amendment or supplement.
(e) Parent shall cause the Parent Common Stock to be issued in
the Merger, to be listed on the Nasdaq NM, subject to official notice of
issuance.
SECTION 4.03 Access to Information.
(a) Each of Parent, Holdings, and the Company shall, and shall
cause its respective subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees,
representatives, advisors and agents to, afford, from the date hereof to the
Effective Time, the officers, employees, representatives, advisors and agents of
the other party complete access at all reasonable times to its officers,
employees, agents, properties, books, records and workpapers, and shall furnish
each other party all financial, operating and other information and data as
Parent, Holdings, or Company, through its officers, employees or agents, may
reasonably request and shall promptly furnish to the other monthly operating and
financial reports in such form as Parent, Holdings, or the Company shall
reasonably request. For each calendar month that ends between August 1, 1996
through the Closing Date, the Company will within thirty days after the end of
such month prepare and deliver to Parent unaudited monthly balance sheets and
statements of operations for the Company, that shall fairly present the
financial condition and the results of operations of the Company in all material
respects.
(b) The Company, at least three business days prior to the
Effective Time, shall deliver to Parent a list setting forth the names and
locations of each bank or other financial institution
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at which the Company has an account (giving the account numbers) or safe deposit
box and the names of all persons authorized to draw thereon or have access
thereto, and the names of all persons, if any, now holding powers of attorney or
comparable delegation of authority from the Company and a summary statement
thereof.
(c) Each of Parent, Holdings, and the Company shall, and shall
cause its respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, advisors
and agents to, afford the officers, employees, representatives, advisors and
agents of the other party with access to such information concerning Parent or
the Company as may be necessary for each party to ascertain the accuracy and
completeness of the information supplied by Parent, Holdings, or the Company for
inclusion in any pre-merger notification report filed under the HSR Act (and any
additional information or documentary material supplied in response to any
request pursuant to Section 7A(e) of the HSR Act and the regulations thereunder)
or in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
(d) If this Agreement is terminated, each of the parties
hereto shall, and shall cause its officers, employees, representatives, advisors
and agents to, destroy or return to the other party all confidential documents,
work papers and other materials, and all copies thereof, obtained by it or on
its behalf from such other party as a result of this Agreement or in connection
herewith, whether so obtained before or after the execution and delivery hereof.
(e) Each of the parties hereto and its officers and employees
shall not disclose or use any information so obtained, except as required by
applicable law or legal process or by any applicable rules or regulations of a
national securities exchange or the NASD upon the advice of counsel, without the
prior written consent of the other party; provided that any such information may
be disclosed to a party's financial advisors, accountants, counsel and other
representatives, as may be appropriate or required in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby, but only if such persons shall be specifically
informed by such party of the confidential nature of such information and agree
to comply with the restrictions contained herein. The agreements contained in
this Section 4.03(e) do not apply to information that (i) is or becomes
generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by a
receiving party or its representatives, (ii) can be demonstrated to have been
known to the receiving party on a non-confidential basis prior to its receipt,
(iii) becomes available to a party on a non-confidential basis from a source not
bound by any duty of confidentiality to the other party or (iv) is independently
developed by a receiving party without reference to any confidential
information.
If any party or any of its respective representatives becomes
required by law (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena,
civil investigative demand, or similar process) or otherwise become required to
disclose any confidential information or material the recipient party will
provide the disclosing party with prompt prior written notice of such
requirement so that the disclosing party may seek a protective order or other
remedy, or waive compliance with the terms of this Agreement. If such protective
order or other remedy is not obtained, or if the disclosing party is required to
waive compliance with the provisions hereof, the recipient party will furnish
only that portion of the confidential information or material which it is
advised by written opinion of counsel is legally required and exercise all
reasonable efforts to obtain assurance that confidential treatment, if
available, will be accorded such confidential information or material.
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(f) No investigation pursuant to this Section 4.03 shall
affect, add to, or subtract from any representations or warranties of the
parties hereto or the conditions to the obligations of the parties hereto to
effect the Merger.
SECTION 4.04 Further Assurances. Subject to the terms and conditions
herein provided, each of the parties hereto agrees to use its best efforts to
take, or cause to be taken, all action and to do, or cause to be done, all
things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective as
promptly as practicable the Merger and all other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, including, without limitation, using all reasonable efforts to
obtain all necessary waivers, consents and approvals and to effect all necessary
registrations and filings and to cause the conditions to Closing set forth in
Article V hereof to be promptly fulfilled; provided, that the foregoing shall
not require Parent to agree to make, or to require or permit the Company to
make, or require Holdings to make any divestiture of a significant asset in
order to obtain any waiver, consent or approval.
SECTION 4.05 Inquiries and Negotiations. Neither Holdings, the Company
nor any of their subsidiaries, nor any of their respective affiliates,
directors, officers, employees, representatives, advisors or agents, shall,
directly or indirectly, encourage, solicit or initiate any discussions,
submissions of proposals or offers or negotiations with, or, subject to the
fiduciary obligations of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Board of
Directors of Holdings under applicable law as advised by counsel, participate in
any negotiations or discussions with, or provide any information or data of any
nature whatsoever to, or otherwise cooperate in any other way with, or assist or
participate in, facilitate or encourage any effort or attempt by, any person,
other than Parent and its affiliates, representatives and agents, concerning any
merger, consolidation, sale of substantial assets, sale of shares of capital
stock or other equity securities, recapitalization, debt restructuring or
similar transaction involving the Company, or any division of the Company (such
transactions being hereinafter referred to as "Alternative Transactions").
Holdings and the Company shall immediately notify Parent if any proposal, offer,
inquiry or other contact is received by, any information is requested from, or
any discussions or negotiations are sought to be initiated or continued with,
the Company in respect of an Alternative Transaction, and shall, in any such
notice to Parent, indicate the identity of the offeror and the terms and
conditions of any proposals or offers or the nature of any inquiries or
contacts, and thereafter shall keep Parent informed of the status and terms of
any such proposals or offers and the status of any such discussions or
negotiations. The Company shall not release any third party from, or waive any
provision of, any confidentiality or standstill agreement to which the Company
is a party. Nothing herein shall prevent Holdings from participating in any
merger or other business combination that does not involve the transfer of the
Company Common Stock or the Company's assets; provided, however, that any third
party acquiror of Holdings expressly consents to abide by the terms, conditions,
and obligations of this Agreement.
SECTION 4.06 Notification of Certain Matters. Holdings and the Company
shall give prompt notice to Parent and Acquisition, and Parent and Acquisition
shall give prompt notice to Holdings and the Company, of (i) the occurrence, or
failure to occur, of any event that such party believes would cause any of its
representations or warranties contained in this Agreement to be untrue or
inaccurate in any material respect at any time from the date hereof to the
Effective Time and (ii) any failure of Holdings, the Company, Parent or
Acquisition, as the case may be, or any officer, director, employee or agent
thereof, to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or
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agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder; provided, however,
that failure to give such notice shall not constitute a waiver of any defense
that may be validly asserted.
SECTION 4.07 Compliance with the Securities Act. Prior to the Effective
Time, the Company shall deliver to Parent a list identifying all persons who
might, in its opinion, be deemed to be "affiliates" of the Company for purposes
of Rule 145 under the Securities Act (the "Affiliates"). The Company shall use
its best efforts to cause each person who is identified as an Affiliate to
deliver to Parent on or prior to the Effective Time a written agreement, in such
form as may be agreed to by the parties, that he will not offer to sell, sell or
otherwise dispose of any of the shares of Parent Common Stock issued to him in
connection with the Merger, except pursuant to an effective registration
statement or in compliance with Rule 145 or pursuant to an exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act. Parent shall be entitled to
place appropriate legends on the certificates evidencing the Parent Common Stock
to be received by Affiliates pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and to
issue appropriate stock transfer instructions to the transfer agent for Parent
Common Stock, to the effect that the shares received or to be received by such
Affiliate pursuant to this Agreement may only be sold, transferred or otherwise
conveyed, and the holder thereof may only reduce his interest in or risks
relating to such shares, pursuant to an effective registration statement under
the Securities Act or in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) of Rule
145 or pursuant to an exemption from registration provided under the Securities
Act. The foregoing restrictions on the transferability of Parent Common Stock
shall apply to all purported sales, transfers and other conveyances of the
shares received or to be received by such Affiliate pursuant to this Agreement
and to all purported reductions in the interest in or risks relating to such
shares, whether or not such Affiliate has exchanged the certificates previously
evidencing shares of the Company's capital stock, into which such shares were
converted.
SECTION 4.08 Conduct of Parent's Business. Parent covenants and agrees
that, prior to the Effective Time, unless the Company shall otherwise agree in
writing, or as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement:
(a) the business of Parent and its subsidiaries shall be
conducted only in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(b) Parent shall not (i) amend its Certificate of
Incorporation (other than to increase the number of authorized shares of capital
stock of Parent) or (ii) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other
distribution payable in cash, stock or property;
(c) Parent shall not authorize for issuance, issue or sell or
agree to issue or sell any shares of, or rights to acquire or convert into any
shares of, its capital stock, except for (i) the issuance of options or rights
pursuant to existing employee benefit plans or arrangements in a manner and in
amounts consistent with past practice, (ii) the issuance of shares of Parent
Common Stock upon the exercise of options or other rights to purchase Parent
Common Stock outstanding on the Effective Date of this Agreement or upon the
exercise of options or other rights described in the immediately preceding
clause (i), (iii) the issuance of Parent Common Stock pursuant to the agreements
set forth on Schedule 3.03(c), and (iv) the issuance of up to an additional
5,000,000 shares (as may be adjusted from time to time for stock splits or stock
dividends) of Parent Common
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Stock, or options or rights to purchase such shares of stock, for any other
corporate purpose, including acquisitions; and
(d) neither Parent nor Acquisition shall take any action that
would jeopardize qualification of the Merger as a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
SECTION 4.09 Employment and Severance Liabilities. Holdings covenants
and agrees that it will retain any and all employment and severance liabilities
and obligations for the employees and former employees of the Company
specifically listed on Schedule 4.09 hereof.
SECTION 4.10 Contractual Obligations. Holdings covenants and agrees
that it will honor and comply in all material respects with any and all
obligations and/or liabilities that it is contractually bound to, or otherwise
obligated for under the contracts, agreements, and arrangements listed on
Schedule 4.10 hereof insofar as they involve the Business of the Company.
SECTION 4.11 Indemnity. Parent agrees to defend, indemnify and hold
Holdings harmless from and against, any and all suits, claims, demands, actions,
causes of action, loss, damages, liabilities, cost and expense (including but
not limited to reasonably attorneys' fees and court costs and costs of other
professionals) arising in any manner out of any failure of Parent or the Company
after the Effective Time, to comply with or perform any contractual or other
obligation to which the Company is now, or hereafter becomes, bound or
obligated.
SECTION 4.12 Agreements Executed. Concurrently with their execution of
this Agreement, the applicable parties hereto shall execute and deliver to each
other: (a) that certain Services and License Agreement by and among Parent,
Holdings and the Company, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B and
incorporated herein by reference (the "Services and License Agreement"); (b) an
Assignment and License Agreement by and between Holdings and the Company which
is attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated herein by reference; (c) a
Stock Restriction Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit D and
incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 4.13 Stockholder Agreements and Proxies. Peter J. Kight and
Mark A. Johnson shall, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement by
Holdings and the Company, each have executed and delivered to Holdings (i) a
Stockholder Agreement and (ii) an Irrevocable Proxy, copies of which are
attached hereto as Exhibit E and incorporated herein by reference. Parent shall
use its best efforts to cause Tribune Company to also execute and deliver such a
Stockholder Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy as soon as practicable.
SECTION 4.14 Revenue Make-Up.
(a) As soon as reasonably practicable after July 31, 1997,
Parent shall deliver to Holdings the Company's unaudited statement of operations
for the twelve-month period beginning on August 1, 1996 and ending on July 31,
1997 (such twelve-month period being hereinafter called the "Revenue Period"),
prepared by Parent's auditors in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied and consistent with the Company's revenue
recognition
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<PAGE> 46
policies for its fiscal year ended July 31, 1996 (such unaudited statement of
operations is hereinafter called the "Revenue Statement"). As used herein, the
term "Gross Revenues" means the Company's total gross revenues derived during
the Revenue Period determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied and consistent with the Company's revenue
recognition policies for its fiscal year ended July 31, 1996. The Company and
Parent shall maintain complete and accurate books and records relating to the
determination of Gross Revenues.
(b) If the Company's Gross Revenues are less than Forty-Six
Million Dollars ($46,000,000), then, provided that (i) Parent and the Company
have, at all times after the Effective Time, used their respective good faith
efforts to maximize the Gross Revenues of the Company during the Revenue Period;
(ii) the Company has not discontinued or disposed of any material portion of its
business or assets (as such exist immediately prior to the Effective Time);
(iii) Parent has fully and timely paid to Holdings all fees required to be paid
to Holdings under Section 8.1.5 of the Services and License Agreement; and (iv)
Holdings has received from the Company the Revenue Statement stating that the
Company's Gross Revenues for the Revenue Period are less than Forty-Six Million
Dollars ($46,000,000), Holdings shall, within sixty-five (65) days after its
receipt of the Revenue Statement, pay to Parent, in cash, a sum equal to
Forty-Six Million Dollars ($46,000,000) minus the amount of the Gross Revenues
(the "Revenue Make-Up Payment"), subject to the provisions of paragraph (c)
below.
(c) Within thirty (30) days after it receives the Revenue
Statement, Holdings may request an audit of the Company's and Parent's records
pertaining to the determination of the Gross Revenues by Holdings' auditors (the
"Audit") by giving the Company and Parent written notice (the "Audit Notice").
Upon timely submission of the Audit Notice, Holdings' auditor may perform the
Audit during business hours and the Company and Parent shall cooperate in good
faith in facilitating such Audit and promptly making available all records
necessary to enable Holdings' Auditor to perform the Audit. The Audit shall be
completed within sixty (60) days after Holdings receives the Revenue Statement
(subject to potential extension due to failure by the Company or Parent to
cooperate and provide records as required above). If the Audit reveals that the
Gross Revenues are higher than indicated in the Revenue Statement, then the
amount of the Revenue Make-Up Payment shall be reduced to the sum equal to
Forty-Six Million Dollars ($46,000,000) minus the Gross Revenues as determined
by the Audit.
SECTION 4.15 Board Visitation Rights. So long as Holdings holds no less
than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding shares of the Parent Common Stock,
Parent will permit one (1) representative of Holdings (the "Designee") to attend
all meetings of Parent's Board of Directors in a non-voting observer capacity.
Parent will also timely provide such Designee with copies of all notices,
minutes and other materials that it provides to its directors with respect to
such meetings. Holdings may change its Designee from time to time with the prior
written consent of Parent, which will not unreasonably be withheld. Holdings'
initial designee will be Eric C. W. Dunn. Nothing contained herein shall require
Parent to permit the Designee to have access to information, including Board
minutes, or to attend or to participate in meetings of the Board of Directors
which, in the reasonable judgment of Parent's Board of Directors, pertains to
matters with respect to which Holdings' interests may conflict with those of
Parent prior to public disclosure by Parent of such matters or which the
Parent's Board of Directors deems the presence of such Designee would unduly
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prohibit the full discussion of any matter before Parent's Board of Directors.
In addition, the Designee would be required to first sign a reasonable
nondisclosure and confidentiality agreement as appropriate for a public company
and which would impose on the Designee the same confidentiality obligations he
would have if he were in fact a member of Parent's Board of Directors.
SECTION 4.16 Reimbursement for Certain Charges and Costs.
(a) Holdings covenants and agrees that it will reimburse
Parent for any charges, costs, or penalties associated with, or arising out of
matters listed on Schedule 4.16.
(b) Reimbursements made pursuant to this Section 4.16 shall be
paid in cash and shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, and not set off
against any right of payment, by indemnification or otherwise, or Merger
Consideration Adjustment, required by any other provision of this Agreement.
(c) Prior to any obligation on Holdings to reimburse Parent,
Parent must give notice of such right to reimbursement within six (6) months
after the Effective Time (except for Item G on Schedule 4.16 which shall be
within eighteen (18) months after the Effective Date of this Agreement) and
shall provide Holdings with reasonable documentation of Parent's reimbursement
claim.
SECTION 4.17 Debt. Holdings covenants and agrees that, at Closing, the
Company will have no debt and will have $3,000,000 in cash.
ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
SECTION 5.01 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the
Merger. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be
subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Effective Time of the following
conditions:
(a) this Agreement and the Merger shall have been approved and
adopted by the requisite vote of (i) the sole stockholder of the Company and
(ii) the stockholders of Parent;
(b) the expiration or earlier termination of any waiting
period under the HSR Act shall have occurred;
(c) no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order,
decree or ruling issued by any court of competent jurisdiction nor any statute,
rule, regulation or order entered, promulgated or enacted by any governmental,
regulatory or administrative agency or authority shall be in effect that would
prevent the consummation of the Merger as contemplated hereby;
(d) the Registration Statement shall have been declared
effective and no stop order with respect thereto shall be in effect at the
Effective Time;
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<PAGE> 48
(e) the execution and delivery by Parent and Holdings of an
escrow agreement (the "Escrow Agreement"), a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit F and incorporated herein by reference; and
(f) the execution and delivery by Parent and Holdings of a
Registration Rights Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit G and
incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 5.02 Conditions to the Obligation of Holdings and the Company
to Effect the Merger. The obligation of Holdings and the Company to effect the
Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Effective Time of
the following additional conditions:
(a) Parent and Acquisition shall have performed and complied
in all material respects with all their obligations, covenants, and agreements
required to be performed and complied with by them under this Agreement at or
prior to the Effective Time;
(b) the representations and warranties made by Parent and/or
Acquisition in Sections 3.03 and 3.04 hereof (as qualified by the schedules
hereto and the Parent Disclosure Letter), shall not, as of the Effective Date of
this Agreement, have been incorrect, untrue or false in any respect that failed
to correctly state facts in existence on the Effective Date of this Agreement
that constituted a Parent Material Adverse Effect on the Effective Date of this
Agreement;
(c) Holdings and the Company shall have received a certificate
from the Chief Executive Officer of Parent and Acquisition, dated as of the
Effective Time, to the effect that the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a)
and (b) above have been satisfied;
(d) the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq NM, subject to
official notice of issuance; and
(e) Holdings and the Company shall have received the opinion
of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur, counsel to Parent and Acquisition, with
respect to the matters set forth on Exhibit H and incorporated herein by
reference, subject to appropriate limitations and qualifications.
SECTION 5.03 Conditions to the Obligation of Parent and Acquisition to
Effect the Merger. The obligation of Parent and Acquisition to effect the Merger
shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the Effective Time of the
following additional conditions:
(a) Holdings and the Company shall have performed and complied
in all material respects with all their obligations, covenants, and agreements
required to be performed and complied with by them under this Agreement at or
prior to the Effective Time;
(b) the representations and warranties made by Holdings and/or
the Company in Sections 3.01 and 3.02 hereof (as qualified by the schedules
hereto and the Holdings/Company Disclosure Letter), shall not, as of the
Effective Date of this Agreement, have been incorrect, untrue or false in any
respect that failed to correctly state facts in existence on the Effective Date
of this
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Agreement that constituted a Company Material Adverse Effect as of the Effective
Date of this Agreement;
(c) Parent shall have received a certificate from the Chief
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Holdings and the Company,
dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect that the conditions set forth in
paragraphs (a) and (b) above have been satisfied;
(d) Parent shall have received a certificate from the Chief
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Holdings and the Company,
dated as of the Effective Time, to the effect that the Company has not incurred,
realized, or otherwise experienced a Material Adverse Change; provided, however;
the existence of such Material Adverse Change will not entitle Parent to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Article VI;
(e) Parent shall have received the consents described in
Schedule 3.03(f); and
(f) Parent and Acquisition shall have received the opinion of
Fenwick & West LLP, counsel to Holdings and the Company, with respect to the
matters set forth on Exhibit I and incorporated herein by reference, subject to
appropriate limitations and qualifications.
ARTICLE VI
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
SECTION 6.01 Termination and Abandonment. This Agreement may be
terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective
Time, whether before or after approval by the stockholders of Parent and the
Company:
(a) by mutual written consent approved by the Boards of
Directors of Parent, Holdings, and the Company;
(b) by Holdings or the Company if the conditions set forth in
Sections 5.01 or 5.02 shall not have been complied with, waived or performed and
such noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been cured or eliminated (or
by its nature cannot be cured or eliminated), by Parent and Acquisition on or
before March 31, 1997; or
(c) by Holdings or the Company, if Parent's Board of Directors
fails to recommend approval of this Agreement or the Merger to Parent's
stockholders or recommends against approval of this Agreement or the Merger to
Parent's stockholders; or
(d) by Parent or Acquisition, if the conditions set forth in
Sections 5.01 or 5.03 shall not have been complied with, waived or performed and
such noncompliance or nonperformance shall not have been cured or eliminated (or
by its nature cannot be cured or eliminated), by Holdings and the Company on or
before March 31, 1997; or
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(e) by Parent, if the representations and warranties made by
Holdings and/or the Company in Sections 3.01 and 3.02 hereof (as qualified by
the schedules hereto and the Holdings/Company Disclosure Letter), shall, as of
the Effective Date of this Agreement, have been incorrect, untrue or false in
any respect that failed to correctly state facts in existence on the Effective
Date of this Agreement that constituted a Company Material Adverse Effect on the
Effective Date of this Agreement; or
(f) by Holdings or the Company, if the representations and
warranties made by Parent and/or Acquisition in Sections 3.03 and 3.04 hereof
(as qualified by the schedules hereto and the Parent Disclosure Letter), shall,
as of the Effective Date of this Agreement, have been incorrect, untrue or false
in any respect that failed to correctly state facts in existence on the
Effective Date of this Agreement that constituted a Parent Material Adverse
Effect on the Effective Date of this Agreement.
SECTION 6.02 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of
this Agreement and the abandonment of the Merger pursuant to Section 6.01, this
Agreement shall thereafter become void and have no effect, and no party hereto
shall have any liability to any other party hereto or its stockholders or
directors or officers on account of such termination, and each party shall be
responsible for its own expenses, except as follows: (i) the obligations imposed
by Sections 4.03(d) and 4.03(e) hereof shall survive the termination of this
Agreement, and (ii) nothing herein shall relieve any party from liability for
any willful breach hereof.
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 7.01 Indemnification by Holdings. Subject to the terms,
conditions, and limitations set forth herein, if the Merger is consummated,
Holdings agrees to indemnify Parent against, and agrees to hold Parent harmless
from, any and all actions, suits, losses, costs, claims, damages and expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees) (the "Losses"), incurred or suffered by
them relating to or arising out of or in connection with any material breach of,
or any material misrepresentation or inaccuracy in, any representation or
warranty made by Holdings and/or the Company in Section 3.01 or Section 3.02 of
this Agreement (as qualified by the Holdings/Company Disclosure Letter and the
schedules hereto) where such material breach or material misrepresentation or
inaccuracy existed as of the Effective Date of this Agreement; provided,
however, that the amount of Losses recoverable under the indemnity provisions of
this Article shall be reduced, dollar-for-dollar, by the amount of any insurance
proceeds paid to Parent and by the amount of tax benefits realized by Parent in
respect of such Losses. In addition, notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, the term "Losses" shall not include, and Parent shall not be entitled
to indemnification for, any actions, suits, losses, costs, claims, damages and
expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), to the extent that Parent has
recovered or been compensated or reimbursed therefor by virtue of (a) the Merger
Consideration Adjustment pursuant to Section 2.02 hereof, or (b) a Revenue
Makeup Payment made pursuant to Section 4.14 hereof, or (c) a payment made
pursuant to Section 4.16 hereof, with the purpose and intent that Parent shall
not receive a redundant or double recovery of any Losses.
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SECTION 7.02 Claims. The provisions of this Section shall be subject to
Section 7.03. As soon as is reasonably practicable after becoming aware of a
claim for indemnification under this Agreement, Parent shall promptly give
written notice to Holdings of such claim and the amount Parent believes it will
be entitled to receive hereunder in indemnification from Holdings under this
Article VII in respect of such claim; provided, that the failure of Parent to
promptly give such notice shall not relieve Holdings of its obligations except
to the extent (if any) that Holdings shall have been prejudiced thereby. If
Holdings does not object in writing to such indemnification claim within 30 days
of receiving written notice thereof, Parent shall be entitled to recover, on the
60th day after such written notice was given, from Holdings the amount of such
claim, and no later objection by Holdings shall be permitted; if Holdings agrees
that it has an indemnification obligation but objects that it is obligated to
pay only a lesser amount, Parent shall nevertheless be entitled to recover from
Holdings, on the 60th day after such notice was given, the lesser amount,
without prejudice to Parent's claim for the difference. In addition to the
amounts recoverable by Parent from Holdings pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, Parent shall also be entitled to recover from Holdings interest on
such amounts at the rate equal to the published prime rate at The Chase
Manhattan Bank, New York, New York, from, and including, the 60th day after such
notice of an indemnification claim is given to, but not including, the date such
recovery is actually made by Parent.
SECTION 7.03 Notice and Defense of Third Party Claims. Parent shall
give written notice as promptly as is reasonably practicable to Holdings of the
assertion of any claim, or the commencement of any suit, action or proceeding,
by any person or entity not a party hereto in respect of which indemnity may be
sought under Article VII of this Agreement ("Third Party Claim"); provided that
the failure of Parent to promptly give such notice shall not relieve Holdings of
its obligations except to the extent (if any) that Holdings shall have been
prejudiced thereby. If Parent does not promptly elect to defend or contest the
Third Party Claim, then Holdings, at its sole option (i) shall be free to assume
and control the prosecution or defense of any such Third Party Claim in a
reasonable manner, (ii) may take all reasonably necessary steps to contest the
Third Party Claim or to prosecute such Third Party Claim to conclusion or
settlement satisfactory to Holdings, (iii) shall notify Parent of the progress
of any such Third Party Claim, (iv) shall permit Parent, at the sole cost of
such Parent, to participate in such prosecution or defense, and (v) shall
provide Parent with reasonable access to all relevant information and
documentation relating to the Third Party Claim and Holdings' prosecution or
defense thereof. In any case, the party not in control of the defense or
prosecution of the Third Party Claim shall cooperate with the other party in the
conduct of the prosecution or defense of such Third Party Claim. If, however,
Parent reasonably determines in its judgment that representation by Holdings'
counsel of both Holdings and Parent would present such counsel with a conflict
of interest, then Parent may employ separate counsel to represent or defend it
in any such claim, action, suit or proceeding and Holdings shall pay the fees
and disbursements of such separate counsel. Whether or not Holdings chooses to
defend or prosecute any such claim, suit, action or proceeding, all of the
parties hereto shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution thereof.
SECTION 7.04 Settlement or Compromise. Neither party shall compromise
or settle any Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of either
Holdings (if Parent controls and defends such Third Party Claim) or Parent (if
Holdings controls and defends such Third Party
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Claim), such consent not to be unreasonably withheld (provided, that, in the
case of Parent, such consent shall be deemed to be unreasonably withheld if
Parent will, as part of the terms of such compromise or settlement, be fully
released of liability arising from such Third Party Claim). The person
controlling the defense of such Third Party Claim will give the other person at
least 20 days' notice of any proposed settlement or compromise of any Third
Party Claim for which it is controlling the defense.
SECTION 7.05. Limitations on Indemnification.
(a) Basket. Any indemnification pursuant to this Agreement
shall be subject to the requirement that no claim may be made until the
aggregate amount of Losses exceeds $500,000, after which time claims for
indemnification may be made for the aggregate amount of all Losses, subject to
the terms, conditions and limitations set forth herein.
(b) Maximum Liability. Holdings' total and maximum aggregate
lifetime liability under this Article VII shall not exceed a dollar amount equal
to thirty-five percent (35%) of the Merger Consideration, as adjusted pursuant
to Section 2.02 hereof, multiplied by the per share closing price of Parent
Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq NM for the five (5) trading days
immediately preceding the Effective Date of this Agreement.
(c) Deadline for Indemnity Claims. Except as otherwise
provided in Section 7.01, Holdings shall have no liability with respect to any
matter or claim for indemnification hereunder, unless Parent notifies Holdings
in accordance with this Article VII no later than the close of business on the
first (1st) anniversary of the Effective Time of a claim for indemnification
hereunder; provided, however, that (i) claims of indemnification for Loss
suffered as a result of a material breach of the representations and warranties
under Sections 3.01(p) and (r) hereof (the "Tax Warranties") shall survive until
six (6) months after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations
with respect to Taxes, including any extensions thereof; and (ii) such
limitation shall not apply in any matter involving intentional misrepresentation
or fraud on the part of Holdings.
ARTICLE VIII
NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT
SECTION 8.01 Certain Acknowledgments. Holdings expressly acknowledges
that the noncompetition agreements set forth in this Article VIII are a material
part of this Agreement and are an integral part of the obligations of Holdings
hereunder; and the noncompetition agreements set forth in this Article VIII are
reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of Parent
following the consummation of the Merger.
SECTION 8.02 Noncompetition Agreement. Except as provided in Section
8.03 below, during the period beginning on the Effective Time and ending on the
fifth (5th) anniversary of the Effective Time, except with Parent's prior
written consent, Holdings shall not, directly or indirectly, own or operate a
back-end computer-based system for processing consumer or small business remote
payment instructions in order to generate remittance information and payment
(via remote check
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printing or electronic funds transfer) to merchants in the United States of
America (the "Competing Business"). The parties agree, without limitation, that
Holdings shall not be deemed to be engaged in the Competing Business by virtue
of, nor shall Holdings be at any time prohibited from: (a) developing and
providing client-software or web/Internet-based applications which create and
transmit payment instructions or remittance information to third parties; or (b)
developing and providing client-software or web/Internet-based applications
which facilitate the on-line purchase of goods or services.
SECTION 8.03 Exception. The ownership by Holdings or any subsidiary or
affiliate controlled by Holdings of not more than five percent in the aggregate
of the outstanding securities of any public company shall not, by itself,
constitute a breach of the noncompetition agreement in Section 8.02, even if
such public company competes with Parent or engages in the Competing Business.
SECTION 8.04 No Objection or Defense. Holdings expressly waives any
objection to or defense regarding the scope, duration or geographic area of the
restriction on competition set forth in this Article VIII.
SECTION 8.05 Enforcement of Noncompetition Agreement. Holdings
expressly acknowledges that it would be extremely difficult to measure the
damage that might result form any breach of the noncompetition agreements in
this Article VIII, and that any such breach will result in irreparable injury to
Parent for which money damages could not adequately compensate. If a breach of
the noncompetition agreements in this Article VIII occurs, then Parent shall be
entitled, in addition to all other rights or remedies that it may have at law or
in equity. to have an injunction issued by any competent court enjoining and
restraining Holdings and all other persons involved therein from continuing such
breach. The existence of any claim or cause of action that Holdings or any such
other person may have against Parent shall not constitute a defense or bar to
the enforcement of any of the noncompetition agreements under this Article VIII.
If Parent must resort to litigation to enforce any of the noncompetition
agreements under this Article VIII that has a fixed term, then such term shall
be extended for a period of time equal to the period during which a breach of
such agreement was occurring, beginning on the date of a final court order
(without further right of appeal) holding that such breach occurred or, if
later, the last day of the original fixed term of such agreement.
SECTION 8.06 Early Termination of Noncompetition Agreement. In the
event that Holdings is merged or consolidated with, or a majority of Holdings'
voting stock or all or substantially all of Holdings' assets are acquired by, a
person, corporation or other party who, at the time of such merger,
consolidation, stock or asset acquisition, is engaged in the Competing Business,
then upon the consummation of such merger, consolidation, sale, acquisition or
similar business combination, all Holdings' obligations, duties and covenants
under this Article VIII shall automatically immediately terminate and expire.
SECTION 8.07 Effect on Acquiror. In the event that Holdings is merged
or consolidated with, or a majority of Holdings' voting stock or all or
substantially all of Holdings' assets are acquired by, a person, corporation or
other party (the "Acquiror"), and the provisions of Section 8.06
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<PAGE> 54
do not apply, then the Acquiror shall not be bound by or obligated under any of
Holdings' obligations or duties under this Article VIII; except that such
Acquiror may not utilize technology or personnel of Holdings to engage in the
Competing Business so long as Holdings' obligations, duties and covenants under
this Article VIII remain in effect.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.01 Survival of Representations and Warranties. Except as
otherwise specified, the representations and warranties of Holdings and the
Company contained herein shall survive the Closing for a period expiring at the
close of business on the first (1st) anniversary of the Effective Time;
provided, however, that the Tax Warranties shall survive until six (6) months
after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations with respect to
Taxes, including any extensions thereof.
SECTION 9.02 Interpretation of Representations and Warranties. Each
representation and warranty made in this Agreement or pursuant hereto is
independent of all other representations and warranties made by the same
parties, whether or not covering related or similar matters, and must be
independently and separately satisfied. Exceptions or qualifications to any such
representation or warranty shall qualify, and shall be exceptions to, any other
representation or warranty.
SECTION 9.03 Reliance by Parent and Acquisition. Notwithstanding the
right of Parent and Acquisition to investigate the business, assets, and
financial condition of Holdings and/or the Company, and notwithstanding any
knowledge determinable by Parent or Acquisition as a result of such
investigation, Parent and Acquisition have the unqualified right to rely upon,
and have relied upon, each of the representations and warranties made by
Holdings and/or the Company in this Agreement or pursuant hereto, as qualified
by the Holdings/Company Disclosure Letter and the schedules hereto, except to
the extent that Parent or Acquisition had actual knowledge to the contrary at
the Effective Date of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.04 Expenses, Etc. Whether or not the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement are consummated, neither Holdings and the
Company, on the one hand, and Parent and Acquisition, on the other hand, shall
have any obligation to pay any of the fees and expenses of the other incident to
the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement, including the fees
and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers and other experts and
Parent shall pay all such fees and expenses incurred by Acquisition. Holdings
and the Company, on the one hand, and Parent and Acquisition, on the other hand,
shall indemnify the other and hold it harmless from and against any claims for
finders' fees or brokerage commissions in relation to or in connection with such
transactions as a result of any agreement or understanding between such
indemnifying party and any third party. The Company represents that, in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Company has
committed to pay only the fees and expenses set forth on Schedule 9.04 hereto.
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<PAGE> 55
SECTION 9.05 Publicity; Confidentiality. Holdings, the Company, and
Parent agree that this Agreement and the exchange of information pursuant
thereto is confidential and they will not disclose or issue any press release or
make any other public announcement concerning this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby without the prior consent of the other party, which will not
be unreasonably withheld, except that Holdings, the Company, or Parent may make
such public disclosure that it believes in good faith to be required by law or
any applicable rules and regulations of a national securities exchange or the
NASD (in which event such party shall consult with the other prior to making
such disclosure).
SECTION 9.06 Execution in Counterparts. For the convenience of the
parties, this Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.
SECTION 9.07 Notices. All notices that are required or may be given
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
sufficient in all respects if given in writing and delivered by hand or national
overnight courier service, transmitted by telecopy or mailed by registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed given upon receipt, as
follows:
If to Parent to:
CHECKFREE CORPORATION
8275 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43235
Telecopy Number: (614) 825-3244
Attention: Peter J. Kight
Chairman
with copies to:
CHECKFREE CORPORATION
8275 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43235
Telecopy Number: (614) 825-3244
Attention: William C. Buckham
General Counsel
and
PORTER, WRIGHT, MORRIS & ARTHUR
41 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Telecopy Number: (614) 227-2100
Attention: Curtis A. Loveland, Esq.
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<PAGE> 56
If to Holdings and/or the Company, to:
INTUIT INC.
2535 Garcia Avenue
Mountain View, California 94043
Telecopy Number: (415) 944-3060
Attention: William H. Harris,
Executive Vice President
with a copies to:
INTUIT INC.
2535 Garcia Avenue
Mountain View, California 94043
Telecopy Number: (415) 944-6622
Attention: Catherine Valentine, Esq.
General Counsel
and
FENWICK & WEST LLP
Two Palo Alto Square
Palo Alto, California 94306
Telecopy Number: (415) 857-0361
Attention: Kenneth A. Linhares, Esq.
or such other address or addresses as any party hereto shall have designated by
notice in writing to the other parties hereto.
SECTION 9.08 Waivers. Holdings and the Company, on the one hand, and
Parent and Acquisition, on the other hand, may, by written notice to the other,
(i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other
actions of the other under this Agreement; (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the
representations or warranties of the other contained in this Agreement or in any
document delivered pursuant to this Agreement; (iii) waive compliance with any
of the conditions of the other contained in this Agreement; or (iv) waive
performance of any of the obligations of the other under this Agreement. Except
as provided in the preceding sentence, no action taken pursuant to this
Agreement, including, without limitation, any investigation by or on behalf of
any party, shall be deemed to constitute a waiver by the party taking such
action of compliance with any representations, warranties, covenants or
agreements contained in this Agreement. The waiver by any party hereto of a
breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a
waiver of any subsequent breach.
SECTION 9.09 Amendments, Supplements, Etc. At any time, this Agreement
may be amended or supplemented by such additional agreements, articles or
certificates, as may be determined by the parties hereto to be necessary,
desirable or expedient to further the purposes of
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<PAGE> 57
this Agreement, or to clarify the intention of the parties hereto, or to add to
or modify the covenants, terms or conditions hereof or to effect or facilitate
any governmental approval or acceptance of this Agreement or to effect or
facilitate the filing or recording of this Agreement or the consummation of any
of the transactions contemplated hereby. Any such instrument must be in writing
and signed by all of the parties hereto.
SECTION 9.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and its schedules and
exhibits, and the documents to be executed or delivered at the Effective Time in
connection herewith, constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto
with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings, oral and written, among the parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof. No representation, warranty, promise, inducement or
statement of intention has been made by any party that is not embodied in this
Agreement or such other documents, and none of the parties shall be bound by, or
be liable for, any alleged representation, warranty, promise, inducement or
statement of intention not embodied herein or therein.
SECTION 9.11 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard
to conflict of laws principles.
SECTION 9.12 Binding Effect, Benefits. This Agreement shall inure to
the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns. Except for the provisions of Article VII hereof, nothing
in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer on any person
other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns, any
rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this
Agreement.
SECTION 9.13 Assignability. Neither this Agreement nor any of the
parties' rights hereunder shall be assignable by any party hereto without the
prior written consent of the other parties hereto.
SECTION 9.14 Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that
is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction,
be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
SECTION 9.15 Variation and Amendment. This Agreement may be varied or
amended at any time before or after the approval and adoption of this Agreement
by the stockholders of Parent and the Company by action of the respective Boards
of Directors of Holdings, the Company, Parent, and Acquisition, without action
by the stockholders thereof, provided that after approval and adoption of this
Agreement by Parent's stockholders no such variance or amendment shall, without
consent of such stockholders, increase the consideration that the holders of the
capital stock of the Company shall be entitled to receive upon the Effective
Time pursuant to Section 2.01 hereof.
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<PAGE> 58
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
CHECKFREE CORPORATION
By /s/ Peter J. Kight
---------------------------------
CHECKFREE ACQUISITION CORPORATION II
By /s/ Peter J. Kight
---------------------------------
INTUIT INC.
By /s/ James J. Heeger
---------------------------------
INTUIT SERVICES CORPORATION
By /s/ Catherine L. Valentine
---------------------------------
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<PAGE> 1
[CHECKFREE CORPORATION LOGO] Media contact: Matt Lewis, CheckFree Corporation
(770) 734-3404
[email protected]
Gustavo Machado/Glen Jackson
Jackson Spalding Ledlie
(404) 724-2507
CHECKFREE TO ACQUIRE BILL PAYMENT AND
ELECTRONIC BANKING SERVICES SUBSIDIARY OF INTUIT
Acquisition creates processing infrastructure open to all
standards for electronic commerce transaction processing with
over 180 financial institutions and more than a million users
COLUMBUS OH - CheckFree Corporation (NASDAQ: CKFR, www.checkfree.com) today
announced an agreement to acquire Intuit Services Corporation (ISC) for 12.6
million shares of common stock in CheckFree Corporation. Intuit Services
Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ: INTU). The
transaction is expected to close before December 31, 1996 and is subject to
customary regulatory and stockholder approval.
Based on the September 13 closing price of 18 1/16 for CheckFree stock, the
indicated price CheckFree is paying for ISC is $227 million. Intuit Inc. has
guaranteed to pay CheckFree, under the purchase agreement, the dollar amount of
any shortfall below $46 million in ISC revenues for the 12 months ending July
31, 1997.
After completion of the acquisition, CheckFree will be the provider of home
banking and bill payment services for over 180 financial institutions. The
acquisition will bring CheckFree's base of home banking and bill payment users
to over one million.
"This acquisition makes us the go-to service company for electronic commerce,
and with the shift from paper to electronic commerce clearly underway, that's a
good position to be in," said Pete Kight, Chairman and CEO of CheckFree.
CheckFree Corporation markets its electronic commerce processing capabilities
exclusively to financial institutions, which, in turn, use them to provide home
banking and bill payment services to their customers. CheckFree's approach is
behind the scenes: providing banking and bill payment transaction processing.
"This combination does what the financial institutions have asked for - it
creates an open, completely invisible transaction processing architecture for
them to use that supports all leading interfaces," said Kight. "A secure,
reliable processing infrastructure open to all standards for electronic banking
and bill payment processing provides financial institutions with the choice and
control they need to dramatically increase the penetration of electronic
banking."
"Intuit's expertise at developing software has introduced millions to the
concepts of financial electronic commerce, and they have been instrumental in
the introduction of online banking and bill payment," Kight said. "Combining
software like Quicken with CheckFree's open processing architecture puts
financial institutions in the position right now to take home banking to the
next level - to dramatically increase its penetration - and CheckFree is
committed to support them as they do so."
(more)
<PAGE> 2
CheckFree, page 2
Kight said approximately 1.8 million households currently bank electronically.
CheckFree's ability to provide electronic payment and information systems as a
single integrated processing service for financial institutions on the back-end,
means banks have a broader range of choices and significantly more brand control
over software and electronic delivery channels on the front-end. The result,
Kight believes, will be that households utilizing various forms of electronic
banking will increase more than threefold during 1997.
CheckFree's open processing architecture allows financial institutions to
efficiently deliver home banking and bill payment through multiple channels -
PC, touch-tone phone and the Internet - by supporting the various channel
standards. Additionally, CheckFree's processing architecture allows financial
institutions to offer multiple software interfaces for PC-based home banking and
bill payment, including Intuit's Quicken and BankNOW, Microsoft Money, Managing
Your Money, HomeATM and other bank-branded solutions.
"Wells Fargo can now provide an integrated payment solution throughout all of
our electronic banking options," said Dudley Nigg, Executive Vice President of
Wells Fargo. "This means that our current Quicken and Microsoft Money customers
will be able to access the same information at the ATM, phone or through our
other PC banking options such as the Internet. With CheckFree, we can deliver
enhanced value and improved reliability."
"Financial institutions now can offer online banking and bill payment with
Quicken and other Intuit front-ends through a completely open architecture,"
said Scott D. Cook, Intuit chairman and co-founder. "Both they and consumers can
continue to get the processing services they need. Intuit benefits from a
potentially bigger market for our products and from a stake in a top
organization such as CheckFree."
Kight said CheckFree will merge the ISC operations into its existing processing
systems, noting that "There are parts of the ISC operation that are best of
breed, including the telecommunications architecture and the security systems,
which we will maintain as part of the merged system." He added that the overall
acceleration of growth at CheckFree resulting from the acquisition of ISC would
result in increased staffing, including staffing at the ISC facilities.
Also included in the transaction is an agreement for CheckFree to integrate its
Portfolio Accounting World Wide Service (PAWWS) with Intuit's NETworth product.
The combined product will be delivered by CheckFree to financial institutions as
a complete, brandable portfolio accounting and management tool for their
customers. CheckFree will also provide PAWWS to Intuit for delivery as a
combined PAWWS/NETworth service to Quicken users.
ABOUT INTUIT INC.
Intuit Inc., a financial software and Web-based services company, develops and
markets Quicken, the leading personal finance software; TurboTax, the
best-selling tax preparation software; and QuickBooks, the most popular small
business accounting software. Intuit's Quicken Financial Network
(http://www.qfn.com) offers a variety of news, information and market spaces
including the No. 1 mutual fund Web site, NETworth.com, and the most dynamic
personal insurance Web site, Quicken InsureMarket.com. Intuit's products and
services enable individuals, small businesses and financial professionals to
better manage their financial lives and businesses. In
addition, Intuit's systems and solutions provide many of the nation's leading
financial service providers with communication, sales and marketing
opportunities that deliver new customers, better serve existing customers and
lower costs.
(more)
<PAGE> 3
CheckFree, page 3
ABOUT CHECKFREE
Founded in 1981, CheckFree Corporation is the leading provider of electronic
commerce services, software and related products for more than 729,000
consumers, 1,000 businesses and 850 financial institutions. CheckFree designs,
develops and markets services that enable its customers to make electronic
payments and collections, automate paper-based recurring financial transactions
and conduct secure transactions on the Internet.
Alex Brown & Sons advised CheckFree on this transaction.
Certain of the Company's statements in this news release contain forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These include, without
limitation, statements relating to plans and objectives for future operations,
the development of the electronic commerce market, the dependence on strategic
alliances, the impact of competitive services and products, the timely
development and acceptance of new services and products, the timely
implementation of client service contracts, and the various risks inherent in
the Company's electronic commerce business, and other risks and uncertainties
detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1995. One or more of these factors have affected,
and could in the future affect, the Company's results of operations for the
period ending June 30, 1996 and beyond and could cause actual results to differ
materially from plans.
###
Intuit, Quicken, QuickBooks, TurboTax and MacInTax are registered trademarks of
Intuit Inc. Quicken Family Lawyer, Quicken Financial Planner, Pocket Quicken,
ProSeries, Quicken Home Inventory, Quicken Quotes, QuickFill, QuickBooks Pro,
QuickPay, ExpensAble, Intuit Marketplace and Investor Insight are trademarks of
Intuit Inc. NETworth is a registered trademark of GALT Technologies, Inc. All
other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
