PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement contains information related to a Special Meeting of shareholders (the "Special Meeting") of Perry Ellis
International, Inc. to be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018, at 3000 N.W. 107th Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33172 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, and at any
adjournments, postponements or recesses thereof.
We are furnishing this Proxy Statement to our shareholders as part of the solicitation of proxies by our board of directors for
use at the Special Meeting
. At the Special Meeting you will be asked to, among other things, consider and vote on the adoption of the merger agreement (as defined immediately
below). This Proxy Statement is first being mailed to shareholders on or about September 11, 2018.
SUMMARY TERM SHEET
This following summary term sheet highlights selected information contained in this Proxy Statement and may not contain all of the information
that is important to you. We urge you to read this entire Proxy Statement carefully, including the appendices, before voting. We have included section references to direct you to a more complete
description of the topics described in this summary term sheet. You may obtain the information incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement without charge by following the instructions in
"Where Shareholders Can Find More Information" beginning on page 160. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Proxy Statement to "we," "us," "our," the "Company" or "Perry
Ellis" refer to Perry Ellis International, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its subsidiaries. We refer to Feldenkreis Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as "Parent," and
GF Merger Sub, Inc., a Florida corporation, as "Merger Sub." We refer to George Feldenkreis, in his individual capacity and as trustee for the George Feldenkreis Revocable Trust
UAD 12/23/13, Fanny Hanono, in her individual capacity and as trustee for the Fanny Hanono Revocable Trust UAD 07/06/11, Oscar Feldenkreis, in his individual capacity and as trustee for the
Oscar Feldenkreis Revocable Trust UAD 05/06/11, and Elena Feldenkreis, as trustee for each of the Erica Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust UAD 10/17/12, Jennifer Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust
UAD 10/17/12 and Stephanie Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust UAD 10/17/12, collectively, as the "Rollover Investors." We refer to the Rollover Investors, Parent and Merger Sub,
collectively, as the "GF Group" or the "GF Group Filing Persons." We refer to the board of directors of the Company as the "board of directors" or the "Board." We refer to the special committee of the
board of directors comprised entirely of independent and disinterested directors as the "Special Committee."
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Purpose of Shareholders'
Vote.
You are being asked to:
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consider and vote upon a proposal (the "merger proposal") to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 15,
2018, by and among the Company, Parent and Merger Sub, as it may be amended from time to time (the "merger agreement"). A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy
Statement. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company (the "merger"), and the Company will continue as the surviving corporation and become a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent. If the merger is completed, each issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company ("Company Common Stock"), other than as provided below,
will be converted into the right to receive $27.50 in cash, without interest and less applicable withholding taxes (the "per share merger consideration"). The following shares of Company Common Stock
will not be converted into the right to receive the per share merger consideration in connection with the merger: (i) shares of Company Common Stock held by the Company or any of its
wholly-owned
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subsidiaries
or Parent or its subsidiaries, (ii) shares of Company Common Stock held by the Rollover Investors, which will be contributed to Parent by the Rollover Investors pursuant to their
respective rollover commitment letters (the "Rollover Letters") under which, and subject to the terms and conditions of which, the Rollover Investors have committed to contribute to Parent the amount
of shares of Company Common Stock set forth therein (the "Rollover Investment"), and (iii) shares of Company Common Stock whose holders have not voted in favor of adopting the merger agreement
and have demanded and perfected their appraisal rights in accordance with, and have complied in all respects with, Sections 607.1301 through 607.1333 of the Florida Business Corporation Act
(the "FBCA"). See "Special Factors" beginning on page 18; "The Special Meeting" beginning on page 110; and "The Merger AgreementConversion of Securities" beginning on
page 117;
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approve on an advisory (non-binding) basis certain items of compensation that are based on or otherwise related to the merger that
may become payable to the Company's named executive officers under existing agreements with the Company (which is referred to in this Proxy Statement as the "golden parachute compensation"). See
"Advisory Vote on "Golden Parachute Compensation"" beginning on page 143; and
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approve a proposal to adjourn the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are
insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to adopt the merger agreement.
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Voting Agreements.
The Rollover
Investors have entered into a voting agreement with Parent and the Company that covers an aggregate of approximately 19.8% of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock, pursuant to which such
shareholders have agreed to, among other things, vote, or cause to be voted, their shares of Company Common Stock in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement and any related proposal in
furtherance of the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The voting agreement will terminate automatically at the earliest of (i) the mutual agreement of the parties
thereto to terminate the voting agreement; (ii) the termination of the merger agreement in accordance with its terms, and (iii) the effective time of the merger. See "Special
FactorsVoting Agreement" beginning on page 91.
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Rollover Investment.
Pursuant to
the Rollover Letters, the Rollover Investors have committed to contribute, immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, approximately 19.8% of the outstanding Company Common Stock to Parent
in exchange for a pro rata share of the equity of Parent based on a value for each share of Company Common Stock so contributed of $27.50. In addition, the Rollover Letter between Parent and George
Feldenkreis, in his individual capacity, provides that George Feldenkreis may be required to contribute up to $5 million in cash to Parent under certain circumstances.
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Parties Involved in the
Merger.
The Company, a Florida corporation headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, marketing and
distribution of branded lifestyle apparel and accessories. Parent is a Delaware limited liability company and an affiliate of George Feldenkreis. Merger Sub is a Florida corporation and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent. Both Parent and Merger Sub were formed for the sole purpose of entering into the merger agreement and consummating the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement,
including the merger. See "The Parties Involved in the Merger" beginning on page 103.
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Conditions to the Merger.
The
completion of the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, which are described in "The Merger AgreementConditions to the Completion of the Merger" beginning
on page 136. These conditions include, among others:
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the adoption of the merger agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of (i) a majority of the outstanding shares of
Company Common Stock entitled to vote thereon as of the record date for the Special Meeting and (ii) a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote thereon as of
the record date for the Special Meeting that are not owned directly or indirectly by the Rollover Investors, any other officers or directors of the Company or any other person having any equity
interest in, or right to acquire any equity interest in, Merger Sub or any person of which Merger Sub is a direct or indirect subsidiary;
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the expiration or termination of the regulatory waiting period applicable to the consummation of the merger under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the "HSR Act"), which occurred on July 10, 2018;
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the absence of certain governmental injunctions or orders that enjoin or otherwise prohibit the consummation of the merger;
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the absence of a material adverse effect on the Company;
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the Company's, Parent's and Merger Sub's performance in all material respects of their agreements and covenants in the merger
agreement; and
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the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub (subject to certain qualifications).
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Special Committee and Board
Recommendation.
The Special Committee, after careful consideration, voted unanimously to recommend to the board of directors that it, and
thereafter the board of directors, after careful consideration and acknowledging the interest of George Feldenkreis and Oscar Feldenkreis in the merger, voted unanimously to (i) approve and
declare advisable the merger agreement, the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (ii) declare that it is fair to and in the best interests of the Company and the
unaffiliated shareholders of the Company that the Company enter into the merger agreement and consummate the merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement,
(iii) direct that the adoption of the merger agreement be submitted to a vote at a meeting of the shareholders of the Company and (iv) recommend to the shareholders of the Company that
they vote
FOR
the adoption of the merger agreement. The Special Committee and the board of directors also recommend that you vote
FOR
approval of the
"golden parachute compensation" and
FOR
approval of the adjournment of the Special
Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to adopt the merger agreement. For purposes of the
Rule 13e-3 "going private" transaction described in this Proxy Statement, and as used in this Proxy Statement, "unaffiliated shareholders" means all shareholders of the Company other than the
Rollover Investors. See "Special FactorsRecommendation of the Special Committee and Our Board of Directors; Reasons for Recommending the Adoption of the Merger Agreement; Fairness of the
Merger" beginning on page 50 and see "Advisory Vote on "Golden Parachute Compensation"" beginning on page 143.
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Opinion of the Special Committee's Financial Advisor
. In connection with the merger, the
Special Committee received a written opinion, dated June 15, 2018, from the Special Committee's financial advisor, PJ Solomon Securities, LLC ("PJS" or "PJ Solomon"), as to the fairness,
from a financial point of view and as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, of the $27.50 in cash per share to be
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paid
to the shareholders (other than Parent and its affiliates) pursuant to the merger agreement. The full text of PJS' written opinion, which sets forth assumptions made, procedures followed, matters
considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix B.
PJS provided its opinion for the
information and assistance of the Special Committee in connection with its consideration of the merger. The opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to how any such
shareholder should vote on the merger or act on any matter relating to the merger
.
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Financing of the Merger.
Parent
and Merger Sub have obtained debt financing commitments for the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the aggregate proceeds of which, together with the Rollover Investment and other
funds available to Parent, are expected to be sufficient for Parent and Merger Sub to pay the aggregate merger consideration and the related fees and expenses of the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement. The consummation of the merger is not subject to any financing conditions (although funding of the debt financing is subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the
commitment letters under which the financing will be provided). See "Special FactorsFinancing of the Merger" beginning on page 78.
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Limited Guarantee.
In connection
with the execution of the merger agreement, George Feldenkreis has executed and provided the Company with a limited non-recourse guarantee in favor of the Company to guarantee, subject to the
limitations described therein, the payment of certain monetary obligations that may be owed by Parent pursuant to the merger agreement, including the payment of any reverse termination fee that may
become payable by Parent following a termination of the merger agreement in specified circumstances, subject to an overall cap of $17.472 million. See "Special FactorsLimited
Guarantee" beginning on page 82.
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Pledge and Security
Agreement.
In connection with the execution of the merger agreement and limited guarantee, George Feldenkreis has provided the Company with a
pledge and security agreement in favor of the Company pledging an aggregate of 647,451 certificated shares of Company Common Stock as the sole and exclusive recourse for his obligations under the
limited guarantee. The pledged certificated shares of Company Common Stock are held in an escrow account maintained by Citibank, National Association under the control of the Special Committee. See
"Special FactorsPledge and Security Agreement" beginning on page 83.
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Interests of the Company's Directors and Executive Officers in the
Merger.
In considering the recommendation of the board of directors, you should be aware that certain of the Company's directors and executive
officers have interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, their interests as Company shareholders. George Feldenkreis, a member of the board of directors, and Oscar
Feldenkreis, the chief executive officer and member of the board of directors, are members of the GF Group and will have equity interests in Parent after the consummation of the merger. These
interests may create conflicts of interest. The Special Committee and the board of directors were aware of these interests during their respective deliberations on the merits of the merger and in
making their decisions to recommend and approve, respectively, the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. These interests are discussed in
"Special FactorsInterests of the Company's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 83, "Advisory Vote on "Golden Parachute Compensation"" beginning on
page 143.
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Interests of Other Shareholders in the
Merger.
In considering the recommendation of the board of directors, you should be aware that the Rollover Investors have interests in the merger
that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of the Company's other shareholders. The Rollover Investors will have equity interests in Parent after the consummation of the merger. These
interests may create conflicts of interest. The Special Committee and the board of directors were aware of these interests during their respective deliberations on the merits of the merger and in
making their decisions to recommend and approve, respectively, the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger. These interests are discussed in
"Special FactorsPositions of the GF Group Filing Persons Regarding the Fairness of the Merger" beginning on page 67.
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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Merger.
The exchange of shares of Company Common Stock for cash pursuant to the merger generally will be a taxable event for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. Each U.S. holder (as defined in the section entitled "Special FactorsMaterial U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences" beginning on page 95) whose shares of Company
Common Stock are converted into the right to receive cash in the merger will generally recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between
the amount of the cash received with respect to such shares and the U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in such shares. Gain or loss will be determined separately for each block of shares of Company
Common Stock (i.e., shares of Company Common Stock acquired at the same cost in a single transaction). See "Special FactorsMaterial U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences" beginning
on page 95 for a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to certain U.S. holders and certain non-U.S. holders. The determination of the actual tax
consequences of the merger to a holder of Company Common Stock will depend on the holder's specific situation. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the merger to them based on their particular circumstance, as well as tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction.
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Treatment of Outstanding Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and Restricted Stock
Awards.
In connection with the consummation of the merger, (i) each stock option and stock appreciation right, whether or not then
exercisable or vested, will be converted into the right to receive at the closing cash equal to the product of (a) the excess, if any, of the per share merger consideration over the per share
exercise price of the applicable option or stock appreciation right and (b) the number of shares of Company Common Stock underlying such option or stock appreciation right; (ii) each
restricted stock award not subject to any performance-based vesting condition held by an employee will be automatically vested and converted into the right to receive at the closing cash equal to the
product of (a) the per share merger consideration and (b) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such restricted stock award; (iii) each restricted stock award
not subject to any performance-based vesting condition held by a non-employee member of the board of directors will vest on a prorated basis based on the number of days that have elapsed since the
grant date of such award and be converted into the right to receive at the closing cash equal to the product of (a) the per share merger consideration and (b) such pro-rated number of
shares; and (iv) with the exception of certain management members described below, each restricted stock award subject to any performance-based vesting condition will be converted into a right
to receive a restricted cash award from the surviving corporation that will vest and be payable (without regard to any performance goals but subject to applicable service vesting conditions in the
prior award) at the end of its currently applicable vesting period, with the cash payment therefor equal to the product of: (a) the per share merger consideration and (b) the number of
shares of Company Common Stock subject to such restricted stock award that would have vested based on target level achievement. Such restricted cash award will accelerate upon a termination without
cause or for good reason prior to the
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scheduled
vesting date. Each restricted stock award subject to any performance-based vesting condition held by Mr. Jorge Narino or Ms. Tricia McDermott Thompkins will be converted into a
right to receive at the closing a cash payment equal to the product of: (a) the per share merger consideration and (b) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such
restricted stock award that would have vested based on target level achievement. All outstanding restricted stock units held by George Feldenkreis will be cancelled. For more details about the
treatment of Company equity-based awards, please see the section entitled "The Merger AgreementConversion of SecuritiesTreatment of Outstanding Options, Stock Appreciation
Rights and Restricted Stock Awards" beginning on page 117.
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Anticipated Closing of the
Merger.
The merger is expected to be completed after all of the conditions to the merger are satisfied or waived. The Company currently expects
the merger to be completed in the second half of 2018, although the Company cannot assure completion by any particular date, if at all. The Company will issue a press release once the merger has been
completed. See "The Merger AgreementConditions to the Completion of the Merger" beginning on page 136.
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Limitations on Solicitations of Other
Offers.
The Company has agreed to cease and terminate any previous discussions or negotiations with respect to "takeover proposals" (as defined
in "The Merger AgreementCovenants of the CompanyNo Solicitation of Takeover Proposals; Fiduciary Out" beginning on page 126). Under the merger agreement, the Company
is subject to "nonsolicitation" restrictions that prohibit the Company, its subsidiaries and their respective representatives from soliciting, encouraging or facilitating offers or proposals relating
to a takeover proposal or providing information to or engaging in discussions or negotiations with third parties regarding a takeover proposal. Prior to the adoption of the merger agreement by the
Company's shareholders, or the termination of the merger agreement (whichever occurs earlier), the "nonsolicitation" restrictions are subject to "fiduciary out" provisions. See "The Merger
AgreementCovenants of the CompanyNo Solicitation of Takeover Proposals; Fiduciary Out" beginning on page 126 and "The Merger AgreementEffect of
Termination; Fees and Expenses" beginning on page 139.
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Termination.
The merger agreement
may be terminated at any time prior to the completion of the merger:
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by mutual written consent of both Parent and the Company (but with respect to the Company, only pursuant to a resolution adopted
by the Special Committee);
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by either Parent or the Company if (but with respect to the Company, only pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Special
Committee):
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the merger is not consummated by December 14, 2018 (the "termination date"), except that such right to terminate the merger
agreement will not be available to the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement if such party has breached any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in the merger
agreement, which breach has materially contributed to, or resulted in, the failure to consummate the merger by such date;
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the merger agreement has been submitted to the Company's shareholders for adoption at a duly convened shareholders meeting (or
adjournment, postponement or recess thereof) at which a quorum is present and the requisite shareholder vote is not obtained; or
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a final and nonappealable order of any governmental authority having jurisdiction over any party to the merger agreement
permanently enjoins or prohibits consummation of the merger; provided that the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement must
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have
used reasonable best efforts to challenge such order and cause such order to be withdrawn, rescinded, terminated, cancelled or otherwise nullified;
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by Parent if:
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prior to the adoption of the merger agreement by the Company's shareholders, the Special Committee or the board of directors has
changed, withdrawn, modified or amended its recommendation (or the Special Committee recommends that the board of directors take any such action) that the Company's shareholders adopt the merger
agreement in any manner adverse to Parent (or the Special Committee or the board of directors has publicly proposed to do so);
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prior to the adoption of the merger agreement by the Company's shareholders, (i) the board of directors or the Special
Committee approves, endorses or recommends any takeover proposal (or publicly proposes to do so) or (ii) any tender offer or exchange offer that if consummated would result in any person
beneficially owning 20% or more of any class of equity or securities of the Company then outstanding is commenced and the board of directors or Special Committee recommends in favor of such tender
offer or exchange offer by its shareholders (or publicly proposes to do so) or within ten business days after the commencement thereof the board of directors fails to recommend against such tender
offer or exchange offer; or
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a breach by the Company of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements under the merger agreement has
occurred, which breach would give rise to a failure of certain specified conditions to closing and such breach is not capable of being cured prior to the termination date or is not cured by the
Company within 20 business days after the Company's receipt of written notice of such breach from Parent, but only so long as neither Parent nor Merger Sub are in breach of their respective
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements under the merger agreement which breach would give rise to the failure of specified conditions to the Company's obligations to close;
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by the Company (only pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Special Committee before the effective time of
merger):
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pursuant to the "no-shop" provisions in the merger agreement as described under the heading "The Merger
AgreementCovenants of the CompanyNo Solicitation of Takeover Proposals; Fiduciary Out" beginning on page 126;
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in the event of a breach by Parent or Merger Sub of any of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
under the merger agreement has occurred, which breach would give rise to a failure of certain specified conditions to closing and such breach is not capable of being cured prior to the termination
date, or is not cured by Parent within 20 business days after Parent's receipt of written notice of such breach from the Company, but only so long as the Company is not in breach of its
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements under the merger agreement which breach would give rise to the failure of specified conditions to Parent's obligations to close; or
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if (i) all of the conditions to the respective obligations of the parties and to Parent's obligations to close have been
satisfied or waived (other than any condition the failure of which to be satisfied is attributable to a breach by Parent or Merger Sub of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or
agreements contained in the merger agreement and other than conditions that, by their nature, are to be satisfied at the closing and which were, at the time of termination, capable of being
satisfied), (ii) the
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Company
confirmed to Parent in writing that all conditions to the Company's obligations to close have been satisfied (or that it is willing to waive (to the extent permitted by law) any unsatisfied
conditions to the Company's obligations to close) and that it stands and will stand ready, willing and able to consummate the merger and (iii) Parent and Merger Sub have failed to consummate
the closing by the earlier of (x) the date that is five business days after receipt of such confirmation by the Company and (y) the termination date.
None
of the Rollover Investors (other than George Feldenkreis) or any of their affiliates, partners, members, directors, officers, employees and other specified persons (i) shall be obligated
under, or otherwise have any liability with respect to, any guarantee obligations of George Feldenkreis or any reverse termination fee payable by Parent or Merger Sub to the Company and/or
(ii) will be entitled to receipt of any termination fee payable by the Company to Parent and/or Merger Sub.
See
"The Merger AgreementTermination" beginning on page 137.
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Termination Fees.
The merger
agreement contains certain termination rights for both the Company and Parent. The merger agreement provides that, upon termination of the merger agreement under specified circumstances, the Company
would be required to pay Parent or its designee a termination fee in an amount equal to $8.736 million (including, under certain circumstances, if the Company enters into a definitive agreement
for or consummates an alternative takeover proposal during the 9-month "tail" period following termination of the merger agreement, or under other certain circumstances, during the 12-month "tail"
period following termination of the merger agreement). The merger agreement also provides that Parent would be required to pay the Company a reverse termination fee, upon termination of the merger
agreement under specified circumstances, of $17.472 million, and, in certain circumstances, the fees and expenses of the Company, but subject to an overall cap of $17.472 million. The
merger agreement provides that under no circumstances may the Company be permitted or entitled to receive both payment of the reverse termination fee and payment of other monetary damages. See "The
Merger AgreementEffect of Termination; Fees and Expenses" beginning on page 139 and "Special FactorsLimited Guarantee" beginning on Page 82.
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Specific Performance.
Under
certain circumstances, the Company, on the one hand, and Parent and Merger Sub, on the other hand, are entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of the merger
agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions thereof, this being in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity to which they are entitled. However, the right of the Company to
seek specific performance to enforce Parent's and/or Merger Sub's obligation to effect the closing as provided by the merger agreement is subject to the requirements that (i) all of the
conditions to the parties' respective obligations and to Parent's and Merger Sub's obligations to consummate the merger would have been satisfied if the closing were to have occurred at such time
(other than those conditions that, by their terms, are to be satisfied at the closing, each of which shall be capable of being satisfied at the closing, or the failure of which to be satisfied is
attributable primarily to a breach by Parent or Merger Sub of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in the merger agreement), (ii) the debt financing
has been funded or will be funded at the date the closing is required to occur in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement upon delivery of a drawdown notice by Parent and/or notice from
Parent that the Rollover Investment will be funded at such date, (iii) Parent and Merger Sub fail to complete the closing on the date the closing is required to have occurred as provided in the
merger agreement, and (iv) the Company has irrevocably confirmed in writing to Parent that all of the conditions to the parties' respective obligations and to the Company's obligations to
consummate the merger have
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been
satisfied (or that the Company would be willing to waive any unsatisfied conditions for purposes of consummating the merger) and that if specific performance is granted and if the debt financing
and Rollover Investment were funded, the closing would occur. The merger agreement provides that under no circumstances may the Company be permitted or entitled to receive both a grant of specific
performance or other equitable relief pursuant to which the merger is consummated and the aggregate merger consideration is received, on the one hand, and payment of all or a portion of the reverse
termination fee or other monetary damages, on the other hand. See "The Merger AgreementEffect of Termination; Fees and Expenses" beginning on page 139 and see "Special
FactorsFinancing of the Merger" beginning on page 78.
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Additional Information.
You can
find more information about the Company in the periodic reports and other information the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). This information is available at the
SEC's public reference facilities and at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website at http://investor.pery.com/. For a more detailed description of the additional
information available, see "Where Shareholders Can Find More Information" beginning on page 160.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER,
THE "GOLDEN PARACHUTE COMPENSATION" AND THE SPECIAL MEETING
The following questions and answers, which are for your convenience only, briefly address some commonly asked questions about the merger, the
"golden parachute compensation" and the Special Meeting and are qualified in their entirety by the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. These questions and answers
may not address all questions that may be important to you as a shareholder of Perry Ellis. You should still carefully read this entire Proxy Statement, including the attached appendices.
Q: When and where is the Special Meeting?
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A:
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The
Special Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on Thursday, October 18, 2018. The Special Meeting will be held at 3000 N.W.
107th Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33172.
Q: What items will be voted upon at the Special Meeting?
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A:
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There
are three matters scheduled for a vote at the Special Meeting:
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1.
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A
vote on the adoption of the merger agreement, pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company and the Company will continue as the surviving
corporation and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent;
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2.
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An
advisory (non-binding) vote to approve the "golden parachute compensation" that may become payable to the Company's named executive officers in connection with the
merger; and
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3.
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A
vote on a proposal to approve the adjournment, postponement or recess of the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there
are insufficient votes at the time of the Special Meeting to adopt the merger agreement.
In
addition, shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon any other matters that properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournment, postponement or recess thereof.
Q: What will happen in the merger?
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A:
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In
the merger, Merger Sub will be merged with and into the Company and the Company will continue as the surviving corporation and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Parent. As a result of the merger, Company Common Stock will no longer be publicly traded, and you will no longer have any interest in the Company's future earnings or growth. In addition, Company
Common Stock will be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the Company will no longer be required to
file periodic reports with the SEC with respect to Company Common Stock.
Q: What will I receive in the merger?
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A:
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If
the merger is completed, you will be entitled to receive $27.50 in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes, for each share of Company
Common Stock that you own immediately prior to the effective time of the merger. For example, if you own 100 shares of Company Common Stock, you will receive $2,750.00 in cash in exchange for your
shares of Company Common Stock, without giving effect to any applicable withholding taxes. This does not apply to (i) shares of Company Common Stock held by the Company or any of its
wholly-owned subsidiaries or Parent or its subsidiaries, (ii) shares of Company Common Stock held by the Rollover Investors, and (iii) shares of Company Common Stock whose holders have
not voted in favor of adopting the merger agreement and have demanded and perfected their appraisal rights in
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accordance
with, and have complied in all respects with, the FBCA. You will not own, directly or indirectly, any shares of the capital stock in the surviving corporation.
In
connection with the consummation of the merger, (i) each stock option and stock appreciation right, whether or not then exercisable or vested, will be converted into the right to receive at
the closing cash
equal to the product of (a) the excess, if any, of the merger consideration over the per share exercise price of the applicable option or stock appreciation right and (b) the number of
shares of Company Common Stock underlying such option or stock appreciation right; (ii) each restricted stock award not subject to any performance-based vesting condition held by an employee
will be automatically vested and converted into the right to receive at the closing cash equal to the product of (a) the per share merger consideration and (b) the number of shares of
Company Common Stock subject to such restricted stock award; (iii) each restricted stock award not subject to any performance-based vesting condition held by a non-employee member of the board
of directors will vest on a prorated basis based on the number of days that have elapsed since the grant date of such award and be converted into the right to receive at the closing cash equal to the
product of (a) the per share merger consideration and (b) such pro-rated number of shares; and (iv) with the exception of certain management members described below, each
restricted stock award subject to any performance-based vesting condition will be converted into a right to receive a restricted cash award from the surviving corporation that will vest and be payable
(without regard to any performance goals but subject to applicable service vesting conditions in the prior award) at the end of its currently applicable vesting period, with the cash payment therefor
equal to the product of: (a) the per share merger consideration and (b) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such restricted stock award that would have vested based
on target level achievement. Such restricted cash award will accelerate upon a termination without cause or for good reason prior to the scheduled vesting date. Each restricted stock award subject to
any performance-based vesting condition held by Mr. Jorge Narino or Ms. Tricia McDermott Thompkins will be converted into a right to receive at the closing a cash payment equal to the
product of: (a) the per share merger consideration and (b) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such restricted stock award that would have vested based on target
level achievement.
Q: How does the per share merger consideration compare to the market price of Company Common Stock prior to announcement of the merger?
-
A:
-
The
$27.50 per share to be paid in respect of each share of Company Common Stock represents (i) a premium of 21.6% based on the closing price per share of
Company Common Stock on February 5, 2018 (the "Undisturbed Date"), the last trading day before the announcement by George Feldenkreis of a proposal to acquire the Company, of $22.62;
(ii) a premium of 26.22% based on the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 1-year period ending on the Undisturbed Date, of $21.79; (iii) a premium of
25.6% based on the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 180-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date, of $21.90; (iv) a premium of 14.0% based on the volume
weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 90-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date, of $24.13; (v) a premium of 11.1% based on the volume weighted average price per
share of Company Common Stock for the 60-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date, of $24.75; (vi) a premium of 9.4% based on the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common
Stock for the 30-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date, of $25.14; (vii) a premium of 5.8% based on the highest closing price per share of Company Common Stock for the 52-week period ending
on the Undisturbed Date, of $25.99; and (viii) a discount of 4.5% based on the highest closing price per share of Company Common Stock for the 5-year period ending on the Undisturbed Date, of
$28.80.
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Q: How will our directors and executive officers vote on the proposal to adopt the merger agreement?
-
A:
-
Our
directors and executive officers have informed us that, as of the date of this Proxy Statement, they intend to vote all of the shares of Company Common Stock
owned directly by them, in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. As of August 16, 2018, the record date for the Special Meeting, our directors and executive officers (including George
Feldenkreis and Oscar Feldenkreis) directly owned, in the aggregate, 3,291,772 shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, or collectively approximately 20.7% of the
outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. As of August 16, 2018, the record date for the Special Meeting, our directors and executive officers that are
not party to the voting agreement (as described in "Special FactorsVoting Agreement" beginning on page 91) directly owned, in the aggregate, 351,580 shares of Company Common Stock
entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, or collectively approximately 2.2% of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. See "Special
FactorsInterests of the Company's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 83.
Q: Who will own the Company after the merger?
-
A:
-
After
the merger, the Company will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. Immediately following the merger, George Feldenkreis, Oscar Feldenkreis and the other
Rollover Investors will own 100% of the equity securities of Parent.
Q: Who can attend and vote at the Special Meeting?
-
A:
-
All
holders of Company Common Stock at the close of business on August 16, 2018, the record date for the Special Meeting, will be entitled to vote (in person
or by proxy) at the Special Meeting.
Q: What vote is required to adopt the merger agreement?
-
A:
-
The
merger agreement must be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of (i) a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to
vote thereon, and (ii) a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote thereon that are not owned directly or indirectly by the Rollover Investors, any other
officers or directors of the Company or any other person having any equity interest in, or right to acquire any equity interest in, Merger Sub or any person of which merger Sub is a direct or indirect
subsidiary. Because the required vote is based on the number of shares of Company Common Stock outstanding rather than on the number of votes cast, failure to vote your shares (including as a result
of broker non-votes) and abstentions will have the same effect as voting against the adoption of the merger agreement. A "broker non-vote" occurs when a broker does not have discretion to vote on the
matter and has not received instructions from the beneficial holder as to how such holder's shares are to be voted on the matter.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Special
Meeting in person, to ensure the presence of a quorum and that your shares are represented at the Special Meeting, please vote via the Internet or by telephone as instructed in the accompanying proxy
materials or complete, date and sign and return a proxy card as promptly as possible.
The
Rollover Investors have entered into a voting agreement with Parent and the Company that covers an aggregate of approximately 19.8% of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock, pursuant to
which such shareholders have agreed to, among other things, vote their shares
FOR
the adoption of the merger agreement and the approval of the merger
and any related proposal in furtherance of the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
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Q: Why am I being asked to cast an advisory (non-binding) vote to approve "golden parachute compensation" that may become payable to the Company's named executive
officers under existing agreements with the Company in connection with the merger?
-
A:
-
The
SEC has adopted rules that require the Company to seek an advisory (non-binding) vote with respect to certain compensation that will or may be payable to the
Company's named executive officers in connection with the merger.
Q: What is the "golden parachute compensation"?
-
A:
-
The
"golden parachute compensation" is certain compensation that is tied to or based on the consummation of the merger and may become payable to the Company's named
executive officers under existing agreements with the Company. See "Advisory Vote on "Golden Parachute Compensation" " beginning on page 143.
Q: What vote is required to approve on an advisory basis the "golden parachute compensation" that may become payable to the Company's named executive officers
under existing agreements with the Company in connection with the merger?
-
A:
-
The
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal is required for
approval of the advisory (non-binding) proposal on "golden parachute compensation."
Q: What will happen if shareholders do not approve the "golden parachute compensation" at the Special Meeting?
-
A:
-
Approval
of the "golden parachute compensation" is not a condition to the completion of the merger. The vote with respect to the "golden parachute compensation" is
merely an advisory vote and will not be binding on the Company or Parent. Further, the underlying plans and arrangements are contractual in nature and not, by their terms, subject to shareholder
approval. Accordingly, regardless of the outcome of the non-binding, advisory vote, if the merger agreement is adopted by the shareholders and completed, our named executive officers will be eligible
to receive the various "golden parachute" payments.
Q: What is a quorum?
-
A:
-
A
quorum will be present if holders of a majority in voting power of all outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote on a matter at the Special
Meeting are present in person or represented by proxy at the Special Meeting. The quorum for the Special Meeting is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any shareholder. If a quorum is not
present at the Special Meeting, the Special Meeting may be adjourned to another time and place.
Q: How many votes do I have?
-
A:
-
You
have one vote for each share of Company Common Stock that you own as of the close of business on the record date.
Q: How are votes counted and what happens if I do not vote?
-
A:
-
Votes
will be counted separately in respect of each proposal by the inspector of election appointed for the Special Meeting, who will separately count
FOR
and
AGAINST
votes, abstentions and broker non-votes. A "broker non-vote" occurs when a nominee
holding shares for a beneficial owner does not receive instructions from the beneficial owner with respect to the merger proposal, the proposal for "golden parachute compensation" or the adjournment
proposal, counted separately.
Because
Florida law requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock to approve the adoption of the merger agreement, the failure
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to
vote, broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as a vote
AGAINST
the adoption of the merger agreement.
Because
the advisory (non-binding) vote to approve the "golden parachute compensation" and approval of the adjournment proposal require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares
of Company Common Stock, present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereon, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote
AGAINST
each of the "golden parachute compensation" and adjournment proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of each of the "golden parachute compensation" proposal and the adjournment
proposal. As noted above, the vote with respect to the "golden parachute compensation" is merely an advisory vote and will not be binding on the Company or Parent. Accordingly, regardless of the
outcome of the non-binding, advisory vote, if
the merger agreement is adopted by the shareholders and completed, our named executive officers will be eligible to receive the various "golden parachute" payments.
Adoption
of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will require the affirmative vote of the holders of (i) a majority of the outstanding shares of the
Company Common Stock entitled to vote thereon as of the record date for the Special Meeting; and (ii) a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock entitled to vote thereon
as of the record date for the Special Meeting that are not owned by: (x) officers or directors of the Company, (y) the Rollover Investors, or (z) any person having any equity
interest in Parent or Merger Sub.
Q: How do I vote my Company Common Stock?
-
A:
-
Before
you vote, you should read this Proxy Statement carefully and in its entirety, including the appendices, and carefully consider how the merger and the "golden
parachute compensation" affect you. Then, mail your completed, dated and signed proxy card in the enclosed return envelope or vote via Internet or by telephone as soon as possible so that your shares
can be voted at the Special Meeting. For more information on how to vote your shares, see "The Special MeetingHow Do I Vote?" beginning on page 111.
Q: If my shares are held in "street name" by my broker, bank or other nominee, will my broker, bank or other nominee vote my shares for me?
-
A:
-
Your
broker will
not
vote your shares on your behalf unless you provide instructions to your broker on how to vote.
You should follow the directions provided by your broker regarding how to instruct it to vote your shares. Without those instructions, your shares will not be voted, which will have the same effect as
voting
AGAINST
the adoption of the merger agreement for purposes of the Company shareholder approval, but will have no effect for purposes of the
proposal to adjourn the Special Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies or on the outcome of the advisory (non-binding) vote on "golden parachute compensation."
Q: Will my shares held in "street name" or another form of record ownership be combined for voting purposes with shares I hold of record?
-
A:
-
No.
Because any shares you may hold in "street name" will be deemed to be held by a different shareholder than any shares you hold of record, any shares so held will
not be combined for voting purposes with shares you hold of record. Similarly, if you own shares in various registered forms, such as jointly with your spouse, as trustee of a trust or as custodian
for a minor, you will receive, and will need to sign and return, a separate proxy card for those shares because they are held in a different form of record ownership. Shares held by a corporation or
business entity may be voted by the officer, agent or proxy designated by the bylaws of such corporate shareholder or, in the absence of any applicable bylaw, by such person or persons as the board of
directors of the corporate shareholder may designate. In the absence of any such designation, or, in case of
14
Table of Contents
conflicting
designation by the corporate shareholder, the chairman of the board, the president, any vice president, the secretary and the treasurer of the corporate shareholder, in that order, shall
be presumed to be fully authorized to vote such shares. Shares held by an administrator, executor, guardian, personal representative, or conservator may be voted by him, either in person or by proxy,
without a transfer of such shares into his name. Shares standing in the name of a trustee may be voted by him, either in person or by proxy, but no trustee shall be entitled to vote shares held by him
without a transfer of such shares into his name or the name of his nominee. Shares held by or under the control of a receiver, a trustee in bankruptcy proceedings, or an assignee for the benefit of
creditors may be voted by such person without the transfer thereof into his name. If shares stand of record in the names of two or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint
tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety or otherwise, or if two or more persons have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, unless the Secretary of the Company is
given notice to the contrary and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing them or creating the relationship wherein it is so provided, then acts with respect to voting shall have
the following effect: (a) if only one votes, in person or by proxy, his act binds all; (b) if more than one votes, in person or by proxy, the act of the majority so voting binds all;
(c) if more than one votes, in person or by proxy, but the vote is evenly split on any particular matter, each faction is entitled to vote the share or shares in question proportionally; or
(d) if the instrument or order so filed shows that any such tenancy is held in unequal interest, a majority or a vote evenly split for purposes hereof shall be a majority or a vote evenly split
in interest.
Q: May I vote in person?
-
A:
-
Yes.
You may attend the Special Meeting and vote your shares in person whether or not you sign and return your proxy card. If your shares are held of record by a
broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the Special Meeting, you must obtain a proxy from such record holder.
Q: May I change my vote after I have mailed my signed proxy card?
-
A:
-
Yes.
If you are the shareholder of record of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any one of three ways:
-
-
You may submit another properly completed proxy bearing a later date, or submit another proxy by Internet or telephone, which is received by
Innisfree M&A Incorporated, our proxy solicitor, before the start of the Special Meeting on October 18, 2018;
-
-
You may send a written notice which is received before the start of the Special Meeting on October 18, 2018 that you are revoking your
proxy to 3000 N.W. 107th Avenue Miami, Florida 33172, Attention: Tricia Thompkins, General Counsel and Secretary; or
-
-
You may attend the Special Meeting and notify the election officials that you wish to revoke your proxy and vote in person. Your attendance at
the Special Meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy.
If
your shares are held by your broker, bank or other agent as your nominee, you should follow the instructions provided by your broker, bank or other agent.
Q: What does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?
-
A:
-
This
means you own shares of Company Common Stock that are registered under different names or are in more than one account. For example, you may own some shares
directly as a shareholder of record and other shares through a broker or you may own shares through more than one broker. In these situations, you will receive multiple sets of proxy materials. You
must vote, sign and return all of the proxy cards or follow the instructions for any alternative voting procedure on each of the proxy cards that you receive in order to vote all of the shares you
own. Each proxy card you receive comes with its own prepaid return envelope. If you submit your proxy by mail, make sure you return each proxy card in the return envelope that accompanies that proxy
card.
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Table of Contents
Q: If the merger is completed, how will I receive cash for my shares?
-
A:
-
If
the merger agreement is adopted and the merger is consummated, and if you are the record holder of your shares of Company Common Stock (i.e., you have a
stock certificate (or affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) or you hold shares in book-entry), as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within three business days, after the effective time of
the merger, you will be sent a letter of transmittal to complete and return to a paying agent to be designated by Parent, referred to herein as the "paying agent." In order to receive the $27.50 per
share merger consideration, you must send the paying agent, according to the instructions provided, your validly completed and signed letter of transmittal together with your Company stock
certificates (or affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) or book-entry shares, as applicable, and other required documents as instructed in the separate mailing. Once you have properly submitted these
materials, you will receive cash for your shares. If your shares of Company Common Stock are held in "street name" by your broker, bank or other nominee, you will receive instructions after the
effective time of the merger from your broker, bank or other nominee as to how to effect the surrender of your "street name" shares and receive cash for those shares.
Q: What happens if the merger is not completed?
-
A:
-
If
the merger agreement is not adopted by the shareholders of the Company or if the merger is not completed for any other reason, the shareholders of the Company will
not receive any payment for their shares of Company Common Stock in connection with the merger. Instead, the Company will remain a stand-alone company, Company Common Stock will continue to be listed
and traded on the Nasdaq Global Market and registered under the Exchange Act, and the Company will continue to file periodic reports with the SEC with respect to Company Common Stock. Under specified
circumstances, the Company may be required to pay to Parent, or may be entitled to receive from Parent, a fee with respect to the termination of the merger agreement, as described under "The Merger
AgreementEffect of Termination; Fees and Expenses" beginning on page 139.
Q: When should I send in my stock certificates?
-
A:
-
If
the merger agreement is adopted you will receive the letter of transmittal following the consummation of the merger. You should send your stock certificates (or
affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) together with the letter of transmittal in accordance with the instructions provided after the merger is consummated and not now.
Q: I do not know where my stock certificate ishow will I get my cash?
-
A:
-
The
materials you are sent after the completion of the merger will include the procedures that you must follow if you cannot locate your stock certificate. This will
include an affidavit that you will need to sign attesting to the loss of your stock certificate. The Company may also require that you provide a customary indemnity agreement to the Company in order
to cover any potential loss.
Q: What happens if I sell my shares of Company Common Stock before the Special Meeting?
-
A:
-
The
record date for shareholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting is earlier than the consummation of the merger. If you transfer your shares of Company Common
Stock after the record date but before the Special Meeting you will, unless special arrangements are made, retain your right to vote at the Special Meeting, but will transfer the right to receive the
merger consideration to the person to whom you transfer your shares.
Q: What rights do I have to seek a valuation of my shares?
-
A:
-
Shareholders
who do not vote in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement may exercise their right to seek appraisal of the fair value of their shares of Company
Common Stock if the merger is completed in lieu of receiving the per share merger consideration, but only if they do not vote in
16
Table of Contents
favor
of adopting the merger agreement and otherwise comply with the procedures of Sections 607.1301 through 607.1333 of the FBCA, which is the appraisal rights statute applicable to Florida
corporations. A copy of Sections 607.1301 through 607.1333 of the FBCA is included as Appendix C to this Proxy Statement and the procedures are summarized in this Proxy Statement. See
"Special FactorsAppraisal Rights" beginning on page 92 and Appendix C to this Proxy Statement.
Q: What do I need to do now?
-
A:
-
You
should carefully read this Proxy Statement, including the appendices, in their entirety, and consider how the merger and the "golden parachute compensation" would
affect you.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting in person, to ensure the presence of a quorum and that your shares are represented at the Special Meeting,
please vote via the Internet or by telephone as instructed in the accompanying proxy materials or complete, date, sign and return a proxy card as promptly as possible.
Q: Who can help answer my questions?
-
A:
-
If
you have questions about the merger agreement or the merger, including the procedures for voting your shares, you should contact Innisfree M&A Incorporated, our
proxy solicitor, by calling toll-free at 1 (888) 750-5834 (banks and brokers may call collect at (212) 750-5833).
17
Table of Contents
SPECIAL FACTORS
The following, together with the summary of the merger agreement set forth under "The Merger Agreement," is a description of the material
aspects of the merger. While we believe that the following description covers the material aspects of the merger, the description may not contain all of the information that is important to you. We
encourage you to read carefully this entire document, including the Agreement and Plan of Merger attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A, for a more complete understanding of the merger.
The following description is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the merger agreement. You may obtain additional information without charge by following the instructions in
"Where Shareholders Can Find More Information" beginning on page 160 of this Proxy Statement.
Background of the Merger
From time to time, the Board and the Company's senior management have evaluated potential strategic alternatives relating to the Company's
businesses, including business combinations, strategic partnerships, acquisitions and other potential strategic transactions, all with a view towards enhancing shareholder value. No firm offer to
acquire the Company has been made during the past two years, except as described below.
In
August, 2017, the independent directors of the Company, Joe Arriola, Jane DeFlorio, Bruce J. Klatsky, Michael W. Rayden and J. David Scheiner, began to evaluate the role of
Mr. George Feldenkreis as Executive Chairman of the Company. On September 20, 2017, the Board removed Mr. George Feldenkreis as Executive Chairman of the Company, simultaneously
terminating his operational role in the Company, and elected Mr. Scheiner as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.
On
October 24, 2017, the Board formed the Special Committee to review certain matters, including the role of Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis as Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, his employment arrangement with the Company and strategic planning for the Company. Subsequently and throughout the process, the Special Committee continued to evaluate the role of
Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis. The Special Committee, as of the time it received the Feldenkreis Proposal (as defined below), had not yet reached a conclusion on these matters and therefore deferred
reaching a conclusion on these matters while the Feldenkreis Proposal remained a potential value maximizing strategy for shareholders.
On
February 6, 2018, the Company received an unsolicited letter from Mr. George Feldenkreis (the former Executive Chairman of the Company, and a member of the Board) and
Fortress Credit Advisors LLC ("Fortress"). Mr. George Feldenkreis proposed to acquire the Company in an all cash transaction for $27.50 per share (the "Feldenkreis Proposal"). Therein,
Mr. George Feldenkreis stated that he would anticipate discussing with Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis (the Company's Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board) whether Mr. Oscar
Feldenkreis would contribute his existing equity ownership of the Company as part of a negotiated transaction. The Feldenkreis Proposal noted that Mr. George Feldenkreis had engaged SCOPE
Advisors, LLC ("Scope") as financial advisors, and Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP ("Olshan") and Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson as legal counsel, and that Fortress
had engaged Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal counsel. Mr. George Feldenkreis noted that if he did not receive a favorable response from the Board to the Feldenkreis Proposal by
March 10, 2018, he intended to evaluate all of his options as a shareholder of the Company and take appropriate action with respect to his investment.
On
February 7, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis filed a statement on Schedule 13D disclosing his interest in acquiring the Company at $27.50 per share and certain
understandings in place between Mr. George Feldenkreis and Fortress. Mr. George Feldenkreis explicitly reserved his right to propose a slate of
directors for election to the Board at the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders (the "2018 Annual Meeting"). The Schedule 13D disclosure also noted that Mr. George Feldenkreis and
Fortress
18
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had
entered into a non-binding letter of intent in which Fortress "confirmed it would consider committing $300 million of debt and/or equity financing toward the proposed acquisition". Further,
the Schedule 13D disclosed that Mr. George Feldenkreis had entered into a letter agreement with Fortress pursuant to which he agreed to pay Fortress a profit sharing fee if
Mr. George Feldenkreis sold his shares (or entered into an agreement to sell such shares) to a third party within six months of the date of such agreement, in an amount equal to
$1 million for each $1.00 of share price in excess of $23.50 per share, up to a maximum of $5 million.
Also
on February 7, 2018, the Special Committee delivered a letter to Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, noting that the Feldenkreis Proposal explicitly anticipated discussions between
Mr. George Feldenkreis and Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis in respect of Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis contributing his existing equity, and directing Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis to refrain,
absent prior written consent of the Special Committee, from making any public or private statements or engaging in any public or private communications with any customers, suppliers, employees,
consultants, officers or other business relations of the Company, including George Feldenkreis, Fortress Credit Advisors LLC or any of their respective affiliates, advisors or other
representatives, in each case regarding the Feldenkreis Proposal or any alternative transaction that may be considered by the Board or its committees in connection with the evaluation of such
proposal.
On
February 9, 2018, the Special Committee sent a letter to Mr. George Feldenkreis reminding Mr. George Feldenkreis of his fiduciary duties to protect the
confidentiality of the Company's non-public or proprietary information and to refrain from using such information for any reason other than his service to the Company as a director. The letter
explicitly indicated that fiduciary duties under Florida law would prohibit Mr. George Feldenkreis from using any non-public, proprietary or confidential information concerning the Company for
the purpose of facilitating the transaction contemplated by the Feldenkreis Proposal.
Also
on February 9, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis responded to the Special Committee with a letter confirming his knowledge of his fiduciary duties and reminding the Special
Committee of its fiduciary duties to act in the best interest of the Company's shareholders.
On
February 13, 2018, the Board held a meeting, at which all directors were present, during which it expanded the powers of the Special Committee, giving it exclusive power to
(i) evaluate the terms and conditions of the Feldenkreis Proposal or any alternative thereto, and determine whether the Feldenkreis Proposal or any alternative thereto is advisable, fair, and
in the best interest of the
Company and its shareholders, (ii) negotiate with any party regarding the Feldenkreis Proposal or any alternative thereto, and if the Special Committee deems appropriate and permissive under
applicable law, approve the execution and delivery of documents in connection therewith on behalf of the Company, (iii) determine whether the Feldenkreis Proposal or any alternative thereto is
beneficial to the Company and its shareholders and (iv) recommend to the full Board what action, if any, should be taken with respect to the Feldenkreis Proposal or any alternative thereto,
including the rejection of the Feldenkreis Proposal or any alternative thereto. The resolutions explicitly empowered the Special Committee to retain, at the Company's expense, independent legal
counsel and financial advisors in connection with such duties, and to act on behalf of the Company in connection with any matters ancillary or related to the Special Committee's purpose, including
entering into contracts of any nature, commencing litigation and authorizing defensive measures on behalf of the Company. The resolutions authorized and directed the Company to pay all fees, expenses
and disbursements, and to honor all other obligations of the Company under such contracts, in connection with such matters. The resolutions explicitly indicated the Special Committee was not required
to furnish to the Board any work product or communications between the members of the Special Committee and its counsel and advisors.
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Also on February 13, 2018, the Special Committee met and discussed with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP ("Paul, Weiss") and
Akerman LLP ("Akerman") (each of whom had been retained by the independent directors in August 2017, in connection with the review of Mr. George Feldenkreis' role with the Company) the
Special Committee's fiduciary duties in connection with the Company's process for evaluating strategic alternatives, including a potential sale of the Company. The Special Committee discussed the role
of Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis and his role in the process of the Feldenkreis Proposal. At this meeting, settlement negotiations between the Company and Ms. Fanny Hanono, a former Company
employee and Mr. George Feldenkreis' daughter, were also discussed.
Between
February 6 and February 17, 2018, members of the Special Committee met with several financial advisors about potentially representing the Special Committee in
connection with evaluating the Feldenkreis Proposal and any strategic alternatives thereto. On February 22, 2018, the Special Committee approved the Company's engagement of PJ Solomon as the
Special Committee's financial advisor, following discussion (including regarding the Special Committee's fiduciary duties), and in connection therewith, the Company entered into an Engagement Letter
with PJ Solomon, and a Non-Disclosure Agreement with PJ Solomon. The Special Committee selected PJ Solomon as its financial advisor because PJ Solomon is a recognized financial advisory firm that has
substantial experience in transactions similar to the merger and after taking into account the conclusion of PJ Solomon, at the time of such selection (which was subsequently reconfirmed in connection
with delivery
of the fairness opinion on June 15, 2018), that there were no relationships or interests in connection with the proposed merger that would limit the ability of PJ Solomon to perform its
obligations as financial advisor to the Special Committee. Also on February 22, 2018, representatives of PJ Solomon met with senior members of management, including the Chief Executive Officer,
Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Jorge Narino, and General Counsel, Ms. Tricia Thompkins. At the meeting the parties discussed the Company's initial 2019 budget
projections, a "3-year plan" and the Company's non-core brand analysis. PJ Solomon would later report to the Special Committee that management of the Company had informed PJ Solomon that
(i) the Company had not yet completed the preparation of financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018 as the closing was not yet complete following the fiscal year
end, (ii) the fiscal year 2019 budget would be reviewed to consider recent and potential bankruptcy filings by customers of the Company, and (iii) the "3-year plan" was preliminary and
not yet complete, consisting solely of 2019 projections with revenue "rollups" and no expense projections.
On
February 22, 2018, representatives of PJ Solomon spoke with Mr. George Feldenkreis' financial advisor, Scope, to discuss process and the proposed capital structure for
an acquisition of the Company by Mr. George Feldenkreis. During that conversation, Scope relayed that there would be sufficient capital between the rollover of shares held by Mr. George
Feldenkreis and his family, on the one hand, and Fortress' commitment to provide $300 million of debt and/or equity financing on the other hand, to finance the Feldenkreis Proposal.
On
February 23, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors and discussed Mr. George Feldenkreis' ongoing interest in acquiring the Company, including whether the
Feldenkreis Proposal would materialize into an actionable opportunity for shareholders, the potential timing of the Feldenkreis Proposal or any alternative transaction, and the desirability of
bringing in an independent third-party management consultant to review the Company's projections.
On
February 26, 2018, the Company issued a press release announcing that the Board authorized the Special Committee to review the Feldenkreis Proposal and that the Special
Committee retained Paul, Weiss and Akerman as its legal counsel and PJ Solomon as its financial advisor to assist with its review.
On
February 27, 2018, Olshan sent a letter to Paul, Weiss requesting that the Company move quickly to engage with Mr. George Feldenkreis. Olshan also requested that the
Company send a draft
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non-disclosure
agreement in order to permit Fortress to conduct due diligence in connection with the Feldenkreis Proposal.
On
March 3, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. At this meeting, the Special Committee reviewed a presentation prepared by PJ
Solomon with its financial and legal advisors, which reviewed the terms of the Feldenkreis Proposal, trading multiples represented by the Feldenkreis Proposal, publicly available historical trading
market data about the Company, publicly available research analyst views on the Company, management's most recent stand-alone plan for the Company going forward, growth rates reflected in this
management plan, risks associated with this management plan, preliminary financial analyses of the Company using data from this management plan (which preliminary analyses consisted of a preliminary
selected companies analysis that used an illustrative range of price/earnings multiples of 11.0x to 17.0x and indicated an illustrative range of values per share of the Company of $22.00 to $34.00; a
preliminary selected precedent transactions analysis that used an illustrative range of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") multiples of 6.0x to 8.5x and
indicated an illustrative range of values per Company share of $18.84 to $28.24; a preliminary discounted cash flow analysis that used an illustrative range of exit EBITDA multiples of 7.6x to 9.6x
and of discount rates of 10.0% to 14.0% and indicated an illustrative range of values per share of Company of $27.37 to $38.59; a preliminary LBO analysis that used an illustrative exit EBITDA
multiple of 8.3x and IRR range of 20.0% to 25.0% and indicated an illustrative range of values per share of the Company of $27.00 to $31.00, and a preliminary present value of future share price
analysis that used an illustrative range of one-year forward earnings per share ("EPS") multiples of 11.3x to 16.7x and discount rate of 12.6% and indicated an illustrative range of values per share
of the Company of $22.70 to $37.30), headwinds facing retailers in the Company's customer base, private equity market's views regarding the retail and apparel sector, discussions with representatives
of Mr. George Feldenkreis regarding financing plans, views on potential market checks, the Company's stock price before and after the Feldenkreis Proposal, and potential strategic alternatives
and next steps. A copy of the presentation is attached as exhibit (c)(7) to the Statement on Schedule 13E-3, filed by the Company and the filing persons listed thereon with the SEC on
August 3, 2018. Paul, Weiss and Akerman then provided the Special Committee with a review of the Special Committee's fiduciary duties in the context of evaluating the Feldenkreis Proposal.
After discussion, the Special Committee directed its advisors to propose that Mr. George Feldenkreis and Fortress sign a confidentiality agreement, including a standstill, during which
Mr. George Feldenkreis and Fortress would conduct their respective diligence. The Special Committee also directed its advisors to raise the prospect of bringing in an independent third-party
consultant to review the management projections independently during negotiations of the confidentiality agreement and to advise Mr. George Feldenkreis that a market check would be conducted.
On
March 4, 2018, Paul, Weiss circulated an initial draft of a proposed form of confidentiality agreement to Olshan, and over the following ten days, Olshan and Paul, Weiss
negotiated the terms of the confidentiality agreement.
On
March 9, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis submitted a letter to the Board which reaffirmed the Feldenkreis Proposal in all respects. The letter stated that the Special
Committee had not responded to the Feldenkreis Proposal and instead the Special Committee sent a non-disclosure agreement with "unreasonable and onerous terms." In the interest of moving forward,
Mr. George Feldenkreis proposed that Fortress begin its due diligence review under its own non-disclosure agreement with the Company and that the Board extend the director nomination window by
30 days to avoid an unnecessary contested election at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Mr. George Feldenkreis indicated that if the Board would not extend the nomination deadline for the 2018
Annual Meeting, he would need to preserve his rights as a shareholder and nominate a slate of directors for election to the Board at the 2018 Annual Meeting.
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On
March 10, 2018, representatives from Paul, Weiss spoke with Olshan regarding the proposed confidentiality agreement between the Company and Mr. George Feldenkreis and
whether Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis would be permitted to speak with Mr. George Feldenkreis regarding the Feldenkreis Proposal or any alternative transaction. Olshan advised that
Mr. George Feldenkreis wanted to discuss Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis' potential involvement. Olshan suggested it would revert regarding this issue and also suggested that Mr. George
Feldenkreis would consider a limited standstill.
On
March 11, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. The Special Committee discussed Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis' potential
participation in the Feldenkreis Proposal and his potentially conflicting interest with his role as CEO of the Company. The Special Committee also discussed whether it would be advisable for the
Special Committee to hire an independent third-party management consultant.
On
March 12, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis filed a statement on Schedule 13D, publicly disclosing the letter he submitted to the Board on March 9, 2018, noting
that he reaffirmed his offer to acquire all of the shares of the Company for $27.50 per share and that he requested that the shareholder nomination deadline be extended for 30 days.
Mr. George Feldenkreis also noted his intention, if the nomination deadline was not extended, to nominate a slate of directors at the 2018 Annual Meeting.
Also
on March 12, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors and discussed Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis and his potential participation in the Feldenkreis Proposal.
Following this discussion, the Special Committee decided that it would direct its advisors to attempt to negotiate a process agreement with each of Mr. George Feldenkreis, Mr. Oscar
Feldenkreis, and Fortress regarding what information cannot be shared and, in the case of Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, permitting the Company to bring in an independent third-party consultant and
setting cooperation efforts obligations for Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis in connection therewith.
On
March 13, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors and reviewed with Paul, Weiss the key terms of the confidentiality agreement negotiated with Mr. George
Feldenkreis. The Special Committee also discussed the treatment of Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis and his potential participation in the Feldenkreis Proposal. The Special Committee noted that it would
continue to explore strategic alternatives, including stand-alone strategies and proposals from other bidders, and that it would assess those alternatives based in part on advice of PJ Solomon. The
Special Committee then discussed the proposed process letter between the Company and Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, which permitted the Special Committee to engage an independent third-party consultant
without triggering any rights of Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis under his employment agreement, and a list of potential equity financing sources that Mr. George Feldenkreis requested to be
pre-approved for permitted disclosure under the terms of his confidentiality agreement.
On
March 14, 2018, the Special Committee approved entry into confidentiality agreements with Mr. George Feldenkreis and Fortress, and a letter agreement with
Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis regarding the Special Committee engaging a consultant and Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis' potential participation in the Feldenkreis Proposal. The Special Committee also
decided to move forward with the process of engaging AlixPartners, LLP ("AlixPartners"), as the independent third-party consultant. AlixPartners was primarily engaged as a management consultant
to provide confirmatory due diligence and an independent review of the reasonableness of the March 2018 Management Projections (as defined in "Special FactorsProjected Financial
Information" beginning on page 74) so that the Special Committee could instruct PJ Solomon as to whether such projections could be relied upon as part of the materials reviewed by PJ Solomon in
conducting its financial analysis and delivering its fairness opinion. AlixPartners' engagement also provided that AlixPartners would, if requested, assist the Special Committee to obtain and compile
information needed to present the Company to prospective purchasers or investors and that AlixPartners may be requested to provide other customary consulting services as may be requested by the
Special Committee. The Special Committee did not issue any
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instructions
or limitations on the investigation to AlixPartners concerning its work. The Special Committee further authorized PJ Solomon to conduct a market check (consistent with the market check
process, including the identification of potential strategic and financial bidders to be contacted therein, as reviewed by PJ Solomon with the Special Committee on March 3, 2018) using a form
of confidentiality agreement substantially similar to the form used for Fortress.
Later
on March 14, 2018, at a Board meeting at which all members were present, the Board unanimously adopted resolutions that, upon execution of the confidentiality agreements
with Mr. George Feldenkreis and Fortress, and the letter agreement with Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, the Company's Bylaws would be amended to extend the director nomination deadline to
April 12, 2018. Following the meeting the Company entered into a confidentiality agreement with Mr. George Feldenkreis, a confidentiality agreement with Fortress, and a letter agreement
with Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, the effectiveness of which triggered the effectiveness of the Bylaw amendment extending the director nomination deadline to April 12, 2018.
On
March 15, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis filed a statement on Schedule 13D, publicly disclosing his entry into a confidentiality agreement with the Company (the
"Feldenkreis Confidentiality Agreement"). Mr. George Feldenkreis stated that he agreed to customary standstill provisions through the later of (i) the conclusion of the Company's annual
meeting and (ii) the date that is six months following the date of the Feldenkreis Confidentiality Agreement, except that after April 10, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis may nominate
candidates for election to the Board.
Also
on March 15, 2018, the Company entered into a confidentiality agreement with AlixPartners to serve as an independent third-party consultant to the Special Committee. On
March 16, 2018, the Company entered into an engagement agreement with AlixPartners.
On
March 16, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis, Fortress, Scope, PJ Solomon and members of the Company's management had an initial in-person meeting to discuss Fortress' plans
for financing the Feldenkreis Proposal.
Also
on March 16, 2018, PJ Solomon contacted Randa Accessories Leather Goods, LLC ("Randa") in connection with PJ Solomon's market check. Randa then requested that the
Company enter into a confidentiality agreement with Randa, which confidentiality agreement was entered into the following day (the "Randa NDA").
On
March 19, 2018, the Company received a heavily marked confidentiality agreement from Party B (which included the rejection of the standstill). PJ Solomon informed Party B that
its markup was unacceptable, and Party B never responded.
Also
on March 19, 2018, PJ Solomon launched the online data room, which had been compiled by management of the Company, and Fortress received access to conduct due diligence.
On
March 23, 2018, PJ Solomon provided Randa with a copy of the Company's confidential information memorandum.
On
March 26, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. PJ Solomon gave a summary of the strategic alternative review process, noting
that PJ Solomon had contacted 18 parties (9 private equity and 9 strategic), but aside from Mr. George Feldenkreis and Fortress, only Randa had executed a confidentiality agreement. The Special
Committee determined that it needed a bona fide proposal from Randa (a strategic competitor) before granting due diligence and that further consideration would be required to ensure Randa was serious
before sharing commercially sensitive information. Representatives of AlixPartners provided the Special Committee with their initial impressions of the Company. At this same meeting, the Chairman of
the Special Committee reported that Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, in light of the process being undertaken by the Special Committee, had requested that the Special Committee adopt a retention plan for
certain key
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employees
in view of their knowledge and roles in the process. The Special Committee agreed to consider this matter.
Also
on March 26, 2018, Ms. Fanny Hanono entered into a severance agreement and general release with the Company, pursuant to which she would receive 18 months of
her base salary, her bonus, COBRA health benefits and long-term incentive performance-based compensation pursuant to the terms of such agreement.
Between
March 26, 2018 and June 15, 2018, four potential debt financing sources (in addition to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo") and Fortress)
executed joinder agreements with Mr. George Feldenkreis or non-disclosure agreements directly with the Company, in each case permitting such potential debt financing sources to receive
confidential information in connection with their respective evaluations of debt financing for the Feldenkreis Proposal.
On
March 28, 2018, PJ Solomon provided Randa with a process letter inviting Randa to submit an initial indication of interest by April 5, 2018.
On
March 30, 2018, Paul, Weiss circulated an initial draft of the agreement and plan of merger to Olshan. Also on March 30, 2018, Fortress had a diligence call with the
Company's management.
On
April 2, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. PJ Solomon advised that of the 18 parties it had reached out to in March, only
Mr. George Feldenkreis and Randa were conducting diligence. PJ Solomon noted Randa was expected to submit a non-binding indication of interest no later than April 5
th
. PJ
Solomon noted that Fortress had indicated it was nearing completion of its business due diligence, and that Fortress had the capacity to backstop the debt financing needed for the Feldenkreis Proposal
if an ABL financing could not be achieved. PJ Solomon also advised the Special Committee that Mr. George Feldenkreis' financial advisor believed the director nomination window for the 2018
Annual Meeting, scheduled to expire on April 12
th
, would likely need to be extended to provide more time for Mr. George Feldenkreis' financing sources to conduct their due
diligence.
On
April 5, 2018, Randa submitted a non-binding indication of interest (the "Randa Proposal") indicating a potential purchase price of $27.75 per share in an all cash transaction
with no financing contingency and suggesting that it would take about two weeks to complete diligence and submit a letter of intent.
On
April 6, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis' financial advisor circulated a list of eight outstanding diligence requests from Fortress.
Also
on April 6, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. AlixPartners reviewed with the Special Committee its approach and diligence
with respect to its engagement, a summary of the Company's strategies and business plans, and benchmarking and bottom-up analyses of the Company's projections. Specifically, in order to analyze the
business plan of the Company, AlixPartners (i) attended a Company presentation to Fortress; (ii) reviewed documentation from the online data room launched by PJ Solomon on
March 19, 2018; (iii) held update calls with the Special Committee, PJ Solomon, and Paul, Weiss; (iv) benchmarked key operating and financial metrics against AlixPartner's
knowledge base and comparable firm public financials; and (v) conducted interviews with certain members of Company management. AlixPartners reviewed with the Special Committee their
observations of the risks and opportunities associated with the management's strategic plans, which weighed the importance of maintaining and building the Company's existing brands against the cost
and management effort required to enhance the Company's brands. In particular, AlixPartners expressed its belief that the Company's strength is as a wholesale apparel operator and suggested
consideration to strategies focused on brand equity building. In evaluating management, AlixPartners noted its belief that there appeared to be no evidence of a strategic plan or strategic planning
process. AlixPartners suggested an increased focus on strategic
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planning
as well as consideration of shifting capital and resources to brand investment to avoid losing brand relevance, while noting that there were risks and uncertainties involved in such a shift
in focus. AlixPartners also discussed its view that, in order to make sufficient resources available to meet brand-building objectives, the Company should consider changes to its management
organization and cost structure. In particular, AlixPartners believed that operating expenses could be rebalanced and the Company's organizational and operating complexities could be reduced. The
Special Committee also asked AlixPartners to assess leadership and morale at the Company (a) in light of the request by the Company's CEO that the Company implement a retention plan, and
(b) with a view towards understanding (x) the possible strategic alternatives to the Feldenkreis Proposal and (y) the potential to further develop and exploit the Company's
assets. Based on the foregoing approach, AlixPartners believed that the March 2018 Management Projections as presented for the fiscal years 2019 - 2021 were within a range that was
reasonable and were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the then-best available estimates and judgments of the Company's management of the future financial performance of the Company. The Special
Committee did not base its determination concerning the use of the projections on any external factors other than that the projections were prepared by the Company's management and the analysis
performed by AlixPartners. The Company's management did not review AlixPartners' written presentation, including AlixPartners' views regarding the Company's strategies and business plans, prior to
AlixPartners' delivery of its written presentation to the Special Committee. Following the execution of the merger agreement, AlixPartners' views and written presentation were shared with Company
management and George Feldenkreis, who agreed with AlixPartners' conclusions regarding management's projections, but not with AlixPartners' views regarding management's strategic plans.
Also
on April 6, 2018, the Special Committee determined, after considering, among other things, the oral briefing and written presentation of AlixPartners, that the March 2018 Management
Projections (which had been adjusted to reflect contraction in the Company's retail customer base, including the bankruptcy of Bon-Ton), based on the interviews, documents and data analyzed by
AlixPartners (the truth, accuracy, or completeness of which were not independently verified by AlixPartners) were reasonably prepared and reflected the best estimates available at that time of the
Company's management of the Company's future financial performance and that PJ Solomon should utilize the March 2018 Management Projections for its financial analysis. The Special Committee then
discussed a proposal from Mr. George Feldenkreis' counsel to extend the director nomination window from April 12
th
to April 30
th
(with a
standstill for Mr. George Feldenkreis to nominate director candidates to expire on April 26
th
) in exchange for a public reaffirmation of the Feldenkreis Proposal, including
the $27.50 price. The Special Committee unanimously approved moving forward with this extension, in part because it would give Randa time to catch up to Mr. George Feldenkreis and submit a
further progressed proposal. The Special Committee also reviewed the Randa Proposal with PJ Solomon and concluded, based in part on advice from PJ Solomon, that it was in the best interest of the
Company's shareholders to allow Randa to enter the strategic process and conduct due diligence. PJ Solomon noted that Randa was a brand operator, and the Special Committee determined that due
diligence would be provided taking into account appropriate staging of competitively sensitive information. Representatives from PJ Solomon also noted that another strategic party had expressed
interest in working with Mr. George Feldenkreis and his proposal. Given that such other strategic party ("Party C") previously indicated it would not be adverse to Mr. George
Feldenkreis, and given its strategic objectives would not lend itself to bid for the whole Company in any event, the Special Committee concluded it was in the best interest of shareholders to allow
Party C to potentially work with Mr. George Feldenkreis. PJ Solomon noted that Party C was a licensor, but was not a competitive brand operator.
Between
April 6, 2018 and April 10, 2018, PJ Solomon worked with Company management and general counsel to classify data room files that contained competitively sensitive
information so that staged access could be given to those files when and if the Special Committee determined that
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potential
competitors of the Company, including Randa, were sufficiently progressed in bidding to justify providing access.
On
April 9, 2018, at a Board meeting at which all members were present, the Board unanimously adopted resolutions that, upon execution of an amendment to the Feldenkreis
Confidentiality Agreement and a letter reaffirming the Feldenkreis Proposal, amended the Company's Bylaws to extend the director nomination deadline for the 2018 Annual Meeting to April 30,
2018. Following the meeting, the Company and Mr. George Feldenkreis executed an amendment to the Feldenkreis Confidentiality Agreement extending the director nomination standstill to
April 26, 2018 and Fortress and Mr. George Feldenkreis executed a letter reaffirming the Feldenkreis Proposal.
Also
on April 9, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis filed a statement on Schedule 13D, publicly disclosing this letter and noting that he reaffirmed his offer to acquire
all of the shares of the Company for $27.50 per share and that Mr. George Feldenkreis and the Company amended the Feldenkreis Confidentiality Agreement to extend the director nomination
standstill to April 26, 2018.
On
April 10, 2018, Randa received access to the data room. On April 11, 2018, representatives from Randa met with representatives of PJ Solomon, Mr. Oscar
Feldenkreis and certain other members of senior management of the Company at the Company's headquarters in Miami, Florida.
On
April 12, 2018, the Company entered into a confidentiality agreement with Party C in connection with the Feldenkreis Proposal.
Also
on April 12, 2018, after discussions involving the Special Committee and members of senior management, representatives from Paul, Weiss spoke with FWCook ("Cook"), the
Company's regular compensation consultant, and outlined a potential change in control severance plan ("CIC Severance Plan"), so that Cook could begin to benchmark such a plan for the Company's
compensation committee (the "Compensation Committee"). Cook prepared a report which was provided to the Special Committee (the "Cook Report"), a copy of which is attached as exhibit (c)(9) to
the Statement on Schedule 13E-3, filed by the Company and the filing persons listed thereon with the SEC on August 3, 2018. The Special Committee engaged Cook to review the Company's proposed
CIC Severance Plan for reasonableness in light of a potential change-in-control transaction. The proposed CIC Severance Plan provides benefits in the event of an involuntary termination without
"cause" or voluntary termination with "good reason" within 12 months following a change in control. The analysis provided by Cook in the Cook Report indicated that the Company's proposed
program is reasonable and falls within the range of market practice. Cook indicated that the cash severance benefits provided in the CIC Severance Plan are at the lower end of market practice, while
the number of covered employees is somewhat high in relation to market practice.
On
April 13, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Party C received data room access to conduct due diligence.
On
April 16, 2018, the Company's general counsel presented the Special Committee with the initial list of Company employees proposed to be included in a retention plan, which
identified approximately 76 potential employees.
Also
on April 16, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. The Special Committee reviewed the list of proposed participants in the
CIC Severance Plan with its financial and legal advisors. Representatives from Paul, Weiss outlined the proposed CIC Severance Plan and reported Cook's views and benchmarking of the proposed CIC
Severance Plan. The proposed CIC Severance Plan contemplated three tiers, the top-tier consisting of approximately 8-12 persons at the senior level, the middle-tier consisting of approximately 8-12
persons, and the
third-tier consisting of the remainder of participants. The Special Committee instructed representatives from PJ Solomon to approach Randa regarding the potential implementation of the CIC Severance
Plan and get an understanding of how Randa would perceive such a plan. At this meeting, the Special
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Committee
reviewed a presentation prepared by PJ Solomon with its financial and legal advisors, which reviewed the terms of the Feldenkreis Proposal and the Randa Proposal, trading multiples
represented by the Feldenkreis Proposal and the Randa Proposal, publicly available historical trading market data about the Company, publicly available research analyst views on the Company,
management's most recent stand-alone plan for the Company going forward, growth rates reflected in this management plan, and preliminary financial analyses of the Company using data from this
management plan (which preliminary analyses consisted of a preliminary selected companies analysis that used an illustrative range of price/earnings multiples of 11.0x to 18.0x and indicated an
illustrative range of values per share of the Company of $22.00 to $36.00; a preliminary selected precedent transactions analysis that used an illustrative range of EBITDA multiples of 6.0x to 8.5x
and indicated an illustrative range of values per Company share of $18.84 to $28.24; a preliminary discounted cash flow analysis that used an illustrative range of exit EBITDA multiples of 8.2x to
9.6x and of discount rates of 10.0% to 14.0% and indicated an illustrative range of values per share of the Company of $22.42 to $30.34; a preliminary LBO analysis that used an illustrative exit
EBITDA multiple of 8.3x and IRR range of 20.0% to 25.0% and indicated an illustrative range of values per share of the Company of $26.00 to $27.50, and a preliminary present value of future share
price analysis that used an illustrative range of one-year forward EPS multiples of 13.5x to 16.9x and discount rate of 12.6% and indicated an illustrative range of values per share of the Company of
$27.09 to $32.09). A copy of the presentation is attached as exhibit (c)(6) to the Statement on Schedule 13E-3, filed by the Company and the filing persons listed thereon with the SEC on
August 3, 2018.
Also
on April 16, 2018, PJ Solomon, at the instruction of the Special Committee, approached representatives of Randa to discuss the retention of Company employees, including the
likelihood that the proposed CIC Severance Plan would be implemented in the near future. Randa indicated that it understood it was customary to have such a plan in the context of a public strategic
review process where risk of a change in control transaction becomes known to employees and indicated its interest in minimizing employee disruption during the process. Additionally, PJ Solomon and
Randa discussed (i) Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis' employment arrangements, including his rights upon a change in control of the Company, (ii) the need for Randa's legal counsel to speak
with Paul, Weiss regarding specific questions surrounding the Feldenkreis Proposal, (iii) the possibility of receiving expense reimbursement in connection with the Randa Proposal,
(iv) access to the Company's senior management to hold meetings and (v) potential third-party financing sources with whom Randa would seek to sign joinder agreements.
On
April 17, 2018, Randa requested meetings with seven of the Company's senior managers. Also on April 17, 2018, Paul, Weiss circulated an initial draft of the agreement
and plan of merger to legal counsel for Randa.
On
April 19, 2018, Wells Fargo and Mr. George Feldenkreis executed a joinder agreement, permitting Wells Fargo to receive confidential information in connection with its
evaluation of debt financing for the Feldenkreis Proposal.
On
April 20, 2018, Cook delivered a draft of the Cook Report to the Special Committee regarding its review of the proposed CIC Severance Plan. In this draft Cook concluded that
the proposed CIC Severance Plan was reasonable and fell within the range of market practice. Specifically, the cash severance benefits were at the lower end of market practice while the number of
covered employees was at the higher end of market practice. A copy of the Cook Report is attached as exhibit (c)(9) to the Statement on Schedule 13E-3, filed by the Company and the filing
persons listed thereon with the SEC on August 3, 2018.
Also
on April 20, 2018, Paul, Weiss circulated draft disclosure schedules to Randa's legal counsel and Mr. George Feldenkreis' counsel.
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On
April 22, 2018, at a Compensation Committee meeting at which all members were present, the Compensation Committee of the Board reviewed the proposed CIC Severance Plan with
representatives of Paul, Weiss. After deliberation, the Compensation Committee unanimously voted to approve the CIC Severance Plan. The participants in the CIC Severance Plan included those persons
listed in the proposal delivered by the Company's general counsel to the Special Committee on April 16, 2018, as well as three additional participants requested to be included by
Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis thereafter. None of the beneficiaries of the CIC Severance Plan are GF Group Filing Persons. The terms of the CIC Severance Plan were not negotiated by Mr. Oscar
Feldenkreis (apart from his participation in the creation of the list of proposed beneficiaries) or any other executive officer of the Company.
Between
April 22, 2018 and June 15, 2018, 15 potential debt financing sources executed joinder agreements with Randa, permitting such potential debt financing sources to
receive confidential information in connection with their respective evaluations of debt financing for the Randa Proposal.
On
April 25, 2018, PJ Solomon spoke with Scope, who advised that Mr. George Feldenkreis would not increase the price of his offer of $27.50 per share to acquire all of the
shares of the Company.
On
April 26, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. The Special Committee discussed with its financial and legal advisors a
proposal from Mr. George Feldenkreis' counsel to extend the director nomination window from April 30th to May 18th in exchange for (i) an amendment to the
Feldenkreis Confidentiality Agreement extending Mr. George Feldenkreis' standstill period to May 16th and (ii) a public reaffirmation of the $27.50 price from
Mr. George Feldenkreis. The Special Committee unanimously approved moving forward with this extension. Representatives from PJ Solomon reported that Party C was still interested, but added that
Party C's proposed acquisition structure remained unclear. The Special Committee then discussed Randa's progress, and PJ Solomon noted that Randa's senior executives spent 16 hours over the
prior three days in meetings with Company management (including 10 senior executives) and consultants from AlixPartners. Following this discussion, the Special Committee also unanimously approved
providing Randa with un-redacted versions of all licensing agreements in business lines where Randa was not considered a direct competitor of the Company. During this meeting, the Special Committee
also discussed Randa's request for expense reimbursement but declined to make a decision regarding the request at that time.
Also
on April 26, 2018, the Board adopted resolutions by unanimous written consent that, upon execution of an amendment to the Feldenkreis Confidentiality Agreement and a letter
reaffirming the Feldenkreis Proposal, amended the Company's Bylaws to extend the director nomination deadline to May 18, 2018. Following adoption of the resolutions, the Company and
Mr. George Feldenkreis executed an amendment to the Feldenkreis Confidentiality Agreement extending the director nomination standstill to May 16, 2018 and Fortress and Mr. George
Feldenkreis executed a letter reaffirming the Feldenkreis Proposal.
Also
on April 26, 2018, the Company filed a Form 8-K, publicly disclosing adoption of the CIC Severance Plan.
On
April 27, 2018 Mr. George Feldenkreis filed a statement on Schedule 13D, publicly disclosing the letter executed by Mr. George Feldenkreis and Fortress,
and noting that Mr. George Feldenkreis reaffirmed his offer to acquire all of the shares of the Company for $27.50 per share and that Mr. George Feldenkreis and the Company amended the
Feldenkreis Confidentiality Agreement to extend the director nomination standstill to May 16, 2018.
Also
on April 27, 2018, PJ Solomon received an extensive supplemental diligence request list from Randa. Additionally, representatives from PJ Solomon and Randa corresponded, and
Randa identified two key items of outstanding diligence: (i) the competitive licenses, and (ii) discussions with the four
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inbound
licensees and 10 outbound licensees who accounted for a majority of the Company's cash flow. Randa also delivered a draft Expense Reimbursement Agreement.
Also
on April 27, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Scope informed PJ Solomon that another potential strategic partner ("Party D"), a brand licensor (though not an
operating competitor), was interested in partnering with Mr. George Feldenkreis in his bid to acquire the Company. Accordingly, PJ Solomon provided a draft of the non-disclosure agreement to
Party D. Party D confirmed receipt of the non-disclosure agreement, but never commented on, or executed, a non-disclosure agreement in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal. Accordingly, Party D was not
provided access to the data room at that time.
On
April 28, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Scope informed PJ Solomon that Mr. George Feldenkreis had retained a team from Proskauer Rose LLP
("Proskauer") to serve as additional legal counsel, along with Olshan, for Mr. George Feldenkreis.
On
May 2, 2018, Randa called PJ Solomon and stated that Randa would go "pencils down" if the Special Committee refused to grant expense reimbursement. Later that day, Paul, Weiss
sent the Special Committee members a revised draft of Randa's proposed Expense Reimbursement Agreement.
Also
on May 2, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis sent a letter to the Special Committee expressing concerns he had regarding the CIC Severance Plan, including that prospective
buyers would not want to "fully absorb the potential liability under the CIC Severance Plan" and that "given the material impact that the CIC Severance Plan may have on the Company's sales process and
the value that shareholders will receive in any strategic transaction" it was Mr. George Feldenkreis' belief that the full Board should have discussed the CIC Severance Plan (rather than just
the Compensation Committee).
Also
on May 2, 2018, PJ Solomon spoke with Scope and requested an increase in per share merger consideration, Scope reiterated that Mr. George Feldenkreis would not
increase the price of his offer of $27.50 per share to acquire all of the shares of the Company.
On
May 3, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. The Special Committee discussed Randa's position and the importance of keeping
Randa in the process and commencing good faith negotiations of definitive terms as quickly as possible. Following this discussion, the Special Committee voted unanimously to approve entry into the
Expense Reimbursement Agreement subject to a cap. The Special Committee then discussed whether to share the remaining license agreements with Randa, and after deliberation, the Special Committee
approved providing unredacted versions of the remaining license agreements to Randa.
Also
on May 3, 2018, the Special Committee sent a response letter to Mr. George Feldenkreis disagreeing with Mr. George Feldenkreis' assertions in his May 2,
2018 letter regarding the CIC Severance Plan, noting that the Company's CEO had requested that a program be implemented (and that the participants and tiers were as recommended by the Company's CEO),
and noting that the decision was properly before the Company's Compensation Committee.
Also
on May 3, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Olshan sent Paul, Weiss a revised draft of the merger agreement. From May 3, 2018 to June 15, 2018,
Olshan and Paul, Weiss engaged in negotiations of the merger agreement and ancillary documents related thereto.
On
May 4, 2018, the Special Committee unanimously approved revisions to, and the Company entered into, the Expense Reimbursement Agreement with Randa pursuant to which the Company
would reimburse Randa, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, for its reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses up to a cap if the Company enters into a definitive acquisition agreement
with someone other than Randa, on or before July 31, 2018. Following execution of the Expense Reimbursement Agreement, legal counsel for Randa circulated a revised draft of the merger agreement
to Paul, Weiss. Randa also circulated a list of its highest priority diligence requests, which included direct contact with the Company's four most material inbound licensors.
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On May 9, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Olshan sent Paul, Weiss a further revised draft of the merger agreement. The draft proposed that
(i) the reverse termination fee be increased from 1% (proposed by Olshan's first revised draft of the merger agreement) to 2% of the equity transaction value and that the Company's recourse for
any breach under the merger agreement would be limited to this 2% amount, (ii) the Company undergo a pre-closing restructuring (the specific steps of which were not provided) to facilitate
Mr. George Feldenkreis' IPCo/OPCo financing structure, (iii) no limited guarantee would be provided, and in lieu thereof, Mr. George Feldenkreis would pledge certain of the shares
of the Company owned directly by him to pay the reverse termination fee and other obligations of Parent under the merger agreement, (iv) obtaining the consent of two licensors would be required
as a condition to closing, and (v) a closing condition would be included that not more than 5% of shares have exercised appraisal rights. Olshan also provided an overview of the proposed debt
and equity financing structure and noted that significant progress had been made in the negotiation of the debt commitment letter with Fortress.
On
May 10, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. PJ Solomon advised that with respect to the Feldenkreis Proposal, the financing
package proposed would have a leverage ratio higher than in any recent apparel deals, and would use an IPCo/OPCo structure.
PJ Solomon advised the Special Committee that it did not expect there would be any excess availability to increase the proposed offer of $27.50 per share in light of the financing structure. Paul,
Weiss also gave a detailed presentation on the terms of the merger agreement it had proposed for both bidders, and an overview of the open issues presented by each bidder. Of note, both bidders had
deleted the "go-shop" provisions in their respective bids and the Feldenkreis Proposal had a 2% termination fee and reverse termination fee, while the Randa Proposal had a 3.75% termination fee and
reverse termination fee, in each case of equity transaction value.
Also
on May 10, 2018, PJ Solomon spoke with Scope and requested an increase in per share merger consideration, Scope again noted that Mr. George Feldenkreis would not
increase the price of his offer of $27.50 per share to acquire all of the shares of the Company.
On
May 11, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, representatives of Scope informed PJ Solomon that Mr. George Feldenkreis was hoping to sign in advance of the
May 18
th
nomination deadline for the 2018 Annual Meeting, and requested that Paul, Weiss deliver a revised version of the merger agreement. Scope advised that
Mr. George Feldenkreis expected to firm up his financing commitments shortly. Later that day, Paul, Weiss circulated a revised draft of the merger agreement to Olshan in respect of the
Feldenkreis Proposal. This draft removed conditions to closing related to dissenting shares and consent of third parties and reinstated a 7% reverse termination fee and recourse above this amount for
willful and material breaches.
On
May 12, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, representatives of Scope updated PJ Solomon on the status of the merger agreement review and delivery of the financing
commitments. Representatives of Scope also suggested that the director nomination deadline be extended to May 28, 2018 as Mr. George Feldenkreis was otherwise going to nominate a slate
of directors.
On
May 13, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Olshan sent Paul, Weiss a revised draft of the merger agreement, which proposed a reverse termination fee of 2.5% of
equity transaction value, and limited the Company's recourse for any breach under the merger agreement to a pledge of shares of Company Common Stock having a value at the time of signing (based on
$27.50 per share) of such fee amount. The revised draft also accepted the removal of the conditions to closing related to dissenting shares and consent of third parties.
On
May 14, 2018, in respect of the Randa Proposal, Paul, Weiss sent a revised draft of the merger agreement to legal counsel for Randa including a proposed 2% termination fee and
7% reverse termination fee, in each case of equity transaction value.
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On
May 16, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Olshan delivered debt commitment letters from each of Fortress and Wells Fargo to Paul, Weiss, which Olshan indicated were
expected to be finalized shortly. These debt commitment papers (i) required the lenders' satisfaction with the pre-closing restructuring, the specific steps of which were to be provided,
(ii) did not contain a guarantee on the minimum borrowing base or availability under the asset based loan ("ABL"), and (iii) did not include a detailed sources and uses.
Also
on May 16, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis sent a letter to the Special Committee reporting that his counsel delivered substantially complete drafts of debt financing
commitments, stating these provided "firm financing," and noting that his counsel had submitted a merger agreement and requesting a response. Mr. George Feldenkreis proposed that, if the merger
agreement could not be negotiated in full before Friday, May 18, 2018 when the window for submission of shareholder nominees to the Board would end, he be granted exclusivity through
May 25, 2018.
Also
on May 16, 2018 the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. Paul, Weiss and PJ Solomon provided a process update. Following discussion,
the Special Committee unanimously authorized PJ Solomon to begin coordinating Randa's conversations with the Company's top-three inbound licensors once the expected debt financing commitment papers
from Randa had been received. The Special Committee then discussed Mr. George Feldenkreis' proposal for exclusivity, and determined that it needed to provide Randa an opportunity to complete
its diligence before any exclusivity requests would be considered.
Following
the Special Committee call, also on May 16, 2018, Paul, Weiss responded to Olshan and Proskauer with a list of follow up questions on Mr. George Feldenkreis' debt
commitment letters, as well as delivering a revised version of the merger agreement. The Special Committee also delivered (i) a letter responding to Mr. George Feldenkreis' request for
exclusivity, denying the same and noting it was not believed to be in the best interest of shareholders, but noting its willingness to grant an extension of the nomination window, and
(ii) draft materials to extend the nomination window to Mr. George Feldenkreis' counsel.
On
May 17, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Proskauer delivered to Paul, Weiss a sources and uses table, a description of the pre-closing restructuring and related
structure chart. Thereafter, Paul, Weiss and Proskauer had a call regarding the financing of the Feldenkreis Proposal. Paul, Weiss noted its concerns including (i) the pre-closing restructuring
being required of the Company, (ii) the liquidity requirements and the concern that there would not be a guaranteed sufficient borrowing base at closing to fund the
transactionsnoting that Paul, Weiss would expect minimum guaranteed availability at closing, (iii) the intercompany license arrangements that would be required in an IPCo/OPCo
financing, and (iv) the current status of the coordination of the credit silos and synchronization of the different commitments. Proskauer informed Paul, Weiss that revised papers were in
process and would be available shortly.
Also
on May 17, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, following the call between Paul, Weiss and Proskauer, Scope emailed PJ Solomon and noted that the concerns expressed
on the financing
package would be addressed the following day. In connection therewith, Scope offered to consider a limited "go-shop" for any competing bidder, and noted the desire of its client to sign over the
weekend. PJ Solomon informed Scope that it did not believe a signing over the weekend was possible and the Special Committee would need at least two more weeks to complete its process.
On
May 18, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis notified the Company of his intent to nominate individuals for election as directors at the 2018 Annual Meeting including
Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, Mary Ellen Kanoff, Scott A. LaPorta and Matthew McEvoy. In addition, Mr. George Feldenkreis filed an amended Schedule 13D, disclosing his nomination of
Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, Mary Ellen Kanoff, Scott A. LaPorta and Matthew McEvoy for election to the Board at the 2018 Annual Meeting. In the amended Schedule 13D, Mr. George
Feldenkreis expressed his desire to have signed a definitive
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merger
agreement prior to the May 18
th
deadline for shareholder nominations. Mr. George Feldenkreis also expressed his belief that any remaining issues could be
resolved in a limited amount of time. Mr. George Feldenkreis noted that given the amount of time that had passed since submitting his original bid to acquire the Company in February, he had
determined to nominate directors for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting in order to preserve his rights as a shareholder. Mr. George Feldenkreis acknowledged that Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis
was likely to be nominated by the Company for election to the Board at the 2018 Annual Meeting under his employment agreement. However, Mr. George Feldenkreis determined to also nominate
Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis for election to the Board to ensure his re-election because of Mr. George Feldenkreis' belief that Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis' continued role as an executive and
presence on the Board was essential and in the best interest of all shareholders. Mr. George Feldenkreis noted that Oscar Feldenkreis' participation in Mr. George Feldenkreis' proxy
solicitation would be limited to being named as a person nominated by Mr. George Feldenkreis and as a result, Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis would be filing a Schedule 13D separately.
Later
on May 18, 2018, the Special Committee responded to Mr. George Feldenkreis' May 18, 2018 letter and Schedule 13D filing with a press release that it was
continuing its strategic review process to maximize shareholder value rather than contesting mischaracterizations of negotiations in the press by Mr. George Feldenkreis.
On
May 20, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Olshan delivered a revised merger agreement to Paul, Weiss. As had been noted on the May 17, 2018 call between
Proskauer and Paul, Weiss, the Company's obligation to consummate a pre-closing restructuring had been removed. Olshan proposed that any recourse under the agreement be limited to 400,000 shares to be
pledged by Mr. George Feldenkreis, which amounted to, approximately, a 2.5% reverse termination fee that had been previously proposed. The draft also contained a footnote indicating that Olshan
did not believe there was a need for a go shop, but that a limited go shop for a single bidder would be considered.
On
May 21, 2018, Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis filed a Schedule 13D stating while that he was not affirming his membership in a group, that he may be deemed a "group" within
the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act due to his consent to serve as a nominee of Mr. George Feldenkreis for election at the 2018 Annual Meeting. He stated that apart from
such disclosure, he had no plans or proposals that would result in any of the occurrences enumerated in (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D.
Also
on May 21, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. Paul, Weiss and PJ Solomon provided process updates. Following discussion,
the Special Committee unanimously approved the delivery of a letter to Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis which was sent shortly after the meeting. The letter, sent in light of Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis'
Schedule 13D disclosures, reminded him of his March 14, 2018 agreement not to share with Mr. George Feldenkreis or Fortress any confidential information, material non-public
information, information provided by the Company to the Special Committee or information about the process and other strategic alternatives. The Special Committee instructed Mr. Oscar
Feldenkreis to not communicate with Mr. George Feldenkreis or Fortress regarding the Company or its subsidiaries in the absence of the presence and participation of a member of the Special
Committee or its legal or financial advisors.
Also
on May 21, 2018, in respect of the Randa Proposal, legal counsel for Randa delivered to Paul, Weiss a bid package including a draft debt commitment letter from an ABL lender
financing source, a debt long form term sheet from an alternative debt financing source, and a revised merger agreement. The debt papers were materially insufficient in both amount and certainty. PJ
Solomon advised Randa's financial advisor of the same promptly and was advised that Randa was aware of the issues and had been frustrated with one of its financing sources but assured PJ Solomon that
Randa was working to fill the gaps expeditiously.
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On
May 22, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, the advisors for the Special Committee and Mr. George Feldenkreis discussed open issues and the status of various
transaction documents and the debt commitment letters. Paul, Weiss and PJ Solomon communicated the view that the Special Committee process was making good progress but that there were still items to
be negotiated, especially with respect to financing terms and risks, before an actionable offer with definitive documents was ready to be put before the Special Committee, and communicated their sense
that it was unlikely to happen in the next few days with respect to any offer and that Mr. George Feldenkreis' advisory team had been pressing for same.
On
May 23, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis sent a letter to the Special Committee, which was made public by press release, urging the Special Committee to immediately commit
to an expedited timeline to conclude negotiations and enter into a definitive agreement to acquire the Company. Therein, Mr. George Feldenkreis stated he was backed by full financing, and was
prepared to finalize and
execute documents immediately. He stated that if the Company would not enter into a definitive acquisition agreement by May 29, 2018, he would withdraw his proposal and pursue all other rights
as a shareholder.
Also
on May 23, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Olshan circulated the first versions of the pledge agreement, limited guarantee, and rollover letter to Paul, Weiss.
As the last version of the merger agreement from Olshan had indicated, the limited guarantee and pledge agreement collectively provided the Company limited recourse to 400,000 of Mr. George
Feldenkreis' shares. Proskauer also delivered to Paul, Weiss a revised term sheet and fee letter in respect of the Wells Fargo facility.
Also
on May 23, 2018, in respect of the Randa Proposal, Paul, Weiss and legal counsel for Randa had a call regarding open issues. Legal counsel for Randa acknowledged the
insufficiencies in the draft debt commitments and noted their understanding that Randa would not be permitted to contact the major inbound licensors of the business until it proved to the Special
Committee that it had the requisite financing.
Also
on May 23, 2018, the Special Committee met twice with its advisors and received updates regarding the process, documents and the open issues. Following discussion, the
Special Committee authorized its advisors to issue a press release in response to the public statement by Mr. George Feldenkreis and to continue to negotiate and try to progress the process.
On
May 24, 2018, the Special Committee issued a press release responding to Mr. George Feldenkreis' statement that he would withdraw the Feldenkreis Proposal if the Special
Committee would not commit to an expedited timeline to conclude negotiations, noting that it was committed to conducting a bona fide process that would maximize shareholder value and its willingness
to negotiate towards a definitive agreement on customary and appropriate terms, although no decision had been made with respect to the Company's response to the latest proposal from Mr. George
Feldenkreis.
Also
on May 24, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Paul, Weiss delivered revised versions of the merger agreement and ancillary documents, as well as comments to the
debt commitments, to Olshan and Proskauer. The revised drafts maintained the Special Committee's position on the 7% reverse termination fee and the circumstances in which it would become payable and
removed certain proposed limitations on damages for a breach under the merger agreement. The revised drafts also contemplated that Mr. George Feldenkreis would withdraw his nomination of
directors effective as of the signing of the definitive agreements.
On
May 25, 2018, in respect of the Randa Proposal, Paul, Weiss delivered a revised merger agreement and Company disclosure letter to legal counsel for Randa. Additionally, Party
D, in connection with the Randa Proposal, executed a non-disclosure agreement, permitting it to receive confidential information in connection with its evaluation of equity financing for the Randa
Proposal. Paul, Weiss had conversations with legal counsel for Randa regarding the merger agreement draft and Randa's counsel acknowledged that Randa was unlikely to have fully committed financing by
the
33
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May 29
th
deadline
announced by Mr. George Feldenkreis and indicated that Randa's interest remained strong.
Later
on May 25, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Olshan delivered a revised merger agreement and certain ancillary agreements, which it indicated was
Mr. George Feldenkreis' best and final offer. The merger agreement proposed did not include a limited go-shop, which Olshan had previously indicated was under consideration, due to the Special
Committee's stance on the reverse termination fee. The merger agreement included a reverse termination fee equal to 3% of the equity transaction value (and modified the situations under which it would
be payable to circumstances resulting in the failure to obtain financing to fund the transaction), which 3% would be the maximum recourse, including in the event of willful breach, secured by a pledge
of a portion of Mr. George Feldenkreis' shares. The merger agreement also proposed a reduced Company termination fee of 1.5% of the equity transaction value. In addition, the merger agreement
provided for the cancellation of unvested employee performance-based equity awards as to which the performance targets had not been achieved. The extent of the proposed cancellation was subsequently
quantified by Scope on June 1, 2018. Olshan further proposed that Mr. George Feldenkreis would not withdraw his nomination letter but would agree to not seek to compel the 2018 Annual
Meeting if the Company would agree to delay the 2018 Annual Meeting during the pendency of the merger agreement.
On
May 26, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. The Special Committee discussed the main open issues in respect of the
Feldenkreis Proposal. PJ Solomon also updated the Special Committee on Randa's progress, which included the addition of Party D who was being considered as a source of considerable equity to help the
Randa owner minimize risk. PJ Solomon advised the Special Committee that it had become clearer that Randa was not willing to match the equity risk being taken by Mr. George Feldenkreis and
Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, who seemed to be uniquely willing and able to do so. The Special Committee, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, discussed the debt financing commitments and the
execution risks and limited recourse for the failure of financing. Following discussion, the Special Committee authorized its advisors to reject the best and final offer submitted by Mr. George
Feldenkreis and to counter with an offer to continue to negotiate the other open issues if a 5% reverse termination fee were acceptable.
Also
on May 26, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Paul, Weiss responded to Olshan regarding the various open issues and expressed a willingness to work toward the
deadline imposed by Mr. George Feldenkreis of May 29
th
, if a reverse termination fee of 5% was accepted by Mr. George Feldenkreis.
Also
on May 26, 2018, in respect of the Randa Proposal, legal counsel for Randa delivered revised versions of certain ancillary documents to Paul, Weiss.
On
May 27, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. The Special Committee discussed the primary open issues on the Feldenkreis
Proposal, and provided guidance to the advisors on the various draft documents.
Also
on May 27, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Paul, Weiss delivered the revised merger agreement and ancillary documents to Olshan and inquired about the timing of
revised drafts of the debt commitments. The revised merger agreement reflected the proposed 5% reverse termination fee (with a corresponding pledge of shares by Mr. George Feldenkreis) and held
firm on the Special Committee's position on when that would become payable. Paul, Weiss' revised drafts also permitted the Company to solicit for the election of its incumbent directors if a
shareholder sought to compel the 2018 Annual Meeting prior to the special meeting called to adopt the merger agreement with Mr. George Feldenkreis, while Mr. George Feldenkreis would be
restricted from soliciting for the election of his nominees.
On
May 29, 2018, in respect of the Randa Proposal, legal counsel for Randa delivered a revised merger agreement.
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Also
on May 29, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive updates on the process. The Special Committee discussed the contingencies and risks in the financing
package being arranged for the Feldenkreis Proposal and encouraged its advisors to continue to work to try to ensure that the financing was sufficient in terms of both amount and certainty in the
interests of shareholders.
From
May 29, 2018 through June 15, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Proskauer and Paul, Weiss negotiated the terms of the Fortress and Wells Fargo debt
commitments.
On
May 31, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Scope advised PJ Solomon that Mr. George Feldenkreis would withdraw the Feldenkreis Proposal if he could not enter
into a definitive agreement with the Company by the end of the day due to the passage of almost four months since the submission of his original proposal to acquire the Company and the substantial
costs and expenses incurred by the Company or otherwise related to the proposed transaction. PJ Solomon then advised Scope that the Special Committee believed the Feldenkreis Proposal lacked
sufficient funds and executable financing commitments from the lenders.
On
June 1, 2018, PJ Solomon hosted representatives of Randa for a meeting. During the meeting, Randa's CEO said that he was still interested in owning the Company, but did not
want to bet the Randa business to accomplish this without an equity partner. Randa believed it could work with Party C or Party D to achieve a deal, but acknowledged that it
(i) had not found a workable structure due to anticipated tax consequences, (ii) did not have any financing and attributed such failure to be the result of no quality of earnings having
been timely commissioned on Randa's business, (iii) had not made significant progress toward items (i) or (ii) in the last two months and (iv) still required conversations
with the Company's key inbound licensors and wholesale customers.
Also
on June 1, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Olshan delivered a revised merger agreement and revised financing commitments. Olshan also stated that the documents
circulated were a final and best offer, and that its client looked to sign a deal over that weekend, with an announcement on the morning of June 4, 2018. Olshan noted further that
Mr. George Feldenkreis would withdraw his offer on the morning of June 4, 2018 to the extent that Paul, Weiss was unwilling to have an in-person discussion to achieve a signing over the
weekend. The revised Feldenkreis Proposal included a 4% reverse termination fee (with a corresponding pledge of shares by Mr. George Feldenkreis) and a 2% Company termination fee, and the debt
commitments continued to have no guaranteed minimum borrowing base to assure the Company of sufficient availability under the debt commitments. Separately, Scope sent PJ Solomon a sources and uses
table showing that the proposed cancellation of unvested performance-based equity awards amounted to approximately $7.4 million.
On
June 2, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. The Special Committee reviewed with Paul, Weiss and PJ Solomon the current status
of the Feldenkreis Proposal. PJ Solomon presented to, and the Special Committee reviewed with PJ Solomon, a preliminary overview of the financing components of the most recent Feldenkreis
Proposal. This presentation reviewed the balance sheet and cash flow of the Company derived from the most recent management plan, the sources and uses of cash implied by the most recent Feldenkreis
Proposal, the debt and equity financing implied by the most recent Feldenkreis Proposal, and the assumed borrowing base of the Company implied by the most recent Feldenkreis Proposal. A copy of the
presentation is attached as exhibit (c)(5) to the Statement on Schedule 13E-3, filed by the Company and the filing persons listed thereon with the SEC on August 3, 2018. Following this
review, the Special Committee directed its advisors to (i) inform Mr. George Feldenkreis' advisors that the canceling of employee performance-based equity awards (other than
Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis') was unacceptable and (ii) propose a reverse termination fee of $20 million, which represented approximately 4.7% of the equity transaction value. Following
the Special Committee meeting, PJ Solomon informed Scope of the Special Committee's positions. A few hours later Scope informed PJ Solomon that, in light of the significant costs and expenses incurred
by the Company or otherwise related to the proposed transaction, if unvested performance awards for employees were to be paid at closing, Mr. George
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Feldenkreis
would consider reducing his offer to $27.00. Scope also informed PJ Solomon that Mr. George Feldenkreis would not increase his reverse termination fee above 4%. The Special
Committee then held a second meeting during which it unanimously approved rejecting the latest
version of the Feldenkreis Proposal, but telling Mr. George Feldenkreis that it would reopen discussions when he was prepared to negotiate in good faith.
On
June 3, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Paul, Weiss, PJ Solomon, Olshan and Proskauer discussed the treatment of employee equity awards and Proskauer circulated
alternative proposals, including a proposal in which all time-based restricted stock awards would accelerate and be paid out in cash at the closing, and all performance-based restricted stock awards
would be converted into performance-based retention awards, vesting and payable subject to achievement of performance-based vesting conditions.
On
June 4, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process, including the proposals on employee equity awards. Following discussion, the
Special Committee voted unanimously to reject the proposals offered and offer an alternative proposal in which all time-based stock awards would accelerate and be paid at the closing and all
performance-based stock awards would convert into time-based cash retention awards that would be paid in cash at the time of vesting, provided that Parent would need to get express availability for
this payment in its debt commitments.
Also
on June 4, 2018, Olshan informed Paul, Weiss of two successive deadlines to reach an agreement that day, the failure of which would result in the Feldenkreis Proposal being
withdrawn the following morning. Ultimately, the advisors organized an in-person meeting the following day with Mr. George Feldenkreis.
On
June 5, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Paul, Weiss, PJ Solomon, Mr. George Feldenkreis, Olshan, Proskauer and Scope met at the offices of Olshan to
negotiate the remaining open issues. The parties did not discuss the reverse termination fee amount, but did discuss reverse termination fee triggers and other provisions affecting certainty of
closing, including that Mr. George Feldenkreis would agree to contribute up to $5 million in cash as necessary for any financing shortfall and that the debt commitment letter in respect
of the ABL financing would reflect revised market-flex provisions that would not have the potential to reduce availability at closing. Following the negotiations and a meeting of the Special
Committee, Paul, Weiss circulated to Olshan revised drafts of the merger agreement and various ancillary documents.
On
June 7, 2018, Party C, in connection with the Randa Proposal, executed a non-disclosure agreement, permitting it to receive confidential information in connection with its
evaluation of equity financing for the Randa Proposal. The Special Committee approved of this in writing and, because Party C had previously executed a non-disclosure agreement in respect of the
Feldenkreis Proposal, Party C represented that it had not and agreed that it would not communicate with Mr. George Feldenkreis or Fortress regarding a transaction after a specified date.
On
June 11, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. PJ Solomon presented to, and the Special Committee reviewed with PJ
Solomon, an updated preliminary overview of the financing components of the most recent Feldenkreis Proposal. This
presentation reviewed the balance sheet and cash flow of the Company derived from the most recent management plan, the sources and uses of cash implied by the most recent Feldenkreis Proposal, the
debt and equity financing implied by the most recent Feldenkreis Proposal, and the assumed borrowing base of the Company implied by the most recent Feldenkreis Proposal. A copy of the presentation is
attached as exhibit (c)(4) to the Statement on Schedule 13E-3, filed by the Company and the filing persons listed thereon with the SEC on August 3, 2018. Following discussion, the
Special Committee directed its advisors to offer a compromise package on all remaining open issues in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal which included provisions improving the probability of
collecting a reverse
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termination
fee upon certain termination events in exchange for agreeing to accept a reduced size of 4% of equity value for the fee itself.
On
June 12, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis advised that Mr. George Feldenkreis would issue a withdrawal press release at
4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on June 13, 2018 if a deal was not done by then. The Special Committee, through Mr. Scheiner, responded that Paul, Weiss was awaiting a response on the
package of documents circulated on June 11, 2018.
Also
on June 12, 2018, in respect of the Feldenkreis Proposal, Olshan provided a counter proposal that addressed the remaining open points, including the allocation of financing
failure risk with regard to Company management financing covenants and the resolution of matters related to the 2018 Annual Meeting.
Also
on June 12, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. Following this review, the Special Committee agreed to begin scheduling
meetings to review and obtain advisory presentations on the definitive documents representing the Feldenkreis Proposal.
On
June 13, 2018, PJ Solomon spoke with Scope and requested an increase in per share merger consideration, Scope again noted that Mr. George Feldenkreis would not increase
the price of his offer of $27.50 per share to acquire all of the shares of the Company.
Also
on June 13, 2018, after the Board and each standing committee held their annually scheduled meeting, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the
process. Following discussion, the Special Committee authorized its advisors to invite AlixPartners to review materials submitted by management to the Board in connection with quarterly reporting and
seek reconfirmation that the March projections had not changed. PJ Solomon advised the Special Committee that it had once more raised the prospect of a price increase with Scope, addressing with Scope
the recent trading
of the Company's stock. PJ Solomon relayed that Scope had firmly responded that Mr. George Feldenkreis would not increase his price.
Also
on June 13, 2018, PJ Solomon spoke with Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis and Mr. George Feldenkreis and Mr. George Feldenkreis stated that he would withdraw his
offer if a deal was not agreed to by 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on June 15, 2018.
On
June 14, 2018, the Special Committee met with Paul, Weiss and Akerman who provided the Special Committee with a review of the Special Committee's fiduciary duties in the
context of evaluating the proposed transaction with Mr. George Feldenkreis. Paul, Weiss then summarized in detail the key terms of the latest drafts of the merger agreement, the related
ancillary agreements and the financing commitments under the Feldenkreis Proposal.
On
June 15, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to receive an update on the process. AlixPartners attended the meeting to confirm that, on information and belief,
they had no reason to adjust their earlier findings, the receipt of which had preceded the Special Committee's direction to PJ Solomon to use the March 2018 projections for its valuation and fairness
analysis. PJ Solomon then provided the Special Committee with an update of Randa's progress, including Randa's stated intention to deliver financing commitments and an offer in short order.
PJ Solomon presented, and the Special Committee reviewed with PJ Solomon, an updated overview of the financing components of the most recent Feldenkreis Proposal. This presentation reviewed the
sources and uses of cash implied by the most recent Feldenkreis Proposal, the debt and equity financing implied by the most recent Feldenkreis Proposal, and the assumed borrowing base of the Company
implied by the most recent Feldenkreis Proposal. A copy of the presentation is attached as exhibit (c)(3) to the Statement on Schedule 13E-3, filed by the Company and the filing persons listed
thereon with the SEC on August 3, 2018. PJ Solomon then reviewed with the Special Committee the analyses (as summarized below under "Special FactorsOpinion of PJS" beginning on
page 56) underlying the fairness opinion that PJ Solomon was then prepared to issue later that day, if requested by the Special Committee. A
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copy
of the presentation is attached as exhibit (c)(2) to the Statement on Schedule 13E-3, filed by the Company and the filing persons listed thereon with the SEC on August 3, 2018.
On
the evening of June 15, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to consider the proposed transaction, including the merger agreement and related ancillary agreements.
Paul, Weiss provided a summary of the process that the Special Committee had undertaken since it was formed, and reviewed the fiduciary duties and responsibilities of the Special Committee. The
Special Committee again discussed the terms of the proposed transaction, the risks and consequences of rejecting it, and the fact that the Company's shareholders would be able to accept or reject the
proposed transaction pursuant
to the requisite shareholder vote provisions of the merger agreement. After further discussion, at the request of the Special Committee, PJ Solomon issued an oral opinion, which was subsequently
confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated June 15, 2018, that, as of such date, and based upon the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered, and qualifications and
limitations upon the review undertaken by PJ Solomon in preparing its opinion, the merger consideration of $27.50 in cash per share of common stock of the Company to be paid to the shareholders (other
than Parent and its affiliates) was fair, from a financial point of view, to such shareholders. After further discussion, the Special Committee unanimously determined that the merger agreement, the
merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and the ancillary agreements were fair, advisable, and in the best interests of the unaffiliated shareholders and recommended
that the Board approve the merger, the merger agreement and the related ancillary documents and the transactions contemplated thereby.
Following
the Special Committee meeting, the full Board met on June 15, 2018, and, based in part on the recommendation of the Special Committee, as well as on the basis of the
other factors described in this Proxy Statement (including, among other factors, the financial analyses reviewed and discussed with the Special Committee by PJ Solomon), which the Board adopted as its
own, after acknowledging Mr. George Feldenkreis' and Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis' interest in the transaction, unanimously resolved on behalf of the Company that the merger agreement, the
merger, and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement were fair, advisable and in the best interests of the Company and the unaffiliated shareholders and that the merger agreement,
the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby be recommended to the shareholders for adoption. Thereafter the Board approved the merger, the merger agreement and the related ancillary
agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby.
Following
the meeting, the Company, Parent and Merger Sub executed and delivered the merger agreement, and the ancillary agreements were fully executed and delivered by the parties
thereto. The following morning, the Company issued a press release announcing entry into the merger agreement.
Other
than as described above (including with respect to the reports of PJ Solomon, AlixPartners and Cook), no outside party was asked to provide, or did provide, an opinion, report or
appraisal materially related to the transaction to the Company or any of its affiliates.
Subsequent Events
On June 20, 2018, Randa delivered a letter to Paul, Weiss reconfirming its earlier non-binding indication of interest without including
financing commitments but noting that draft debt commitment letters would be delivered later that week. The letter reflected the same $27.75 per share merger consideration as had been previously
offered by Randa in its April 5, 2018 non-binding indication of interest, and noted that Randa expected, prior to the execution of definitive documents, to "have the opportunity to converse
with certain principal business relationships (including the
inbound licensors and certain key customers) of the Company to confirm their intent to continue such relationships." Paul, Weiss delivered a copy of the letter to Olshan on June 21, 2018, in
accordance with the terms of the merger agreement.
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On
June 21, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to discuss the letter received from Randa. Paul, Weiss provided the Special Committee with a review of the Special
Committee's fiduciary duties in the context of receipt of such materials. Following discussion with, and advice from, its legal and financial advisors, including a review with the Special Committee of
their obligations under the non-solicitation provisions of the Feldenkreis merger agreement, the Special Committee directed its advisors not to respond to Randa's communications at that time.
Consistent with the Special Committee's instructions, the Company, the Special Committee and its advisors did not respond to the letter.
Also
on June 21, 2018, Olshan delivered a letter to Paul, Weiss in which it requested the "prior proposals" referenced in the June 20, 2018 Randa letter (which Paul, Weiss
subsequently delivered to Olshan) and expressed the view, on behalf of Mr. George Feldenkreis, that Randa's reconfirmation was not reasonably expected to lead to a superior proposal.
On
June 22, 2018, Randa delivered to PJ Solomon revised debt commitment letters. On June 23, 2018, Paul, Weiss delivered the debt commitment letters to Olshan in accordance
with the merger agreement.
On
June 24, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to discuss the documents received from Randa. Paul, Weiss provided the Special Committee with a review of the Special
Committee's fiduciary duties in the context of receipt of such materials. PJ Solomon noted that the revised debt commitment letters still appeared insufficient in terms of amount and noted that
similar issues raised by the advisors as to the drafts received on May 21, 2018 remained unresolved. In addition, the debt commitment letters remained subject to investment committee approval
of one of the lenders and each remained subject to due diligence. Moreover, the structures outlined in the commitments appeared to be preliminary and conflicting between the debt commitments letters
and at least one debt commitment letter, by its terms, terminated prior to termination of the merger agreement. Following discussion with, and advice from, its legal and financial advisors, the
Special Committee directed its advisors not to respond to Randa's communications at that time. Consistent with the Special Committee's instructions, the Company, the Special Committee and its advisors
did not respond to Randa's communications.
On
June 26, 2018, Olshan delivered a letter to Paul, Weiss and reiterated its view, on behalf of Mr. George Feldenkreis, that the communications from Randa were not
reasonably expected to lead to a superior proposal. Olshan requested confirmation from the Special Committee that Randa was not
granted permission to access the Company's confidential information, and would not be, unless the Special Committee determined that such proposal was reasonably expected to lead to a superior proposal
and that failure to provide such access would be inconsistent with the Special Committee's fiduciary duties. Paul, Weiss confirmed in writing the next day that the Special Committee was aware of and
was in full compliance with its duties.
On
June 27, 2018, Randa delivered a letter to Paul, Weiss reconfirming its earlier non-binding indication of interest including a proposed draft of a merger agreement. The letter
reflected the same $27.75 per share merger consideration as had been previously offered by Randa in its April 5, 2018 non-binding indication of interest, but stated that
"[a]ssuming no material change in the terms of the agreements with [the Company's key] inbound licensors, we expect to be in a position to increase our
$27.75 per share offer." Paul, Weiss delivered a copy of the letter to Olshan on June 27, 2018, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement.
On
June 28, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to discuss the letter and proposed draft of a merger agreement received from Randa. Paul, Weiss provided the Special
Committee with a review of the Special Committee's fiduciary duties in the context of receipt of such materials. Following discussion with, and advice from, its legal and financial advisors, including
a review with the Special Committee of their obligations under the non-solicitation provisions of the Feldenkreis merger agreement, the Special Committee directed its advisors not to respond to
Randa's communications at
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that
time. Consistent with the Special Committee's instructions, the Company, the Special Committee and its advisors did not respond to the letter.
On
June 30, 2018, Parent entered into an amended and restated commitment letter with Wells Fargo, PNC Capital Market LLC and PNC Bank National Association ("PNC Bank")
pursuant to which PNC Bank was added as a lender under the ABL facility. Olshan delivered notice of this amendment to the Company on July 3, 2018, in accordance with the terms of the merger
agreement.
On
July 1, 2018, Randa delivered a letter to Paul, Weiss reconfirming its earlier non-binding indication of interest, but increasing the per share price to $28.00. Unlike the
June 27, 2018 letter, Randa did not indicate that additional consideration would be offered if its desired conversations with the Company's inbound licensors were favorable to Randa, but
retained its position that as a pre-condition to execution of definitive agreements, Randa would expect to meet with the Company's inbound licensors. Paul, Weiss delivered a copy of the letter to
Olshan on July 1, 2018, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement.
On
July 2, 2018, Randa issued a press release announcing its proposal to acquire the Company in an all cash transaction for $28.00 per share.
Also
on July 2, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to discuss the letter received from Randa and the press release issued from Randa. Paul, Weiss provided the
Special Committee with a review of the Special Committee's fiduciary duties in the context of receipt of such materials. Following discussion with, and advice from, its legal and financial advisors,
the Special Committee issued a "stop, look and listen" statement in response to the press release issued by Randa in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement.
Later
on July 2, 2018, the Company's controller notified the Company of his resignation and the Company's CEO informed the Special Committee of his desire to revise the interim
CFO title to permanent CFO and to increase his salary commensurate with the permanent appointment to the CFO role.
On
July 3, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to discuss employee matters and to again discuss the letter received from Randa and the press release issued by Randa.
The Chairman of the Special Committee reported his discussions with the Company's CEO concerning certain employee issues, and Paul, Weiss reported Olshan's confirmation of consent from Parent under
the merger agreement for the title change and salary increase of Mr. Jorge Narino. After discussion, the Special Committee unanimously approved the same and directed certain Special Committee
members to contact the Company's CEO to discuss employee relations measures. Additionally, Paul, Weiss provided the Special Committee with a review of the Special Committee's fiduciary duties in the
context of receipt of materials from Randa. Following discussion with, and advice from, its legal and financial advisors, the Special Committee determined that the Randa Proposal did not satisfy the
requirements in the Feldenkreis merger agreement for granting due diligence access or commencing discussions or negotiations with respect to a competing takeover proposal. In arriving at its
determination, the Special Committee considered, in relation to a 1.8% potential price increase, among other things, (1) that the proposal was highly-conditional, non-binding and insufficient
in terms of value and certainty of the provided debt financing commitments, as well as the lack of evidence of sufficient cash equity on hand; (2) the additional timing to enter into and
complete a potential transaction with Randa; (3) the history of dealing with Randa over the prior few months (including as to credibility with respect to timing); (4) the inclusion of an
unprecedented 3% fee payable by the Company to Randa if shareholders vote down the transaction, compared to no such penalty if shareholders vote down the Feldenkreis merger; and (5) a number of
other terms affecting shareholder value or certainty were inferior, including termination fees, additional risks to closing, and the lack of appraisal rights for shareholders. Based on the totality of
the circumstances considered in comparison to the potential for a slight price improvement, the Special Committee concluded that re-engaging with Randa at the price offered was
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not
in the best interest of shareholders. Upon such determination, the Special Committee approved the issuance of a press release announcing such determination.
On
July 9, 2018, Randa delivered a letter to the Special Committee, which it later made public by press release, noting its disappointment with the lack of direct communication by
the Special Committee to Randa in respect of the Randa Proposal, and outlining its positions with respect to its debt commitment papers, the conditionality of its proposal, the potential timing of
completion of such transaction, and its contemplated merger agreement.
Also
on July 9, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to discuss the update on filing the Proxy Statement and related regulatory filings with respect to the
Feldenkreis Proposal and to discuss the July 9, 2018 letter from Randa. The advisors carefully reviewed with the Special Committee each of the points made in the letter. After careful
consideration, including of the requirements in the Feldenkreis merger agreement for granting due diligence access or commencing discussions or negotiations with respect to a competing takeover
proposal, the Special Committee unanimously directed its advisors not to engage further with Randa at that time. In coming to this determination, the Special Committee noted that: (a) nothing
new in terms of value or certainty was provided in the letter; (b) the letter further confirmed the Special Committee's view that substantial improvement in price and certainty was not
reasonably expected to be offered by Randa; (c) the characterizations of the conditionality in Randa's non-binding proposal were misleading and incomplete, failing to note, among other things:
(i) the highly conditional terms of the debt commitments provided to the Company, (ii) no cash equity was committed or indicated as likely to be committed (beyond the amount noted in the
PJ Solomon meeting with Randa on June 1, 2018 as being insufficient to complete the transaction), (iii) the third-party change-of-control consent waivers that were to be sought as a
pre-condition to signing (as clarified by Randa in its private June 20, 2018 letter), (iv) the added risks and delays in delivering shareholder value that were built into the Randa
Proposal, through a "marketing period" delay of almost a month to allow for debt syndication (not provided in Feldenkreis merger agreement) on top of the delay in timing to execution needed to
negotiate third-party consents, financing terms and a form of merger agreement provided by Randa that was materially different and adverse from the Company's point of view (in both form and substance)
as compared to the Feldenkreis merger agreement, and (v) the merger agreement attached to the non-binding proposal remained less favorable in material respects to the Company's shareholders in
terms of value protection and certainty, including but not limited to extraordinary termination fees potentially payable by the Company, especially when viewed in comparison to the Feldenkreis merger
agreement termination fees, an antitrust condition that does not apply in the Feldenkreis merger agreement (burdensome condition), and the lack of appraisal rights for shareholders (which are
available to shareholders pursuant to the Feldenkreis merger agreement); and (d) the letter ignored the risks under the Feldenkreis merger agreement in engaging with Randa when it was clearly
consistent with Florida law for the Special Committee to discount such an unusually slight (1.8%) topping premium by the added uncertainties and risks of delays and termination in the Randa Proposal.
On
July 10, 2018, the FTC notified Paul, Weiss that the request for early termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act in respect of the proposed acquisition of the Company
by Mr. George Feldenkreis had been granted effective as of the date of such notification.
On
July 15, 2018, in response to Randa's July 9, 2018 press release, with the consent of the Special Committee, Paul, Weiss delivered a letter to legal counsel for Randa,
demanding that Randa (i) confirm destruction of all evaluation material that it received pursuant to the Randa NDA, (ii) cease issuing public statements in violation of the Randa NDA and
(iii) make any future communications related to the Randa Proposal through PJS, as required by the Randa NDA.
On
July 16, 2018, Randa delivered a letter to the Special Committee, which it later made public by press release, complaining about a lack of direct communication by the Special
Committee to Randa in respect of the Randa Proposal, and responding to certain points raised in the Company's preliminary
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proxy
statement filed on July 11, 2018, with respect to Randa's views relating to its equity financing, its debt commitment papers, the financial strength of its proposal, the potential timing
of completion of such transaction, its contemplated merger agreement, and its belief with respect to the superiority of the Randa Proposal. In addition, on July 16, 2018 legal counsel for Randa
delivered a letter to Paul, Weiss objecting to any claims that Randa has violated the terms of the Randa NDA and failing to confirm destruction of the evaluation material as required by the Randa NDA.
On
July 17, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to discuss the July 16, 2018 letter from Randa and the press release issued by Randa. The advisors carefully
reviewed with the Special Committee each of the points made in the letter. After careful consideration, including of the requirements in the Feldenkreis merger agreement for granting due diligence
access or commencing discussions or negotiations with respect to a competing takeover proposal, the Special Committee unanimously directed its advisors not to engage further with Randa at that time
(other than with respect to the delivery of a letter regarding Randa's continued violations of the Randa NDA). In coming to this determination, the Special Committee noted that it was the Special
Committee's belief that: (i) the Randa Proposal remained highly-conditional, non-binding and insufficient in terms of value and certainty of the provided debt financing commitments, and lacked
evidence of sufficient cash equity on hand, (ii) Randa's financing commitments failed to account for approximately $32 million of newly proposed mortgage debt indicated as a source of
funds and made the entire financing contingent on its level of cash, accounts receivable and inventory, assets upon which the Special Committee had conducted no diligence and into which the Special
Committee had no visibility since Randa is a privately held company, (iii) the letter mischaracterized the strategic process and included unfounded skepticism regarding the timeline for closing
the merger, particularly given that the Company had already been granted early termination of the 30-day waiting period under the HSR Act, (iv) Randa did not commit to pay the break fee that
would be owed to Mr. George Feldenkreis if the Company enters into a merger agreement with Randa, leaving the Company shareholders to bear the expense of that
break fee if Randa does not close a transaction (which would represent a loss to Company shareholders of approximately $8.7 million (approximately $0.55 per share), undermining the value of the
slight price increase available to shareholders under the Randa Proposal), (v) Randa's proposed merger agreement was materially less favorable to the Company and its shareholders than the
Feldenkreis merger agreement, including with respect to (1) expanding the circumstances under which fees may be payable to Randa in the event of a termination of the merger agreement;
(2) increasing the amount of the break fee payable by the Company and lengthening the period during which such higher fee may be payable if the merger agreement is terminated;
(3) requiring the Company to pay Randa's expenses, up to a cap of 1% of equity transaction value, if Company shareholders vote down the Randa proposal or if the Company breaches the merger
agreement in a manner which gives rise to a Randa termination right; (4) placing substantial additional closing risk on the Company, in part because of the more onerous disclosure obligations
and expanded Company representations and warranties and covenants; (5) not offering appraisal rights to Company shareholders, which Randa could voluntarily provide under Florida law, while the
Feldenkreis merger agreement includes such recourse; and (6) making waiver of change of control consent rights of third parties a pre-condition to execution of a merger agreement and
(vi) Randa continued to persistently violate the terms of the Randa NDA and failed to confirm the destruction of evaluation material, as noted above.
On
July 18, the Special Committee issued a press release responding to Randa's July 16, 2018 letter, which noted the same considerations the Special Committee contemplated
on July 17, 2018 in coming to its determination not to engage further with Randa at that time with regard to the Randa Proposal.
Also
on July 18, 2018, Paul, Weiss delivered a letter to legal counsel for Randa, demanding that Randa (i) confirm destruction of all evaluation material as required by a
section of the Randa NDA, which states that Randa must "return, destroy or erase . . . all Evaluation Material" "upon the
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Company's
request . . . ," (ii) cease violating a section of the Randa NDA, which prohibits Randa from, among other things, (1) disclosing the "fact that discussions, negotiations, or
investigations are taking or have taken place concerning a potential Transaction," (2) disclosing the "terms, conditions, or facts relating to the Transaction," and (3) making "any
public statement concerning the Transaction," (iii) cease violating a section of the Randa NDA, which prohibits Randa from "contact[ing] or
communicat[ing] with any . . . Business Relations of the Company or any of its subsidiaries about the Transaction or any Evaluation Material received by
[Randa] hereunder in connection with the Transaction" absent prior approval in writing and (iv) make any future communications related to the Randa Proposal through PJS,
as required by the Randa NDA.
On
July 19, 2018, Randa's counsel delivered a letter to the Special Committee noting simply that Randa was aware of it obligations under the Randa NDA, that it had and
would continue to abide by those and that further "back and forth" on the subject would not be productive. The letter also expressed
astoundment that the Special Committee would write about the Randa NDA and not engage on the Randa Proposal. The letter restated the complaint that they had been denied access to speaking to
key inbound licensors and that they had been upfront during the sales process that they would need that access and restated a request to engage on the Randa Proposal. Nothing in the letter
substantively addressed the shortcomings of the Randa Proposal identified in the Company's press release from July 18, 2018. Moreover, the letter conspicuously failed to confirm the destruction
of evaluation material as required by the Randa NDA and avoided engaging substantively on the other violations described by Paul, Weiss in its July 18, 2018 letter.
On
July 27, 2018, Randa delivered a letter to PJS reconfirming its earlier non-binding indication of interest, but increasing the per share merger consideration to $28.90. In the
letter, Randa stated that the offer was conditioned only on execution of its prior proposed merger agreement (subject to removing the concept of a marketing period and related definitions) and on the
Special Committee facilitating and cooperating in a discussion between Randa and the Company's largest inbound licensor. The Company's license agreement with such licensor requires the consent of such
licensor upon a change of control including under the merger. Randa also stated that the financing was fully committed and not conditioned upon the assets of the Company or Randa at closing.
Concurrently with the letter, Randa also delivered an updated debt commitment letter from one of its lenders, and a draft updated debt commitment letter from its other lender, attached to a highly
confident letter from such lender. Randa noted that the latter lender expected to be able to execute the updated draft debt commitment letter within 72 hours of the Company restoring such
lender's access to the virtual data room. Randa's proposal also included an updated sources and uses document. Paul, Weiss delivered a copy of the documents to Olshan on July 27, 2018, in
accordance with the terms of the Feldenkreis merger agreement.
On
July 29, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to discuss the documents received from Randa. After careful consideration, including the requirements in the
Feldenkreis merger agreement for granting due diligence access or commencing discussions or negotiations with respect to a competing takeover proposal or asking clarifying questions, the Special
Committee unanimously directed its advisors to send a list of clarifying questions to Randa. In coming to this determination, the Special Committee noted that the offered price of $28.90 represented a
5.1% premium over the Feldenkreis Proposal, but that the Randa Proposal still contained ambiguities including: (a) that the letter stated the financing would not be conditioned upon "the
assets, inventory, accounts receivable or operations of the Company or Randa at the closing," but the provided sources and uses suggested a borrowing amount beyond the minimum borrowing amount and did
not indicate whether any equity would be committed to backstop any financing shortfall, (b) Randa noted its intent to use balance sheet cash to fund the equity component, but it was unclear to
the Special Committee how much cash Randa possessed and whether or not equity would be committed to backstop any financing shortfall, (c) whether the debt commitment letters were subject to any
flex provisions in as much as no fee
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letters
had been provided, (d) what Randa proposed as a timeline to signing, including specific steps required, in light of the debt commitment letters, (e) who the proposed borrower
under the bridge loan
facility would be, and the identity and connection of the proposed parent guarantor in one of its lender's debt commitment letter, and (f) what comfort Randa expected or required following its
discussion with the Company's largest in-bound licensor to move forward with a transaction.
Also
on July 29, 2018, Olshan delivered a letter to Paul, Weiss noting its belief that the Randa Proposal would not lead to a superior proposal and that allowing Randa to contact
the Company's largest licensor could damage the Company. In particular, Olshan noted its client's beliefs that: (a) Randa previously breached the Randa NDA by contacting certain licensors of
the Company without the consent of the Company and issuing press releases with details of its revised proposals and that Randa could continue to breach the Randa NDA, (b) Randa requested
72 hours to speak with the Company's largest licensor, but 72 hours would not be enough time for the licensor to make any decision, particularly in light of Randa's lack of experience
with apparel and Oscar Feldenkreis' belief that the Company's largest licensor would not consent to a transaction with Randa, (c) permitting Randa to resume diligence would create uncertainty
that could harm the Company's relationships with its employees and business partners, (d) the transaction contemplated by the Feldenkreis merger agreement could close months before the Randa
Proposal could close, (e) neither Mr. George Feldenkreis nor Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis would support the Randa Proposal at $28.90 per share, (f) the Randa Proposal did not
appear to provide for the up-front payment by Randa of the Company termination fee in the amount of $8,736,000 payable under the Feldenkreis merger agreement, (g) the Randa Proposal, like the
Feldenkreis merger agreement, included a reverse termination fee of 4%, but such reverse termination fee was insufficient to protect the Company in connection with the Randa Proposal, and
(h) Randa's goal may have been to disrupt the Company and the Feldenkreis merger agreement rather than to complete a transaction with the Company.
On
July 30, 2018, Randa delivered a letter to Paul, Weiss responding to the Special Committee's July 29, 2018 clarifying questions. In the letter, Randa stated that
(a) one of its lenders agreed to provide an additional $25 million in minimum borrowing availability, (b) an affiliate of Randa would provide an additional $20 million in
bridge financing, (c) Randa would be willing to covenant that no cash will be removed from Randa other than in the ordinary course of business during pendency of its transaction, (d) one
of its debt commitments was subject to customary flex provisions and the other was not subject to flex provisions, with a redacted copy of the applicable fee letter with the flex provisions provided,
(e) its other lender expected it will need 72 hours from the time at which Randa resolved its outstanding diligence issue regarding its meeting with the Company's key licensor to
complete their remaining due diligence, (f) the two lenders were in the process of negotiating an intercreditor agreement on customary terms and (g) assuming a productive meeting with
the Company's largest in-bound licensor in which Randa is able to reach an appropriate level of comfort with the licensor's post-closing plans with the Company, then Randa could move forward without a
written change of control waiver from such licensor. Concurrently with the letter, Randa also delivered (i) bank-statements of the Randa affiliate as of June 30, 2018, that showed more
than $20 million in funds available to backstop the bridge financing, (ii) Randa's 2018 monthly balance sheet with actual results through June 30, 2018 and projections for
July to December 2018, and (iii) redacted fee letters from its two lenders. However, among other things, Randa did not (w) provide any information beyond a current bank statement as to
the financial condition of its affiliate that would provide the bridge financing, (x) indicate what it would do if its discussions with the Company's largest in-bound licensor did not go well,
(y) proffer any guarantee or security for payment of any reverse termination fee that may become payable by Randa, as Mr. George Feldenkreis provided in connection with the Feldenkreis
merger agreement, or (z) clarify its timeline for its proposed transaction. A copy of the July 30, 2018 Randa response was shared with Olshan on July 31, 2018, in accordance with
the terms of the Feldenkreis merger agreement.
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On
July 31, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors to discuss the materials received from Randa on July 30, 2018. PJ Solomon presented to, and the Special
Committee reviewed with PJ Solomon, an updated preliminary overview of the financing components and significant terms of the most recent Randa Proposal. The presentation reviewed the sources and uses
of cash implied by the most recent Randa Proposal, the debt and equity financing implied by the most recent Randa Proposal, and the assumed combined borrowing base of the Company and Randa implied by
the most recent Randa Proposal. The analysis highlighted significant changes from the proposal originally received on June 22, 2018, including expansion of the term loan under one of Randa's
debt commitments, the addition of a bridge loan under such debt commitment, a potential increase in the minimum guaranteed borrowing at close under the other debt commitment, and potential additional
bridge financing by Randa. A copy of the presentation is attached as exhibit (c)(8) to the Statement on Schedule 13E-3, filed by the Company and the filing persons listed thereon with
the SEC on August 20, 2018. After careful consideration, and in accordance with the terms of the Feldenkreis merger agreement, the Special Committee unanimously determined to commence
discussions with, and granted due diligence access to, Randa, based on the fact that (a) after consultation with its outside legal and financial advisors, the Randa Proposal would reasonably be
expected to lead to a Superior Proposal (as such term is defined in the Feldenkreis merger agreement) and (b) after consultation with outside legal counsel, the failure to (x) furnish
access and non-public information with respect to the Company and any of its subsidiaries to Randa pursuant to the Randa NDA and (y) participate in discussions and negotiations regarding the
Randa Proposal would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties. In coming to this determination, the Special Committee noted that (i) the offered price of $28.90 per
share of Company Common Stock represented a 5.1% premium over the Feldenkreis Proposal, (ii) the revised financing plans appeared reasonably capable of execution and appeared to give the Randa
Proposal sufficient cushion and (iii) Randa's willingness to move forward without a written waiver from the Company's largest in-bound licensor (assuming a productive meeting with the licensor
in which Randa is able to reach an appropriate level of comfort with the licensor's post-closing plans with the Company) significantly improved the capability of execution for the Randa Proposal. In
coming to this decision, the Special Committee also considered, among other things, the concerns highlighted by Olshan in its July 29, 2018 letter to Paul, Weiss. The Special Committee also
directed Paul, Weiss, given Randa's prior, repeated violations of the Randa NDA, to contact counsel for Randa and get clarification regarding Randa's position under the Randa NDA and to seek
reasonable confirmation from Randa that it would be expected to fully comply with the Randa NDA before being granted further access to the data room.
On
August 1, 2018, legal counsel for Randa confirmed to Paul, Weiss that Randa would agree to abide by the Company's interpretation of the Randa NDA for a specified period under
an understanding designed to provide Randa with an opportunity to (a) have a discussion arranged by the Special Committee with an inbound licensor of the Company and a reasonable opportunity
for follow-up and (b) provide definitive financing commitments not subject to due diligence or investment committee approvals following such discussion and follow-up, while also protecting the
Company from unauthorized public statements concerning a potential transaction or unauthorized contact with its business relations.
On
August 2, 2018, Olshan delivered a letter to Paul, Weiss in which Olshan stated, on behalf of Mr. George Feldenkreis: (a) Olshan's belief, in view of Randa's
clear, repeated breaches of the Randa NDA, including, without limitation: (i) impermissible public statements about the transaction; (ii) unauthorized communications with key business
relations of the Company; and (iii) failure to return the Company's confidential information, the Special Committee must insist on Randa's strict adherence to the Company's interpretation of
the Randa NDA at all times; (b) the Special Committee's failure to do so substantially dilutes and weakens the Randa NDA such that it no longer constitutes an "Acceptable Confidentiality
Agreement" (as defined in the Feldenkreis merger agreement) that would allow the Special Committee to provide access and non-public information with respect to the
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Company
to Randa under the Feldenkreis merger agreement, and that, accordingly, any purported superior proposal that may arise out of such due diligence access would be obtained in violation of the no
solicitation covenant in the Feldenkreis merger agreement; (c) it seriously questioned the Special Committee's apparent willingness to tolerate Randain violation of the express
terms of the Randa NDAagitating for a transaction outside of the negotiated process for an alternative transaction contained in the Feldenkreis merger agreement, not only impermissibly
putting Randa in a more favorable position than Mr. George Feldenkreis would be in if the roles were reversed, but more critically, effectively condoning conduct by Randa that has already
damaged, and has the potential to significantly further damage, the Company's business in the event that discussions with Randa prove fruitless; (d) despite Randa's persistent violations of the
Randa NDA, the Special Committee inexplicably, and contrary to the terms of the Feldenkreis merger agreement, continues to give Randa preferential treatment, commencing with a $750,000 expense
reimbursement that was not disclosed to Mr. George Feldenkreis prior to signing as required by the Feldenkreis merger agreement, failing to enforce the Randa NDA, and now allowing Randa an
indeterminate length of time in which to conduct its due diligence; (e) the uncertainty surrounding this due diligence poses a significant risk and long-term damage to the Company, as it
further jeopardizes the Company's relationship with its licensors, suppliers and employees, which could result in a material adverse effect under the Feldenkreis merger agreement; (f) the
actions of the Special Committee described above do not serve the best interests of the Company and its shareholders; (g) the Special Committee must ensure that Randa is playing on a level
field with Mr. George Feldenkreis, including by ensuring that Randa agrees to be bound by restrictions in the Randa NDA that are at least as stringent as those with which Mr. George
Feldenkreis has fully complied, otherwise Mr. George Feldenkreis may be compelled to take any and all actions in response to the Special Committee's and Randa's recurrent derelictions that he
deems to be in the best interests of shareholders; and (h) Mr. George Feldenkreis reserves all rights under the Feldenkreis merger agreement and otherwise.
Also
on August 2, 2018, following receipt of Olshan's August 2, 2018 letter, Paul, Weiss requested further clarification of Randa's intent under the Randa NDA in light of
the concerns expressed by Olshan. Later that evening, legal counsel for Randa confirmed, on behalf of Randa and without prejudice to Randa's interpretation of the Randa NDA, that Randa agreed to
comply with the Special Committee's interpretation of the Randa NDA at all times from and after the date of such confirmation. In light of such confirmation, and pursuant to the Special Committee's
direction, advisors for the Special Committee commenced to arrange discussions and due diligence access for Randa pursuant to the
determination made by the Special Committee on July 31, 2018 and notified counsel for each of Randa and Mr. George Feldenkreis of same.
On
August 3, 2018, the Special Committee issued a "stop, look and listen" statement in advance of the filing of this amendment to the Company preliminary proxy statement.
Also
on August 3, 2018, advisors to the Special Committee re-opened Randa's access to the Company's virtual data room and commenced addressing additional due diligence requests
made by Randa. On or about August 4, 2018, the advisors and a member of the Special Committee also contacted the Company's largest inbound licensor seeking an opportunity for Randa to have a
discussion with such licensor. Both the Company (through the Special Committee and its advisors) and Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis discussed with such licensor Randa's proposal and the consent rights
under the License (as defined below) in connection therewith. With respect to those discussions by the Company (through the Special Committee and its advisors), they were aimed at satisfying Randa's
precondition of a positive meeting with such licensor. With respect to those discussions by Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, they occurred intermittently as a result of publicity by Randa of its proposal
and were aimed at assuring such licensor that its relationship with the Company would not be affected and that such licensor's consent rights would be respected.
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On August 7, 2018, Olshan delivered a letter to Paul, Weiss in which Olshan, on behalf of Mr. George Feldenkreis, (a) conveyed its
understanding that Randa had submitted an additional due diligence request to the Company, which it considered astonishing because Randa had access to over 75,000 pages of documents from the Company
since March of this year, (b) stated its belief that no further information should be provided, (c) reminded the Special Committee that the only diligence item on which Randa's latest
proposal was conditioned was a discussion with the Company's largest inbound licensor, and (d) cautioned that Randa's latest due diligence request confirms Parent's concern, previously
communicated in Olshan's August 2, 2018 letter, that the Special Committee is allowing Randa to conduct open-ended and seemingly interminable due diligence that not only destroys employee
morale but also risks permanent and long-term damage to the Company's business. The letter continued, in the event the Special Committee chose to disregard all of this and nonetheless provide
additional information to Randa, by (i) reminding the Special Committee of its obligations under the Feldenkreis merger agreement to promptly provide copies of that information to Parent and to
keep Parent informed on a current basis of the status of Randa's proposal (as to which Parent had not received any updates, including as to its lender's willingness to proceed with the financing for
Randa's proposal on a non-conditional basis), (ii) noting that the Feldenkreis merger agreement does not provide that the Company can be required to generate or create any new information that
does not currently exist, and (iii) expressing concern that unending requests and any undertaking to provide information that the Company has no obligation to prepare or provide would only
cause further delay of the Special Meeting, in violation of the Company's obligations under the Feldenkreis merger agreement. The letter further stated that it is clear that, given Randa's
misrepresentations regarding the
scope and completion of its due diligence, its clear lack of readiness to proceed and its continued failure to honor its commitments, contractual or otherwise (including repeated violations of the
Randa NDA), the Special Committee had no basis to conclude that Randa's proposal would reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. The letter concluded by stating that (x) the
Special Committee needs to put an end to Randa's fishing expedition so that Parent and the Company can proceed with their transaction that provides substantial and certain value to the Company's
unaffiliated shareholders, (y) to do otherwise puts the Company at risk of breaching its obligations under the Feldenkreis merger agreement and jeopardizes the transaction that it already has
in hand, actions that would constitute breaches of the Special Committee's fiduciary obligations to the Company's shareholders and for which Parent will hold the Special Committee fully accountable,
and (z) to stem further defections of Company employees and maintain key business relations, the Special Committee should immediately and publicly reconfirm its commitment to the Feldenkreis
transaction.
On
August 8, 2018, Paul, Weiss delivered a letter to Olshan in which Paul, Weiss, on behalf of the Special Committee, (a) conveyed that the Special Committee is well aware
of its obligations under the Feldenkreis merger agreement and its fiduciary duties, and that the Special Committee and Company have complied with their obligations and duties, and will continue to do
so, (b) reminded Olshan that the Feldenkreis merger agreement does not limit the due diligence the Company can provide to Randa, so long as copies of the information are made available to
Parent, and that Mr. George Feldenkreis would automatically be notified when a document was added to the data room, (c) informed Olshan that the Special Committee had not provided an
update regarding the Randa Proposal because there was nothing to report, and (d) explained that Randa's 72-hour window to provide signed financing commitment letters did not, by the terms of
the proposal as clarified on July 30, 2018, begin to run until Randa met with the Company's largest inbound licensor.
Also
on August 8, 2018, the Special Committee delivered a letter to Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis in which the Special Committee (a) advised Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis
that the Special Committee determined it was in the best interests of the Company's shareholders to provide reasonable due diligence access to Randa, (b) instructed Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis
that he and the Company's other officers must comply in a timely manner with all reasonable diligence requests, (c) noted that the Company had not yet provided any information in response to
Randa's August 6, 2018 diligence
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requests,
and (d) requested that the Company provide (1) the actual income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement for June 2018 year-to-date and July
2018 year-to-date when available and (2) to the extent such information is gathered in the ordinary course of business, revenue and gross margin by brand for June
2018 year-to-date and July 2018 year-to-date when available. In response to the Special Committee's August 8, 2018 letter, Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis delivered a letter to the
Special Committee in which he noted that (a) the executives other than him had received the diligence requests on August 6, 2018, but were unable to commence work on responses until
August 7, 2018 because of a technical issue, (b) the requested income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement for June 2018 year-to-date were provided on
August 10, 2018, (c) the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement for July 2018 year-to-date would be made available shortly after they are finalized,
(d) the
Company's officers and employees were all instructed to work diligently to generate the requested information as quickly as possible, and (e) that it was in everyone's best interest not to
delay resolution of the situation.
Also
on August 8, 2018, the Special Committee's advisors discussed the Company's request for a Randa meeting with the executive at the Company's largest inbound licensor in charge
of the Company's relationship with such licensor. In that discussion with such executive, the executive made clear to the advisors of the Special Committee that: (i) he had already spoken to
Randa (without the Special Committee's authorization); (ii) he had substantive concerns regarding Randa's lack of experience in apparel; (iii) based on the substantive criteria the
licensor applied to consider granting consent (which criteria he explained to such advisors), the judgment reached by the licensor (including based on Randa's earlier discussion with him) was that
such criteria were not met by Randa; and (iv) he refused to have another discussion with Randa. The executive also indicated that he would send an email confirming the licensor's position,
after he consulted with others in his organization.
On
August 9, 2018, Randa delivered a letter to the Special Committee in which Randa (a) expressed frustration that (1) the Special Committee had yet to facilitate an
interview with the Company's largest inbound licensor, (2) it believed that Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis was scheduled to meet with the licensor the following week and (3) the Company
had not responded to Randa's diligence requests, and (b) reaffirmed its commitment to the Randa Proposal. Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis subsequently communicated to the Special Committee that
his meeting with the Company's largest inbound licensor had been set in July in connection with his yearly attendance at an annual industry apparel show, which meeting was held on August 16,
2018.
On
August 10, 2018, the Company's largest inbound licensor informed PJS in writing that, if Randa acquires the Company, then such licensor would exercise its contractual rights
and either put out a request for proposal for the license (the "License"), which Randa could bid on, or would grant the License to one of its current licensees. The licensor added that it is not in
such licensor's best interests at this time to give the License to Randa if Randa were to acquire the Company. The Special Committee shared the licensor's email with Randa and delivered a letter to
Randa asking for clarification as to (a) whether Randa would waive the pre-condition that it meet with the Company's largest inbound licensor and (b) when the Special Committee could
expect to receive definitive financing documents and Randa's position on the form of merger agreement, neither of which had yet been received by the Special Committee.
On
August 11, 2018, Randa contacted PJS and suggested that the only way Randa could reach a deal with the Company was if Mr. George Feldenkreis and Mr. Oscar
Feldenkreis agreed to support the Randa transaction and to help Randa retain the Company's largest inbound licensor following the closing of such transaction. Randa suggested that it could raise its
price from $28.90 per share if they each would agree to support a transaction with Randa. Paul, Weiss and PJS spoke with Olshan and Scope, respectively, to convey Randa's message to Mr. George
Feldenkreis. Olshan and Scope relayed that Mr. George Feldenkreis, in his capacity as a shareholder, was uninterested in selling his shares to Randa or supporting the Randa Proposal and further
expressed the view that continued discussions and
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diligence
regarding the Randa Proposal was unlikely to lead to a superior proposal under the Feldenkreis merger agreement, because he could not control the decisions of the Company's largest inbound
licensor, and nevertheless, Randa had no financing in place, nor were the terms of a definitive agreement agreed upon.
On
August 12, 2018, PJS communicated Mr. George Feldenkreis' response to Randa.
On
August 13, 2018, Randa delivered a letter to the Special Committee in which Randa (a) reiterated its interest in acquiring the Company (b) noted that it would be
prepared to increase its price if Mr. George Feldenkreis and Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis would support the Randa Proposal and assist the Company in obtaining the requisite consent of the
Company's largest inbound licensor, and (c) acknowledged that failing support of the transaction including in respect of further discussions with such licensor, it had no viable path to a
transaction between Randa and the Company.
Also
on August 13, 2018, the Special Committee met with its advisors and received an update on the process including review of the licensor communications and the letter from
Randa. Following consultation with its advisors, the Special Committee determined that, subject to (a) conferring with representatives of Mr. George Feldenkreis and Mr. Oscar
Feldenkreis regarding their reactions to Randa's letter and confirming that, in their capacity as shareholders, they remained opposed to selling their shares to Randa, (b) conferring with
Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis in his capacity as the Company's CEO regarding whether additional actions should be taken with respect to seeking licensor consent, and (c) subsequent approval of
the press release announcing the Special Committee's determination, the Randa Proposal was no longer reasonably likely to lead to a superior proposal under the Feldenkreis merger agreement and the
Company should terminate discussions and cease providing further diligence information to Randa. The determination of whether the Company's largest inbound licensor would consent to a change of
control was solely within the control of such licensor.
Also
on August 13, 2018, Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis sent a letter to the Special Committee in which he stated that he was aware of his fiduciary duties as a director and CEO of
the Company and that the Licensor had come to its own decision regarding Randa, and he further refuted the suggestion that the Feldenkreis' or anyone else at the Company control that decision.
Further, Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis stated his belief that Randa's efforts to identify hurdles for others to jump did not excuse its failure to complete its diligence, provide evidence of committed
financing or agree to the terms of a definitive agreement.
On
August 14, 2018, the Company issued a press release as approved by the Special Committee (a) disclosing the letter from Randa dated August 13, 2018,
(b) announcing that the Special Committee (i) determined, following consultation with its outside legal and financial advisors, that the Randa Proposal was no longer reasonably likely to
lead to a Superior Proposal under the Feldenkreis merger
agreement, including due to the fact that, based on communications received from the Company's largest inbound licensor, it became clear that the key inbound licensor precondition to the Randa
Proposal was not likely to be satisfied irrespective of any action taken by Mr. George Feldenkreis and Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, and (ii) terminated discussions with Randa in
accordance with the terms of the Feldenkreis merger agreement, and (c) reiterating the Special Committee's support of the Feldenkreis merger agreement. In approving such announcement regarding
the precondition being unlikely to be satisfied irrespective of any action taken by Mr. George Feldenkreis and Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis, the Special Committee understood that (x) in
their fiduciary roles at the Company the Feldenkreis' actions were unlikely to overturn the determination made by such licensor, which was a much larger organization than the Company and had made its
determination in accordance with its own established criteria and (y) in their shareholder capacities, the Feldenkreises were neither willing nor obligated to support the Randa transaction or
provide Randa with assistance post-closing in meeting such criteria.
Also
on August 14, 2018, the Company terminated Randa's access to the data room.
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On
August 15, 2018, the Company requested return or destruction of confidential information concerning the Company in accordance with the Randa NDA.
On
August 27, 2018, Mr. George Feldenkreis and Mr. Oscar Feldenkreis formally requested the consent of the Company's largest inbound licensor to the change of
control which will occur on the closing of the merger. On September 7, 2018, the Company's largest inbound licensor granted such consent.
Recommendation of the Special Committee and Our Board of Directors; Reasons for Recommending the Adoption of the Merger Agreement; Fairness of the Merger
On June 15, 2018, the Special Committee, after careful consideration, voted unanimously to recommend to the board of directors that it,
and thereafter the board of directors, after careful consideration and acknowledging the interest of George Feldenkreis and Oscar Feldenkreis in the merger, voted unanimously to (i) approve and
declare advisable the merger agreement, the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (ii) declare that it is fair to and in the best interests of the Company and the
unaffiliated shareholders of the Company that the Company enter into the merger agreement and consummate the merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement,
(iii) direct that the adoption of the merger agreement be submitted to a
vote at a meeting of the shareholders of the Company and (iv) recommend to the shareholders of the Company that they vote
FOR
the adoption of the
merger agreement.
In
evaluating the merger, the Special Committee and the board of directors consulted with the Company's senior management and outside legal and financial advisors and, in reaching their
respective determinations, the Special Committee and the board of directors considered a number of factors that they believed supported their decision to approve and recommend the merger agreement and
the merger, including, but not limited to, the following:
-
-
the $27.50 per share to be paid in respect of each share of Company Common Stock represents: (i) a premium of 21.6%, based on the
closing price per share of Company Common Stock on the Undisturbed Date of $22.62; (ii) a premium of 14.0% based on the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the
90-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date of $24.13; (iii) a premium of 11.1% based on the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 60-day period ending on the
Undisturbed Date of $24.75; (iv) a premium of 9.4% based on the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 30-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date of $25.14;
(v) a premium of 5.8% based on the highest closing price per share of Company Common Stock for the 52-week period ending on the Undisturbed Date of $25.99; and (vi) a discount of 4.5%
based on the highest closing price per share of Company Common Stock for the 5-year period ending on the Undisturbed Date of $28.80;
-
-
the current and historical market prices for the Company Common Stock, including those set forth in the table in the section captioned "Markets
and Market Price," which has a median closing price of $22.28 for the 52-week period ending on the Undisturbed Date;
-
-
the Company Common Stock traded as low as $16.35 during the 52 weeks prior to the announcement of the June 15, 2018 execution of
the merger agreement;
-
-
the global and U.S. domestic retail economies have experienced unprecedented contraction which has had a dramatic adverse impact on the
Company's customer base and forced multiple distribution outlets and retailers to file for bankruptcy;
-
-
the fact that the Special Committee and the board of directors believed that the $27.50 per share price to be paid in respect of each share of
Company Common Stock was the highest
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-
-
the other terms of the merger agreement and the related agreements, including:
-
-
the Special Committee's and the board of directors' ability to withhold, withdraw, qualify or modify its recommendation that the
Company's shareholders vote to adopt the merger agreement, subject to certain conditions in the merger agreement;
-
-
the Special Committee's and the board of directors' ability to (i) respond to takeover proposals and (ii) terminate
the merger agreement for a superior proposal prior to adoption of the merger agreement by the Company's shareholders, in each case, subject to certain conditions in the merger agreement, including in
the case of a termination of the merger agreement, the payment of a termination fee of $8.736 million by the Company;
-
-
the termination fee of $8.736 million payable by the Company to Parent under certain circumstances, including as described
above, in connection with a termination of the merger agreement, which the Special Committee and board of directors concluded was reasonable in the context of termination fees payable in comparable
transactions and considering the overall terms of the merger agreement, including the per share merger consideration of $27.50;
-
-
the fact that the voting agreement entered into by the Rollover Investors with Parent and the Company will terminate automatically
if the merger agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, including a termination of the merger agreement for a superior proposal prior to adoption of the merger agreement by the Company's
shareholders; and
-
-
the availability of appraisal rights under the FBCA to the unaffiliated shareholders who comply with all of the required
procedures under the FBCA, which allows such holders to
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The
Special Committee and board of directors also believed that sufficient procedural safeguards were and are present to ensure the fairness of the merger and to permit the Special
Committee and board of directors to represent effectively the interests of the Company's unaffiliated shareholders. These procedural safeguards include, but are not limited to, the
following:
-
-
the fact that the Special Committee consists solely of independent and disinterested directors who are not officers or employees of the Company
or affiliated with the GF Group;
-
-
the fact that the board of directors vested the Special Committee with the exclusive power and authority of the board of directors to take any
and all actions it considers necessary, desirable or appropriate: (1) to evaluate the terms and conditions and determine the advisability of the Feldenkreis Proposal, or any alternative
thereto, and whether in the judgment of the Special Committee the Feldenkreis Proposal, or any alternative thereto, is advisable, fair and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders;
(2) to negotiate with any party the Special Committee deems appropriate with respect to the terms and conditions of the Feldenkreis Proposal, or any alternative thereto, and, if the Special
Committee deems appropriate and permissive under applicable law, approve the execution and delivery of documents in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Feldenkreis Proposal, or any
alternative thereto, on behalf of the Company; (3) to determine whether the Feldenkreis Proposal or any alternative thereto negotiated by the Special Committee is beneficial to the Company and
its shareholders; and (4) to recommend to the full board of directors what action, if any, should be taken by the board of directors with respect to the Feldenkreis Proposal, or any alternative
thereto;
-
-
the recognition by the Special Committee that it had the authority not to recommend the merger or any other transaction to the board of
directors;
-
-
the recognition by the independent directors that they, collectively representing a majority of the board of directors, had the authority not
to approve the merger or any other transaction;
-
-
the fact that each of the members of the Special Committee (comprised of all independent directors) unanimously voted to recommend to the board
of directors that it, and thereafter the board of directors unanimously voted to, approve and declare advisable the merger agreement, the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement, and declare that it is fair to and in the best interests of the Company and the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company that the Company enter into the merger agreement and consummate the
merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement;
-
-
the fact that the Special Committee was advised by PJS, as financial advisor, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
and Akerman LLP, as legal advisors, each an internationally recognized firm selected by the Special Committee; and
-
-
the fact that approval of the merger is subject to satisfaction of or, if permitted, waiver of several conditions, including the approval by
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock not owned by the Rollover Investors or officers or directors of the Company.
In
the course of its deliberations, the Special Committee and board of directors also considered a variety of risks and other countervailing factors related to the merger agreement and
the merger, including, but not limited to, the following:
-
-
the risk that the merger might not be completed in a timely manner or at all, including the risk that the merger might not be completed because
the financing contemplated by the acquisition
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financing
commitments, described under the caption "Special FactorsFinancing of the Merger" beginning on page 78, is not obtained, as Parent does not on its own possess sufficient
funds to complete the merger;
-
-
the risk that all of the conditions to the parties' obligations to effect the merger will not be satisfied prior to the termination date set
forth in the merger agreement;
-
-
the fact that the Company's unaffiliated shareholders will not have any equity in the surviving company following the merger, meaning that the
Company's unaffiliated shareholders will cease to participate in the Company's future earnings or growth, or to benefit from any increases in the value of the equity in the Company;
-
-
the restrictions on the conduct of the Company's business prior to the completion of the merger, which may delay or prevent the Company from
pursuing business opportunities that may arise or taking any other action it would otherwise take with respect to its business operations;
-
-
the risk that, while the closing of the merger is pending, there could be disruptive effects on the business, customer relationships and
employees of the Company;
-
-
the fact that, on June 15, 2018 (the date of execution of the merger agreement), the closing sale price of the Company Common Stock was
higher than the per share merger consideration;
-
-
the risk of incurring substantial expenses related to the merger, including in connection with any future litigation;
-
-
the fact that the Company could be required to pay a termination fee of $8.736 million if the merger agreement was terminated under
certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, a termination of the merger agreement by Parent after the board of directors or Special Committee had withdrawn, modified or amended its
recommendation in respect of the merger and the merger agreement in a manner adverse to Parent;
-
-
the absence of a "go-shop" provision in the merger agreement that would permit the Company to actively solicit a superior proposal after
execution of the merger agreement;
-
-
the fact that George Feldenkreis has a "last look" right with respect to superior proposals received by the Company and that George Feldenkreis
may not support any such alternative transactions;
-
-
the possibility that the termination fee of $8.736 million payable by the Company upon the termination of the merger agreement under
certain circumstances could discourage potential acquirors from making a competing bid to acquire the Company;
-
-
the fact that the Company will generally be required, if the proposed merger is not completed, to pay its own expenses associated with the
merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;
-
-
the fact that (i) Parent and Merger Sub are newly formed companies with essentially no assets other than the equity commitments of the
Rollover Investors, (ii) the Company's remedy in the event of breach of the merger agreement by Parent or Merger Sub could be limited to receipt of the reverse termination fee of
$17.472 million, collateralized only by certain certificated shares of Company Common Stock pledged by George Feldenkreis, and (iii) under certain circumstances, the Company would not be
entitled to any reverse termination fee if the merger agreement was terminated;
-
-
the fact that an all cash transaction would be taxable to the Company's shareholders that are U.S. holders for U.S. federal income tax
purposes; and
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Table of Contents
-
-
the fact that certain of our directors and executive officers have interests in the transaction that are different from, or in addition to,
those of our unaffiliated shareholders; see the section captioned "Special FactorsInterests of the Company's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 83.
In
evaluating the merger and in reaching its determination as to the fairness of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the Special Committee and the board of directors
considered the factors set forth above, including an evaluation of the going concern value of the Company. The Special Committee and the board of directors did not consider liquidation value as a
factor because they consider the Company to be a viable going concern business and the trading history of the Company Common Stock to generally be an indication of its value as such. In addition, due
to the fact that the Company is being sold as a going concern, the Special Committee and the board of directors did not consider the liquidation value of the Company relevant to a determination as to
whether the proposed merger is fair to the Company's unaffiliated shareholders as the Special Committee and the board of directors believed the value of the Company's assets that might be realized in
a liquidation would be significantly less than its going concern value. The Special Committee also did not consider net book value, which is an historical accounting measure, in determining the
fairness of the merger to the Company and its shareholders (other than the GF Group Filing Persons), including the unaffiliated shareholders, because of its belief that net book value is not a
material indicator of the value of the Company as a going concern but rather is indicative of historical acquisition costs and therefore not a relevant measure in the determination of the fairness of
the merger. Net book value does not take into account the prospects of the Company, contingent liabilities, market conditions, trends in the industries in which the Company operates or the business
risks inherent in those industries. Further, the Special Committee did not believe that net book value accurately reflects the Company's present market value. The Company's net book value per share of
Company Common Stock as of June 15, 2018 was approximately $24.35, which is lower than the $27.50 per share merger consideration and higher than the $22.62 closing price of the Company
Common Stock on the Undisturbed Date, and the Company's tangible net book value per share of Company Common Stock as of June 15, 2018 was approximately $12.66, which is lower than the $27.50
per share merger consideration and lower than the $22.62 closing price of Company Common Stock on the Undisturbed Date.
The
Special Committee and the board of directors considered each of the financial analyses presented by PJS (as summarized under "Special FactorsOpinion of PJS" beginning on
page 56) together as a whole and did not assign relative importance or weight to any specific analysis by PJS or consider any such analysis in isolation from the other analyses. Thus, the fact
that the $27.50 per share merger consideration was below the ranges of values per share of Company Common Stock indicated by two of the selected companies analyses presented by PJS and the fact
that the $27.50 per share merger consideration was within the range of values of all of the other analyses presented by PJS were facts that were considered only as part of the consideration of
all of the analyses presented by PJS, as well as the opinion of PJS, which was similarly presented as being based upon all of the analyses taken as a whole, that, as of June 15, 2018 and based
upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the $27.50 in cash per share of Company Common Stock to be paid to the shareholders (other than Parent and its affiliates), including
the Company's "unaffiliated security holders" (as defined in Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act), pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such shareholders.
The
foregoing discussion of the factors considered by the Special Committee and the board of directors is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather includes the principal factors
considered by the Special Committee and the board of directors. The Special Committee reached the conclusion to unanimously recommend that the board of directors approve, and thereafter the board of
directors reached the conclusion to unanimously approve, the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement in light of the various factors described
above and
55
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other
factors that the members of the Special Committee and board of directors believed were appropriate. In view of the wide variety of factors considered by the Special Committee and board of
directors in connection with their evaluation of the proposed merger and the complexity of these matters, the Special Committee and board of directors did not consider it practical, and did not
attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors they considered in reaching their decision and did not undertake to make any specific determination as to
whether any particular factor, or any aspect of any particular factor, was favorable or unfavorable to the ultimate determination of the Special Committee and the board of directors. Rather, the
Special Committee made its recommendation, and the board of directors made its decision to approve, based on the totality of information that they reviewed and the investigation that they conducted.
In considering the factors discussed above, individual members of the Special Committee and the individual members of the board of directors may have given different weights to different factors. In
light of the procedural protections described above, and given the independent directors' majority status and the engagement of PJS, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and
Akerman LLP by the Special Committee, the Special Committee and the board of directors did not consider it necessary to make any provision to grant unaffiliated shareholders access to the
Company's corporate files or to obtain counsel or appraisal services for unaffiliated shareholders.
In
connection with the consummation of the merger, certain of the Company's directors may receive benefits and compensation that may differ from the per share merger consideration you
would receive. See "Special FactorsInterests of the Company's Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger" beginning on page 83.
Based
upon the foregoing, the Company believes that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, are fair to, and in the best
interests of, the Company's unaffiliated shareholders.
Our Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders of the Company vote "FOR" the adoption of the merger agreement.
Opinion of PJS
PJS delivered its opinion to the Special Committee that, as of June 15, 2018 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions
set forth therein, the $27.50 in cash per share of Company Common Stock to be paid to the shareholders (other than Parent and its affiliates) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial
point of view to such shareholders.
The
full text of the written opinion of PJS, dated June 15, 2018, which sets forth assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review
undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Appendix B. PJS provided its opinion for the information and assistance of the Special Committee in connection with its consideration
of the merger. The PJS opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of the Company as to how any such shareholder should vote on the merger or act on any matter relating to the
merger.
For
purposes of its opinion, PJS:
-
-
reviewed certain publicly available financial statements and other information of the Company;
-
-
reviewed certain internal financial statements and other financial and operating data concerning the Company prepared and provided to PJS by
the management of the Company and approved for PJS's use by the Company;
-
-
reviewed certain financial projections for the Company prepared and provided to PJS by the management of the Company and approved for PJS's use
by the Company (the "Projections");
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-
-
discussed the past and current operations, financial condition and prospects of the Company with management of the Company;
-
-
reviewed the reported prices and trading activity of the Company Common Stock;
-
-
compared the financial performance and condition of the Company and the reported prices and trading activity of the Company Common Stock with
that of certain other publicly traded companies that PJS deemed relevant;
-
-
reviewed publicly available information regarding the financial terms of certain transactions that PJS deemed relevant, in whole or in part, to
the merger;
-
-
participated in certain discussions among management and other representatives of each of Parent and the Company;
-
-
reviewed a draft of the merger agreement dated June 15, 2018; and
-
-
performed such other analyses and reviewed such other material and information as PJS deemed appropriate.
PJS
assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by PJS for the purposes of its opinion and PJS did not assume any responsibility for independent
verification of such information and relied on such information being complete and correct. PJS relied on assurances of the management of the Company that they are not aware of any facts or
circumstances that would make such information inaccurate or misleading in any respect material to PJS's opinion. With respect to the Projections, PJS assumed that the Projections were reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the future financial performance of the Company. PJS did not conduct a physical inspection of the facilities or
property of the Company. PJS did not assume any responsibility for or perform any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of the Company, nor was PJS furnished with any such
valuation or appraisal. Furthermore, PJS did not consider any tax, accounting or legal effects of the merger or transaction structure on any person or entity.
PJS
assumed that the final form of the merger agreement will be substantially the same as the last draft reviewed by PJS and will not vary in any respect material to PJS's analysis. PJS
also assumed that the merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, without waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement
(including, without limitation, the per share merger consideration to be paid to the shareholders of the Company (other than Parent and its affiliates) in the merger) and that, in the course of
obtaining the necessary regulatory or third party approvals, consents and releases for the merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that would have an adverse effect on
the Company or the contemplated benefits of the merger. PJS further assumed that all representations and warranties set forth in the merger agreement were and will be true and correct as of all the
dates made or deemed made and that all parties to the merger agreement will comply with all covenants of such parties thereunder.
PJS's
opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to PJS as of, June 14, 2018. In particular, PJS
does not express any opinion as to the prices at which the Company Common Stock may trade at any future time or as to the impact of the merger on the solvency or viability of the Company, Parent or
Merger Sub or the ability of the Company, Parent or Merger Sub to pay their respective obligations when they come due. Furthermore, PJS's opinion does not address the Company's underlying business
decision to undertake the merger, and the opinion does not address the relative merits of the merger as compared to any alternative transactions or business strategies that might be available to the
Company. PJS's opinion does not address any other aspect or implication of the merger or any other agreement, arrangement
57
Table of Contents
or
understanding entered into in connection with the merger or otherwise except as expressly identified therein. PJS expresses no view as to, and PJS's opinion does not address, the fairness
(financial or otherwise) of the amount or nature or any other aspect of any compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any parties to the merger, or any class of such persons, relative to
the per share merger consideration to be paid to the shareholders (other than Parent and its affiliates) pursuant to the merger agreement. The issuance by PJS of its opinion was authorized by PJS's
fairness opinion committee.
The
following summarizes the significant financial analyses performed by PJS and provided to, and reviewed with, the Special Committee in connection with the delivery of PJS's opinion.
The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand PJS's financial analyses, the tables must be read together with the text of each
summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. Considering the data in the tables below without considering the full narrative description of the
financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of PJS's financial analyses. The following summary, however, does
not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses performed by PJS, nor does the order of analyses described represent relative importance or weight given to those analyses by PJS.
Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before June 14, 2018, and is not
necessarily indicative of current market conditions.
Historical Company Share Trading Analysis
PJS reviewed the historical trading prices and volumes for the Company Common Stock for the 52-week period ending June 14, 2018. In
addition, PJS analyzed the per share merger consideration to be paid to shareholders of the Company pursuant to the merger agreement in relation to, among other things, (i) the closing price
per share of Company Common Stock on the Undisturbed Date, the last trading day before the announcement by George Feldenkreis of a proposal to acquire the Company, (ii) the volume weighted
average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 90-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date, (iii) the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 60-day
period ending on the Undisturbed Date, (iv) the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 30-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date, (v) the highest
closing price per share of Company Common Stock for the 52-week period ending on the Undisturbed Date, and (vi) the highest closing price per share of Company Common Stock for the 5-year period
ending on the Undisturbed Date.
This
analysis indicated that the per share merger consideration of $27.50 to be paid to shareholders of the Company pursuant to the merger agreement
represented:
-
-
a premium of 21.6% based on the closing price per share of Company Common Stock, as of the Undisturbed Date, of $22.62;
-
-
a premium of 14.0% based on the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 90-day period ending on the Undisturbed
Date, of $24.13;
-
-
a premium of 11.1% based on the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 60-day period ending on the Undisturbed
Date, of $24.75;
-
-
a premium of 9.4% based on the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 30-day period ending on the Undisturbed
Date, of $25.14;
-
-
a premium of 5.8% based on the highest closing price per share of Company Common Stock for the 52-week period ending on the Undisturbed Date,
of $25.99; and
-
-
a discount of 4.5% based on the highest closing price per share of Company Common Stock for the 5-year period ending on the Undisturbed Date,
of $28.80.
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Table of Contents
Equity Research Analyst Price Targets
PJS reviewed selected public market trading price targets for the Company Common Stock prepared and published by four Wall Street research
analysts that published or confirmed price targets as of June 14, 2018. PJS reviewed the most recent 12-month price target published by each analyst as of such date. These targets reflect each
analyst's estimate of the public market trading price of the Company Common Stock within 12 months from the time the price target was published. As of June 14, 2018, the range of
selected equity analyst price targets for the Company Common Stock was from $27.50 to $29.00 per share of Company Common Stock.
The
public market trading price targets published by securities research analysts do not necessarily reflect current market trading prices for the Company Common Stock, and these
estimates are subject to uncertainties, including the future financial performance of the Company and future financial market conditions.
Selected Publicly Traded Companies Analysis
PJS reviewed and compared certain financial information for the Company to corresponding financial information for the following publicly traded
corporations in the apparel industry (collectively, the "selected companies"):
-
-
PVH Corp.;
-
-
Hanesbrands;
-
-
Ralph Lauren Corporation;
-
-
G-III Apparel Group;
-
-
Oxford Industries; and
-
-
Delta Apparel.
Perry
Ellis participates in the design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of branded lifestyle apparel and accessories. The Company is one of the largest apparel companies in the
world with a
portfolio consisting of nationally and internationally recognized lifestyle brand names. Although none of the selected companies is directly comparable to the Company, the companies included were
chosen because they are U.S. domestic, publicly traded companies which engage in a similar business as the Company and with operations that, for purposes of analysis, may be considered similar to
certain operations of the Company. When compiling the selected companies, PJS excluded companies which were primarily focused on accessories (e.g., Tapestry and Michael Kors) or active and
outdoor apparel (e.g., VF, Under Armour and Columbia Sportswear Company), as well as companies that recognize the majority of their revenues through direct sales at company owned retail
locations (e.g., Guess?).
PJS
also calculated and compared various financial multiples for the selected companies and the Company based on historical financial data from publicly available sources, forecasts from
Wall Street research available as of June 14, 2018 for the selected companies, and the Projections.
With
respect to the selected companies and the Company, PJS calculated:
-
-
the enterprise value (which represents the equity value plus book values of total debt, including preferred stock and minority interest, less
cash) ("EV") as a multiple of latest twelve months ("LTM") adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA");
-
-
EV as a multiple of Adjusted EBITDA for calendar year 2018;
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-
-
price per share as a multiple of estimated earnings per share ("EPS") for calendar year 2018; and
-
-
price per share as a multiple of EPS for calendar year 2019.
The
tables below summarize the results of these calculations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected Companies
|
|
Enterprise Value as a Multiple of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LTM Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
Range:
|
|
|
10.0x - 12.5x
|
|
CY2018E Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
Range:
|
|
|
8.6x - 11.7x
|
|
Price Per Share as a Multiple of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CY2018E EPS
|
|
Range:
|
|
|
11.4x - 21.9x
|
|
CY2019E EPS
|
|
Range:
|
|
|
10.5x - 20.2x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Value as a Multiple of:
|
|
Price Per Share as
a Multiple of:
|
|
Selected Companies
|
|
LTM Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
CY2018E Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
CY2018E EPS
|
|
CY2019E EPS
|
|
PVH Corp.
|
|
|
12.5x
|
|
|
11.7x
|
|
|
17.5x
|
|
|
15.4x
|
|
Hanesbrands
|
|
|
10.8x
|
|
|
10.5x
|
|
|
11.4x
|
|
|
10.5x
|
|
Ralph Lauren Corporation
|
|
|
11.1x
|
|
|
11.2x
|
|
|
21.9x
|
|
|
20.2x
|
|
G-III Apparel Group
|
|
|
11.9x
|
|
|
11.1x
|
|
|
20.2x
|
|
|
17.6x
|
|
Oxford Industries
|
|
|
11.0x
|
|
|
10.3x
|
|
|
18.7x
|
|
|
16.9x
|
|
Delta Apparel
|
|
|
10.0x
|
|
|
8.6x
|
|
|
13.5x
|
|
|
10.6x
|
|
PJS
then used an illustrative range of multiples to calculate a range of implied values for the Company Common Stock based on the Projections, as summarized below. The ranges of
multiples used by PJS were chosen by PJS utilizing its professional judgment and experience, taking into account PJS's review of the multiples of the selected companies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation Multiples
|
|
Implied Value Per Share of
Company Common Stock
|
Enterprise Value as a Multiple of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
LTM Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
10.0x - 12.5x
|
|
$32.35 - $41.73
|
Fiscal Year 2019E Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
8.6x - 11.7x
|
|
$28.15 - $40.44
|
Price as a Multiple of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year 2019E EPS
|
|
|
11.4x - 21.9x
|
|
$22.84 - $43.76
|
Fiscal Year 2020E EPS
|
|
|
10.5x - 20.2x
|
|
$23.74 - $45.66
|
Selected Precedent Transactions Analyses
PJS analyzed certain publicly available information relating to the following selected transactions in the branded apparel industry for North
America-based targets since December 2013, a timeframe that
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PJS
believed in its judgement to be representative of the current market environment (collectively, the "selected transactions"):
|
|
|
|
|
Target
|
|
Acquiror
|
|
Announcement Date
|
Billabong
|
|
Boardriders
|
|
January 2018
|
Williamson-Dickie Mfg.
|
|
VF Corp
|
|
August 2017
|
Haggar
|
|
Grand Wealth
|
|
April 2017
|
Kellwood Company
|
|
1worldstar
|
|
December 2016
|
Donna Karan
|
|
G-III
|
|
July 2016
|
VF Corp (Contemporary Brands)
|
|
Delta Galil
|
|
June 2016
|
Knights Apparel
|
|
Hanesbrands
|
|
February 2015
|
DBApparel
|
|
Hanesbrands
|
|
June 2014
|
Doris
|
|
Gildan Activewear
|
|
June 2014
|
Jones Group
|
|
Sycamore Partners
|
|
December 2013
|
Although
none of the selected transactions is directly comparable to the merger, the target companies in the selected transactions were North America-based companies in the branded
apparel industry that were acquired since December 2013 and therefore had operations that, for the purposes of analysis, may be considered similar to certain of the Company's operations and product
candidate profile, and as such, for purposes of analysis, the selected transactions may be considered similar to the merger. PJS did not make any determinations to exclude any transactions that met
the criteria described above.
For
each of the selected transactions, PJS calculated and compared the enterprise value implied by the transaction as a multiple of the LTM Adjusted EBITDA of the target. The following
tables present the results of this analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected Transactions
Range
*
|
|
Transaction Enterprise Value as a Multiple of:
|
|
|
|
|
LTM Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
6.2x - 11.0x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target
|
|
Acquiror
|
|
Enterprise Value
|
|
LTM Adjusted
EBITDA Multiple
|
|
Billabong
|
|
Boardriders
|
|
$
|
315
|
|
|
8.0x
|
|
Williamson-Dickie Mfg.
|
|
VF Corp
|
|
$
|
820
|
|
|
11.0x
|
**
|
Haggar
|
|
Grand Wealth
|
|
|
ND
|
|
|
ND
|
|
Kellwood Company
|
|
1worldstar
|
|
|
ND
|
|
|
ND
|
|
Donna Karan
|
|
G-III
|
|
$
|
650
|
|
|
ND
|
|
VF Corp (Contemporary Brands)
|
|
Delta Galil
|
|
$
|
120
|
|
|
6.2x
|
|
Knights Apparel
|
|
Hanesbrands
|
|
$
|
200
|
|
|
8.0x
|
**
|
DBApparel
|
|
Hanesbrands
|
|
$
|
500
|
|
|
7.5x
|
**
|
Doris
|
|
Gildan Activewear
|
|
$
|
110
|
|
|
8.5x
|
|
Jones Group
|
|
Sycamore Partners
|
|
$
|
2,042
|
|
|
7.9x
|
|
-
*
-
Excludes
the acquisitions of Haggar, Kellwood Company and Donna Karan, because the Transaction Enterprise Value as a Multiple of LTM Adjusted EBITDA was not publicly
disclosed.
-
**
-
Publicly-disclosed
EV / LTM Adjusted EBITDA multiple.
61
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PJS
calculated an illustrative range of implied values per share of Company Common Stock by applying a range of valuation multiples of 6.2x to 11.0x to, respectively, the LTM Adjusted
EBITDA of the Company, as provided by management of the Company, and the Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal year 2019 of the Company, as contained in the Projections.
The
following table presents the results of this analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
Valuation Multiple
|
|
Implied Value per share of
Company Common Stock
|
LTM
|
|
|
6.2x - 11.0x
|
|
$17.81 - $35.95
|
FY2019E
|
|
|
6.2x - 11.0x
|
|
$18.69 - $37.51
|
Illustrative Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
PJS performed an illustrative discounted cash flow analysis on the Company using the Projections. The specific Projections that were used were
the March 2018 Management Projections (as defined in "Special FactorsProjected Financial Information" beginning on page 74). Using discount rates ranging from 10.1% to
13.1%, reflecting estimates of the Company's weighted average cost of capital (derived by the application of the Capital Asset Pricing Model, which requires certain Company-specific inputs, including
the Company's target capital structure weightings, the cost of long-term debt, after-tax yield on permanent excess cash, if any, future applicable marginal cash tax rate and a beta for the company, as
well as certain financial metrics for the United States financial markets generally), PJS discounted to present value as of June 14, 2018, (i) estimates of unlevered free cash flow for
the Company through year-end 2021 as reflected in the Projections, and (ii) a range of illustrative terminal values for the Company, which were calculated by applying an illustrative range of
exit terminal year EBITDA multiples of 9.0x to 11.0x (which range was selected by PJS using its judgment after taking into account the EBITDA multiples included in the Selected Publicly Traded
Companies (EV / LTM EBITDA multiple range of 10.0x to 12.5x) and Selected Precedent Transactions analyses (EV / LTM EBITDA multiple range of 6.2x to 11.0x)) to projected terminal year EBITDA for the
Company as reflected in the Projections (which analysis implied perpetuity growth rates (as a result of the application of such EBITDA multiple range to the terminal year EBITDA) ranging from 4.50% to
8.40% for the terminal year estimate of the free cash flow to be generated by the Company per the Projections). PJS then added the ranges of present values it derived above to derive a range of
illustrative EVs for the Company. PJS then subtracted the amount of the Company's adjusted net debt, as provided by the management of the Company, from the range of illustrative EVs it derived for the
Company to derive a range of illustrative equity values for the Company. PJS then divided the range of illustrative equity values it derived by the number of fully diluted shares of Company Common
Stock, as provided by the management of the Company, to derive a range of illustrative present values per share of Company Common Stock of $23.88 to $32.99.
Illustrative Present Value of Future Company Share Price Analysis
PJS performed an illustrative analysis of the implied present values per share of Company Common Stock, as of June 14, 2018, based on
theoretical future values of the Company Common Stock, as of June 14, 2018 and as of the first day of each fiscal year from 2019 through 2021, derived by PJS based on the Projections.
Using
the Projections, PJS derived a range of theoretical values per share of Company Common Stock as of June 14, 2018 and as of the first day of each fiscal year from 2019
through 2021 by applying, with respect to each such date, illustrative one year forward price to earnings per share of Company Common Stock multiples ranging from 10.8x to 18.1x to the estimate of the
earnings per share of Company Common Stock for the current year, as reflected in the Projections, to derive ranges of implied equity values per share of Company Common Stock as of such dates. As noted
above, PJS
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assumed
that the Projections were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the future financial performance of the Company.
By
applying a discount rate of 12.8%, reflecting an estimate of the Company's cost of equity, PJS discounted to present value, as of June 14, 2018, the ranges of theoretical
values of the Company Common Stock, as of June 14, 2018 and as of the first day of each fiscal year from 2019 through 2021. This analysis resulted in a range of implied present values of $21.60
to $35.06 per share of Company Common Stock.
Premia Analysis
PJS reviewed and analyzed, using publicly available information, the acquisition premia for all-cash acquisition transactions announced during
the time period from June 14, 2013 through June 14, 2018 involving a public company based in the United States (excluding the biotechnology, brokerage, finance, insurance, pharmaceutical
and real estate industries) as the target where both (x) the disclosed enterprise values for the transaction were between $400 million and $600 million and (y) at least a
50% stake was acquired. This analysis excluded transactions where the total consideration was below $1.00 per share. For the entire period, using publicly available information, PJS calculated the
median, 25th percentile and 75th percentile premiums of the price paid in the five-year period ending June 14, 2018 and the three-year period ending June 14, 2018, relative
to the target's last undisturbed closing stock price prior to announcement of the transaction. This analysis indicated a median premium of 28.0% across the five-year period and 28.0% across the
three-year period, respectively. This analysis also indicated a 25th percentile premium of 18.1% across the five-year period and 17.7% across the three-year period, respectively, and a
75th percentile premium of 42.6% across the five-year period and 34.4% across the three-year period, respectively. Using this analysis, PJS applied a reference range of illustrative premiums of
17.7% to 42.6% to the closing price per share of Company Common Stock of $22.62 as of the Undisturbed Date and calculated a range of implied equity values per share of Company Common Stock of $26.62
to $32.87.
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The
following table lists the announced all-cash acquisition offers and transactions reviewed and analyzed by PJS in this analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target
|
|
Acquiror
|
|
Announcement
Date
|
|
One Day
Premium*
|
|
Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.
|
|
Steel Partners Holdings LP
|
|
May 2018
|
|
|
36.2
|
%
|
The Finish Line, Inc.
|
|
JD Sports Fashion Plc; Pentland Group Plc
|
|
March 2018
|
|
|
28.0
|
%
|
Fogo de Chão, Inc.
|
|
Rhône Capital LLC
|
|
February 2018
|
|
|
25.5
|
%
|
Bazaarvoice, Inc.
|
|
Marlin Equity Partners LLC
|
|
November 2017
|
|
|
14.6
|
%
|
Omega Protein Corp.
|
|
Cooke, Inc.
|
|
October 2017
|
|
|
32.5
|
%
|
ShoreTel, Inc.
|
|
Mitel Networks Corp.
|
|
July 2017
|
|
|
28.2
|
%
|
Xactly Corp.
|
|
Vista Equity Partners Management LLC
|
|
May 2017
|
|
|
16.8
|
%
|
PennTex Midstream Partners LP
|
|
Energy Transfer Partners LP
|
|
May 2017
|
|
|
18.0
|
%
|
Exar Corp.
|
|
MaxLinear, Inc.
|
|
March 2017
|
|
|
22.4
|
%
|
LMI Aerospace, Inc.
|
|
Sonaca USA, Inc.
|
|
February 2017
|
|
|
52.3
|
%
|
Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. (Delaware)
|
|
H.I.G. Capital LLC (Private Equity)
|
|
December 2016
|
|
|
3.2
|
%
|
Universal American Corp.
|
|
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
|
|
November 2016
|
|
|
12.5
|
%
|
TubeMogul, Inc.
|
|
Tiger Acquisition Corp.
|
|
November 2016
|
|
|
82.1
|
%
|
Blue Nile, Inc.
|
|
Bain Capital
|
|
November 2016
|
|
|
33.9
|
%
|
Everyday Health, Inc.
|
|
Ziff Davis LLC
|
|
October 2016
|
|
|
28.0
|
%
|
Apigee Corp.
|
|
Google, Inc.
|
|
September 2016
|
|
|
6.5
|
%
|
Accuride Corp.
|
|
Crestview LLC
|
|
September 2016
|
|
|
52.7
|
%
|
Imprivata, Inc.
|
|
Thoma Bravo LLC
|
|
July 2016
|
|
|
32.8
|
%
|
Opower, Inc.
|
|
Oracle Corp.
|
|
May 2016
|
|
|
30.4
|
%
|
PowerSecure International, Inc.
|
|
The Southern Co.
|
|
February 2016
|
|
|
79.8
|
%
|
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
|
|
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.
|
|
November 2015
|
|
|
13.9
|
%
|
RealD, Inc.
|
|
Rizvi Traverse Management LLC
|
|
November 2015
|
|
|
18.3
|
%
|
Dot Hill Systems Corp.
|
|
Seagate Technology Plc
|
|
August 2015
|
|
|
79.2
|
%
|
NTELOS Holdings Corp.
|
|
Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.
|
|
August 2015
|
|
|
25.3
|
%
|
Rally Software Development Corp.
|
|
CA, Inc.
|
|
May 2015
|
|
|
42.9
|
%
|
Norcraft Cos., Inc.
|
|
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.
|
|
March 2015
|
|
|
11.4
|
%
|
Emulex Corp.
|
|
Avago Technologies Ltd.
|
|
February 2015
|
|
|
26.4
|
%
|
Silicon Image, Inc.
|
|
Lattice Semiconductor Corp.
|
|
January 2015
|
|
|
23.7
|
%
|
Apco Oil & Gas International, Inc.
|
|
Pluspetrol Resources Corp
|
|
October 2014
|
|
|
14.7
|
%
|
Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc.
|
|
JAB Holding Co.
|
|
September 2014
|
|
|
51.2
|
%
|
Pike Corp.
|
|
Court Square Capital Partners; Pike Corp.
|
|
August 2014
|
|
|
50.8
|
%
|
Vocus, Inc.
|
|
GTCR LLC
|
|
April 2014
|
|
|
47.8
|
%
|
Chindex International, Inc.
|
|
TPG Capital LLC; Fosun
|
|
February 2014
|
|
|
39.9
|
%
|
Mac-Gray Corp.
|
|
CSC ServiceWorks, Inc.
|
|
October 2013
|
|
|
42.3
|
%
|
Zoltek Cos., Inc.
|
|
Toray Industries, Inc.
|
|
September 2013
|
|
|
10.0
|
%
|
Greenway Medical Technologies, Inc.
|
|
Vista Equity; Vitera Healthcare Solutions
|
|
September 2013
|
|
|
20.1
|
%
|
Volterra Semiconductor Corp.
|
|
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
|
|
August 2013
|
|
|
55.4
|
%
|
Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc.
|
|
Paulson & Co., Inc.
|
|
August 2013
|
|
|
31.4
|
%
|
Maidenform Brands, Inc.
|
|
Hanesbrands, Inc.
|
|
July 2013
|
|
|
23.1
|
%
|
-
*
-
In
the case of a transaction where there were media reports of the transaction in advance of the announcement of the definitive agreement, the premium is measured
based on the undisturbed price, which is the last closing price before such media reports. "One-Day Premium" therefore means either the one-day premium (where there were no media reports media reports
of the transaction in advance of the announcement of the definitive agreement) or the premium to the undisturbed price (where there were such media reports). Thus, this analysis analyses premia
relative to the closing price on the last trading day before the announcement of a transaction (when there were no earlier media reports of the transaction) and premia relative to the undisturbed
price (where there have been such earlier media reports) as part of the same, combined premia analysis and compares the results of this analysis to the premium represented by the merger, which is
measured against the undisturbed price since there were media reports of the merger in advance of the announcement of the definitive merger agreement.
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Miscellaneous
In arriving at PJS's opinion, PJS performed a variety of financial analyses, the material portions of which are summarized above. The
preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth
above, without considering the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying PJS's opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination, PJS considered the results of
all of its analyses and did not attribute any particular weight to any factor or analysis considered by it. Rather, PJS made its determination as to fairness on the basis of its experience and
professional judgment after considering the results of all of its analyses. No company or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is directly comparable to the Company or the merger.
PJS
prepared these analyses for purposes of PJS's providing its opinion to the Special Committee as to the fairness from a financial point of view to the shareholders of the Company
(other than Parent and its affiliates) of the $27.50 in cash per share of Company Common Stock to be paid to such shareholders of the Company pursuant to the merger agreement. These analyses do not
purport to be appraisals nor do they necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold. Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are not necessarily
indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Because these analyses are inherently subject to uncertainty, being based upon
numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties or their respective advisors, none of the Company, Parent, PJS or any other person assumes responsibility if future results are materially
different from those forecast.
The
$27.50 in cash per share of Company Common Stock was determined through arm's-length negotiations between the Special Committee and Parent and was approved by the board of directors.
PJS provided advice to the Special Committee during these negotiations. PJS did not, however, recommend any specific amount of consideration to the Special Committee, the Company or the board of
directors or that any specific amount of consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the merger.
As
described above, PJS's opinion to the Special Committee was one of many factors taken into consideration by the board of directors in making its determination to approve the merger
agreement. The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by PJS in connection with the fairness opinion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the written opinion of PJS attached as Appendix B.
Natixis, S.A.
("Natixis"), which became the holder of a majority of PJS's outstanding equity on June 8, 2016, is, together with its affiliates, engaged in advisory,
underwriting and financing, principal investing, sales and trading, research, investment management, insurance and other financial and non-financial activities and services for various persons and
entities. Natixis and its affiliates and employees, and funds or other entities they manage or in which they invest or have other economic interests or with which they co-invest, may at any time
purchase, sell, hold or vote long or short positions and investments in securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments of the Company,
Parent, any of their respective affiliates and third parties, including affiliates of George Feldenkreis, an affiliate of Parent, or any currency or commodity that may be involved in the merger.
The
Special Committee selected PJS as its financial advisor because it is a recognized financial advisory firm that has substantial experience in transactions similar to the merger.
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated February 22, 2018, the Special Committee engaged PJS to act as its financial advisor in connection with the merger. The engagement letter between the
Special Committee and PJS provides for a transaction fee that is estimated, based on the information available as of the date of announcement of the merger agreement, at approximately
$6.6 million to $6.8 million, a substantial portion of which is contingent upon the closing of the merger and a portion of which was payable upon
65
Table of Contents
the
delivery by PJS of its opinion. In addition, the Company has agreed to reimburse PJS for its expenses and to indemnify PJS against certain liabilities arising out of its engagement by the Special
Committee. PJS has not, during the two years prior to the date of its opinion, provided any financial advisory services to the Company, Parent, George Feldenkreis or their respective affiliates for
which PJS received payment other than fees in connection with the engagement relating to the merger, which fees will be credited against the aforementioned transaction fee relating to the merger. In
the future, PJS, Natixis and their respective affiliates may provide financial advisory services to the Company, Parent, George Feldenkreis and their respective affiliates, and in the future may
receive compensation for rendering these services. Natixis has advised PJS that, in the past two years, it has not provided any corporate or investment banking services to the Company, Parent, Merger
Sub, George Feldenkreis or any of their respective affiliates.
Purposes and Reasons of the Company for the Merger
The Company's purpose for engaging in the merger is to enable its shareholders to receive $27.50 per share of Company Common Stock, which
represents (i) a premium of 21.6%, based on the closing price per share of Company Common Stock on the Undisturbed Date of $22.62; (ii) a premium of 14.0% based on the volume weighted
average price per share of Company Common Stock for the 90-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date of $24.13; (iii) a premium of 11.1% based on the volume weighted average price per share of
Company Common Stock for the 60-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date of $24.75; (iv) a premium of 9.4% based on the volume weighted average price per share of Company Common Stock for the
30-day period ending on the Undisturbed Date of $25.14; (v) a premium of 5.8% based on the highest closing price per share of Company Common Stock for the 52-week period ending on the
Undisturbed Date of $25.99; and (vi) a discount of 4.5% based on the highest closing price per share of Company Common Stock for the 5-year period ending on the Undisturbed Date of $28.80. The
Company has determined to undertake the merger at this time based on the conclusions, determinations and reasons of the Special Committee and the board of directors described in detail above under
"Special FactorsBackground of the Merger" beginning on page 18 and "Special FactorsRecommendation of the Special Committee and Our Board of Directors; Reasons for
Recommending the Adoption of the Merger Agreement; Fairness of the Merger" beginning on page 50.
Purposes and Reasons of the GF Group Filing Persons for the Merger
Under the SEC rules governing "going-private" transactions, the GF Group Filing Persons are considered affiliates of the Company and, therefore,
are required to express their purposes and reasons for the merger to the Company's unaffiliated shareholders, as defined in Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act. The GF Group Filing Persons are
making the statements included in this section solely for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Rule 13e-3 and related rules under the Exchange Act.
For
the GF Group Filing Persons, the purpose of the merger is to enable Parent to acquire control of the Company, in a transaction in which the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company
will be cashed out for $27.50 per share of Company Common Stock, so that the Rollover Investors, through their ownership of Parent, will bear the rewards and risks of the ownership of the Company
after shares of Company Common Stock cease to be publicly traded.
The
GF Group Filing Persons intend that, following completion of the merger, Oscar Feldenkreis will continue to lead the Company as Chief Executive Officer and George Feldenkreis will
return to an active role in the management of the Company. As stated in his proposal letter for the merger, George Feldenkreis decided to pursue the merger because he believes that the Company would
benefit greatly from being a privately-owned company, which would enable the Company to execute a long-term growth strategy. The GF Group Filing Persons believe that the branded apparel and retail
sector is in the midst of unprecedented disruption and competition that necessitate long-term orientation toward
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Table of Contents
investment
in the Company's brands, technology and people. The GF Group Filing Persons believe that the Company's ability to invest and innovate is constrained under the current public company
paradigm, where the public markets are increasingly focused on short-term results. As a privately-owned company, the Company would have increased flexibility to make decisions that may negatively
affect quarterly results but that may, over the long-term, increase the Company's value. In contrast, as a publicly-traded company, the Company currently faces public shareholder and investment
analyst pressure to make decisions that may produce better short-term results, but which may over the long-term lead to a reduction in the per share price of its publicly-traded equity securities. As
a privately-owned company, the Company would also be relieved of many of the other significant burdens, constraints and expenses imposed on public companies.
Positions of the GF Group Filing Persons Regarding the Fairness of the Merger
Under the SEC rules governing "going-private" transactions, the GF Group Filing Persons are considered affiliates of the Company and, therefore,
are required to express their beliefs as to the fairness of the merger to the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company. The GF Group Filing Persons are making the statements included in this section
solely for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Rule 13e-3 and related rules under the Exchange Act.
As
described below, the GF Group Filing Persons believe that the merger is fair to the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company on the basis of (i) the factors as described in
"Special FactorsRecommendation of the Special Committee and Our Board of Directors; Reasons for Recommending the Adoption of the Merger Agreement; Fairness of the Merger" beginning on
page 50, which factors the GF Group Filing Persons agree with and adopt, and (ii) the additional factors described below.
The
GF Group Filing Persons believe that the interests of the Company's unaffiliated shareholders were represented by the Special Committee, which negotiated the terms and conditions of
the merger agreement on behalf of the Company's unaffiliated shareholders with the assistance of its independent legal and financial advisors. None of the GF Group Filing Persons believes that it has
or had any fiduciary duty to the Company or its shareholders, including with respect to the merger and its terms (other than in George Feldenkreis' capacity as a member of the board of directors of
the Company and in Oscar Feldenkreis' capacity as an officer and member of the board of directors of the Company).
None
of the GF Group Filing Persons participated in the deliberations of the Special Committee regarding, or received advice from the Special Committee's independent legal or financial
advisors as to, the substantive or procedural fairness of the merger. The Rollover Investors have interests in the merger different from those of the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company by virtue
of the Rollover Investors' continuing equity interest in Parent following the merger. The GF Group Filing Persons have not performed, or engaged a financial advisor to perform, any valuation or other
analysis for the purpose of assessing the fairness of the merger to the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company. George Feldenkreis engaged Scope as a financial advisor in connection with the merger
and obtaining and negotiating the financing for the merger. From time to time during the process described in "Special FactorsBackground of the Merger," upon the request of George
Feldenkreis, Scope provided its advice, and consulted with, George Feldenkreis with respect to the potential transaction with the Company. Specifically, as advised by the GF Group Filing Persons,
Scope introduced George Feldenkreis to potential financing sources and assisted him in obtaining financing for the merger (and advised him with respect to potential alternatives to such financing),
provided strategic advice with respect to negotiating the terms of the merger and related financing with the Special Committee and such financing sources, advised on specific deal terms set forth in
the various drafts of the merger agreement and debt commitment letters, and acted as a liaison for George Feldenkreis to the Special Committee's financial advisor. However, as advised by the GF Group
Filing
Persons, George Feldenkreis did not receive any report, opinion or appraisal from Scope or another outside party materially related to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including
any report,
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Table of Contents
opinion
or appraisal relating to the merger consideration or the fairness of the merger consideration to the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company or the GF Group Filing Persons.
Based
on the GF Group Filing Persons' knowledge and analysis of available information regarding the Company, as well as discussions with members of the Company's senior management
regarding the Company and its business and the factors considered by, and findings of, the board of directors and the Special Committee described in "Special FactorsRecommendation of the
Special Committee and Our Board of Directors; Reasons for Recommending the Adoption of the Merger Agreement; Fairness of the Merger" beginning on page 50 (which findings the GF Group Filing
Persons agree with and adopt), the GF Group Filing Persons believe that the merger is substantively fair to the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company. In particular, the GF Group Filing Persons
considered the following:
-
-
the board of directors determined, after careful consideration and acknowledging the interest of George Feldenkreis and Oscar Feldenkreis in
the merger, by the unanimous vote of all members of the board of directors, based in part on the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, that the merger is fair to, and in the best
interests of, the Company and its unaffiliated shareholders;
-
-
the per share merger consideration of $27.50 represents a premium of approximately 21.6% to the unaffected closing price of the Company Common
Stock on February 5, 2018, the last trading day prior to George Feldenkreis publicly announcing his proposal to take the Company private;
-
-
the fact that the consideration to be paid in the merger is all cash, providing the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company with certainty of
value and liquidity for their shares of Company Common Stock, eliminating any uncertainty in valuing the consideration to be received by such shareholders and allowing such shareholders to avoid
exposure to the risks and uncertainties relating to the prospects of the Company; and
-
-
the fact that there are no unusual requirements or conditions to the merger, and the fact that Parent received debt commitment letters which,
together with the Rollover Investors' obligation to rollover all of their existing holdings of Company Common Stock into Parent, provide the financing necessary to consummate the merger, each
increasing the likelihood that the merger will be consummated and that the consideration to be paid to the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company in the merger will be received.
The
GF Group Filing Persons did not consider liquidation value as a factor because they consider the Company to be a viable going concern business and the trading history of the Company
Common Stock to generally be an indication of its value as such. In addition, due to the fact that the Company is being sold as a going concern, the GF Group Filing Persons did not consider the
liquidation value of the Company relevant to a determination as to whether the merger is fair to the Company's unaffiliated shareholders as the GF Group Filing Persons believed the value of the
Company's assets that might be realized in a liquidation would be significantly less than its going concern value. Further, the GF Group Filing Persons did not consider net book value a material
indicator of the value of the Company because they believed that net book value, which is an accounting concept, reflects historical costs and not the value of the Company as a going concern. The GF
Group Filing Persons calculated the Company's net book value per diluted share at $24.96 as of May 5, 2018, which is significantly below the per share merger consideration.
The
GF Group Filing Persons believe that the merger is procedurally fair to the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company based upon the
following:
-
-
other than their receipt of board and Special Committee fees (which are not contingent upon the consummation of the merger or the Special
Committee's or the board of directors' recommendation or approval of the merger) and their interests described in "Special FactorsInterests of the Company's Directors and Executive
Officers in the Merger" beginning on
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Table of Contents
page 83,
no member of the Special Committee has a financial interest in the merger that is different from, or in addition to, the interests of the unaffiliated shareholders generally, although
the merger agreement does include customary provisions for indemnity and the continuation of liability insurance for the Company's officers and directors and the acceleration of certain equity awards;
-
-
the interests of the Company's unaffiliated shareholders were represented by the Special Committee, consisting solely of directors who are not
officers or employees of the Company and who are not affiliated with the GF Group Filing Persons, and the Special Committee was given exclusive authority to, among other things, review, evaluate and
negotiate the terms of the merger, to decide not to engage in the merger and to consider alternatives to the merger;
-
-
the Special Committee retained its own independent legal and financial advisors;
-
-
the Special Committee was deliberate in its process, taking over four months to analyze and evaluate George Feldenkreis' proposal and to
negotiate extensively the terms of the merger agreement;
-
-
the Special Committee received a written opinion, dated June 15, 2018, from PJS, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and
as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, of the $27.50 in cash per share to be paid to the shareholders (other than Parent and its
affiliates), including the Company's "unaffiliated security holders" (as defined in Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act), pursuant to the merger agreement;
-
-
the merger was approved by the unanimous vote of the board of directors, after careful consideration and acknowledging the interest of George
Feldenkreis and Oscar Feldenkreis in the merger, based in part on the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee;
-
-
the merger is subject to a condition requiring the adoption of the merger agreement by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
the Company Common Stock that are not owned by (i) officers or directors of the Company, (ii) the Rollover Investors or (iii) any person having any equity interest in Parent or
Merger Sub, and the Company has the ability to terminate the merger agreement if such approval is not obtained;
-
-
the Special Committee has the ability to (i) respond to unsolicited takeover proposals and (ii) terminate the merger agreement
for a superior proposal prior to adoption of the merger agreement by the Company's shareholders, in each case, subject to certain conditions in the merger agreement, including in the case of a
termination of the merger agreement, the payment of a termination fee of $8.736 million by the Company; and
-
-
the fact that appraisal rights are available to unaffiliated shareholders who comply with all of the required procedures under the FBCA for
exercising appraisal rights, which allows such holders to seek appraisal of the fair value of their shares in lieu of receiving the per share merger consideration.
The
foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered and given weight by the GF Group Filing Persons in connection with the fairness of the merger agreement and the merger
is not intended to be exhaustive but is believed to include all material factors considered by them. The GF Group Filing Persons did not find it practicable to, and did not, quantify or otherwise
attach relative weights to the foregoing factors in reaching their position as to the fairness of the merger agreement and the merger. Rather, the GF Group Filing Persons made the fairness
determinations after considering all of the foregoing as a whole. The GF Group Filing Persons believe these factors provide a reasonable basis upon which to form their belief that the merger is fair
to the unaffiliated shareholders of the Company. This belief should not, however, be construed as a recommendation to any Company shareholder to approve the merger or adopt the merger agreement. The
GF Group Filing Persons do not make any recommendation as to how shareholders of the Company should vote
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Table of Contents
their
shares of Company Common Stock relating to the merger (other than in each of George Feldenkreis' and Oscar Feldenkreis' capacity as a member of the board of directors of the Company).
Certain Effects of the Merger; Plans for the Company
If the merger is completed, all of the equity interests in the Company will be owned by Parent. No current Company shareholder (other than the
Rollover Investors) will have any ownership interest in, or be a shareholder of, the Company. As a result, the Company's shareholders (other than the Rollover Investors) will no longer benefit from
any increases in the Company's value, nor will they bear the risk of any decreases in the Company's value. Following the merger, Parent (and the Rollover Investors through their ownership of Parent)
will benefit from any increases in the value of the Company and also will bear the risk of any decreases in the value of the Company.
If
the merger is completed, each share of Company Common Stock owned immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, other than as provided below, will be converted into the right
to receive $27.50 in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes. The following shares of Company Common Stock will not be converted into the right to receive the per share merger
consideration in connection with the merger: (i) shares of Company Common Stock held by the Company or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries or Parent or its subsidiaries, (ii) shares of
Company Common Stock held by the Rollover Investors, and (iii) shares of Company Common Stock whose holders have not voted in favor of adopting the merger agreement and have demanded and
perfected their appraisal rights in accordance with, and have complied in all respects with, the FBCA.
In
connection with the consummation of the merger, (i) each stock option and stock appreciation right, whether or not then exercisable or vested, will be converted into the right
to receive at the closing cash equal to the product of (a) the excess, if any, of the merger consideration over the per share exercise price of the applicable option or stock appreciation right
and (b) the number of shares of Company Common Stock underlying such option or stock appreciation right; (ii) each restricted stock award not subject to any performance-based vesting
condition held by an employee will be automatically vested and converted into the right to receive at the closing cash equal to the product of (a) the per share merger consideration and
(b) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such restricted stock award; (iii) each restricted stock award not subject to any performance-based vesting condition held by
a non-employee member of the board of directors will vest on a prorated basis based on the number of days that have elapsed since the grant date of such award and be converted into the right to
receive at the closing cash equal to the product of (a) the per share merger consideration and (b) such pro-rated number of shares; and (iv) with the exception of certain
management members described below, each restricted stock award subject to any performance-based vesting condition will be
converted into a right to receive a restricted cash award from the surviving corporation that will vest and be payable (without regard to any performance goals but subject to applicable service
vesting conditions in the prior award) at the end of its currently applicable vesting period, with the cash payment therefor equal to the product of: (a) the per share merger consideration and
(b) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such restricted stock award that would have vested based on target level achievement. Such restricted cash award will accelerate upon
a termination without cause or for good reason prior to the scheduled vesting date. Each restricted stock award subject to any performance-based vesting condition held by Mr. Jorge Narino or
Ms. Tricia McDermott Thompkins will be converted into a right to receive at the closing a cash payment equal to the product of: (a) the per share merger consideration and (b) the
number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such restricted stock award that would have vested based on target level achievement. All outstanding restricted stock units held by George
Feldenkreis will be cancelled. If the merger is completed, the Company Common Stock will be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market (and no longer publicly traded) and deregistered under the Exchange
Act, and the Company will no longer file periodic reports with the SEC with respect to the Company Common Stock.
70
Table of Contents
Parent
expects that following completion of the merger, our operations will be conducted substantially as they are currently being conducted. However, following completion of the merger,
the Company will have significantly more debt than it currently has. There are no current plans to repay the debt incurred in connection with the merger, and there are restrictions on the repayment of
such debt as described under "Special FactorsFinancing of the Merger" beginning on page 78. Parent has evaluated and reviewed the Company's business and operations, including
exploring the possibility of pursuing future acquisitions, new license opportunities and an organic growth strategy. However, Parent has no current plans, proposals or negotiations which relate to or
would result in an extraordinary corporate transaction involving the Company's corporate structure, business or management, such as a merger, reorganization, liquidation, relocation of any operations,
or sale or transfer of a material amount of assets, or the incurrence of any indebtedness, in each case except as described in this Proxy Statement, including under "Special
FactorsPurposes and Reasons of the GF Group Filing Persons for the Merger" beginning on page 66.
The
table below sets forth the direct and indirect interests in the Company's net book value and net earnings of each of the GF Group Filing Persons prior to and immediately after the
merger, based
71
Table of Contents
upon
the Company's net book value as of February 3, 2018 and the Company's net earnings for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ownership of the Company Prior to
the Merger
|
|
Ownership of the Company After
the Merger
|
|
|
|
%
Ownership
|
|
Net book
value as of
February 3,
2018
|
|
Net
earnings
for the
fiscal year
ended
February 3,
2018
|
|
%
Ownership(1)
|
|
Net book
value as of
February 3,
2018
|
|
Net
earnings
for the
fiscal year
ended
February 3,
2018
|
|
|
|
($ in thousands)
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
$
|
377,550
|
|
$
|
56,650
|
|
Merger Sub
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
$
|
377,550
|
|
$
|
56,650
|
|
George Feldenkreis
|
|
|
10.8%
|
(2)
|
$
|
40,775
|
|
$
|
6,118
|
|
|
50.6%
|
(5)
|
$
|
191,040
|
|
$
|
28,665
|
|
Oscar Feldenkreis
|
|
|
7.7%
|
(3)
|
$
|
29,071
|
|
$
|
4,362
|
|
|
39.0%
|
(6)
|
$
|
147,245
|
|
$
|
22,094
|
|
Fanny Hanono
|
|
|
2.1%
|
(4)
|
$
|
7,929
|
|
$
|
1,190
|
|
|
10.4%
|
(7)
|
$
|
39,265
|
|
$
|
5,892
|
|
The George Feldenkreis Revocable Trust UAD 12/23/13
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
$
|
2,265
|
|
$
|
340
|
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
$
|
10,571
|
|
$
|
1,586
|
|
The Oscar Feldenkreis Revocable Trust UAD 05/06/11
|
|
|
5.8
|
%
|
$
|
21,898
|
|
$
|
3,286
|
|
|
29.3
|
%
|
$
|
110,622
|
|
$
|
16,598
|
|
The Fanny Hanono Revocable Trust UAD 07/06/11
|
|
|
1.8
|
%
|
$
|
6,796
|
|
$
|
1,020
|
|
|
9.2
|
%
|
$
|
34,735
|
|
$
|
5,212
|
|
The Erica Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust UAD 10/17/12
|
|
|
0.3
|
%
|
$
|
1,113
|
|
$
|
170
|
|
|
1.6
|
%
|
$
|
6,041
|
|
$
|
906
|
|
The Jennifer Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust UAD 10/17/12
|
|
|
0.3
|
%
|
$
|
1,113
|
|
$
|
170
|
|
|
1.6
|
%
|
$
|
6,041
|
|
$
|
906
|
|
The Stephanie Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust UAD 10/17/12
|
|
|
0.3
|
%
|
$
|
1,113
|
|
$
|
170
|
|
|
1.6
|
%
|
$
|
6,041
|
|
$
|
906
|
|
-
(1)
-
The
Rollover Investors have committed to contribute, in the aggregate, approximately 19.8% of Company Common Stock immediately prior to the effective time of the
merger to Parent in exchange for a pro rata share of the equity of Parent based on a value of each share of Company Common Stock so contributed of $27.50.
-
(2)
-
Includes
(a) 1,502,384 shares of Company Common Stock directly beneficially owned by George Feldenkreis, (b) 88,189 shares of Company Common Stock
owned by the George Feldenkreis Revocable Trust UAD 12/23/13, of which George Feldenkreis serves as the trustee, (c) 3,974 shares of restricted stock that were granted under the 2015
Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, and (d) 122,316 shares of Company Common Stock beneficially owned by the Feldenkreis Family Foundation, Inc.
-
(3)
-
Includes
(a) 921,498 shares of Company Common Stock held by the Oscar Feldenkreis Revocable Trust UAD 05/06/11, of which Oscar Feldenkreis is the trustee,
(b) 150,000 shares of Company Common Stock held in the aggregate by the Erica Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust UAD 10/17/12, the Jennifer Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust UAD 10/17/12 and
the Stephanie Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust UAD 10/17/12, each of which holds 50,000 shares of Company
72
Table of Contents
Common
Stock, of which Oscar Feldenkreis' spouse is the trustee, (c) 7,388 shares of restricted stock held directly by Oscar Feldenkreis which vest on April 20, 2019, (d) 13,143
shares of restricted stock held directly by Oscar Feldenkreis, which vest in two equal annual installments beginning on April 25, 2019, (e) 15,849 shares of restricted stock held
directly by Oscar Feldenkreis, which vest in three equal annual installments beginning on April 9, 2019, (f) 44,333 shares of performance stock granted in April 2016, which vest up to
100%, provided that certain performance criteria have been achieved as of the last day of fiscal 2019 (and he may be entitled to additional performance shares if the Company exceeds the performance
goals), (g) 39,425 shares of performance stock granted in April 2017, which vest up to 100%, provided that certain performance criteria have been achieved as of the last day of fiscal 2020 (and
he may be entitled to additional performance shares if the Company exceeds the performance goals), and (h) 31,693 shares of performance stock granted in April 2018, which vest up to 100%,
provided that certain performance criteria have been achieved as of the last day of fiscal 2021 (and he may be entitled to additional performance shares if the Company exceeds the performance goals).
-
(4)
-
Includes
(a) 37,892 shares of Company Common Stock directly beneficially owned by Fanny Hanono and (b) 288,181 shares of Company Common Stock owned by
the Fanny Hanono Revocable Trust UAD 07/06/11, of which Fanny Hanono serves as the trustee.
-
(5)
-
Includes
equity interests in Parent owned by George Feldenkreis and the George Feldenkreis Revocable Trust UAD 12/23/13, of which George Feldenkreis serves as the
trustee.
-
(6)
-
Includes
equity interests in Parent owned by (a) Oscar Feldenkreis, (b) the Oscar Feldenkreis Revocable Trust UAD 05/06/11, of which Oscar Feldenkreis
is the trustee, and (c) the Erica Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust UAD 10/17/12, the Jennifer Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable Trust UAD 10/17/12 and the Stephanie Feldenkreis 2012 Irrevocable
Trust UAD 10/17/12, of which Oscar Feldenkreis' spouse is the trustee.
-
(7)
-
Includes
equity interests in Parent owned by Fanny Hanono and the Fanny Hanono Revocable Trust UAD 07/06/11, of which Fanny Hanono serves as the trustee.
From
and after the effective time of the merger, (i) the directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the effective time of the merger shall be the directors of the surviving
corporation until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the surviving corporation's certificate of incorporation,
bylaws and applicable law, and (ii) the officers of the Company immediately prior to the effective time of the merger shall continue to be the officers of the surviving corporation until their
successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the surviving corporation's certificate of incorporation, bylaws and
applicable law.
Alternatives to the Merger
As noted above, in response to the indication of interest from George Feldenkreis, the Special Committee evaluated potential strategic
alternatives, including a potential sale of the Company, with the assistance of the Company's senior management and advisors. The indication of interest by George Feldenkreis had been made
independently and not in response to any process initiated by the Special Committee, the board of directors or the Company to sell the Company. As noted above, while the Special Committee was
responding to the indications of interest for, and the inquiries about, the sale of the Company that the Company received from George Feldenkreis and other potential acquirors during the course of
2018, the Special Committee also considered the
potential benefits to the Company (and the Company's shareholders) of certain strategic alternatives, including, but not limited to, continuing as a stand-alone company, effecting a leveraged
recapitalization and/or pursuing other potential mergers and acquisitions and other potential strategic transactions. In considering those alternatives, the Special Committee took into account all
information that was available to the Special Committee, including the information contained in management's projections summarized under "Special Factors
73
Table of Contents
Projected
Financial Information" beginning on page 74, as well as the Special Committee's knowledge and understanding of the business, operations, management, financial condition, earnings and
prospects of the Company, including the prospects of the Company as a stand-alone company. For more information on the process behind the Special Committee's determination, see "Special
FactorsBackground of the Merger" beginning on page 18, "Special FactorsRecommendation of the Special Committee and Our Board of Directors; Reasons for Recommending the
Adoption of the Merger Agreement; Fairness of the Merger" beginning on page 50 and "Special FactorsPurpose and Reasons of the Company for the Merger" beginning on page 66.
As discussed above under "Special FactorsBackground of the Merger" beginning on page 18, while the Company had received, prior to the date of the merger agreement, certain
expressions of interest for, and certain inquiries about, the sale of the Company to a potential acquiror (including from George Feldenkreis and Randa), George Feldenkreis has made the only firm offer
to acquire the Company that the Company had ever received during the past two years.
Effects on the Company if the Merger is not Completed
If the Company's shareholders do not adopt the merger agreement or if the merger is not completed for any other reason, the Company's
shareholders will not receive any payment for their shares of Company Common Stock unless the Company is sold to a third party. Instead, unless the Company is sold to a third party, we will remain a
public company, Company Common Stock will continue to be listed and traded on the Nasdaq Global Market, and our shareholders will continue to be subject to similar risks and opportunities as they
currently are with respect to their ownership of Company Common Stock. If the merger is not completed, there is no assurance as to the effect of these risks and opportunities on the future value of
your shares of Company Common Stock, including the risk that the market price of Company Common Stock may decline to the extent that the current market price of Company Common Stock reflects a market
assumption that the merger will be completed. From time to time, the board of directors will evaluate and review the business operations, properties, dividend policy and capitalization of the Company
and, among other things, make such changes as are deemed appropriate and continue to seek to maximize shareholder value. If the Company's shareholders do not adopt the merger agreement or if the
merger is not completed for any other reason, there is no assurance that any other transaction acceptable to
the Company will be offered or that the business, prospects or results of operations of the Company will not be adversely impacted, including as a result of the significant costs and expenses incurred
by the Company in connection with the merger. Pursuant to the merger agreement, under certain circumstances, the Company is permitted to terminate the merger agreement and recommend an alternative
transaction. See "The Merger AgreementTermination" beginning on page 137.
Under
certain circumstances, if the merger is not completed, the Company may be obligated to pay to Parent a termination fee. See "The Merger AgreementEffect of Termination;
Fees and Expenses" beginning on page 139.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the board of directors is not aware of any business to be brought before the Special Meeting other than
that described in this Proxy Statement. If, however, other matters are properly presented at the Special Meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote in accordance with their best judgment with
respect to those matters.
If
the merger is consummated, we will not have public shareholders and there will be no public participation in any future meeting of shareholders. However, if the merger is not
completed, we expect our annual meeting of shareholders to generally be held in June of each year. We will consider for inclusion in our proxy materials for the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders
proposals that are received no later than May 8, 2019 and that comply with all applicable requirements of Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act, and our by-laws. Shareholders
must submit their proposals to our corporate headquarters located at 3000 N.W. 107
th
Avenue, Miami, Florida 33172, Attention: Tricia Thompkins, General Counsel and Secretary.
In
addition, any shareholder who wishes to propose a nominee to our board of directors or propose any other business to be considered by the shareholders (other than a shareholder
proposal to be included in our proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act) must comply with the advance notice provisions and other requirements of Article Two,
Section 14 of our by-laws, a copy of which is on file with the SEC and may be obtained from Tricia Thompkins, our General Counsel and Secretary upon request. These notice provisions require
that nominations of persons for election to our board of directors and proposals of business to be considered by the shareholders for the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, to the extent such
meeting is held, must be made in writing and submitted to our corporate headquarters located at 3000 N.W. 107
th
Avenue, Miami, Florida 33172, Attention: Tricia Thompkins, General
Counsel and Secretary, no earlier than March 14, 2019 and no later than April 12, 2019.
If the merger is completed, we do not expect to hold our 2018 Annual Meeting.
158
Table of Contents
HOUSEHOLDING
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (such as a broker, bank or other agent) to implement a delivery procedure
called "householding." Under this procedure, multiple shareholders who reside at the same address may receive a single copy of our proxy materials, including this Proxy Statement and other proxy
materials, unless the affected shareholder has provided us with contrary instructions. This procedure provides extra convenience for shareholders and cost savings for companies.
Perry
Ellis and some brokers, banks or other agents may be householding our proxy materials, including this Proxy Statement. A single set of this Proxy Statement and other proxy
materials will be delivered to multiple shareholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected shareholders. Once you have received notice from your broker,
bank or other agent that it will be householding communications to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If you did not respond
that you did not want to
participate in householding, you were deemed to have consented to the process. Registered shareholders may revoke their consent at any time by contacting the Company's transfer agent Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company, toll-free at 1 (800) 509-5586. Holders through banks or brokers or other agents must notify such agents.
Upon
written or oral request, Perry Ellis will promptly deliver a separate copy of the Proxy Statement and other proxy materials to any shareholder at a shared address to which a single
copy of any of those documents was delivered. To receive a separate copy of the Proxy Statement and other proxy materials, you may send a written request to 3000 N.W.
107
th
Avenue, Miami, Florida 33172, Attention: Tricia Thompkins, General Counsel and Secretary or call (305) 592-2830. In addition, if you are receiving multiple copies of the
Proxy Statement and other proxy material, you can request householding by contacting our General Counsel and Secretary in the same manner.
159
Table of Contents
WHERE SHAREHOLDERS CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
The Company files certain reports and information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. You may obtain copies of this information in person or by
mail from the public reference room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549, at prescribed rates. You may obtain information on the operation of the public
reference room by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 or (202) 942-8090. The SEC also maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about
issuers like the Company, which file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov.
The
Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports, proxy statements or other information
that the Company files with the SEC at the following location of the SEC:
Public
Reference Room
100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580
Washington, D.C. 20549
Please
call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public Reference Section of
the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Company's public filings are also available to the public from document retrieval services and
the Internet website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The information provided on the Company's website is not part of this Proxy Statement, and therefore is not incorporated by reference herein.
Because
the merger is a "going private" transaction, the Company and the GF Group Filing Persons have filed with the SEC a Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 with respect to
the proposed merger. The Schedule 13E-3, including any amendments and exhibits filed or incorporated by reference as part of it, is available for inspection as set forth above. The reports,
opinions or appraisals referenced in this Proxy Statement and filed as exhibits to the Schedule 13E-3 will also be made available for inspection and copying at the principal executive offices
of the Company during regular business hours by any interested holder of Company Common Stock or any representative who has been so designated in writing.
The
information contained in this Proxy Statement speaks only as of the date indicated on the cover of this Proxy Statement unless the information specifically indicates that another
date applies. The information that the Company later files with the SEC may update and supersede the information in this Proxy Statement.
The
SEC allows the Company to "incorporate by reference" information into this Proxy Statement. This means that the Company can disclose important information by referring to another
document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this Proxy Statement. This Proxy Statement and the information that the Company later
files with the SEC may update and supersede the information incorporated by reference. Similarly, the information that the Company later files with the SEC may update and supersede the information in
this Proxy Statement.
The
following documents filed with the SEC are incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement:
-
-
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018;
-
-
Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018;
-
-
The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended May 5, 2018 and August 4, 2018;
160
Table of Contents
-
-
The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2018, March 15, 2018, April 9, 2018,
April 19, 2018, April 26, 2018, April 27, 2018, April 27, 2018, May 29, 2018, May 31, 2018, June 18, 2018, June 20, 2018, July 5, 2018
and August 30, 2018; and
-
-
The description of our common stock contained in our registration on Form 8-A as filed with the SEC on May 14, 1993.
We
also incorporate by reference each document we file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than Current Reports on Form 8-K filed
under Items 2.02 and 7.01) after the date of this Proxy Statement and before the Special Meeting.
Any
person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Proxy Statement is delivered may request copies of any of the documents incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement.
Requests for such copies should be directed to Perry Ellis International, Inc., 3000 N.W. 107
th
Avenue, Miami, Florida 33172, Attention: Tricia Thompkins, General
Counsel and Secretary; Telephone: (305) 592-2830 and should be made at least five business days before the date of the Special Meeting. If you wish to receive a copy of any documents
incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement, will mail you these documents without charge excluding any exhibits to those documents (unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference
into this Proxy Statement).
These
documents are also available at the investor relations section of the Company's website, located at http://investor.pery.com/.
Questions
If you have questions about the Special Meeting or the merger after reading this Proxy Statement, or if you would like additional copies of this
Proxy Statement or the proxy card, you should contact Perry Ellis International, Inc., 3000 N.W. 107
th
Avenue, Miami, Florida 33172, Attention: Tricia Thompkins, General
Counsel and Secretary. You may also contact the Company's proxy solicitor, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, by calling toll-free at 1 (888) 750-5834 (banks and brokers may call collect at
(212) 750-5833).
* * *
The
Proxy Statement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction to or from any person
to whom it is not lawful to make any offer or solicitation in that jurisdiction. The delivery of this Proxy Statement should not create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of
the Company since the date of this Proxy Statement or that the information herein is correct as of any later date.
No
persons have been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this Proxy Statement and, if given or made, such information or
representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company or any other person. This Proxy Statement is dated September 10, 2018. You should not assume that the
information contained in this Proxy Statement is accurate as of any date other than that date, and the mailing of this Proxy Statement to shareholders shall not create any implication to the contrary.
No
other matters are intended to be brought before the Special Meeting by the Company, and the Company does not know of any matters to be brought before the Special Meeting by others.
If, however, any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named in this Proxy Statement will vote the shares represented thereby in accordance with the judgment of management on any
such matter.
161
Table of Contents
APPENDIX A
EXECUTION VERSION
CONFIDENTIAL
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
by and among
FELDENKREIS HOLDINGS LLC,
GF MERGER SUB, INC.
and
PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Dated as of June 15, 2018
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A-i
Table of Contents
A-ii
Table of Contents
Exhibits
Disclosure Letters
Company
Disclosure Letter
Parent Disclosure Letter
A-iii
Table of Contents
INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
|
|
|
Term
|
|
Section
|
Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement
|
|
8.1(a)
|
Affiliate
|
|
8.1(b)
|
Affiliate Transactions
|
|
3.24
|
Agreement
|
|
Preamble
|
Alternate Terms and Conditions
|
|
5.12(a)
|
Anticorruption Laws
|
|
8.1(c)
|
Applicable Exchange
|
|
8.1(d)
|
Articles of Merger
|
|
1.3
|
Balance Sheet Date
|
|
3.12(a)
|
Book-Entry Shares
|
|
2.1(c)(ii)
|
Business Day
|
|
8.1(e)
|
Certificates
|
|
2.1(c)(ii)
|
Chosen Courts
|
|
8.5(a)
|
Closing
|
|
1.2
|
Closing Date
|
|
1.2
|
Code
|
|
8.1(f)
|
Common Stock
|
|
8.1(g)
|
Company
|
|
Preamble
|
Company Assets
|
|
3.7
|
Company Board
|
|
Recitals
|
Company Board Recommendation
|
|
Recitals
|
Company Disclosure Letter
|
|
III
|
Company Employee Benefits
|
|
3.16(a)
|
Company Equity Plan
|
|
8.1(h)
|
Company Financial Advisor
|
|
3.25
|
Company Material Adverse Effect
|
|
3.7
|
Company Option
|
|
2.3(a)
|
Company Performance Stock Award
|
|
2.3(d)
|
Company Permits
|
|
3.22(a)
|
Company Proxy Statement
|
|
3.6(b)
|
Company Related Parties
|
|
8.1(j)
|
Company Restricted Stock Award
|
|
2.3(c)
|
Company RSUs
|
|
2.3(e)
|
Company SAR
|
|
2.3(b)
|
Company SEC Reports
|
|
3.10(a)
|
Company Severance Plan
|
|
5.6(b)
|
Company Stock Award
|
|
2.3(d)
|
Company Stockholders Meeting
|
|
3.6(b)
|
Company Termination Fee
|
|
7.6(c)
|
Confidentiality Agreements
|
|
5.3(b)
|
Continuation Period
|
|
5.6(a)
|
Contract
|
|
8.1(k)
|
Conveyance Taxes
|
|
5.11
|
Damages
|
|
5.7(b)
|
Debt Commitment Letters
|
|
4.6(a)
|
Debt Financing
|
|
4.6(a)
|
Dissenting Shares
|
|
2.4(a)
|
Divestiture Action
|
|
5.9(d)
|
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Table of Contents
|
|
|
Term
|
|
Section
|
Dollars
|
|
8.2(c)
|
Effective Time
|
|
1.3
|
Employee
|
|
5.6(a)
|
Enforceability Exceptions
|
|
8.1(l)
|
Environmental Law
|
|
3.19
|
ERISA
|
|
3.16(a)
|
ERISA Affiliate
|
|
3.16(a)
|
Exchange Act
|
|
3.6(b)
|
Excluded Shares
|
|
2.1(b)
|
Expenses
|
|
5.11
|
FBCA
|
|
Recitals
|
Financing
|
|
4.6(a)
|
Financing Commitments
|
|
4.6(a)
|
Financing Contingencies
|
|
8.1(m)
|
Financing Sources
|
|
8.1(n)
|
Foreign Competition Law
|
|
3.6(f)
|
Forward-Looking Information
|
|
III
|
FS Provisions
|
|
8.11
|
GAAP
|
|
3.11(a)(ii)
|
Governmental Authority
|
|
8.1(o)
|
Governmental Authorizations
|
|
3.6
|
Guarantor
|
|
4.12
|
Hazardous Substances
|
|
8.1(p)
|
HSR Act
|
|
3.6(e)
|
Indemnified Parties
|
|
5.7(a)
|
Intellectual Property
|
|
8.1(q)
|
Intervening Event
|
|
5.4(f)
|
IRS
|
|
3.16(b)
|
Knowledge
|
|
8.1(r)
|
Law
|
|
8.1(s)
|
Legal Actions
|
|
3.14
|
Lenders
|
|
4.6(a)
|
Liabilities
|
|
3.12
|
Liens
|
|
8.1(t)
|
Limited Guarantee
|
|
4.12
|
Material Contracts
|
|
3.15
|
Maximum Premium
|
|
5.7(c)
|
Merger
|
|
Recitals
|
Merger Consideration
|
|
2.1(c)(i)
|
Merger Sub
|
|
Preamble
|
Non-U.S. Employee Benefit
|
|
3.16(a)
|
Option Consideration
|
|
2.3(a)
|
Orders
|
|
8.1(u)
|
Organizational Documents
|
|
8.1(v)
|
Owned Intellectual Property
|
|
8.1(w)
|
Parent
|
|
Preamble
|
Parent Assets
|
|
4.4(b)
|
Parent Contracts
|
|
4.4(c)
|
Parent Disclosure Letter
|
|
IV
|
Parent Material Adverse Effect
|
|
8.1(x)
|
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Table of Contents
|
|
|
Term
|
|
Section
|
Parent Plan
|
|
5.6(c)
|
Parent Related Parties
|
|
8.1(y)
|
Parent Termination Fee
|
|
7.6(d)
|
Paying Agent
|
|
2.2(a)
|
Payment Fund
|
|
2.2(b)
|
Permits
|
|
3.22(a)
|
Permitted Lien
|
|
8.1(z)
|
Person
|
|
8.1(aa)
|
Pledgor
|
|
4.12
|
Preferred Stock
|
|
3.8(a)
|
Principal Stockholders
|
|
Recitals
|
Prior Service
|
|
5.6(c)
|
Real Property Leases
|
|
3.21(b)
|
Representatives
|
|
8.1(bb)
|
Requisite Company Vote
|
|
8.1(cc)
|
Rights
|
|
8.1(dd)
|
Rollover Investment
|
|
4.6(a)
|
Rollover Investors
|
|
4.6(a)
|
Rollover Letters
|
|
4.6(a)
|
SAR Consideration
|
|
2.3(b)
|
Schedule 13E-3
|
|
3.6(b)
|
SEC
|
|
3.6(b)
|
Securities Act
|
|
3.10(a)
|
Pledge and Security Agreement
|
|
4.12
|
Solvent
|
|
8.1(ee)
|
Special Committee
|
|
Recitals
|
Subsidiary
|
|
8.1(ff)
|
Superior Proposal
|
|
8.1(gg)
|
Surviving Bylaws
|
|
1.6
|
Surviving Charter
|
|
1.5
|
Surviving Corporation
|
|
1.1
|
Takeover Proposal
|
|
8.1(hh)
|
Tax Returns
|
|
8.1(ii)
|
Taxes
|
|
8.1(jj)
|
Termination Date
|
|
7.2(a)
|
Transaction Litigation
|
|
5.15
|
Voting Agreement
|
|
Recitals
|
Willful and Material Breach
|
|
8.1(kk)
|
A-vi
Table of Contents
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of June 15, 2018 (this "
Agreement
"), by and among
Feldenkreis Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("
Parent
"), GF Merger Sub, Inc., a Florida corporation and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent ("
Merger Sub
"), and Perry Ellis International, Inc., a Florida corporation (the
"
Company
").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "
Company Board
") established a Special
Committee (the "
Special Committee
"), consisting solely of independent and
disinterested directors, to, among other things, consider and negotiate strategic transactions involving the Company, including the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company on the terms and
subject to the conditions of this Agreement (the "
Merger
") and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and to make a recommendation to
the Company Board with respect thereto;
WHEREAS,
the Special Committee has determined that it is fair to, advisable and in the best interests of the Company and the holders of Common Stock to enter into this Agreement with
Parent and Merger Sub, providing for the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, in each case in accordance with the Florida Business Corporation Act (the
"
FBCA
");
WHEREAS,
the Company Board, based on the recommendation of the Special Committee, at a meeting thereof duly called and held, has (a) approved and declared advisable this
Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (b) declared that it is fair to, advisable and in the best interests of the Company and the stockholders of the
Company that the Company enter into this Agreement and consummate the Merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, (c) directed that the adoption of this
Agreement be submitted to a vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Company, and (d) recommended to the stockholders of the Company that they adopt this Agreement (the
"
Company Board Recommendation
");
WHEREAS,
the board of directors of Merger Sub, at a meeting thereof duly called and held, has approved and declared advisable, and the managing member of Parent has approved, this
Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;
WHEREAS,
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and as a condition and inducement to the willingness of the Company to enter into this Agreement, (i) the Guarantor is
entering into a Limited Guarantee and (ii) the Pledgor is entering into a Pledge and Security Agreement, in each case in favor of the Company with respect to certain of Parent's and Merger
Sub's obligations under this Agreement;
WHEREAS,
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and as a condition and inducement to the willingness of Parent and Merger Sub to enter into this Agreement, each Rollover
Investor has entered into a Rollover Letter with Parent pursuant to which, among other things, the Rollover Investors have agreed, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in their
respective Rollover Letters, to make the Rollover Investment;
WHEREAS,
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, and as a condition and inducement to the willingness of Parent and the Company to enter into this Agreement, certain
stockholders of the Company (the "
Principal Stockholders
") are entering into a voting agreement (the "
Voting
Agreement
") with Parent and the Company pursuant to which, among other things, the Principal Stockholders have agreed, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
the Voting Agreement, to (a) vote their
shares of Common Stock in favor of adoption of this Agreement (and have delivered to the Company's Board of Directors an irrevocable proxy to so vote with respect to this
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Table of Contents
Agreement
to the extent provided therein) and (b) take certain other actions in furtherance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Accordingly,
in consideration of the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
Section 1.1
The Merger.
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and
in accordance with the FBCA, at the Effective Time, (a) Merger Sub shall be
merged with and into the Company, (b) the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and the Company shall continue its corporate existence under the FBCA as the surviving
corporation in the Merger (the "
Surviving Corporation
") and (c) the Surviving Corporation shall become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent.
Section 1.2
Closing.
Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to closing
contained in
Article VI
, the
closing of the Merger (the "
Closing
") shall take place (a) at the offices of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, 1285
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, at 10:00 a.m. (local time) on the second Business Day after the day on which the conditions set forth in
Article VI
(other than those conditions
that by their terms are to be satisfied by actions taken at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction
or waiver of those conditions) are satisfied or waived in accordance with this Agreement, or (b) at such other place and time as Parent and the Company may agree in writing. The date on which
the Closing occurs is referred to as the "
Closing Date
."
Section 1.3
Effective Time.
At the Closing, Parent and the Company shall cause an articles of
merger (the "
Articles of Merger
") to be
executed, signed, acknowledged and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida in such form as is required by the relevant provisions of the FBCA, and shall make all other deliveries,
filings or recordings required by the FBCA in connection with the Merger. The Merger shall become effective when the Articles of Merger has been duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Florida or at such other subsequent date or time as Parent and the Company may agree and specify in the Articles of Merger in accordance with the FBCA (the "
Effective
Time
").
Section 1.4
Effects of the Merger.
The Merger shall have the effects set forth in the FBCA, this
Agreement and the Articles of Merger. From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation
shall possess all of the rights, powers, privileges, franchises and be subject to all of the obligations, liabilities, restrictions and disabilities of the Company, all as provided in the FBCA.
Section 1.5
Certificate of Incorporation.
The certificate of incorporation of the Company shall,
at the Effective Time and without any further action on the party of any party hereto, be amended and
restated to read in its entirety as set forth on
Exhibit A
and, as so amended and restated, shall be the certificate of incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation (the "
Surviving Charter
"), until amended as provided therein and by applicable Law.
Section 1.6
Bylaws.
The bylaws of the Company shall, at the Effective Time and without any
further action on the party of any party hereto, be amended and restated to read in its
entirety as set forth on
Exhibit B
and, as so amended and restated, shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation (the
"
Surviving Bylaws
"), until amended as provided in the Surviving Charter and the Surviving Bylaws and by applicable Law.
Section 1.7
Directors.
The parties shall take all requisite action so that the directors of
Merger Sub immediately before the Effective Time shall be, from and after the Effective Time,
the directors of
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Table of Contents
the
Surviving Corporation until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Surviving Charter, the Surviving Bylaws and
applicable Law.
Section 1.8
Officers.
The officers of the Company immediately before the Effective Time shall be,
from and after the Effective Time, the officers of the Surviving Corporation until
their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Surviving Charter, the Surviving Bylaws and applicable Law.
ARTICLE II
EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON CAPITAL STOCK
Section 2.1
Conversion of Capital Stock.
At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub, the Company or the holder of any shares of capital stock
of Merger Sub or the Company:
(a)
Conversion of Merger Sub Capital Stock.
Each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Merger Sub
issued and outstanding immediately before the Effective Time shall be converted into and become one fully paid and non-assessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving
Corporation.
(b)
Cancellation of Treasury Stock and Parent-Owned Stock.
Each share of Common Stock owned by the Company or
any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries immediately before the Effective Time, including, for the avoidance of doubt, each share of Common Stock contributed to
Parent by the Rollover Investors in accordance with the Rollover Letters (collectively, the "
Excluded Shares
"), shall be canceled automatically and
shall cease to exist, and no consideration shall be paid for those Excluded Shares.
(c)
Conversion of Common Stock
.
-
(i)
-
Each
share of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately before the Effective Time (other than Excluded Shares and Dissenting Shares) shall be converted into
the right to receive $27.50 in cash, without interest (the "
Merger Consideration
").
-
(ii)
-
All
shares of Common Stock that have been converted pursuant to
Section 2.1(c)(i)
shall be canceled
automatically and shall cease to exist, and the holders of (A) certificates which immediately before the Effective Time represented such shares (the
"
Certificates
") or (B) shares represented by book-entry (the "
Book-Entry Shares
") shall cease to
have any rights with respect to those shares, other than the right to receive the Merger Consideration in accordance with
Section 2.2
and any
dividends or other distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time which may have been authorized by the Company and which remain unpaid at the Effective Time.
(d)
Equitable Adjustment.
If at any time during the period between the date of this Agreement and the Effective
Time, any change in the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall occur by reason of any reclassification, recapitalization, reorganization, stock split (including a reverse stock split),
combination, exchange or readjustment of shares, or any stock dividend or stock distribution (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common
Stock) is declared with a record date during such period, then the Merger Consideration shall be proportionately and equitably adjusted, without duplication, to reflect such change.
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Table of Contents
Section 2.2
Surrender of Certificates and Book-Entry Shares
.
(a)
Paying Agent.
Not less than three Business Days before the Effective Time, Parent shall (i) select a
bank or trust company, satisfactory to the Company in its reasonable discretion, to act as the paying agent in the Merger (the "
Paying Agent
") and
(ii) enter into a paying agent agreement with the Paying Agent, the terms and conditions of which are satisfactory to the Company in its reasonable discretion. Parent shall be responsible for
all fees and expenses of the Paying Agent.
(b)
Payment Fund.
Immediately prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, with
the Paying Agent, for the benefit of the holders of Certificates and Book-Entry Shares, Company Options and Company Restricted Stock Awards, for payment in accordance with this
Article II
through
the Paying Agent, sufficient funds for the payment of the aggregate Merger Consideration for all issued and outstanding shares
of Common Stock (other than Excluded Shares) and other amounts payable under this
Article II
(including with respect to Company Options, Company
SARs and Company Restricted Stock Awards). Such funds provided to the Paying Agent are referred to as the "
Payment Fund
."
(c)
Payment Procedures
.
-
(i)
-
Letter of Transmittal
. As soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within three (3) Business Days,
after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Paying Agent to mail to each holder of record of a share of Common Stock converted pursuant to
Section 2.1(c)(i),
(A) a letter of transmittal
in the Paying Agent's standard form (and reasonably satisfactory to Parent and the
Company), specifying that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to such holder's shares shall pass, only upon proper delivery of Certificates (or affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) to
the Paying Agent or, in the case of Book-Entry Shares, upon adherence to the procedures set forth in the letter of transmittal and (B) instructions for surrendering such Certificates (or
affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) or Book-Entry Shares in exchange for the Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of shares evidenced by such Certificates (or affidavit of loss in lieu
thereof) or Book-Entry Shares. Such instructions shall provide that: (1) at the election of the surrendering holder, Certificates (or affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) may be surrendered by
hand delivery or otherwise and (2) the Merger Consideration payable in exchange for Certificates (or affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) and/or Book-Entry Shares will be payable by wire transfer
to the surrendering holder.
-
(ii)
-
Surrender of Shares
. Upon surrender of a Certificate (or affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) or of a Book-Entry Share
for cancellation to the Paying Agent, together with a duly executed letter of transmittal and any other documents reasonably required by the Paying Agent, the holder of that Certificate (or affidavit
of loss in lieu thereof) or Book-Entry Share shall be entitled to receive, and the Paying Agent shall promptly pay in exchange therefor, the Merger Consideration payable in respect of the number of
shares formerly evidenced by that Certificate (or affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) or such Book-Entry Share less any required withholding of Taxes. Any Certificates (or affidavit of loss in lieu
thereof) and Book-Entry Shares so surrendered shall be canceled immediately. No interest shall accrue or be paid on any amount payable upon surrender of Certificates (or affidavit of loss in lieu
thereof) or Book-Entry Shares.
-
(iii)
-
Unregistered Transferees
. If any Merger Consideration is to be paid to a Person other than the Person in whose name
the surrendered Certificate is registered, then the Merger Consideration may be paid to such a transferee so long as (A) the surrendered Certificate is accompanied by all documents reasonably
required by Parent to evidence and effect that transfer and (B) the Person requesting such payment (x) pays any applicable transfer
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Table of Contents
(d)
Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.
If any Certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of
an affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if reasonably required by the Surviving Corporation, the execution and delivery by such Person of
a customary indemnity agreement to provide indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Paying Agent shall pay the applicable Merger Consideration to
such Person in respect of the shares of Common Stock represented by such Certificate.
(e)
No Further Transfers
. At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed and
there shall be no further registration of transfers of the shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately before the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates or Book-Entry
Shares are presented to the Surviving Corporation for transfer, they shall be cancelled and exchanged for the applicable Merger Consideration as provided in this
Article II
.
(f)
Required Withholding.
Parent, Merger Sub, the Surviving Corporation and the Paying Agent shall be entitled
to deduct and withhold from any consideration otherwise payable under this Agreement such amounts as they are required to deduct or withhold therefrom under the Code, or any applicable state, local or
foreign Tax Law. To the extent that any amounts are so deducted and withheld and paid to the
appropriate taxing authorities, those amounts shall be treated as having been paid to the Person in respect of whom such deduction or withholding was made for all purposes under this Agreement.
(g)
No Liability.
None of Parent, the Surviving Corporation or the Paying Agent shall be liable to any holder of
Certificates or Book-Entry Shares for any amount properly paid to a public official under any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Law.
(h)
Investment of Payment Fund
. The Paying Agent shall invest the Payment Fund as directed by Parent; provided,
that such investment shall be in obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States of America, in commercial paper obligations of issuers organized under the Law of a state of the United States of
America, rated A-1 or P-1 or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, respectively, or in certificates of deposit, bank repurchase agreements or
bankers' acceptances of commercial banks with capital exceeding $10 billion, or in mutual funds investing solely in such assets and, in any such case, no such instrument shall have a maturity
exceeding three (3) months. Any such investment shall be for the benefit, and at the risk, of Parent, and any interest or other income resulting from such investment shall be for the benefit of
Parent;
provided
, that no such investment or losses thereon shall affect the Merger Consideration payable hereunder and Parent shall promptly provide,
or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to promptly provide, additional funds to the Paying Agent for the benefit of
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Table of Contents
the
holders of Common Stock, Company Options and Company Stock Awards immediately prior to the Effective Time in the amount of any such losses to the extent necessary to satisfy the obligations of
Parent and the Surviving Corporation under this
Article II
.
(i)
Termination of Payment Fund.
Any portion of the Payment Fund that remains unclaimed by the holders of
Certificates or Book-Entry Shares one year after the Effective Time shall be delivered by the Paying Agent to Parent upon demand. Thereafter, any holder of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares who has
not complied with this
Article II
shall look only to Parent and/or the Surviving Corporation, which shall remain responsible for payment of the
applicable Merger Consideration.
Section 2.3
Company Options, Company SARs and Company Stock Awards
.
(a) Except
as otherwise agreed in writing after the date hereof by Parent and the applicable holder thereof, the Company shall take all necessary and appropriate actions so
that, at the Effective Time, each option to acquire shares of Common Stock under the Company's Equity Plan (each, a "
Company Option
") outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether or not then vested or exercisable, by virtue of the Merger and without any further action by Parent, Merger Sub, the Company or the holder of that
Company Option, shall be canceled and each Company Option shall be converted into the right to receive from Parent or the Surviving Corporation promptly following the Effective Time an amount in cash,
without interest, equal to the Option Consideration (as defined below) multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of such Company Option. The
Company Board or the compensation committee thereof shall take all necessary and appropriate actions so that all Company Options shall be vested in full as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.
"
Option Consideration
" means the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the per share exercise or purchase price of the applicable Company
Option at the time of calculation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the exercise or purchase price of the applicable Company Option is equal to or greater than the Merger Consideration, such Company
Option shall be cancelled without any payment being made in respect thereof.
(b) Except
as otherwise agreed in writing after the date hereof by Parent and the applicable holder thereof, the Company shall take all necessary and appropriate actions so
that, at the Effective Time, each stock appreciation right with respect to shares of Common Stock granted under the Company's Equity Plan (each, a "
Company
SAR
") outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether or not then vested or exercisable, by virtue of the Merger and without any further action by Parent, Merger
Sub, the Company or the holder of that Company SAR, shall be canceled and each Company SAR shall be converted into the right to receive from Parent or the Surviving Corporation promptly following the
Effective Time an amount in cash, without interest, equal to the SAR Consideration (as defined below) multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock underlying such Company SARs. The
Company Board or the compensation committee thereof shall take all necessary and appropriate actions so that all Company SAR shall be vested in full as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.
"
SAR Consideration
" means the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the exercise price per share of Common Stock subject to such Company SAR
at the time of calculation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the exercise or purchase price with respect to the applicable Company SAR is equal to or greater than the Merger Consideration, such
Company SAR shall be cancelled without any payment being made in respect thereof.
(c) Except
as otherwise agreed in writing after the date hereof by Parent and the applicable holder thereof or as otherwise provided below, each share of restricted Common
Stock that vests solely based on continued service (each, a "
Company Restricted Stock Award
") outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, by
virtue of the Merger and without any action by Parent,
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Table of Contents
Merger
Sub, the Company or the holder of that Company Restricted Stock Award, shall be, at the Effective Time, converted into the right to receive from Parent or the Surviving Corporation the Merger
Consideration per share in accordance with
Section 2.1(c)
; provided, however, that any Company Restricted Stock Award held by a non-employee
member of the Company Board shall, prior to such conversion, be prorated by multiplying the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such Company Restricted Stock Award by a fraction, the numerator
of which is the number of days that have elapsed since the grant date of such award and the denominator of which is 365, with any fractional share rounded up to the nearest whole share. The Company
Board or the compensation committee thereof shall take all necessary and appropriate actions so that all Company Restricted Stock Awards shall be vested and all restricted periods shall lapse thereon
in full as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(d) Except
as otherwise agreed in writing after the date hereof by Parent and the applicable holder thereof or as otherwise provided below or on Section 2.3(d) of the
Company Disclosure Letter, each share of restricted Common Stock that vests based on the achievement of performance goals (each, a "
Company Performance Stock
Award
", and together with the Company Restricted Stock Awards, the "
Company Stock Awards
") outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action by Parent, Merger Sub, the Company or the holder of that Company Performance Stock Award, shall be, at the Effective Time, converted into
the right to receive a restricted cash award on the same terms and conditions (including applicable time and/or service vesting conditions but excluding performance goals) applicable to such Company
Performance Stock Award under the applicable Company Equity Plan and award agreement in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, with respect to an amount of cash determined by multiplying the
Merger Consideration by the number of shares of Common Stock that would vest based on the achievement of any applicable performance goals at the target level. For the avoidance of doubt, any
provisions relating to the forfeiture, acceleration of vesting or payment of any award contained in a Company Performance Stock Award shall apply to the restricted cash award described in this
Section 2.3(d)
;
provided
that, in the event any such Company Performance Stock Award does not
contain such an acceleration provision, such restricted cash award shall vest and be paid upon the termination of the holder's employment by the Company without Cause or by the holder for Good Reason
(each, as defined in the most recent Company Equity Plan), in each case, subject to the execution and delivery (without revocation) of a release of claims in favor of the Company in the form provided
by the Company;
provided
, further, that any Company Performance Stock Award that vests by its terms upon the occurrence of the Effective Time, if any,
shall be, at the Effective Time, converted into the right to receive from Parent or the Surviving Corporation the Merger Consideration per share in accordance with
Section 2.1(c)
. The Company Board
or the compensation committee thereof shall take all necessary and appropriate actions so that all Company
Performance Stock Awards shall be treated in accordance with this
Section 2.3(d)
. Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation and its
Subsidiaries to, as applicable, make all the payments pursuant to the restricted cash awards described in this
Section 2.3(d)
in accordance with
their terms.
(e) Subject
to the provisions of this
Section 2.3
, the Company shall take all necessary and appropriate actions so
that all Company Options and Company SARs, as well as all restricted stock units payable in shares of Common Stock or whose value is determined with reference to the value of shares of Common Stock
("
Company RSUs
"), shall be canceled and the Company Equity Plans shall terminate at the Effective Time.
(f) Not
later than 10 days prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall mail to each holder of Company Options, Company SARs and Company Stock Awards a letter
describing the treatment of and payment for such Company Options, Company SARs or Company Stock Awards pursuant to this
Section 2.3
and providing
instructions for use in obtaining payment for such
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Company
Options, Company SARs or Company Restricted Stock Awards (which instructions shall provide that the cash payable to such holder of Company Options and Company SARs pursuant to this
Section 2.3
will
be made by check or wire transfer in accordance with the holder's instructions on file with the Company in respect of payroll
and, if no such instructions are applicable to such holder, may be, at the election of such holder, mailed to such holder or transferred to such holder by wire transfer).
(g) As
promptly as practicable following the Effective Time and in any event not later than the fifth Business Day thereafter, Parent or the Surviving Corporation shall
cause the Paying Agent to mail a check (or transfer by wire transfer) (i) to each applicable holder of a Company Option, in such amount due and payable to such holder pursuant to
Section 2.3(a)
in respect of such Company Option and (ii) to each applicable holder of a Company SAR, in such amount due and payable to
such holder pursuant to
Section 2.3(b)
in respect of such Company SAR. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in lieu of the payments contemplated by the
immediately preceding sentence, Parent and the Surviving Corporation may direct the Paying Agent to pay the Surviving Corporation (or its designees) for (but only to the extent of) any amounts the
Surviving Corporation elects to pay to each holder of a Company Option or Company SAR in respect of the consideration payable therefor plus any amounts deducted and withheld with respect to any such
amounts.
Section 2.4
Dissenting Shares
.
(a) Notwithstanding
any provision of this Agreement to the contrary (but subject to the other provisions of this
Section 2.4
), any shares of Common Stock for which the holder thereof (i) has not voted in favor
of the Merger or consented to it in writing and (ii) has demanded the appraisal of such shares in accordance with, and has complied in all respects with, the FBCA (collectively, the
"
Dissenting Shares
"), shall not be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration in accordance with
Section 2.1(c)
. At the Effective
Time, (A) all Dissenting Shares shall be canceled and cease to exist and (B) the holders of
Dissenting Shares shall be entitled only to such rights as may be granted to them under the FBCA.
(b) Notwithstanding
the provisions of
Section 2.4(a)
, if any holder of Dissenting Shares effectively withdraws or
loses such appraisal rights (through failure to perfect such appraisal rights or otherwise), then that holder's shares (i) shall be deemed no longer to be Dissenting Shares and
(ii) shall be treated as if they had been converted automatically at the Effective Time into the right to receive the Merger Consideration upon surrender of the Certificate (or affidavit of
loss in lieu thereof) formerly representing such shares or, in the case of Book-Entry Shares, upon adherence to the procedures set forth in the letter of transmittal, in each case in accordance with
Section 2.2
.
(c) The
Company shall give Parent (i) notice of any written demands for appraisal of any shares of Common Stock, any withdrawals of such demands and any other
instrument served on the Company under the FBCA and (ii) the right to direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands for appraisal. Except to the extent required by
applicable Law, the Company shall not offer to make or make any payment with respect to any such demands for appraisal or otherwise settle any such demands without the prior written consent of Parent,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.
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ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except
as set forth in (x) the confidential disclosure letter delivered by the Company to Parent before or in connection with the execution of this Agreement
(the "
Company Disclosure Letter
"), it being agreed that disclosure of any item in any section of the Company Disclosure Letter (whether or not an
explicit cross reference appears) shall be deemed to be disclosure with respect to any other section of the Company Disclosure Letter and any other representation or warranty made elsewhere in
Article III
, in either case, to which the relevance of such item is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure or (y) the Company
SEC Reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC on or after January 1, 2017 and prior to the date of this Agreement (other than disclosures contained under the captions "Risk Factors" or
"Forward-Looking Statements" to the extent that such disclosures are general in nature or cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature (or any other disclosures contained in the Company SEC
Reports that are similarly predictive or forward-looking in
nature) (collectively, "
Forward-Looking Information
")), the Company represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub that:
Section 3.1
Organization and Power.
The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Florida and has the requisite power and authority to own,
lease and operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as now conducted. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company's Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the relevant jurisdiction of organization and has the
requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as now conducted.
Section 3.2
Foreign Qualifications.
Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified
or licensed to do business as a foreign corporation, limited liability company or other legal entity
and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business or ownership, leasing or operation of its properties requires such qualification, except where failure to be so qualified,
licensed or in good standing has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.3
Corporate Authorization.
Assuming that the representations and warranties of Parent
and Merger Sub contained in
Section 4.5(c)
are
true and correct, the Company has all necessary corporate power and authority to enter into, deliver, and perform its obligations under, this Agreement and, subject to the receipt of the Requisite
Company Vote with respect to the Merger, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each of the Company Board and the Special Committee at a meeting duly called and held has duly
adopted resolutions: (a) authorizing and approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, (b) approving and declaring
advisable this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (c) declaring that it is in the best interests of the stockholders of the Company that the Company
enter into this Agreement and consummate the Merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, (d) directing that the adoption of this Agreement be submitted to a
vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Company and (e) recommending to the stockholders of the Company that they adopt this Agreement. Assuming that the representations and warranties of
Parent and Merger Sub contained in
Section 4.5(c)
are true and correct and that the Requisite Company Vote is received, the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of the Company.
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Section 3.4
Enforceability.
This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company
and constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable against the
Company in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.
Section 3.5
Subsidiaries.
Except as disclosed in Section 3.8(c) of the Company Disclosure
Letter, each of the Subsidiaries of the Company is wholly-owned by the Company, directly or
indirectly, free and clear of any Liens (other than Permitted Liens). Section 3.5 of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list of all of the Subsidiaries of the Company,
including the jurisdiction of organization of each such Subsidiary.
Section 3.6
Governmental Authorizations.
Assuming that the representations and warranties of
Parent and Merger Sub contained in
Section 4.3
are true
and correct, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement do not and will not require
any consent, approval, order, waiver or other authorization of, or, registration, declaration or filing with or notification to (collectively, "
Governmental
Authorizations
"), any Governmental Authority, other than:
(a) the
filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida;
(b) the
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "
SEC
") of (i) a proxy statement (the
"
Company Proxy Statement
") relating to the special meeting of the stockholders of the Company to be held to consider the adoption of this Agreement (the
"
Company Stockholders Meeting
"), (ii) a Rule 13E-3 transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 (the
"
Schedule 13E-3
") relating to the adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of the Company and (iii) any other filings and reports
that may be required in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "
Exchange
Act
") and the FBCA;
(c) any
filings and reports that may be required in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under state securities Laws or "blue
sky" Laws;
(d) compliance
with the Applicable Exchange rules and regulations;
(e) the
filing of a pre-merger notification and report form by the Company required under the Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the
"
HSR Act
");
(f) compliance
with and the filing and receipt, termination or expiration as applicable, of such other approvals or waiting periods as may be required under any
(i) applicable foreign competition Law and (ii) applicable foreign investment Law (clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, "
Foreign Competition
Law
"); and
(g) any
such Governmental Authorizations, the failure of which to make or obtain, would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.7
Non-Contravention.
The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the
Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement do
not and will not (a) contravene or conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of, any provision of the Organizational Documents of the Company, (b) contravene or conflict with,
or result in any violation or breach of, any Law applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which any assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries ("
Company
Assets
") are bound, assuming that all Governmental Authorizations described in
Section 3.6
have been obtained or made,
(c) conflict with or result in any violation or breach of, or constitute a default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under, or give rise to, or to a right of, termination,
modification or cancellation under, any Material Contracts, (d) result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties, assets or rights of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other
than any Lien created as a result of any action
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taken
by Parent or Merger Sub) or (e) require any consent, approval or other authorization of, or filing with or notification to, any Person under any Material Contracts, other than in the case
of clauses (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this
Section 3.7
, as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect (without regarding to the exclusions set forth in clause (ix) and (xiii) of the definition of "
Company Material
Adverse Effect
").
Section 3.8
Capitalization.
(a) Except
as set forth on Section 3.8(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter, the Company's authorized capital stock consists solely of (i) 100,000,000 shares of
Common Stock and, (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "
Preferred Stock
"). As of June 14, 2018,
(A) 15,890,868 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding (which number of shares includes the Company Stock Awards enumerated in clause (B) hereafter), (B) 637,321
Company Stock Awards were outstanding, (C) no shares of Common Stock were held in treasury by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (D) 5,001 shares of Common Stock were subject to
issued and outstanding Company Options, (E) 37,336 shares of Common Stock were subject to outstanding Company SARs; (F) 7,301 Company RSUs payable in shares of Common Stock were
outstanding; and (G) no shares of Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. Except as set forth above, as of the date hereof, there are no shares of capital stock or securities convertible
into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, shares of capital stock of the Company.
(b) Section 3.8(b)
of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list, as of June 14, 2018, of all Company Options, Company SARs, Company
Stock Awards and any other awards issued under the Company's Equity Plan then outstanding, specifying on a holder-by-holder basis (i) the name of such holder, (ii) the number of Shares
subject to each such award, (iii) the grant date of each such award, (iv) the vesting schedule of each such award, and (v) the exercise price for each such Company Option and
Company SAR.
(c) All
issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock and all shares of Common Stock that are subject to issuance, upon issuance prior to the Effective Time in accordance
with the terms and subject to the conditions specified in the instruments under which they are issuable (i) are, or upon issuance will be, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable and (ii) are not, or upon issuance will not be, subject to any pre-emptive or similar rights.
(d) Each
outstanding share of capital stock of each Subsidiary of the Company that is a corporation is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and not
subject to any pre-emptive or similar rights. All equity interests of each Subsidiary that is not a corporation are duly created pursuant to the Laws of such Subsidiary's jurisdiction of organization
or formation, are issued and paid for in accordance with the Organizational Documents of such Subsidiary and are fully paid and non-assessable. Except as disclosed in Section 3.8(d) of the
Company Disclosure Letter, each of the outstanding shares of capital stock, or other equity or voting interest, in each Subsidiary is owned by the Company free and clear of any Lien (other than
Permitted Liens).
(e) Except
for the capital stock and other equity interests of the Company's Subsidiaries or as disclosed in Section 3.8(e) of the Company Disclosure Letter, the
Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any capital stock or other voting or equity securities or interests in any Person. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries (i) to repurchase, redeem
or otherwise acquire any shares of Common Stock or capital stock of any Subsidiary of the Company or (ii) to provide any funds to or make any investment (including in respect of any unsatisfied
subscription obligation or capital contribution or capital account funding obligation) in (A) any Subsidiary of the Company that is not wholly-owned by the Company or (B) any other
Person.
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(f) There
are no voting trusts, proxies, stockholder agreements, registration rights agreements or similar Contracts to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a
party with respect to the voting or registration of any shares of capital stock or other voting or equity interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any preemptive rights with respect
thereto, other than the Voting Agreement. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that entitle the holder thereof to vote (or which are
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) together with stockholders of the Company or its Subsidiaries on any matters with respect to the Company or its
Subsidiaries.
(g) Except
as set forth above in this
Section 3.8
, there are no preemptive or other outstanding rights, options,
warrants, conversion rights, "phantom" stock rights, stock appreciation rights, redemption rights, repurchase rights, agreements, arrangements, calls, commitments or rights of any kind to which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound that obligate the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to issue or sell any shares of capital
stock or other equity interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any securities or obligations convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for, or giving any Person a right to
subscribe for or acquire, any shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of the Company
having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) with the Company's stockholders on any matter, and no securities or obligations evidencing such
rights are authorized, issued or outstanding.
Section 3.9
Voting.
Assuming that the representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub
contained in
Section 4.5(c)
are
true and correct, the Requisite Company Vote is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of the capital stock of the Company necessary to approve and adopt this Agreement, the Merger and
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 3.10
SEC Reports; Company Proxy Statement; Schedule 13E-3.
(a) The
Company and its Subsidiaries have timely filed with the SEC (including following any extensions of time for filing provided by Rule 12b-25 promulgated under
the Exchange Act) all forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed by the Company or its Subsidiaries with the SEC (collectively, together with any exhibits and
schedules thereto and other information incorporated therein, the "
Company SEC Reports
") since January 1, 2017. Except to the extent corrected by
subsequent Company SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof, such Company SEC Reports (a) complied, and each of the Company SEC Reports filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement will
comply, in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "
Securities Act
"), the Exchange Act and other
applicable Laws, including the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (b) did not, and each of the Company SEC Reports filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement and
prior to the Effective Time (other than the Company Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3) will not, at the time of filing, or if amended or restated, at the time of such later amendment or
restatement, contain any untrue statement of any 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 such statements were or are made, not misleading in any material respect. No Subsidiary of the Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act
or is otherwise required to file any periodic forms, reports, schedules, statements or other documents with the SEC.
(b) None
of the information to be supplied by or on behalf of the Company for inclusion in the Company Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3 will (i) in the
case of the Schedule 13E-3 (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto), as of the date of filing and as of the date of the Company Stockholders Meeting, and (ii) in the case of the
Company Proxy Statement (or any
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amendment
thereof or supplement thereto), as of the date of filing or mailing to the Company's stockholders and as of the date of the Company Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading.
Section 3.11
Financial Statements; Internal Controls.
(a) Each
of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case, the related notes thereto) of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries, for the fiscal years
ended February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, included in the Company SEC Reports:
-
(i)
-
when
filed complied as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the rules and regulations of the SEC;
-
(ii)
-
were
prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("
GAAP
") applied on a
consistent basis (except as may be indicated in the notes to the audited financial statements and subject, in the case of unaudited financial statements, to the absence of footnotes and normal
year-end adjustments); and
-
(iii)
-
fairly
presented in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries, as of the date thereof, and the
consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the period then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited financial statements, to normal year-end adjustments).
(b) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has outstanding (nor has arranged or modified since the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) any "extensions of credit"
(within the meaning of Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) to any director or executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) of the Company. The Company has been
and is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of the Applicable Exchange.
(c) The
Company and its Subsidiaries have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures as defined in and required by Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15
under the Exchange Act. Such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably effective to ensure that all material information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries required to be disclosed
in the Company's periodic reports under the Exchange Act is made known on a timely basis to the Company's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer by others within the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries, and such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably effective in timely alerting the Company's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer to
such information required to be included in the Company's periodic reports required under the Exchange Act. The Company has disclosed, based on the most recent evaluation of its principal executive
officer and its principal financial officer prior to the date of this Agreement, to the Company's auditors and the audit committee of the Company Board (i) all significant deficiencies and
material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries' ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial information in any material respect and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a
significant role in the Company's internal controls. The Company and its Subsidiaries have
established and maintain internal control over financial reporting (as defined in and in accordance with the requirements of Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) effective to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.
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Section 3.12
Liabilities.
There are no liabilities or obligations of any kind,
whether accrued, contingent, absolute, inchoate or otherwise (collectively,
"
Liabilities
"), of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which are required to be reflected or reserved against on a consolidated balance sheet of the
Company and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, other than:
(a) Liabilities
disclosed in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of February 3, 2018 (the
"
Balance Sheet Date
") or the footnotes thereto set forth in the Company SEC Reports;
(b) Liabilities
incurred since the Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course of business;
(c) Liabilities
incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or as permitted or contemplated by this Agreement;
(d) Liabilities
disclosed in Section 3.12 of the Company Disclosure Letter; and
(e) other
Liabilities that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or has any commitment to become a party to, any off balance sheet partnership, joint venture or any similar arrangement
(including any Contract relating to any transaction or relationship between or among the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any other Person, including any structured
finance, special purpose or limited purpose Person, on the other hand), or any "off-balance sheet arrangement" (as defined in Item 303(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the
Securities Act).
Section 3.13
Absence of Certain Changes.
Except as otherwise contemplated, required or permitted
by this Agreement, since the Balance Sheet Date (a) through the date hereof, the Company and each
of its Subsidiaries have conducted their respective business, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of such businesses consistent with past practice and (b) there has not been any
Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.14
Litigation.
As of the date hereof, there are no legal actions, arbitrations,
litigations, suits or other civil or criminal proceedings (collectively,
"
Legal Actions
") pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or to which any of
their respective properties or assets is subject that have had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect and as of the date of this
Agreement there is no Legal Action pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that would or seeks to materially delay or prevent
the consummation of the Merger or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As of the date hereof, there are no Orders outstanding to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject or
bound that have had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect nor are there any Orders outstanding as of the date of this Agreement
that would or seek to materially delay or prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 3.15
Material Contracts.
Except for Contracts filed as exhibits to the Company SEC
Reports or as disclosed in Section 3.15 of the Company Disclosure Letter, as of the date of this
Agreement, (i) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, and (ii) none of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets are
bound by (in each case, other than any Company Employee Benefit) (collectively, the Contracts of the type described in clauses (a) through (j) below are referred to herein as, the
"
Material Contracts
"):
(a) any
Contract that is or would be required to be filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(i) of
Regulation S-K under the
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Securities
Act or disclosed by the Company in a Current Report on Form 8-K since the Balance Sheet Date and before the date hereof;
(b) any
Contract (excluding any Contract under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries grant a license with respect to any Owned Intellectual Property) containing a
covenant limiting the freedom of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any line of business, to carry on business in any geographic region, to offer any product or service or operate
within any industry or commercial field, or to compete with any Person to the extent such limitation is material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
as presently conducted;
(c) any
Contract under which the Company or the applicable Subsidiary has granted to a third party any exclusive license with respect to any Owned Intellectual Property that
contains a minimum guaranteed royalty obligation (or other comparable payment guarantee) of more than $250,000 in royalties or other fees for the calendar year ended December 31, 2017;
(d) any
limited liability company agreement, joint venture or other similar agreement or arrangement relating to the formation, creation, operation, management or control of
any partnership or joint venture that is material to the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than any such limited liability company, partnership or joint venture that is a
Subsidiary of the Company;
(e) any
Contract under which (i) any Person (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) has directly or indirectly guaranteed Liabilities of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) the Company or any Subsidiary has directly or indirectly guaranteed Liabilities of any Person (other than the Company or any Subsidiary) (in each case of
(i) and (ii), which guarantee obligation exceeds $250,000, other than, in each case, endorsements for the purpose of collection in the ordinary course of business);
(f) any
Contract under which the Company or the applicable Subsidiary has borrowed any money from, or issued any note, bond, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness to,
any Person (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), in any such case which the outstanding balance, individually, is in excess of $250,000;
(g) any
Contract (other than among consolidated Subsidiaries of the Company) relating to any interest rate, currency or commodity derivatives or hedging transactions
involving an amount in excess of $250,000;
(h) any
Contract under which the Company or the applicable Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, has agreed to make any advance, loan, extension of credit or capital
contribution to, or other investment in, any Person that will be outstanding after the date hereof (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and other than extensions of trade credit in the
ordinary course of business), in any such case which, individually, is in excess of $250,000;
(i) any
Contract that prohibits the pledging of capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or prohibits the issuance of guarantees by any Subsidiary of
the Company, in each case, other than pursuant to any joint venture;
(j) any
Contract that requires the future acquisition from another Person or future disposition to another Person of assets or capital stock or other equity interest of
another Person and any other Contract that relates to an acquisition or similar transaction which contain indemnities or "earn-out" obligations with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
in any such case, that remain in effect and have a value in excess of $250,000; and
(k) any
Contract for indemnification, advancement of expenses and or exculpation of liability with any current or former director or executive officer of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries.
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Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) each Material Contract is, subject to
the Enforceability Exceptions, a valid and binding agreement of the Company or its applicable Subsidiary and, to the Knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto, and is in full force and effect
and enforceable against the Company or its Subsidiary and, to the Knowledge of the Company, each other party thereto, in accordance with its terms, (ii) none of the Company, its applicable
Subsidiary or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto, is in breach of or default under any such Material Contract, (iii) to the Knowledge of the Company, no party to any
Material Contract has committed or failed to perform any act under and no event has occurred which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would constitute a default, require consent or result
in the loss of a material benefit or give rise to any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation, under the provisions of such Material Contract, and (iv) neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice from any other party to a Material Contract of the existence of any event, or condition which constitutes, or, after notice or lapse of time or
both, will constitute, a default on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any Material Contract. The Company has made available to Parent true and complete copies of all Material
Contracts in effect as of the date hereof, including any material amendments thereto.
Section 3.16
Benefit Plans.
(a) Section 3.16(a)
of the Company Disclosure Letter lists, as of the date hereof, all material "employee benefit plans" within the meaning of Section 3(3) of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("
ERISA
") (whether or not such "employee benefit plan" is subject to ERISA), and all material stock
purchase, stock option, severance, offer letter, employment, consulting, change-of-control, retention, collective bargaining, bonus, incentive compensation, profit sharing, savings, retirement,
retiree medical or life, disability, insurance, vacation, incentive, deferred compensation, supplemental retirement and other material benefit plans (including the Company Equity Plan), agreements,
programs, policies or commitments, whether or not subject to ERISA, (i) under which any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has
any right to benefits and (ii) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries makes or is required to make contributions with respect to such directors, officers, employees or consultants or
which are maintained, sponsored or contributed to by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which would be treated at any relevant time as a
single employer with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under Section 414 of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA (an "
ERISA Affiliate
"),
excluding plans, agreements, programs, policies or commitments under which neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company has any remaining obligations. All such plans, agreements, programs,
policies and commitments, without regard to materiality, are collectively referred to as the "
Company Employee Benefits
." Each Company Employee Benefit
that is maintained primarily for the benefit of an employee, officer, director or other service provider who is primarily located
outside of the United States shall be identified on Section 3.16(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter (each a "
Non-U.S. Employee Benefit
").
(b) With
respect to each of the material Company Employee Benefits, if applicable, the Company has made available to Parent true and complete copies of (i) the plan
document or a written description thereof, (ii) the most recent summary plan description, (iii) the most recent annual report on Form 5500 (including all schedules),
(iv) the most recent annual audited financial statements and opinion, (v) if the Company Employee Benefits are intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code, the most
recent determination letter received from the Internal Revenue Service (the "
IRS
"), (vi) any related trust or funding agreements or insurance
policies, and (vii) any material correspondence between the Company and the Department of Labor or the IRS relating to any Company Employee Benefit.
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(c) No
Company Employee Benefit is a "multiemployer plan" (as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any
material liability in respect of any multiemployer plan. The Company does not maintain, sponsor or contribute to, and has not within the preceding six years maintained, sponsored or contributed to,
any employee benefit plan subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA and no liability under Title IV of ERISA, Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA has
been incurred by any ERISA Affiliate which, in each case, has had or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company Employee
Benefits is in compliance with ERISA, the Code and other applicable Law. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material
Adverse Effect, there has not occurred any "reportable event" (as such term is defined in Section 4043 of ERISA), other than those events as to which the thirty-day notice period is waived.
With respect to each of the Company Employee Benefits that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code (i) a favorable determination or opinion letter has been issued by the
IRS with respect to such Company Employee Benefit and (ii) to the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred since the date of such qualification or exemption that would materially and
adversely affect such qualification.
(e) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company Employee
Benefits provides health, medical, life insurance or death benefits to current or former employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries beyond their retirement or other termination of service,
other than coverage mandated by COBRA or Section 4980B of the Code, or any similar state group health plan continuation Law.
(f) Except
as set forth on Section 3.16(f) of the Company Disclosure Letter or in this Agreement (including Section 2.3), the execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (whether alone or in connection with any subsequent event(s)) will not (i) entitle any Company officer to
severance pay or any increase in severance pay upon any termination of employment after the date of this Agreement, (ii) result in any payment from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
becoming due, or increase the amount of any compensation due, to any current or former officer of the Company, (iii) increase any material benefits otherwise payable under any of the Company
Employee Benefits, (iv) result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any material compensation or benefits from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any current or
former officer of the Company or (v) limit or restrict the right of Parent or the Surviving Corporation to merge, amend or terminate any of the Company Employee Benefits.
(g) No
Company Employee Benefit provides for and none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is otherwise obligated to provide any gross-up or reimbursement of Taxes
under Section 4999 of the Code or Section 409A of the Code. The Company will have provided to Parent, prior to the Closing, good faith estimates of the amount of any "excess parachute
payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code that could reasonably be expected to become payable to any employee, director, officer or other service provider in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether contingent or otherwise.
(h) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, each Contract, whether or not a
Company Employee Benefit, to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party that is a
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"nonqualified
deferred compensation plan" subject to Section 409A of the Code, has been maintained in compliance with Section 409A of the Code.
(i) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, all Non-U.S. Employee Benefits
(i) have been maintained in accordance with all applicable requirements (including applicable Law), (ii) that are intended to qualify for special Tax treatment meet all requirements for
such treatment, and (iii) that are required to be funded and/or book reserved are funded and/or book reserved, as appropriate, based upon reasonable actuarial assumptions.
(j) There
are no pending, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing, Legal Actions against any of the Company Employee Benefits, other than ordinary claims
for benefits by participants and beneficiaries or as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.17
Labor Relations.
(a) No
employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is represented by a union and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no union organizing efforts have been conducted
within the last three years or are now being conducted. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any material collective bargaining agreement or other labor contract. Except as
has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof
has, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, is there now threatened, a strike, picket, work stoppage, work slowdown or other organized labor dispute. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) there is no pending charge or complaint against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by the National
Labor Relations Board or any comparable U.S. or foreign Governmental Authority and (ii) none of the Company and its Subsidiaries is a party, or otherwise bound by, any consent decree with, or
citation by, any Governmental Authority relating to employees or employment practices.
(b) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) each of the Company
and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all applicable Laws relating to the employment of labor, hiring and termination of employees, the proper classification of employees and/or independent
contractors, wages, hours, collective bargaining, employment discrimination, civil rights, safety and health, workers' compensation, pay equity, wrongful discharge or violation of rights of employees,
former employees or prospective employees and the collection and payment of withholding or social security taxes and (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any
liability or obligation under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or any similar state or local Law within the six months prior to the date of this Agreement that remains
unsatisfied.
(c)
Section 3.16
and this
Section 3.17
constitute the exclusive
representations and warranties of the Company with respect to the subject matters set forth in
Section 3.16
and this
Section 3.17
.
Section 3.18
Taxes.
Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect:
(a) All
Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have been timely filed (taking into account any extension of time
within which to file), and all such Tax Returns are true, complete and correct. The Company has made available to Parent prior to the date of this Agreement accurate copies of the U.S. federal income
Tax Returns filed by the Company and its Subsidiaries for each of the Tax years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
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(b) The
Company and its Subsidiaries have fully and timely paid all Taxes that are required to be paid and withheld all amounts that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
are obligated to withhold from amounts owing to any employee, creditor, stockholder, Affiliate or third party, except with respect to matters being contested in good faith as to which adequate
reserves have been established in the most recent financial statements in accordance with GAAP for such Taxes.
(c) There
are no outstanding agreements extending or waiving the statutory period of limitations applicable to any claim for, or the period for the collection, assessment or
reassessment of, Taxes due from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any taxable period and no request for any such waiver or extension is currently pending.
(d) No
audit or other proceeding by any Governmental Authority is pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened with respect to any Tax matter with respect to, or
Taxes due from or with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(e) All
deficiencies for Taxes asserted or assessed in writing against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries have been fully and timely paid, settled or properly reflected
in the most recent financial statements contained in the Company SEC Reports in accordance with GAAP.
(f) During
the two year period ending on the date of this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries was a "distributing corporation" or a "controlled
corporation" in a transaction intended to be governed by Section 355 of the Code.
(g) There
are no Liens for Taxes upon the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than Permitted Liens.
(h) No
claim (which remains unresolved) has been made in writing by any taxing authority in a jurisdiction where the Company and its Subsidiaries do not file income, sales
or franchise Tax Returns that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may be subject to income, sales or franchise Tax in that jurisdiction.
(i) Neither
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has any liability for Taxes of any Person (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) under Treasury
Regulation Section 1.1502 6 (or any comparable provision of local, state or foreign Law), as transferee or successor, or (ii) is a party to, bound by or has any liability under any Tax
sharing, allocation or indemnification agreement or arrangement (other than (x) an agreement or arrangement solely among the Company and/or its Subsidiaries or (y) customary Tax
indemnifications contained in commercial agreements the primary purpose of which agreements does not relate to Taxes).
(j) To
the Knowledge of the Company, the Company is not and has not been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of
the Code during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code.
(k) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be bound after the Closing by any written determination from the IRS (or any comparable ruling or other
determination from any Governmental Authority with respect to Taxes).
(l) Neither
the Company nor any its Subsidiaries will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or
portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any: (i) change in method of accounting, or the use of an improper method of accounting, for a taxable period ending on or prior to
or including the Closing Date; (ii) "closing agreement" as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Tax Law)
executed on or prior to the Closing Date; (iii) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date; (iv) prepaid or deposit amount received on or prior
to the Closing Date; (v) election described in Section 108(i) of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Tax Law) made on or before the Closing
Date; or (vi) debt instrument held on or before the Closing Date that was acquired with "original issue discount" as defined in Section 1273(a) of the Code or is subject to the rules set
forth in Section 1276 of the Code.
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Section 3.19
Environmental Matters.
Except as has not had and would not
reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect: (a) since
January 1, 2015, the operations of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have complied with applicable Law relating to (i) pollution, contamination, protection of the environment, and
human health and safety to the extent relating to exposure to Hazardous Substances, (ii) emissions, discharges, disseminations, releases or threatened releases of Hazardous Substances into the
air (indoor or outdoor), surface water, groundwater, soil, land surface or subsurface, or (iii) the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or
handling of Hazardous Substances (collectively, "
Environmental Law
"), (b) the Company and its Subsidiaries possess and maintain in good standing
all Permits required under Environmental Law necessary for their respective operations, and such operations are in compliance with applicable Permits, (c) no Legal Action or written notice of
violation or potential liability arising under or pursuant to Environmental Law is pending, or to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
(d) there are no Orders arising under or pursuant to Environmental Law outstanding to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject or bound, and (e) to the Knowledge of the
Company, there has been no release of Hazardous Substances on, at, above, under or from any facility or real property currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries. This
Section 3.19
constitutes the exclusive representations and warranties of the Company with respect to the subject matters set
forth in this
Section 3.19
.
Section 3.20
Intellectual Property.
(a) Section 3.20(a)
of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a list of all Owned Intellectual Property that is registered, issued or the subject of a pending
application for registration that is material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as presently conducted.
(b) To
the Knowledge of the Company, the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, owns, is licensed to use or otherwise has the right to use all Intellectual
Property that is material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as presently conducted, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Except
as set forth on Section 3.20(c) of the Company Disclosure Letter, to the Knowledge of the Company, (i) the conduct of the business of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, as presently conducted, does not infringe upon or misappropriate the Intellectual Property rights of any third party and no claim is pending or asserted in writing since
January 1, 2017 against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as presently conducted, infringes upon or misappropriates
any material Intellectual Property rights of a third party and (ii) no third party is infringing or violating any of the Owned Intellectual Property in any material respect.
(d) The
Company and its Subsidiaries take commercially reasonable steps consistent with industry practice to protect and preserve the Owned Intellectual Property.
(e) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries
have taken commercially reasonable actions consistent with industry practice to protect the confidentiality, integrity and security of their software, databases, systems, computer and
telecommunications equipment, information technology, networks and Internet sites and all information stored or contained therein or transmitted thereby from any unauthorized use, access, or
modification.
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Section 3.21
Real Property.
(a) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company or a Subsidiary of
the Company, as applicable, has good, valid and marketable title to, or has a valid and enforceable right to use or a valid and enforceable leasehold interest in, all real property (including all
buildings, fixtures and other improvements thereto) used by the Company and each Subsidiary of the Company. As of the date of this Agreement, none of the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries'
ownership of or leasehold interest in the real property is subject to any Lien, except for Permitted Liens and other such Liens as have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. The use and operation of the owned and leased real property used by the Company and its Subsidiaries do not violate any Law,
covenant, condition, restriction, easement, license, permit or agreement, except for such violations as have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Each
of the material leases and subleases, together with the amendments, modifications and other agreements related thereto, to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, uses or occupies any leased real property (the "
Real Property
Leases
") is, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions, valid binding and in full force and effect, except where the failure to be valid, binding or in full force and effect has
not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. No breach or default on the part of the Company or any such Subsidiary exists
under any Real Property Lease, except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of
its Subsidiaries has received any notice of termination from any lessor under any Real Property Lease.
Section 3.22
Permits; Compliance with Law.
(a) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) each of the Company
and its Subsidiaries is in possession of all franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals, registrations and other permits of any
Governmental Authority ("
Permits
") necessary for it to own, lease and operate its properties and assets or to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted (collectively, the "
Company Permits
") and (ii) all such Company Permits are in full force and effect. Except as has not had and would
not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, as of the date of this Agreement, no suspension or cancellation of any of the Company Permits
is pending or threatened in writing.
(b) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, since January 1, 2016,
the Company and its Subsidiaries have been in compliance with all Laws applicable to their business or operations and have not received any written notice of any violations of such Laws. Since
January 1, 2016 until the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice from any Governmental Authority that any Permit will be terminated or
materially modified or, to the Knowledge of the Company, is threatened with suspension or will not be renewed in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, except as has not had
and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(c) No
representation is made under this
Section 3.22
with respect to SEC reports, financial statements and internal
controls, employee benefits, labor, Tax, environmental or intellectual property matters, which matters are addressed in
Section 3.10
,
Section 3.11
,
Section 3.16
,
Section 3.17
,
Section 3.18
,
Section 3.19
and
Section 3.20
, respectively.
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Section 3.23
Insurance.
Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (a) the Company
and/or its Subsidiaries maintain insurance policies in such amounts and against such risks as are customary in the industry in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate, (b) to the
Knowledge of the Company, each such insurance policy is legal, valid, binding and enforceable subject to the Enforceability Exceptions, (c) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in
breach of, or default under, any such insurance policy and (d) as of the date hereof, no written notice of cancellation or termination has been received with respect to any such insurance
policy, other than in connection with ordinary renewals.
Section 3.24
Affiliated Transactions.
No director, officer or Affiliate (other than Subsidiaries
of the Company) of the Company is, or since January 1, 2017 has been, a party to any
transaction, Contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding with the Company or its Subsidiaries, nor are there any of the foregoing currently proposed to the Company's audit committee, or has any
material interest in any property used by the Company or its Subsidiaries, in each case that would be required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act
(collectively, "
Affiliate Transactions
"). The Company maintains and enforces a policy requiring that all Affiliate Transactions be presented to the
Company's audit committee for prior authorization and approval or ratification.
Section 3.25
Opinions of Financial Advisor.
PJ SOLOMON, L.P. (the "
Company Financial Advisor
") has delivered to the Special Committee its written
opinion to the effect that, as of the date of this Agreement, and subject to the various limitations, assumptions, factors and matters set forth therein, the Merger Consideration is fair to the
stockholders of the Company (other than Parent, Merger Sub and their Affiliates), from a financial point of view.
Section 3.26
Brokers.
No broker, finder or investment banker other than the Company Financial
Advisor is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other similar fee or commission in
connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Company has made
available to Parent true and complete copies of all Contracts under which any such fees or expenses are payable and all indemnification and other Contracts related to the engagement of the Person to
whom such fees are payable.
Section 3.27
State Takeover Laws.
Assuming the representations and warranties of Parent and
Merger Sub contained in
Section 4.5(c)
are true
and correct, the Board of Directors of Company has approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby as required to render inapplicable to this Agreement and such transactions the
restrictions on "business combinations", "affiliated transactions" and "control share acquisitions" set forth in Section 607.0901 and Section 607.0902 of the FBCA or any other
"moratorium," "control share," "fair price," "takeover" or "interested stockholder" law.
Section 3.28
Certain Business Practices.
(a) Except
as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of
its Subsidiaries (nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any of their respective directors or executive officers) has made or agreed to make any contribution, payment, gift or entertainment to, or
accepted or received any contributions, payments, gifts or entertainment from, any government official, employee, political party or agent or any candidate for any federal, state, local or foreign
public office, where either the contribution, payment or gift or the purpose thereof was illegal under the laws of any federal, state, local or foreign jurisdiction, including any Anticorruption Laws.
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(b) The
Company and its Subsidiaries and, to the Knowledge of the Company, their directors, officers, employees and agents acting on their behalf, are, and have for the past
three years been, in compliance in all material respects with U.S. and any applicable foreign Laws related to trade and economic sanctions and import and export controls.
(c) None
of the Company, its Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of the Company, their directors, officers, employees, or agents acting on their behalf, is or has been
(i) identified on any sanctions-related list of restricted or blocked persons; (ii) organized, resident, or located in any country or territory that is itself the subject of
comprehensive economic sanctions; or (iii) owned or controlled by any Person or Persons described in clause (i) or (ii), in each case in the U.S. and any other jurisdiction in which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries has material operations. For the purposes of this
Section 3.28(c)
, the term "control" (including, with
correlative meanings, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with"), when used with respect to any Person, means the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management or policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Section 3.29
No Other Representations or Warranties.
Except for the representations and
warranties contained in this
Article III
, neither the Company nor any
other Person on behalf of the Company makes any express or implied representation or warranty with respect to the Company or with respect to any other information provided to Parent or Merger Sub in
connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
Except
as set forth in the corresponding sections of the confidential disclosure letter delivered by Parent to the Company before or in connection with the execution of
this Agreement (the "
Parent Disclosure Letter
"), it being agreed that disclosure of any item in any section of the Parent Disclosure Letter (whether or
not an explicit cross reference appears) shall be deemed to be disclosure with respect to any other section of the Parent Disclosure Letter and any other representation and warranty made elsewhere in
Article IV
, in either case, to which the relevance of such item is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure, Parent and Merger Sub,
jointly and severally, represent and warrant to the Company that:
Section 4.1
Organization and Power.
Each of Parent and Merger Sub is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the Law of its jurisdiction of organization. Each of Parent and
Merger Sub has the requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as now conducted.
Section 4.2
Corporate Authorization.
Each of Parent and Merger Sub has all necessary power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. The board of directors or equivalent governing body of each of Parent and Merger Sub has adopted resolutions approving this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
The board of directors or equivalent governing body of each of Parent and Merger Sub have (a) approved and declared advisable this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and (b) declared that it is in the best interests of the securityholders of Parent or Merger Sub that Parent or Merger Sub, as applicable, enter into this Agreement and
consummate the Merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by each of Parent and Merger Sub and the
consummation by each of Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Parent and Merger Sub.
This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of Parent and Merger Sub, enforceable against each of
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them
in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. No vote or consent of the members of Parent is required by applicable Law or the Organizational Documents of Parent in
connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 4.3
Governmental Authorizations.
The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub and the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement do not and will not require any Governmental Authorization, other than:
(a) the
filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Florida;
(b) the
filing with the SEC of any filings or reports that may be required in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the
Exchange Act and the FBCA;
(c) the
filing of a pre-merger notification and report form by Parent required under the HSR Act;
(d) compliance
with and the filings and receipt, termination or expiration as applicable, of such other approvals or waiting periods as may be required under any Foreign
Competition Law; and
(e) any
such Governmental Authorizations, the failure of which to make or obtain would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent
Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.4
Non-Contravention.
The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
Parent and Merger Sub and the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement do not and will not:
(a) contravene
or conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of, any provision of the Organizational Documents of Parent or Merger Sub;
(b) contravene
or conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of, any Law applicable to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or by which any assets of Parent or any of
its Subsidiaries ("
Parent Assets
") are bound, assuming that all Governmental Authorizations described in
Section 4.3
have been obtained or made;
(c) result
in any violation or breach of, or constitute a default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under any Contracts to which Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which any Parent Assets are bound (collectively, "
Parent Contracts
"), other than as would not reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect; or
(d) require
any consent, approval or other authorization of, or filing with or notification to, any Person under any Parent Contracts, other than as, if not obtained, would
not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.5
Capitalization; Interim Operations of Merger Sub; Ownership of Common Stock
.
(a) As
of the date of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists solely of 100 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. All of the issued
and outstanding capital stock of Merger Sub is, and at the Effective Time will be, owned by Parent. Merger Sub has no outstanding option, warrant, right or any other agreement pursuant to which any
Person other than Parent may acquire any equity security of Merger Sub.
(b) Merger
Sub was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and has not engaged in any business activities or conducted
any operations other than in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No
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shares
of Common Stock or securities that are convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into Common Stock are beneficially owned (as defined by Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) by Parent or
Merger Sub, or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent or Merger Sub. Merger Sub has no Subsidiaries.
(c) As
of the date hereof, Parent and Affiliates collectively own beneficially and of record 100 shares of Common Stock. Except as set forth herein, none of Parent, Merger
Sub or their respective Affiliates own, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, any other shares of Common Stock, and none of Parent, Merger Sub or their respective Affiliates holds any
rights to acquire or vote any shares of Common Stock except pursuant to this Agreement.
(d) Except
for the Voting Agreement, the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Limited Guarantee, the Financing Commitments and the Rollover Letters, true and complete copies
of which have been made available to the Company before the date of this Agreement, none of Parent, Merger Sub and their respective Affiliates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding
concerning (x) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (y) any material assets of the Company from or after the Closing, in each case with any Principal Stockholder, Rollover
Investor, director or officer of the Company or any other Person.
Section 4.6
Financing.
(a)
Section 4.6
of the Parent Disclosure Letter sets forth true and complete copies of (i) (x) executed
rollover commitment letters (the "
Rollover Letters
") from parties (the "
Rollover Investors
") that
collectively have sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 3,139,975 shares of the Company, which number of shares, when contributed to Parent under the Rollover Letters, will satisfy all
minimum requirements for equity contributions to Parent under the Debt Financing (whether expressed in terms of minimum value or percentage of shares), pursuant to which, and subject to the terms and
conditions of which, the Rollover Investors have committed to contribute to Parent the amount of shares of Common Stock set forth therein (the "
Rollover
Investment
"), and (y) a schedule setting forth each Rollover Investor, the number of shares of the Company beneficially owned by and over which such Rollover Investor
holds sole voting and dispositive power, and an indication of whether such shares of the Company are held directly or indirectly by such Rollover Investor, and (ii) executed debt commitment
letters and related term sheets from Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the "
Wells Commitment Letter
") and Fortress Credit Advisors LLC (the
"
Fortress Commitment Letter
" and together with the Wells Commitment Letter, the "
Debt Commitment
Letters
" or the "
Financing Commitments
") (Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Fortress Credit Advisors LLC, the
"
Lenders
") pursuant to which, and subject to the terms and conditions of which, the Lenders have committed to provide Parent and/or Merger Sub with
financing in the amounts described therein, the proceeds of which may be used to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "
Debt
Financing
" or the "
Financing
"). As of the date hereof, each of the Financing Commitments and the Rollover Letters is a legal,
valid and binding obligation of Parent or Merger Sub and, to the Knowledge of the Parent, the other parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions.
As of the date hereof, each of the Financing Commitments and the Rollover Letters is in full force and effect, and none of the Financing Commitments or the Rollover Letters has been withdrawn,
rescinded or terminated or otherwise amended or modified in any respect. As of the date hereof, to the Knowledge of the Parent, neither Parent nor Merger Sub is in breach of any of the material terms
or conditions set forth in any of the Financing Commitments or the Rollover Letters. As of the date hereof, to the Knowledge of Parent with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, there is no
fact or occurrence existing on the date hereof that, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would reasonably be expected to (A) make any of the assumptions or any of the statements set
forth in the Financing Commitments or the Rollover Letters inaccurate, (B) result in any of the conditions
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in
the Financing Commitments or the Rollover Letters not being satisfied, (C) cause any of the Financing Commitments or the Rollover Letters to be ineffective or (D) otherwise result in
the Financing not being available, or the Rollover Investment not being made, in each case, on a timely basis in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As of the date
hereof,
neither the Rollover Investors nor any Lender has notified Parent or Merger Sub of its intention to terminate any Financing Commitment or not to provide the Financing, and none of the Rollover
Investors has notified Parent or Merger Sub of its intention to terminate any Rollover Letter or not to make the Rollover Investment. Parent has not, without the prior written consent of the Company,
amended, modified, supplemented or waived any of the conditions or contingencies to funding contained in any Financing Commitment (including definitive agreements related thereto) or to the Rollover
Investment contained in any Rollover Letter, or any other provision of, or remedies under, any Financing Commitment (including definitive agreements related thereto) or any Rollover Letter (except for
any increases in the amount of funds available thereunder or the addition of Financing Sources in accordance with the terms thereof, or other relevant entities who did not execute a Financing
Commitment or a Rollover Letter as of the date of this Agreement or as otherwise expressly permitted by
Section 5.12(a)
). Assuming (1) the
Financing is funded in accordance with its terms and conditions, (2) the Rollover Investment is made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Rollover Letters and (3) the
satisfaction of the conditions to the Company's obligation to consummate the Merger set forth in
Section 6.3(a)
, the net proceeds from the
Financing will, together with the Rollover Investment and other funds available to Parent, be sufficient to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including
the payment by Parent and Merger Sub of the Merger Consideration, any fees and expenses of or payable by Parent, Merger Sub or the Surviving Corporation, and any related repayment or refinancing of
any indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and any other amounts required to be paid in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Parent or
Merger Sub has paid in full any and all commitment or other fees required by any Financing Commitment that are due as of the date hereof, and will pay, after the date hereof, all such commitments and
fees as they become due. There are no side letters, understandings or other agreements or arrangements relating to the Financing (except for customary fee letters and engagement letters which do not
contain any additional conditions to closing or other agreements relating to the availability of the full amount of the Financing, and a complete copy of the fee letter has been made available to the
Company with customary redactions of fee amounts, pricing caps, "market flex", other economic terms and certain other terms, none of which redacted provisions would adversely affect the conditionality
or aggregate principal amount of the Financing) or the Rollover Investment to which Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates are a party that relate to the amount, availability or
conditions of the Financing or the Rollover Investment, other than the Financing Commitments and the Rollover Letters. There are no conditions precedent related to the funding of the full amount of
the Financing, other than as explicitly set forth in the Financing Commitments, and there are no conditions precedent related to the contribution of the full amount of the Rollover Investment, other
than as explicitly set forth in the Rollover Letters. Assuming the satisfaction of the conditions to the Company's obligation to consummate the Merger set forth in
Section 6.3(a)
, neither Parent
nor Merger Sub has any reason to believe that it will be unable to satisfy on a timely basis any conditions to the
funding of the full amount of the Financing or the contribution of the full amount of the Rollover Investment, or that the Financing will not be available to, or that the Rollover Investment will not
be contributed to, Parent or Merger Sub on the Closing Date. For the avoidance of doubt, it is not a condition to Closing under this Agreement, nor to the consummation of the Merger, for Parent or
Merger Sub to obtain the Financing, the Rollover Investment or any alternative financing.
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(b) Neither
Parent, Merger Sub nor any of their Affiliates has (i) retained any financial advisor on a basis exclusive to Parent and/or Merger Sub and/or any such
Affiliate or (ii) entered into an exclusivity, lock-up or other similar agreement, arrangement or understanding with any bank or investment bank or other potential provider of debt or equity
financing that would prevent or hinder such provider from providing or seeking to provide such financing to any third party in connection with a transaction relating to the Company or its Subsidiaries
(including in connection with the making of any Takeover Proposal), in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), in connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Neither Parent, Merger Sub nor any of their Affiliates has caused or induced any Person to take any action that, if taken by Parent and/or Merger Sub, would be a breach of, or would cause to be
untrue, any of the representations in this
Section 4.6(b)
.
Section 4.7
Solvency.
On and as of the Closing Date, and after giving effect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including the Financing and any alternative financing
(including any financing to be issued or incurred in lieu of any bridge facility in any Debt Commitment Letter) permitted by this Agreement, the payment of the Merger Consideration, the incurrence of
indebtedness in connection with the Debt Financing, and the repayment or refinancing of debt as contemplated herein and in the Financing Commitments, and assuming (i) the Company is Solvent
immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) the satisfaction of the conditions to Parent's and Merger Sub's obligations to consummate the Merger as set forth herein, or the waiver of such
conditions and (iii) the satisfaction of the conditions to the Company's obligation to consummate the Merger set forth in
Section 6.3(a)
,
Parent, the Surviving Corporation and the Surviving Corporation's Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, will be Solvent.
Section 4.8
Litigation.
As of the date of this Agreement, there is no Legal Action pending or,
to the Knowledge of Parent, threatened in writing against Parent or any of its Affiliates
before any Governmental Authority that would or seeks to materially delay or prevent the consummation of the Merger or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. As of the date of this
Agreement, neither Parent nor any of its Affiliates is subject to any Order of, or, to the Knowledge of Parent, continuing investigation by, any Governmental Authority, or any Order of any
Governmental Authority that would or seeks to materially delay or prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 4.9
No Regulatory Impediment.
There is no material fact relating to Parent or any of its
Affiliates' respective businesses, operations, financial condition or legal status, including any
officer's, director's or current employee's status, that would reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the parties to this Agreement to obtain, on a timely basis, any authorization, consent,
Order, declaration or approval of, or ability to contract with, any Governmental Authority or third party necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 4.10
Absence of Certain Arrangements.
Other than this Agreement, the Voting Agreement,
the Rollover Letters and those other agreements contemplated hereby, there are no contracts, undertakings,
commitments, agreements or obligations or understandings between Parent or Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and any member of the Company's management or the Company
Board or any of their respective Affiliates (including any of the Principal Stockholders), on the other hand, relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the operations of the
Company after the Effective Time.
Section 4.11
Brokers.
The Company will not be responsible for any brokerage, finder's or other
fee or commission to any broker, finder or investment banker in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement based on arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub, other than any such fee that is conditioned upon consummation of the Merger.
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Section 4.12
Limited Guarantee and Pledge and Security Agreement.
Concurrently with the
execution of this Agreement, Parent and Merger Sub have delivered to the Company (a) a limited guarantee of George Feldenkreis (the
"
Guarantor
") in favor of the Company, dated the date hereof (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms,
the "
Limited Guarantee
") and (b) a pledge and security agreement of George Feldenkreis (the
"
Pledgor
") in favor of the Company, dated the date hereof (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms, the
"
Pledge and Security Agreement
"). Each of the Limited Guarantee and the Pledge and Security Agreement is in full force and effect and constitutes the
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Guarantor and Pledgor, respectively, enforceable against the Guarantor and Pledgor, respectively, in accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability
Exceptions, and has not been amended, withdrawn or rescinded in any respect. As of the date hereof, no event has occurred which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, would constitute a
default on the part of the Guarantor or Pledgor under either the Limited Guarantee or the Pledge and Security Agreement, respectively.
Section 4.13
Proxy Statement; Schedule 13E-3.
None of the information to be supplied by
Parent or Merger Sub for inclusion in the Company Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3 will (i) in the
case of the Schedule 13E-3 (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto), as of the date of filing and as of the date of the Company Stockholders Meeting and (ii) in the case of the
Company Proxy Statement (or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto), as of the date of filing or mailing to the Company's stockholders and as of the date of the Company Stockholders Meeting,
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, with respect to information
provided by Parent or Merger Sub, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
Section 4.14
Independent Investigation.
In entering into this Agreement and each of the other
documents and instruments relating to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
Parent and Merger Sub have each relied solely upon its own investigation and analysis, and Parent and Merger Sub acknowledge and agree (a) that, except for the specific representations and
warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement (including the Company Disclosure Letter and the Company SEC Reports), none of the Company, its Affiliates or any of its or their respective
stockholders, controlling persons or Representatives makes or has made any representation or warranty, either express or implied, with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or their
business, operations, technology, assets, Liabilities, results of operations, financial condition, prospects, projections, budgets, estimates or operational metrics, or as to the accuracy or
completeness of any of the information (including any statement, document or agreement delivered pursuant to this Agreement and any financial statements and any projections, estimates or other
forward-looking information) provided (including in any management presentations, information or descriptive memorandum, certain "data rooms" maintained by the Company, supplemental information or
other materials or information with respect to any of the above) or otherwise made available to Parent and Merger Sub or any of their respective stockholders or Representatives and (b) that, to
the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, none of the Company, its Affiliates or any of its or their respective stockholders, controlling persons or Representatives shall have any liability or
responsibility whatsoever to Parent or Merger Sub, their respective Affiliates, stockholders, controlling persons or Representatives on any basis (including in contract or tort, at law or in equity,
under federal or state securities Laws or otherwise) based upon any information provided or made available, or statements made (or any omissions therefrom), to Parent or Merger Sub, their respective
Affiliates, stockholders, controlling persons or Representatives, except as and only to the extent expressly set forth in this Agreement. Each of Parent and Merger Sub acknowledges and agrees that it
has been furnished with, or given adequate access to, all information and materials relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries that it has requested and Representatives of the Company have answered
all inquiries that Parent or Merger Sub has made of them concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries.
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ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
Section 5.1
Conduct of Business of the Company.
From and after the date of this Agreement and prior to
the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Article VII
, except as provided in this Agreement, as set forth in Section 5.1 of the Company Disclosure Letter, as disclosed in the
Company SEC Reports (other than in any Forward-Looking Information), or as required by applicable Law, Order or to comply with any notice from a Governmental Authority, without the prior written
consent of Parent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned, the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (a) conduct its operations only in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and (b) use its reasonable best efforts to preserve substantially intact the business organization of the Company and its Subsidiaries,
to keep available the services of the current officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and to preserve, in all material respects, the current relationships of the
Company and its Subsidiaries with customers, licensees, suppliers and other Persons with which the Company and its Subsidiaries have material business relations. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, as set forth in Section 5.1 of the Company Disclosure Letter, as disclosed in the Company SEC Reports (other than in any
Forward-Looking Information) or as otherwise required by applicable Law, from and after the date of this Agreement and prior to the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to
Article VII
, the Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, take any of the following actions, without the prior
written consent of Parent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned:
(a)
Organizational Documents.
Amend or modify any of the Organizational Documents of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries;
(b)
Dividends.
Make, declare, set aside or pay any dividend or distribution on any shares of its capital stock
or set any record date therefor, other than cash dividends and cash distributions by wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Company;
(c)
Capital Stock.
(i) Adjust, split, combine or reclassify its capital stock, (ii) redeem,
purchase or otherwise acquire, or offer to redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible or exchangeable into or
exercisable for any shares of its capital stock, (iii) grant any Person any right or option to acquire any shares of its capital stock or (iv) issue, deliver or sell any additional
shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for any shares of its capital stock (other than pursuant to (w) the exercise of the Company Options
and Company SARs in accordance with the terms in effect on the date of this Agreement or the vesting of Company Options and Company SARs as provided in
Section 2.3(a)
and
Section 2.3(b)
, (x) the vesting or forfeiture of Company Stock Awards in accordance with the terms in effect
on the date of this Agreement or as provided in
Section 2.3(b)
, (y) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition of Common Stock or
equity interests of the Company or its Subsidiaries from former employees, directors and consultants in accordance with any Contract or Company Employee Benefit providing for the repurchase of Common
Stock or such other equity interests in connection with any termination of services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) or (z) as permitted by
Section 5.1(d)
;
(d)
Compensation and Benefits.
(i) Increase the compensation, bonus opportunity or benefits payable or to become
payable to any of its current or former directors, officers, employees or independent contractor (other than increases in the base salaries or wages of employees other than officers in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice); (ii) grant or increase any severance, change of control, retention or termination pay to any current or former director,
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officer,
employee or independent contractor; (iii) renew, enter into or amend in any material respect any Contract providing for the employment or consultancy of any director, officer or
employee with a title of Vice President or above or otherwise providing material compensation or other material benefits to any director, officer or employee with a title of Vice President or above;
(iv) establish, adopt, enter into, amend, renew, alter the prior interpretation of or terminate any material Company Employee Benefit or any other employee benefit plan, incentive plan,
agreement, policy, program or commitment that, if in effect on the date of this Agreement, would be a material Company Employee Benefit; (v) enter into any collective bargaining agreement or
other agreement with any labor organization, works council, trade union, labor association or other employee representative; (vi) implement any facility closings or employee layoffs or
reductions in force that would trigger the notice requirements under the WARN Act; (vii) take any action to accelerate the vesting, payment or funding of any compensation or benefits to any
current or former employee or any directors or officers; or (viii) hire or terminate any employee with a title of Vice President or above, other than a termination for "cause", except, in the
case of each of clauses (i) through (iv), (A) to the extent required by applicable Law, this Agreement or any Company Employee Benefit or other agreement in effect on the date of this
Agreement, (B) in conjunction with new hires, promotions or other changes in job status, in each case, for employees with a title of Vice President or above, as approved by the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company, and for employees with a title below Vice President, or (C) to comply with Section 409A of the Code and guidance applicable thereunder;
(e)
Acquisitions.
Other than in the ordinary course of business, acquire (by merger, consolidation, acquisition
of equity interests or assets, or otherwise) any interest in any business or any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other business organization or division or
assets, securities or property thereof, except for any such transaction (i) which is between the Company and any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or between any such wholly-owned Subsidiaries
of the Company, or (ii) pursuant to any Contract existing and in effect as of the date hereof;
(f)
Dispositions.
Sell, lease, license, transfer, pledge, mortgage, encumber, grant or dispose of or enter into
negotiations to with respect to the disposition of any real property or any other material Company Assets, including the capital stock of Subsidiaries of the Company, other than (i) the sale of
inventory in the ordinary course of business, (ii) the disposition of used, obsolete or excess equipment in the ordinary course of business, (iii) other dispositions (other than real
property) in the ordinary course of
business, (iv) any Permitted Liens or (v) pursuant to any Contract existing and in effect as of the date hereof;
(g)
Loans.
Make any loans, advances or capital contributions to or investments in any Person (other than
(i) to wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Company, (ii) to employees for advancement of related business expenses in the ordinary course of business, or (iii) to any joint venture
in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any equity interest;
(h)
Indebtedness; Guarantees.
Incur, assume or guarantee any new indebtedness for borrowed money or issue or
sell any debt securities or warrants or rights to acquire any debt securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become responsible for, the
obligations of any Person (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) with respect to any indebtedness for borrowed money (including any debt securities but excluding for the avoidance of
doubt ordinary course equipment leasing or purchase money debt for equipment), in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate, which indebtedness shall be prepayable in full without premium or penalty (other
than ordinary course breakage costs), other than (i) revolving loans under any existing Company revolving credit facilities; or (ii) performance bonds, letters of credit or hedging
arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
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(i)
Capital Expenditures.
Make capital expenditures that exceed, individually or in the aggregate,
(x) the amount of capital expenditures contemplated by the capital expenditure information previously made available to Parent as set forth in Section 5.1 of the Company Disclosure
Letter, plus (y) $500,000;
(j)
Material Contracts.
(i) Enter into any Material Contract (including by amendment of any Contract that is not
a Material Contract such that such Contract becomes a Material Contract), other than in the ordinary course of business, (ii) terminate, renew, extend or amend in any material respect any
Material Contract or waive any material right thereunder, other than in the ordinary course of business, or (iii) enter into any Contract under which the Company or the applicable Subsidiary
grants to a third party any exclusive license with respect to any Owned Intellectual Property that contains a minimum guaranteed royalty obligation (or other comparable payment guarantee) of more than
$250,000 in royalties or other fees for any fiscal year subsequent to the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018;
(k)
Dissolution.
Adopt or enter into a plan or agreement of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution,
merger, consolidation or other reorganization;
(l)
Accounting.
Change its material accounting policies or procedures, other than as required by GAAP or
applicable Law;
(m)
Legal Actions.
Subject to
Section 5.15
, waive,
release, assign, settle or compromise any material Legal Action, other than (i) in the ordinary course of business in an amount not to exceed $250,000 (net of any amount covered by insurance)
and/or (ii) if the loss resulting from such waiver, release, assignment settlement or compromise is reasonably expected to be reimbursed to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by an
insurance policy (subject to any deductible or retention);
(n)
Taxes.
Except as otherwise required by applicable Law, make, revoke or change any material Tax election
other than consistent with past practice, file any material amended Tax Return, adopt or change any material method of Tax accounting, change any Tax accounting period, settle or surrender any
material Tax claim relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or surrender a right to a material Tax refund, or, except in connection with the matter set forth, and to the extent provided, in
Section 3.18(d) of the Company Disclosure Letter, enter into any closing agreement or similar agreement with any Governmental Authority in respect of Taxes;
(o)
Intellectual Property.
Sell, assign, license, sublicense, abandon, allow to lapse, transfer or otherwise
dispose of, or create or incur any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on, any material Intellectual Property, other than in the ordinary course of business pursuant to non-exclusive licenses; or
(p)
Related Actions.
Authorize, commit or agree to do any of the foregoing.
Any
action expressly permitted under any one clause of this
Section 5.1
shall be permitted under all other clauses of this
Section 5.1
.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (x) any or all actions taken by, or omissions of, the Company, in an effort
to satisfy or facilitate the Financing Contingencies will not constitute a breach of the Company's obligations under this
Section 5.1
(including
for purposes of
Section 6.2(b)
and
Section 5.12(b)
), and (y) any or all action
taken by, or omission of, the Company in breach of this
Section 5.1
at the direction of or with the consent of Oscar Feldenkreis, in his capacity
as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, or which Oscar Feldenkreis, in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, had prior or contemporaneous knowledge of or reasonably should have
had prior or contemporaneous knowledge of, shall in each case be disregarded and not deemed to be a breach of
Section 5.1
(including for purposes
of
Section 6.2(b)
and
Section 5.12(b)
).
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Nothing
contained in this Agreement gives, or is intended to give, Parent or Merger Sub, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the Company's or its Subsidiaries'
operations prior to the Effective Time, and nothing contained in this Agreement gives, or is intended to give, the Company, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct Parent's or its
Subsidiaries' operations. Prior to the Effective Time, each of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and
supervision over its and its Subsidiaries' respective operations.
Section 5.2
Conduct of Business of Parent.
Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Affiliates to, without the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld,
delayed or conditioned) take or agree to take any action that would reasonably be expected to (a) delay or prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
(b) impose or cause any delay in the obtaining of, or increase the risk of not obtaining, any Governmental Authorization necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or the expiration or termination of any waiting period under applicable Law, (c) result in any Governmental Authority entering an Order prohibiting the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or (d) materially interfere with Parent's ability to make available to the Paying Agent immediately prior to the Effective Time funds sufficient for the
satisfaction of all of Parent's and Merger Sub's obligations under this Agreement, including the payment by Parent and Merger Sub of the Merger Consideration, any fees and expenses of or payable by
Parent, Merger Sub or the Surviving Corporation, and any related repayment or refinancing of any indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and any other amounts required to be paid in
connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 5.3
Access to Information; Confidentiality
.
(a) The
Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, (i) provide to Parent and its Representatives access at reasonable times upon prior notice to the
officers, employees, properties, auditors, authorized representatives, books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries and (ii) furnish promptly such information concerning the Company
and its Subsidiaries as Parent and its Representatives may reasonably request. Nothing herein shall require the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to (A) grant access if the Company determines
that such access would reasonably be expected to disrupt or impair the business or operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (B) disclose information to the extent such disclosure
would, in the Company's good faith opinion after consultation with legal counsel, (x) result in a waiver of attorney-client privilege, work product doctrine or similar privilege or
(y) violate any applicable Law or any confidentiality obligation of such party. In the event that the Company does not provide access or information in reliance on the preceding sentence, it
shall provide notice to Parent that it is withholding such access or information and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to communicate, to the extent feasible, the applicable
information in a way that would not violate the applicable Law, Contract or obligation or risk waiver of such privilege.
(b) Parent
and the Company shall comply with, and shall cause their respective Representatives to comply with, all of their respective obligations under the separate
Confidentiality Agreements, dated
March 15, 2018 (the "
Confidentiality Agreements
"), between each of George Feldenkreis and Fortress Investment Group, LLC, on the one hand,
and the Company, on the other hand, with respect to the information disclosed under this
Section 5.3
;
provided
, that notwithstanding the terms of the
Confidentiality Agreements, Parent may provide such information to potential sources of capital,
including the Financing Sources, and to rating agencies and prospective lenders and investors during syndication of the Debt Financing (including any alternative financing) subject to customary
confidentiality arrangements that have been approved in advance by the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
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(c) Nothing
contained in this Agreement shall give Parent or its Affiliates, directly or indirectly, rights to conduct or cause to be conducted any environmental
investigation of the current or former operations or facilities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries without the prior written consent of the Company in its sole discretion.
Section 5.4
No Solicitation.
(a) From
the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the date the Requisite Company Vote has been obtained or the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Article VII
hereof, and except as expressly
permitted by the other provisions of this
Section 5.4
, the Company shall not, and the Company shall cause any of its Subsidiaries not to, and the Company shall use its reasonable best
efforts to cause its Representatives acting on its behalf not to, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly facilitate or knowingly encourage (including by way of providing
material non-public information) any inquiries regarding, or the making of any proposal or offer that constitutes or would reasonably be expected to lead to, a Takeover Proposal, (ii) enter
into or participate in any discussions or negotiations with any Person regarding a Takeover Proposal (other than to state that the Company is not permitted to have discussions or negotiations) or
(iii) approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, or execute or enter into any Contract with respect to, a Takeover Proposal (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement).
The Company shall immediately cease and cause to be terminated any solicitation, encouragement, discussion or negotiation with any Person conducted prior to the date of this Agreement by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Representatives with respect to any Takeover Proposal. Without limiting the foregoing, it is agreed that if any Representative of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries, acting on their behalf, takes any action that would constitute a breach of this
Section 5.4
, such action shall
constitute a breach of this
Section 5.4
by the Company.
(b) Notwithstanding
Section 5.4(a)
, following the receipt by the Company of a Takeover Proposal until the date the
Requisite Company Vote has been obtained, (i) the Special Committee and the Company
Board shall be permitted to participate in discussions regarding such Takeover Proposal solely to clarify the terms of such Takeover Proposal and (ii) with respect to a written, bona fide
Takeover Proposal that did not result from any breach in any material respect of any of the provisions set forth in this
Section 5.4
, if the
Special Committee or the Company Board determines in good faith, (A) after consultation with the Company's outside legal and financial advisors, that such Takeover Proposal constitutes or would
reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal and (B) after consultation with outside legal counsel, that the failure to take the actions set forth in clauses (x) and
(y) below with respect to such Takeover Proposal would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties, then the Company may, in response to such Takeover Proposal,
(x) furnish access and non-public information with respect to the Company and any of its Subsidiaries to the Person who has made such Takeover Proposal pursuant to an Acceptable Confidentiality
Agreement, so long as any written material non-public information provided under this clause (x) has previously been provided to Parent or is provided to Parent promptly after being provided to
such Person, and (y) participate in discussions and negotiations regarding such Takeover Proposal. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Special Committee and the
Company Board shall be permitted, to the extent it determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to take such action would reasonably be expected to be
inconsistent with its fiduciary duties, to modify, waive, amend or release any existing standstill obligations owed by any Person to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(c) From
and after the date of this Agreement, (i) the Company shall advise Parent orally and in writing of the receipt of any Takeover Proposal, specifying the
material terms and conditions thereof and the identity of the party making such Takeover Proposal, and (ii) the
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Company
shall keep Parent reasonably informed on a current basis with respect to the status and material terms of any such Takeover Proposal and shall promptly notify the Company of any material
modifications to the financial or other material terms and conditions of such Takeover Proposal, in each case within one Business Day after (but not including) the date of the Company's receipt
thereof.
(d) Except
as set forth in
Section 5.4(e)
and
Section 5.4(f)
,
the Company Board and the Special Committee shall not (i) withdraw, modify or amend the Company Board Recommendation in any manner adverse to Parent, or publicly propose to do so,
(ii) approve, endorse or recommend a Takeover Proposal or publicly propose to do so or (iii) approve, recommend or allow the Company to enter into a Contract relating to a Takeover
Proposal (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement).
(e) Notwithstanding
Section 5.4(d)
, the Special Committee or the Company Board may, at any time before obtaining the
Requisite Company Vote and in response to a Superior Proposal received by the
Special Committee or the Company Board after the date of this Agreement, if the Special Committee or the Company Board has concluded in good faith, following consultation with its outside legal
counsel, that its failure to withdraw, modify or amend the Company Board Recommendation would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties to stockholders under applicable Law,
withdraw, modify or amend the Company Board Recommendation in a manner adverse to Parent or terminate this Agreement to enter into a Contract with respect to such Superior Proposal, but only
if:
-
(i)
-
the
Company shall have complied in all material respects with its obligations under this
Section 5.4
;
-
(ii)
-
the
Company shall have first provided prior written notice to Parent that it is prepared to terminate this Agreement to enter into a Contract with respect to such
Superior Proposal, which notice shall include the material terms and conditions of the transaction that constitutes such Superior Proposal and the identity of the party making such Superior Proposal,
and to the extent provided to the Company, a copy of any material Contract evidencing or relating to the Superior Proposal; and
-
(iii)
-
Parent
does not make, within four Business Days after the receipt of such notice (it being understood and agreed that any material change to the financial or other
terms and conditions of such Superior Proposal shall require an additional notice to Parent and a new two Business Day period), a proposal that the Special Committee or the Company Board determines in
good faith, after consultation with its financial advisor, causes the Takeover Proposal that constituted a Superior Proposal to no longer constitute a Superior Proposal;
provided
, that the Company
(acting through the Special Committee) shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, negotiate with Parent in good faith (to
the extent Parent desires to negotiate) during such period with respect to such proposal to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement so that the Superior Proposal described
in such notice ceases to constitute a Superior Proposal.
(f) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, at any time before obtaining the Requisite Company Vote, if any event, fact, development, circumstance or
occurrence (but specifically excluding any Takeover Proposal or Superior Proposal) that improves the business, assets, operations or prospects of the Company or its Subsidiaries (or that fundamentally
impairs Parent's ability to consummate the Merger on the terms set forth herein) that was not known (and, other than with respect to Parent, should not reasonably have been known) to the Special
Committee and the Company Board (other than George Feldenkreis and Oscar Feldenkreis) as of the date hereof, becomes known to the Special Committee and the Company Board (other than George Feldenkreis
and Oscar Feldenkreis) after the date of this Agreement (an "
Intervening
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Event
") and the Special Committee or the Company Board has concluded in good faith, following consultation with its outside legal counsel, that its failure to withdraw, modify
or amend the Company Board Recommendation would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties to stockholders under applicable Law, then the Company Board may withdraw, modify or
amend the Company Board Recommendation in a manner adverse to Parent but only if:
-
(i)
-
the
Company shall have first provided prior written notice to Parent that the Special Committee or the Company Board intends to withdraw, modify or amend the Company
Board Recommendation in a manner adverse to Parent, which notice shall include a description in reasonable detail of the Intervening Event and the Company Board's reasons for taking such action; and
-
(ii)
-
Parent
does not, within four Business Days after the receipt of such notice, propose revisions to the terms and conditions of this Agreement in response to such
Intervening Event that the Special Committee or the Company Board determines, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors, obviate the need for the Special Committee or
the Company Board to withdraw, modify or amend the Company Board Recommendation, and the Company (acting through the Special Committee) shall, and shall cause its Representatives to, negotiate with
Parent in good faith (to the extent Parent desires to negotiate) during such period with respect to such proposed revisions.
(g) Nothing
contained in this Agreement shall prohibit the Company from complying with Rules 14a-9, 14d-9, 14e-2 and Item 1012(a) of Regulation M-A
promulgated under the Exchange Act, or from issuing a "stop, look and listen" statement pending disclosure of its position thereunder or making any required disclosure to the Company's stockholders
if, in the good faith judgment of the Special Committee or the Company Board, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties
under applicable Law or such disclosure is otherwise required under applicable Law;
provided
, that this
Section 5.4(g)
shall not be deemed to permit
the Company Board to (or the Special Committee to recommend that the Company Board) change,
withdraw, modify or amend the Company Board Recommendation except to the extent permitted by
Sections 5.4(e)
-
(f)
. For the avoidance of doubt, in no
event shall the issuance of a "stop, look and listen" statement (or other similar statement pursuant to any
requirement of applicable Law) constitute a change, withdrawal, modification or amendment of the Company Board Recommendation under this Agreement.
Section 5.5
Company Proxy Statement; Schedule 13E-3; Company Stockholders Meeting.
(a) As
promptly as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC the Company Proxy Statement and the Company
and Parent shall jointly prepare and file with the SEC the Schedule 13E-3. The Company shall use reasonable best efforts as promptly as reasonably practicable (and after consultation with
Parent) to respond to any comments or requests for additional information made by the SEC with respect to the Company Proxy Statement and the Company and Parent shall use reasonable best efforts as
promptly as reasonably practicable to jointly respond to any comments or requests for additional information made by the SEC with respect to the Schedule 13E-3. The Company will use reasonable
best efforts to cause the Company Proxy Statement to be mailed to the Company's stockholders as promptly as reasonably practicable after confirmation from the SEC that it has no further comments on
the Company Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3 (or that the Company Proxy Statement and Schedule 13E-3 is otherwise not to be reviewed by the SEC). Parent and Merger Sub shall
cooperate with the Company in the preparation of the Company Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (i) each of Parent and Merger Sub
will furnish to the Company the information relating to it and its Affiliates required by the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder to be set forth in the
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Company
Proxy Statement, that is customarily included in proxy statements or Rule 13E-3 transaction statements on Schedule 13E-3 prepared in connection with transactions of the type
contemplated by this Agreement or that is reasonably requested by the Company, and (ii) prior to the filing with the SEC or the mailing to the Company's stockholders of the Company Proxy
Statement or the filing with the SEC of the Schedule 13E-3, the Company shall provide Parent with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on, and the Company shall reasonably consider
all comments reasonably proposed by Parent with respect to, the Company Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3. The Company shall promptly (A) notify Parent upon the receipt of any such
comments or requests and (B) provide Parent with copies of all correspondence between the Company and its Representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC and its staff, on the other hand, to the
extent such correspondence relates to the Company Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3.
(b) The
Company agrees that none of the information included or incorporated by reference in the Company Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3 will, at the date it is
first mailed to the stockholders of the Company or filed with the SEC, as applicable, or at the time of any amendment or supplement thereof, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
provided
, that no representation or warranty is made by
the Company with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein to the extent
based on information supplied by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub or any Affiliate of Parent or Merger Sub in connection with the preparation of the Company Proxy Statement or the
Schedule 13E-3 for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein. The Company agrees that the Company Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3 will comply in all material respects with
the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
(c) Parent
and Merger Sub hereby covenant and agree that none of the information supplied by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub or any Affiliate of Parent or Merger Sub
for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Company Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3 shall, at the date it is first mailed to the stockholders of the Company or filed with the SEC,
as applicable, or at the time of the Company Stockholders Meeting or at the time of any amendment or supplement thereof, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
provided
, that no representation or
warranty is made by either Parent or Merger Sub with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein
to the extent based on information supplied by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company in connection with the preparation of the Company Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3 for inclusion
or incorporation by reference therein.
(d) The
Company Proxy Statement shall include the Company Board Recommendation unless the Company Board has withdrawn, modified or amended the Company Board Recommendation
in accordance with
Section 5.4
.
(e) Following
the clearance of the Company Proxy Statement and Schedule 13E-3 by the SEC, the Company shall call and hold the Company Stockholders Meeting as promptly
as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement for the purpose of obtaining the Requisite Company Vote. Subject to
Section 5.4
,
the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to solicit or cause to be solicited from its stockholders proxies in favor of adoption of this Agreement;
provided
, that the Company may postpone,
recess or adjourn the Company Stockholders Meeting: (i) with the consent of Parent, (ii) for the
absence of a quorum, (iii) to allow reasonable additional time for the filing and distribution of any supplemental or amended disclosure which the Company Board has determined in good faith
(after consultation with its
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outside
legal counsel) is necessary or advisable under applicable Laws and for such supplemental or amended disclosure to be disseminated to and reviewed by the Company's stockholders prior to the
Company Stockholders Meeting (iv) to allow additional solicitation of votes in order to obtain the Requisite Company Vote, or (v) if the Company has provided a written notice to Parent
pursuant to
Section 5.4(e)(ii)
or
Section 5.4(f)(i)
and the latest deadline contemplated
by
Section 5.4(e)
or
5.4(f)
with respect to such notice, as the case may be, has not been
reached.
Section 5.6
Employees; Benefit Plans.
(a) For
a period of one year following the Closing Date (the "
Continuation Period
"), Parent shall, or shall cause the
Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Affiliates to, provide to individuals who, immediately prior to the Effective Time, were employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, an
"
Employee
") (i) a salary or hourly wage rate and short-term (annual or more frequent) bonus or commission opportunity no less favorable than that
provided to such Employee immediately prior to the Effective Time and (ii) other compensation and benefits (but not including equity and equity-based awards) that for such individual are
substantially comparable in the aggregate to such compensation and benefits being provided to Employees immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(b) Parent
shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Affiliates to, honor all Company Employee Benefits (including all severance and similar
plans and agreements) in accordance with their terms as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, subject to any amendment or termination thereof that may be permitted by such Company
Employee Benefits and except as provided herein;
provided
, that nothing herein shall prevent the amendment or termination of any specific plan, program
policy, agreement or arrangement, or interfere with Parent's, the Surviving Corporation's or any of their respective Affiliates' rights or obligations to make such changes, in each case as are
necessary to comply with applicable Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the later of the duration of the Continuation Period or the remaining term of any individual employment, severance or
separation agreement in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall provide each Employee who suffers a termination of employment under circumstances that would have given the
Employee a right to severance payments and benefits under the Company's severance policy or individual employment, severance or separation agreement or other arrangement in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time (each, a "
Company Severance Plan
") with severance payments and benefits no less favorable than those that would have been provided to
such Employee under any Company Severance Plan. Following the end of the Continuation Period, Parent shall be permitted to alter the duties and employment terms applicable to a given Employee solely
to the extent permitted under the
terms of any employment agreement with such Employee, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(c) As
of and after the Effective Time, Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Affiliates to, recognize, without duplication,
credit for purposes or vesting, eligibility to participate and for calculating severance and vacation entitlements (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, exclude benefit accruals under any
qualified or non-qualified defined benefit pension plan) for each such Employee's years of service with the Company and its Subsidiaries (and their predecessor entities) prior to the Effective Time
("
Prior Service
") (to the extent the Company recognized such service for corresponding benefits) under any employee compensation, incentive and benefit
(including vacation and severance) plans, programs, policies and arrangements maintained for the benefit of Employees as of and after the Effective Time by Parent, its Subsidiaries or the Surviving
Corporation (each, a "
Parent Plan
"). With respect to each Parent Plan that is a "welfare benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA),
Parent and its Subsidiaries shall use reasonable best efforts to (i) cause there to be waived any pre-existing condition or eligibility limitations (to the extent waived, satisfied or
inapplicable under the
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corresponding
plan maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time) and (ii) give effect, in determining any deductible and maximum out-of-pocket
limitations, to claims incurred and amounts paid by, and amounts reimbursed to, Employees under similar plans maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(d) With
respect to any accrued but unused vacation time to which any Employee is entitled pursuant to the vacation policy or individual agreement or other arrangement
applicable to such Employee immediately prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Affiliates to, (i) allow such Employee to
use such accrued vacation pursuant to the terms of Parent's or the Surviving Corporation's vacation policy, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) if any Employee's employment terminates
during the Continuation Period under circumstances entitling the Employee to severance pay under the Company Severance Plan, pay the Employee, in cash, an amount equal to the value of the accrued
vacation time.
(e) Without
limiting
Section 8.11
, nothing in this
Section 5.6
,
whether express or implied, shall: (i) confer upon any current or former employee of the Company, Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Affiliates (including any
Employee), any rights or remedies including any right to employment or continued employment for any specified period, of any nature or kind whatsoever under or by reason of this
Section 5.6
, or
restrict the ability of Parent, Surviving Corporation or any of their
respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates to terminate the employment or service of any Person; (ii) be construed to modify, amend or create any employee benefit plan of the Company, Parent,
Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Affiliates, (iii) limit the ability of Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates to amend, modify
or terminate any benefit or compensation plan, program, agreement, Contract, policy or arrangement at any time assumed, established, sponsored or maintained by any of them; or (iv) create any
third-party beneficiary rights or obligations in any Person (including any Employee) other than the parties to this Agreement.
Section 5.7
Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) For
a period of six years following the Effective Time (
provided
, that such period shall be extended with respect to all
unresolved claims for indemnification by any Indemnified Party as of the sixth anniversary of the Effective Time until such claims are finally resolved), Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall
cause all rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and exculpation now existing in favor of any present or former director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and
the fiduciaries of any Company Employee Benefits (the "
Indemnified Parties
") as provided in (i) the Organizational Documents of the Company, or
(ii) agreements between an Indemnified Party and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries to survive the Merger and to continue in full force and effect for a period of not less than six years
after the Effective Time or, if longer, for such period as is set forth in any applicable agreement with an Indemnified Party in effect on the date of this Agreement.
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(b) For
a period of six years following the Effective Time (
provided
, that such period shall be extended with respect to all
unresolved claims for indemnification by any Indemnified Party as of the sixth anniversary of the Effective Time until such claims are finally resolved), Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall,
jointly and severally, indemnify and hold harmless all Indemnified Parties to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law with respect to all acts and omissions arising out of or relating to their
services as directors, officers or employees of the Company, its Subsidiaries or another Person, if such Indemnified Party is or was serving as a director, officer or employee of such other Person at
the request of the Company, or fiduciaries of Company Employee Benefits, whether asserted or claimed at, after or before the Effective Time (including in connection with the negotiation and execution
of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise). If any Indemnified Party is or becomes involved in any Legal Action in connection with any
matter subject to indemnification hereunder, then Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall, jointly and severally, advance as incurred any costs or expenses (including reasonable legal fees and
disbursements), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or Liabilities ("
Damages
") arising out of or incurred in connection with such Legal Action,
subject to Parent's or the Surviving Corporation's, as applicable, receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Indemnified Party, if required by the FBCA, to repay such Damages if it is
ultimately determined under applicable Law that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to be indemnified. In the event of any such Legal Action, (i) each of Parent and the Surviving Corporation
shall cooperate with the Indemnified Party in the defense of any such Legal Action and (ii) neither Parent nor the Surviving Corporation shall settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any
judgment in any Legal Action pending or threatened in writing to which an Indemnified
Party is a party (and in respect of which indemnification could be sought by such Indemnified Party hereunder), unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of such
Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such Legal Action.
(c) Parent
and the Surviving Corporation shall, jointly and severally, maintain in effect for at least six years after the Effective Time the current policies of directors'
and officers' liability insurance maintained by the Company or policies of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are no less advantageous with respect to claims
arising out of or relating to events which occurred before or at the Effective Time (including in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement) so long as Parent and the Surviving Corporation are not required to pay an annual premium in excess of 250% of the renewal premium paid or payable by the
Company in connection with its June 2018 renewal (such 250% amount being the "
Maximum Premium
"). If Parent and the Surviving Corporation are unable to
obtain the insurance described in the prior sentence for an amount less than or equal to the Maximum Premium, then Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall, jointly and severally, instead obtain as
much comparable insurance as possible for an annual premium equal to the Maximum Premium. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in lieu of the arrangements contemplated by this
Section 5.7(c)
, before the
Effective Time, the Company shall be entitled to purchase, and at the written request of Parent shall purchase, a
"tail" directors' and officers' liability insurance policy covering the matters described in this
Section 5.7(c)
and, if the Company purchases
such a policy before the Effective Time, then Parent and the Surviving Corporation's obligations under this
Section 5.7(c)
shall be satisfied so
long as Parent and the Surviving Corporation cause such policy to be maintained in effect for a period of six years following the Effective Time.
(d) The
covenants contained in this
Section 5.7
are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by,
each of the Indemnified Parties and their respective heirs and legal representatives and shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an Indemnified Party is entitled, whether pursuant
to Law, Contract or otherwise.
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(e) In
the event that Parent or the Surviving Corporation or any of its successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and shall not be
the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, then, and in
each such case, Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall take all necessary action so that the successors or assigns of Parent or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, shall succeed to the
obligations set forth in this
Section 5.7
.
Section 5.8
Reasonable Best Efforts.
Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Agreement and in accordance with applicable Law, each of the parties to this Agreement shall, and
shall cause its Affiliates to, use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable to ensure that the
conditions set forth in
Article VI
are satisfied and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly as reasonably
practicable;
provided
, that, prior to the Effective Time, in no event shall the Company or its Subsidiaries be required to pay, or otherwise incur any
Liability with respect to, any fees (except for customary fees to Governmental Authorities), penalties or other consideration to obtain any consent or approval required for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of this
Section 5.8
shall not limit the rights of the
Company set forth in
Section 5.4
.
Section 5.9
Consents; Filings; Further Action; Notices.
(a) Upon
the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with applicable Law, each of Parent and the Company shall, and Parent shall cause each
of its Affiliates to, use its reasonable best efforts to promptly (i) obtain any consents, approvals or other authorizations, and make any filings and notifications, required in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) make any other submissions either required or deemed appropriate by either Parent or the Company in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the HSR Act, any Foreign Competition Law, the FBCA, the Applicable Exchange rules and regulations and any other applicable
Law and (iii) take or cause to be taken all other actions necessary, proper or advisable consistent with this
Section 5.9
to cause the
expiration of the applicable waiting periods, or receipt of required consents, approvals or authorizations, as applicable, under such Laws as soon as reasonably practicable. Parent and the Company
shall cooperate and consult with each other in connection with the making of all such filings and notifications, including by providing copies of all relevant documents to the non-filing party and its
advisors before filing. No party shall consent to any voluntary extension of any statutory deadline or waiting period or to any voluntary delay of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement at the behest of any Governmental Authority without the consent of the other parties to this Agreement, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.
(b) As
promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days) after the date of this Agreement, each of
Parent and the Company shall file, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to file, and, unless so requested by the applicable Governmental Authority, not withdraw any notification and report
forms and related material required to be filed by it with the Federal Trade Commission and the United States Department of Justice, as applicable, and shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to,
promptly make any further filings pursuant thereto that may be necessary, proper or advisable.
(c) Each
of Parent and the Company shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to, promptly inform the other party upon receipt of any material or substantive communication from
any Governmental Authority regarding any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If Parent or the Company (or any of their respective Affiliates) receives a request for additional
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information
from any Governmental Authority that is related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, then such party shall endeavor in good faith to make, or cause to be made, to the extent
practicable and after consultation with the other party, an appropriate response to such request. No party shall, or shall permit any of its Affiliates to, participate in any meeting or engage in any
material or substantive conversation with any Governmental Authority without giving the other party prior notice of the meeting or conversation and, unless prohibited by such Governmental Authority,
the opportunity to attend or participate. Parent shall advise the Company promptly of any understandings, undertakings or agreements (oral or written) which Parent or any of its Affiliates proposes to
make or enter into with any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, Parent shall, and shall
cause its Affiliates to, use its reasonable best efforts to resolve any objections that may be asserted with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any antitrust, competition
or trade regulatory Law as promptly as practicable.
(d) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Parent shall take, and shall cause its Affiliates to take (and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
this Agreement, including
Section 5.1
and
Section 5.4
, the Company and its Affiliates
shall be permitted to take, without affecting any representation, warranty, covenant or condition in this Agreement), all action necessary to avoid the entry or to effect the dissolution of, or vacate
or lift, any Order which would otherwise have the effect of preventing impairing or delaying the Closing, including (i) selling, licensing, divesting or disposing of or holding separate any
entities, assets, Intellectual Property or businesses (including, after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries), (ii) terminating, amending or assigning
existing relationships or contractual rights and obligations, (iii) changing or modifying any course of conduct regarding future operations, (iv) otherwise taking actions that would
limit its freedom of action with respect to, or its ability to retain, one or more of their respective businesses, assets or rights or interests therein and (v) committing to take any such
actions in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) (all of the foregoing a "
Divestiture Action
"). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, neither Parent nor its Affiliates shall be required to, and the Company and its Subsidiaries shall not, without the prior written consent of Parent, take or agree to take or commit to take
any Divestiture Action with respect to any assets (whether tangible or intangible) that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect (with
references to the Company in the definition thereof also being deemed to be references to Parent for purposes of this Section). For the avoidance of doubt, Parent shall not require the Company or its
Subsidiaries to, and the Company and its Subsidiaries shall not be required to, take any action with respect to any Order or any applicable
Law which would bind the Company or its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time or in the event the Merger does not occur.
Section 5.10
Public Announcements.
The initial press release concerning this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be a joint press release to be reasonably agreed upon by the
Company and Parent. Following such initial press release, except as provided for in this Agreement, Parent and the Company shall consult with each other before issuing any press release or otherwise
making any public statements about this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Neither Parent nor the Company shall issue any such press release or make any such public
statement prior to such consultation, except to the extent required by applicable Law or the Applicable Exchange requirements, in which case that party shall use its reasonable best efforts to consult
with the other party before issuing any such release or making any such public statement;
provided
, that each party may, without complying with the
foregoing obligations, make any public statement regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in response to questions from the press, analysts, investors or those attending industry
conferences, and may make internal announcements to employees, to the extent that such statements are not inconsistent with previous press releases, public disclosures or public statements made
jointly by the parties and otherwise in
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compliance
with this
Section 5.10
and do not reveal material non-public information regarding this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement;
provided
,
further
, that Parent's consent shall not be required, and the Company shall
not be required to consult with Parent in connection with, or provide Parent an opportunity to review or comment upon, any press release or other public statement or comment to be issued or made with
respect to any Takeover Proposal or with respect to any actions contemplated by
Section 5.4(e)
,
Section 5.4(f)
or
Section 5.4(g)
. Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the prior consent
of the other parties, (a) the Company may communicate with customers, vendors, suppliers, financial analysts, investors and media representatives in a manner consistent with its past practice
in compliance with applicable Law, (b) may disseminate the information included in a press release or other document previously approved for external distribution by Parent and (c) this
Section 5.10
shall not apply to any disclosure of information concerning this Agreement in connection with any dispute between the parties
regarding this Agreement.
Section 5.11
Fees, Expenses and Conveyance Taxes.
Except as explicitly provided otherwise in
this Agreement, whether or not the Merger is consummated, all fees, costs and expenses (including those payable to
Representatives) incurred by any party to this Agreement or on its behalf in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
("
Expenses
") shall be paid by the party incurring those Expenses; except that (i) the filing fees for any filings made under the HSR Act or any
Foreign Competition Law shall be paid by Parent, and (ii) all documentary, sales, use, real property transfer, real property gains, registration, value added, transfer, stamp, recording and
similar Taxes, fees, and costs together with any interest thereon, penalties, fines, costs, fees, additions to Tax or additional amounts with respect thereto incurred in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby ("
Conveyance Taxes
"), shall be paid by Parent, and Parent shall file all Tax Returns related thereto,
regardless of who may be liable therefor under applicable Law.
Section 5.12
Financing Efforts
.
(a) Each
of Parent and Merger Sub shall, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to, use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the Financing as soon as reasonably practicable
on the terms and conditions contained in the Financing Commitments (reflecting flex provisions to the extent exercised) and to consummate the Rollover Investment pursuant to the Rollover Letters in
accordance with the terms thereof, including using its reasonable best efforts to (i) comply with its obligations under the Financing Commitments and the Rollover Letters, (ii) negotiate
and enter into definitive agreements with respect to the Financing Commitments on terms and conditions (reflecting flex provisions to the extent exercised) no less favorable to Parent and Merger Sub
than those contained in the respective Financing Commitments or on terms and conditions otherwise acceptable to Parent that would not (A) reduce the aggregate amount of the Financing unless the
Rollover Investment is increased by a corresponding amount or (B) impose new or additional conditions precedent to, or delay, the receipt of the Financing, (iii) satisfy on a timely
basis all conditions applicable to Parent and Merger Sub contained in the Financing Commitments (including definitive agreements related thereto) and the Rollover Letters, including the payment of any
commitment, engagement or placement fees required as a condition to the Financing, and (iv) consummate the Financing and the Rollover Investment at or prior to the Closing Date (it being
understood that it is not a condition to Closing under this Agreement, nor to the consummation of the Merger, for Parent or Merger Sub to obtain the Financing, the Rollover Investment or any
alternative financing). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the immediately preceding sentence, each of Parent and Merger Sub shall, and shall cause each of its Affiliates to, take all actions
reasonably necessary to (i) maintain in effect each Financing Commitment and each Rollover Letter (it being understood that the Financing Commitments and the Rollover Letters may be replaced or
amended as provided below) and (ii) enforce all of its rights under each Financing Commitment (or any definitive agreements relating thereto) and each Rollover Letter. Parent shall keep the
Company reasonably informed of the status of its efforts to
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arrange
the Financing (including providing the Company with copies of material draft and definitive agreements and other material documents related to the Financing) and the Rollover Investment.
Parent and Merger Sub shall give the Company notice as promptly as reasonably practicable after obtaining Knowledge thereof (x) of any material breach or default by any party to any of the
Financing Commitments, any Rollover Letter or definitive agreements related to the Financing of which Parent or Merger Sub becomes aware, (y) of the receipt of any (A) written notice or
(B) other communication, in each case from any Person with respect to (1) any actual or potential breach, default, termination or repudiation by any party to any of the Financing
Commitments, any Rollover Letter or definitive agreements related to the Financing of any provisions of any Financing Commitment, any Rollover Letter or definitive agreements related to the Financing
or (2) material dispute or disagreement between or among the parties to any of the Financing Commitments, any Rollover Letter or definitive agreements related to the Financing with respect to
the obligation to fund the Financing or the amount of the Financing to be funded at the Closing or to consummate the Rollover Investment or the amount of shares of Common Stock to be contributed prior
to Closing, and (z) if at any time for any reason Parent or Merger Sub believes in good faith that it will not be able to obtain all or any portion of the Financing or the Rollover Investment
on the terms and conditions, in the manner or from the sources contemplated by any of the Financing Commitments, any Rollover Letter or definitive agreements related the Financing. As soon as
reasonably practicable and in any event within three Business Days, Parent and Merger Sub shall provide any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to any circumstance referred
to in clause (x), (y) or (z) of the immediately preceding sentence. Parent shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, amend, modify, supplement or waive any of
the conditions or contingencies to funding contained in any Financing Commitment (including definitive agreements related thereto) or to the making of the Rollover Investment contained in any Rollover
Letter, or any other provision of, or remedies under, any Financing Commitment (including definitive agreements related thereto) or any Rollover Letter, the effect of which (I) reduces (or
could have the effect of reducing) the amount of aggregate cash proceeds available from the Financing (including by increasing the amount of fees to be paid or original issue discount other than as a
result of the exercise of any related "market flex" provisions set forth in a fee letter) unless there is a corresponding increase in the Rollover Investment, (II) imposes, or could reasonably
be expected to impose, new or additional conditions or contingencies to the receipt of the Financing or otherwise expands, amends or modifies any other material provision of any Financing Commitment,
(III) would delay, prevent or adversely impact, or, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have the effect of delaying, preventing or adversely impacting, in each
case, in any material respect, the funding of the Financing (or satisfaction of the conditions to the Financing) on the Closing Date, or (IV) would prevent or adversely impact or delay, or,
individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have the effect of preventing, adversely impacting, or delaying, in each case, in any material respect the ability of Parent to timely
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the Closing Date; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent may modify, supplement or amend the Financing Commitments
to add lenders, lead arrangers, bookrunners, syndication agents, other agents or similar entities that have not executed the Financing Commitments as of the date hereof or to increase the amount of
funds available thereunder, and Parent or Merger Sub shall promptly deliver to the Company copies of any such amendment, modification, supplement, restatement or replacement. In the event all
conditions applicable to a Financing Commitment and/or a Rollover Letter have been satisfied, Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Lenders and the Rollover Investors to fund the
Financing and make the Rollover Investment, as applicable,
required to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as soon as reasonably practicable. In the event that any portion of the Financing becomes unavailable and such portion is not
otherwise available under the Debt Financing or Rollover Investment, as applicable, Parent shall notify the Company
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and
use its reasonable best efforts to arrange alternative financing from the same or other sources of financing on terms and conditions (including the economic terms, covenants, flex provisions and
funding conditions) not less favorable to Parent and Merger Sub, taken as a whole, than those contained in the Financing Commitments as of the date hereof (taking into account the flex provisions)
(the "
Alternate Terms and Conditions
"), in an amount sufficient to enable Parent to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the
Alternate Terms and Conditions.
(b) The
Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause their respective Representatives to, at Parent's sole cost and
expense, use reasonable best efforts to provide all reasonable cooperation requested by Parent, Merger Sub, any Financing Sources and their respective authorized Representatives in connection with the
Financing (which, for purposes of this
Section 5.12(b)
shall include any alternative financing), including:
-
(i)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to participate in, and causing the Company's management team, with appropriate seniority and expertise, including senior officers, to
participate in, including the preparation for, a reasonable number of meetings, conference calls, road show, investor and similar presentations, lender presentations, drafting sessions, due diligence
sessions and sessions with rating agencies in connection with the Financing on reasonable advance notice, including direct contact between such management and representatives of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Financing Sources, potential lenders and investors for the Financing, on the other hand;
-
(ii)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to provide to Parent, Merger Sub and the Financing Sources from time to time all information and disclosures regarding the Company and
its Subsidiaries reasonably requested by the Financing Sources;
-
(iii)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to execute and deliver customary authorization letters to the Financing Sources authorizing the distribution of information to
prospective lenders (including customary 10b-5 and material non-public information representations);
-
(iv)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to assist with the preparation of appropriate and customary materials for rating agency presentations, bank information memoranda,
offering and syndication documents, business projections and other marketing documents customarily required or reasonably requested by the Financing Sources in connection with the Financing;
-
(v)
-
furnishing
no later than fifteen (15) Business Days prior to Closing all documentation and other information that is reasonably requested no later than
twenty (20) Business Days prior to Closing and required by regulatory authorities in connection with applicable "know your customer" and anti-money laundering rules and regulations,
including U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001, relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries;
-
(vi)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to assist Parent in obtaining corporate, credit, facility and securities ratings from rating agencies;
-
(vii)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to facilitate the pledging of collateral;
-
(viii)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to take corporate actions reasonably necessary or advisable to permit the consummation of the Debt Financing and to permit the
proceeds thereof to be made available to the Company by the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately following the Effective Time;
-
(ix)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to cooperate reasonably with the Financing Sources' due diligence, to the extent customary and reasonable and not unreasonably
interfering with
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the
business of the Company, including by granting the Financing Sources access as provided in
Section 5.3(a)
, subject to the limitations on, and
requirements with respect to, disclosure and access set forth in the second sentence of
Section 5.3(a)
,
Section 5.3(b)
and
Section 5.3(c)
;
-
(x)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to arrange for customary payoff instruction letters, lien terminations and instruments of discharge (including UCC termination
statements, releases of security interests in intellectual property and mortgage releases) to be delivered at or prior to Closing relating to all indebtedness to be paid off, discharged and terminated
on the Closing Date;
-
(xi)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to ensure that any syndication efforts with respect to the Financing benefit from the existing lending and investment banking
relationships of the Company;
-
(xii)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to cooperate with consultants or other suitable professional advisors engaged to undertake field examinations and appraisals for
purposes of the Financing, including furnishing information to such Persons in respect of accounts receivable, inventory and other applicable assets and providing customary consent and release letters
in respect of the resulting reports or in respect of field examinations and appraisals done in connection with the Company's existing ABL credit agreement; and
-
(xiii)
-
using
reasonable best efforts to assist in the preparation and negotiation of, and executing and delivering, one or more credit agreements, pledge and security
documents and other definitive financing documents as may be reasonably requested by Parent or the Financing Sources (including landlord waivers, and other third party agreements, hedging
arrangements, customary officer's and other closing certificates and back-up therefor and a solvency certificate of the chief financial officer of the Company in the form contemplated by the Financing
Commitments);
provided
, that (A) the Company shall not be required to become subject to any obligations or Liabilities with respect to any
agreements or documents under this clause (xii) prior to the Closing and (B) nothing shall obligate the Company to provide a solvency certificate or the like, any legal opinion or other
opinion of counsel, or any information that would, after consultation with legal counsel, reasonably be expected to violate any obligations of confidentiality or result in a violation of Law or loss
of any privilege;
provided
,
further
, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall not be required under this
Section 5.12
to deliver any corporate (or similar) authorization or approval of the execution of the Financing (or any alternative financing), in
each case, that would be effective prior to the Effective Time and no officers or directors of the Company that will not be continuing following the Merger (including for the avoidance of doubt any
non-employee directors of the Company who tender resignations effective as of the Effective Time) shall be required to execute or enter into or perform any agreement with respect to the Financing
(including providing any corporate (or similar) authorization or approval in connection therewith).
Any
information provided to Parent or Merger Sub pursuant to this
Section 5.12(b)
shall be subject to the Confidentiality
Agreements. Parent shall, on demand, reimburse the Company for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with such cooperation. The
Company and its Representatives shall be given a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any materials that are to be presented during any meetings conducted in connection with the Financing,
and Parent shall give due consideration to any such comments proposed by the Company and its Representatives. The Company hereby consents to the reasonable use of its and its Subsidiaries' logos in
connection with the Financing;
provided
, that such logos are used solely in a manner that is not intended to, and is not reasonably likely to, harm or
disparage the Company or
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any
of its Subsidiaries or the reputation or goodwill of the Company, its Subsidiaries and its or their respective marks. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the condition set forth in
Section 6.2(b)
of this Agreement, as it applies to the Company's obligations under this
Section 5.12(b)
, shall be deemed satisfied if the Company's material breach hereof was not the primary cause of the
failure of funding under the
Financing Commitments (provided that any or all action taken by, or omission of, the Company in breach of this
Section 5.12(b)
at the direction
of or with the consent of Oscar Feldenkreis, in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, or which Oscar Feldenkreis, in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, had prior
or contemporaneous knowledge of or reasonably should have had prior or contemporaneous knowledge of, shall in each case be disregarded and not deemed to be a breach of this
Section 5.12(b)
(including for purposes of
Section 6.2(b)
)). Parent and Merger Sub
acknowledge and agree that the Company and its Affiliates and their respective Representatives shall not have any responsibility for, or incur any Liability to any Person under or in connection with,
the arrangement of the Financing or any alternative financing that Parent or Merger
Sub may raise in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement except arising from the actual and intentional fraud, willful misconduct or intentional misrepresentation of the
Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Representatives, and Parent and Merger Sub shall, on a joint and several basis, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its Affiliates and
its and their respective Representatives from and against any and all Damages suffered or incurred by any of them in connection with the arrangement of the Financing or any alternative financing,
except to the extent such Damages arose out of or resulted from the actual and intentional fraud, willful misconduct or intentional misrepresentation of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of
their respective Representatives.
(c) In
no event shall Parent or Merger Sub enter into any exclusivity, lock-up or other similar agreement, arrangement or understanding with any bank or investment bank or
other potential provider of debt or equity financing that could reasonably be expected to prevent such provider from providing or seeking to provide such financing to any third party in connection
with a transaction relating to the Company or its Subsidiaries (including a Takeover Proposal), in connection with the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 5.13
Section 16b-3.
Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall (and shall be
permitted to) take such steps as may be reasonably required to cause dispositions of the Company's
equity securities (including derivative securities) pursuant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by each individual who is a director or officer of the Company to be exempt under
Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Section 5.14
Agreements with Principal Stockholders.
From and after the date hereof until the
Requisite Company Vote is obtained, in no event shall Parent or Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates, on the
one hand, enter into any Contract with any of the Principal Stockholders or any of their respective Affiliates, on the other hand, relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the
business, operations or other interests of the Company and its Subsidiaries after the Effective Time, unless such Contract shall terminate, by its terms, upon the termination of this Agreement without
payment or penalty or any further obligations. In addition, from and after the date hereof until the Requisite Company Vote is obtained, in no event shall Parent amend, or waive any requirement under,
the Voting Agreement or any Rollover Letter, in each case, without the prior written consent of the Company.
Section 5.15
Transaction Litigation.
Prior to the earlier of the Effective Time or the
termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Article VII
,
the Company shall control the defense of any Legal Action (including any class action or derivative litigation) relating directly or indirectly to this Agreement or transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including disclosures made under securities laws and regulations related thereto ("
Transaction Litigation
");
provided
,
however
, that the Company shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable after obtaining
Knowledge thereof, notify Parent in writing of, and
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shall
(i) give Parent the right to review and comment on all material filings or responses to be made by the Company in connection with any Transaction Litigation (and the Company shall in good
faith take such comments into account), and the opportunity to participate in the defense and settlement of, any Transaction Litigation and (ii) if Parent does not exercise such right to
participate (subject to the Company's control right), keep Parent reasonably and promptly informed with respect to the status of such Transaction Litigation. Except as permitted on Section 5.15
of the Company Disclosure Letter, no compromise or settlement of any Transaction Litigation shall be agreed to by the Company without Parent's prior written consent (such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
Section 5.16
Applicable Exchange De-listing.
The Surviving Corporation shall cause the Common
Stock to be de-listed from the Applicable Exchange and de-registered under the Exchange Act at or as soon as
practicable following the Effective Time.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS
Section 6.1
Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger.
The respective obligation of
each party to this Agreement to effect the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby is subject to the satisfaction or
waiver on or before the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:
(a)
Company Stockholder Approval.
This Agreement shall have been duly adopted by the Requisite Company Vote in
accordance with the FBCA and the Organizational Documents of the Company at a duly called Company Stockholders Meeting.
(b)
Antitrust.
The waiting period applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act shall have
expired or been terminated.
(c)
No Orders.
No Governmental Authority shall have issued any Order that enjoins or otherwise prohibits
consummation of the Merger.
Section 6.2
Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub.
The obligations of each of
Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby are also subject to the satisfaction or
waiver by Parent on or before the Closing Date of the following conditions:
(a)
Representations and Warranties.
The representations and warranties of the Company set forth in
(i)
Article III
of this Agreement (other than those contained in
Section 3.1
(the
first sentence thereof),
Section 3.3
, Section 3.4,
Section 3.7(a)
,
Section 3.8(a)
,
Section 3.9, Section 3.25
and
Section 3.26
) shall be true and correct in all respects, without regard to any "materiality" or "Company
Material Adverse Effect" qualifications
contained in them, at and as of the Effective Time, as though made at and as of the Effective Time (except for representations and warranties made as of a specified date, the accuracy of which shall
be determined as of that specified date), with only such exceptions as do not have and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect;
(ii)
Section 3.1
(the first sentence thereof),
Section 3.3
,
Section 3.4
,
Section 3.7(a)
,
Section 3.9,
Section 3.25
and
Section 3.26
shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the Effective Time,
as though made at and as of the Effective Time (except for representations and warranties made as of a specified date, the accuracy of which shall be determined as of that specified date); and
(iii)
Section 3.8(a)
shall be true and correct in all but de minimis respects, other than as resulting from permitted exercises of
existing outstanding equity awards set forth in
Section 3.8(a)
following the date of this Agreement, in each case, at and as of the Effective
Time, as though made at and as of the Effective Time (except for representations and warranties made as of a specified date, the accuracy of which shall be determined as of that specified date).
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(b)
Performance of Obligations.
The Company shall have, in all material respects,
performed or complied with all obligations required to be performed or complied with by it under this Agreement at or before the Closing Date.
(c)
No Company Material Adverse Effect.
Since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred a
Company Material Adverse Effect.
(d)
Officer's Certificate.
Parent shall have received a certificate, signed by either the Chief Executive
Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certifying as to the matters set forth in
Section 6.2(a), Section 6.2(b)
and
Section 6.2(c)
.
Section 6.3
Conditions to Obligation of the Company.
The obligation of the Company to effect the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Company on
or before the Closing Date of the following conditions:
(a)
Representations and Warranties.
The representations and warranties of each of Parent and Merger Sub set
forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects, without regard to any "materiality" or "Parent Material Adverse Effect" qualifications contained in them, at and as of the Effective
Time as though made at and as of the Effective Time (except for representations and warranties made as of a specified date, the accuracy of which shall be determined as of that specified date), unless
the failure or failures of representations and warranties to be true and correct in all respects would not individually or in the aggregate have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
(b)
Performance of Obligations.
Each of Parent and Merger Sub shall have, in all material respects, performed or
complied with all obligations required to be performed or complied with by it under this Agreement at or before the Closing Date.
(c)
Officer's Certificate.
The Company shall have received a certificate, signed by an executive officer of
Parent, certifying as to the matters set forth in
Section 6.2(a)
and
Section 6.2(b)
.
Section 6.4
Frustration of Closing Conditions.
Neither the Company, on the one hand, nor Parent
or Merger Sub, on the other hand, may rely, either as a basis for not consummating the Merger or for terminating
this Agreement and abandoning the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, on the failure of any condition set forth in
Section 6.1
,
Section 6.2
or
Section 6.3
, as the case may be, to be satisfied if such party's breach of any provision of this Agreement or failure to use its reasonable
best
efforts to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as required by and subject to
Section 5.8
,
Section 5.9
and
Section 5.12
, materially contributed to the failure of such condition to
be satisfied.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION; TERMINATION FEES AND EXPENSES
Section 7.1
Termination by Mutual Consent.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time before the
Effective Time by mutual written consent of Parent and the Company (but with respect to the Company, only
pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Special Committee).
Section 7.2
Termination by Either Parent or the Company.
This Agreement may be terminated by
either Parent or the Company (only pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Special Committee) at any time before the Effective
Time:
(a) whether
before or after obtaining the Requisite Company Vote, if the Merger has not been consummated by December 14, 2018 (the
"
Termination Date
"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right to terminate this Agreement under this
Section 7.2(a)
shall not be available to
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any
party to this Agreement whose breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of this Agreement has materially contributed to, or resulted in, the failure to consummate the Merger by
such date;
(b) if
this Agreement has been submitted to the stockholders of the Company for adoption at a duly convened Company Stockholders Meeting and the Requisite Company Vote is
not obtained upon a vote taken thereof (or adjournment, postponement or recess thereof); or
(c) whether
before or after obtaining the Requisite Company Vote, if any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over any party hereto shall have issued any Order that
permanently enjoins or otherwise permanently prohibits consummation of the Merger and such Order is or shall have become final and nonappealable;
provided
, that the party seeking to terminate this
Agreement pursuant to this
Section 7.2(c)
shall have used reasonable best efforts to challenge such Order and cause such Order to be withdrawn, rescinded, terminated, cancelled or otherwise nullified.
Section 7.3
Termination by Parent.
This Agreement may be terminated by Parent at any time before
the Effective Time:
(a) prior
to the Requisite Company Vote, if the Company Board or the Special Committee withdraws, modifies or amends the Company Board Recommendation (or the Special
Committee recommends that the Company Board take any such action) in any manner adverse to Parent or the Company Board or the Special Committee publicly proposes to do so;
(b) prior
to the Requisite Company Vote, if (i) the Company Board or the Special Committee approves, endorses or recommends a Takeover Proposal or publicly proposes
to do so or (ii) a tender offer or exchange offer that if consummated would result in any Person(s) beneficially owning 20% or more of any class of equity securities of the Company then
outstanding is commenced and the Company Board or Special Committee recommends in favor of, or within ten (10) Business Days after the commencement thereof the Company Board fails to recommend
against, such tender offer or exchange offer by its stockholders or the Company Board or the Special Committee publicly proposes to do so; or
(c) if
the Company breaches any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach (i) would give rise to the
failure of a condition to Closing set forth in
Section 6.2(a)
or
Section 6.2(b)
and
(ii) (A) is not capable of being cured prior to the Termination Date or (B) has not been cured by the Company within twenty (20) Business Days after the Company's receipt
of written notice of such breach from Parent, but only so long as neither Parent nor Merger Sub are then in breach of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in
this Agreement, which breach would give rise to the failure of a condition to Closing set forth in
Section 6.3(a)
or
Section 6.3(b)
.
Section 7.4
Termination by the Company.
This Agreement may be terminated by the Company (only
pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Special Committee) at any time before the Effective Time:
(a) pursuant
to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of
Section 5.4(e)
;
(b) if
Parent or Merger Sub breaches any of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, which breach (i) would
give rise to the failure of a condition to Closing set forth in
Section 6.3(a)
or
Section 6.3(b)
and (ii) (A) is not capable of being
cured prior to the Termination Date or (B) has not been cured by Parent
within twenty (20) Business Days after Parent's receipt of written notice of such breach from the Company, but only so long as the Company is not then in breach of its representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this
Agreement, which breach would give rise to the failure of a condition to Closing set forth in
Section 6.2(a)
or
Section 6.2(b)
; or
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(c) if
(i) all of the conditions to the Closing set forth in
Section 6.1
and
Section 6.2
have been satisfied or waived (other than any condition
the failure of which to be satisfied is attributable to a breach by Parent or
Merger Sub of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement and other than conditions that, by their nature, are to be satisfied at the Closing and
which were, at the time of termination, capable of being satisfied), (ii) the Company confirmed to Parent in writing that all conditions set forth in
Section 6.3
have been satisfied (or that
it is willing to waive (to the extent permitted by Law) any unsatisfied conditions set forth in
Section 6.3
) and that it stands and will stand ready, willing and able to consummate the Merger and (iii) Parent and Merger Sub have
failed to consummate the Closing by the earlier of (x) the date that is five Business Days after receipt of such confirmation by the Company and (y) the Termination Date.
Section 7.5
Manner and Effect of Termination.
Any party terminating this Agreement pursuant to
any of
Section 7.2
,
Section 7.3
or
Section 7.4
shall give written notice of such termination
to the other
party in accordance with this Agreement, which written notice shall specify the provision or provisions hereof pursuant to which such termination is being effected. If this Agreement is terminated
pursuant to this
Article VII
, it shall become void and of no further force and effect, with no Liability on the part of any party to this
Agreement (or any Parent Related Party or Company Related Party) other than as provided in
Section 7.6
;
provided
, that notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Agreement, the provisions of
Section 5.3(b)
,
Section 5.10
,
Section 5.11
, the final sentence of
Section 5.12(b)
, this
Section 7.5
,
Section 7.6
,
Article VIII
, the Limited Guarantee, the Pledge and Security Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreements shall survive any termination of this
Agreement.
Section 7.6
Fees and Expenses Following Termination
.
(a) Except
as set forth in
Section 5.12(b)
or this
Section 7.6
,
all Expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.11
.
(b) The
Company shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Parent by wire transfer of immediately available funds an amount equal to the Company Termination Fee:
-
(i)
-
if
this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to
Section 7.4(a)
, in which case payment shall be made
concurrently with such termination;
-
(ii)
-
if
this Agreement is terminated by Parent pursuant to
Section 7.3(a)
or
Section 7.3(b)
in which case payment shall be made within five Business Days
following such termination; or
-
(iii)
-
if
(A) a Takeover Proposal shall have been publicly made or publicly proposed to the Company or otherwise publicly announced (or, in the case of a
termination pursuant to (x)
Section 7.2(a)
and Parent would have been entitled to terminate the Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.3(a)
or
Section 7.3(b)
or
(y)
Section 7.3(c)
, in each case, otherwise communicated to the Company), in each case following the date hereof and, (I) prior to
the date of the Company Stockholders Meeting (in the case of a termination under
Section 7.2(b)
) and not subsequently withdrawn or
(II) prior to the action or event giving rise to the termination of this Agreement (in the case of a termination under
(x)
Section 7.2(a)
and Parent would have been entitled to terminate the Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.3(a)
or
Section 7.3(b)
or
(y)
Section 7.3(c)
) and not subsequently withdrawn, (B) this Agreement is terminated by the Company or Parent pursuant to
Section 7.2(b)
,
Section 7.3(c)
, or
Section 7.2(a)
and Parent would have been entitled to terminate the Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.3(a)
or
Section 7.3(b)
, in each case as applicable, and (C) (x) within
twelve months following the date of such termination, the
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Company
or any of its Subsidiaries consummates a Takeover Proposal referred to in the foregoing clause (A) or enters into a Contract providing for the implementation of such Takeover Proposal
or (y) within nine months following the date of such termination, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries consummates any Takeover Proposal or enters into a Contract providing for the
implementation of any Takeover Proposal, in which case payment shall be made within five Business Days following the earlier of the date on which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries consummates
such Takeover Proposal and the date on which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries enters into a Contract therefor. For purposes of the foregoing clause (C) only, references in the definition
of the term "Takeover Proposal" to the figure "20%" shall be deemed to be replaced by "more than 50%".
(c) For
purposes of this Agreement, the "
Company Termination Fee
" means an amount in cash equal to $8,736,000.
(d) Parent
shall pay to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available funds an amount equal to $17,472,000 (such amount, the "
Parent
Termination Fee
") within five Business Days after termination if this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to
Section 7.4(b)
or
Section 7.4(c)
or if this Agreement is terminated by the Company or
Parent pursuant to
Section 7.2(a)
and the Company would have been entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.4(b)
or
Section 7.4(c)
but for (A) such termination pursuant to
Section 7.2(a)
or (B) the fact that the expiration of the two-Business Day period described
in
Section 1.2
occurs after the Termination Date.
(e) If
the Company fails to pay the Company Termination Fee, or Parent fails to pay the Parent Termination Fee, as applicable, in each case as required pursuant to this
Section 7.6
when due, such fee
shall accrue interest for the period commencing on the date such fee became past due, at a rate equal to the rate
of interest publicly announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in the City of New York from time to time during such period, as such bank's Prime Lending Rate. In addition, if the Company or Parent, as
applicable, fails to pay such fee when due, the Company or Parent, as applicable, shall also pay to the other party all of such party's costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) in
connection with all actions to collect such fee.
(f) Parent
and the Company acknowledge that (i) the fees and other provisions of this
Section 7.6
are an
integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) without these agreements, Parent and the Company would not enter into this Agreement and (iii) any amount payable
pursuant to this
Section 7.6
does not constitute a penalty. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (A) Parent's right
to receive the Company Termination Fee pursuant to this
Section 7.6
shall be the sole and exclusive remedy (whether at law, in equity, in
contract, tort or otherwise) of Parent and its Affiliates, as applicable, against the Company Related Parties for (x) any Damages suffered as a result of the failure of the Merger to be
consummated and (y) any other Damages suffered as a result of or under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and upon payment of the Company Termination Fee in
accordance with this
Section 7.6
, none of the Company Related Parties shall have any further liability or obligation relating to or arising out
of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
provided
, that the foregoing shall not impair the rights of Parent, if any, to
obtain injunctive relief pursuant to
Section 8.15
prior to any termination of this Agreement and (B) the Company's right to receive the
Parent Termination Fee pursuant to this
Section 7.6
shall be the sole and exclusive remedy (whether at law, in equity, in contract, tort or
otherwise) of the Company and its Affiliates, as applicable, against the Parent Related Parties for (i) any Damages suffered as a result of the failure of the Merger to be consummated and
(ii) any other Damages suffered as a result of or under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and upon payment of the Parent Termination Fee in accordance with this
Section 7.6
, none of the
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Parent
Related Parties shall have any further liability or obligation relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby;
provided
, that (1) the foregoing shall not
impair the rights of the Company, if any, to obtain injunctive relief pursuant to
Section 8.15
prior to any termination of this Agreement and (2) Parent and Merger Sub shall remain liable
hereunder and the Guarantor and
Pledgor shall remain liable under the Limited Guarantee and the Pledge and Security Agreement, respectively, for any expense reimbursement or indemnification obligations of Parent or Merger Sub
pursuant to
Section 5.11
and
Section 5.12(b)
and the applicable parties to the
Confidentiality Agreements shall remain liable thereunder. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the Financing Commitments to the contrary, the Financing Sources shall have no liability or
obligation to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, Affiliates or Representatives relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the Financing Commitments or the Financing.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.1
Certain Definitions.
For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) "
Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement
" means a confidentiality agreement between the Company and a Person making a
Takeover Proposal entered into prior to the date hereof, or if entered into on or after the date hereof, on terms no less favorable (except with respect to standstill provisions) in the aggregate to
the Company than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreements.
(b) "
Affiliate
" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or
is under common control with, such first Person;
provided
, that, (i) neither any Person that owns equity securities of the Company nor any
Affiliate or portfolio company of such Person shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company solely by virtue of such Person's ownership of equity securities of the Company and (ii) for
purposes of this Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries
shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of Parent and Merger Sub prior to the Closing. For the purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlling,"
"controlled by" and "under common control with"), when used with respect to any Person, means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, directly or
indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
(c) "
Anticorruption Laws
" means any and all applicable Laws, including, without limitation, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transaction Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, and Executive Orders imposing or regulations implementing economic sanctions
administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
(d) "
Applicable Exchange
" means the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
(e) "
Business Day
" means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are
authorized or required by Law to close, and shall consist of the time period from 12:01 a.m. through 12:00 midnight New York time.
(f) "
Code
" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(g) "
Common Stock
" means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.
(h) "
Company Equity Plan
" means, collectively, the 2005 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan and the 2015 Long Term
Incentive Compensation Plan.
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(i) "
Company Material Adverse Effect
" means any fact, circumstance, change, event, development, occurrence or effect that
has, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the business, properties, assets or results of operations or financial condition of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
provided
, that the term "Company Material Adverse Effect" shall not include any such effect relating to
or arising from (i) any national, international or any foreign or domestic regional economic, financial, social or political conditions (including changes therein), including the results of any
primary or general elections, (ii) changes in any financial, debt, credit, capital or banking markets or conditions (including any disruption thereof),
(iii) changes in interest, currency or exchange rates or the price of any commodity, security or market index, (iv) changes in legal or regulatory conditions, including changes or
proposed changes in Law, GAAP or other accounting principles or requirements, or standards, interpretations or enforcement thereof, (v) changes in the Company's and its Subsidiaries' industries
in general or seasonal fluctuations in the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (vi) any change in the market price or trading volume of any securities or indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any decrease of the ratings or the ratings outlook for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by any applicable rating agency, or the change in, or failure of the
Company to meet, or the publication of any report regarding, any internal or public projections, forecasts, budgets or estimates of or relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any
period, including with respect to revenue, earnings, cash flow or cash position (it being understood that the underlying causes of any of the foregoing may, if they are not otherwise excluded from the
definition of Company Material Adverse Effect, be taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred), (vii) the occurrence, escalation, outbreak or
worsening of any hostilities, war, police action, acts of terrorism or military conflicts, whether or not pursuant to the declaration of an emergency or war, (viii) the existence, occurrence or
continuation of any force majeure events, including any earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tropical storms, fires or other natural disasters or any national, international or regional calamity,
(ix) compliance by the Company and its Subsidiaries with the terms of this Agreement, including the failure to take any action restricted by this Agreement, or any actions taken to the extent
required by this Agreement (other than the conduct of the operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course consistent with past practice pursuant to the first sentence of
Section 5.1
), (x) any actions taken, or not taken, with the written consent, waiver or at the written request of Parent, (xi) any
matters solely to the extent of the facts, circumstances, changes, events, developments, occurrences or effects disclosed in Section 3.14 or item (c)(i) under Section 3.20 of the
Company Disclosure Letter, (xii) the public announcement of this Agreement, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the identities of Parent, Merger Sub and their respective
Affiliates, (xiii) the execution, announcement, performance or existence of this Agreement and the Voting Agreement and (xiv) any Legal Actions involving stockholders of the Company
arising from or relating to this Agreement, the Voting Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Voting Agreement, except, in the case of clauses (i), (ii), (iii),
(iv), (v), (vi), (vii) and (viii), to the extent any such effect has a disproportionate adverse impact on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other similarly
situated companies in the principal industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate.
(j) "
Company Related Parties
" means (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii) the former, current and future
holders of any equity, partnership or limited liability company interest, controlling persons, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, Affiliates, members, managers, general or limited
partners, stockholders or assignees of the Company or its Subsidiaries or (iii) any future holders of any equity, partnership or limited liability company interest, controlling persons,
directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, Affiliates, members, managers, general or limited partners, stockholders, assignees of any of the foregoing.
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(k) "
Contract
" means any contract, agreement, indenture, note, bond, loan, lease, sublease, conditional sales contract,
mortgage, license, sublicense, obligation, promise, undertaking, commitment or other binding arrangement (in each case, whether written or oral).
(l) "
Enforceability Exceptions
" means (i) any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance,
reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws of general applicability affecting creditors' rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity.
(m) "
Financing Contingencies
" means (i) the "Excess Availability" requirement described in clause (d) of
Exhibit C of the Wells Commitment Letter; (ii) (x) the "Reorganization" as defined in the Wells Commitment Letter, and (y) the "Reorganization" as defined in the Fortress
Commitment Letter; and (iii) the approval of the "Agent" and initial "Lenders" (in each case as defined in the Wells Commitment Letter or Fortress Commitment Letter, as applicable) under each
of the Wells Commitment Letter and the Fortress Commitment Letter of the form and substance of (x) the intercompany license agreement relating to the intellectual property, and (y) the
intercompany lease agreement relating to the leasing of property of the Company.
(n) "
Financing Sources
" means any Person, other than Parent, Rollover Investors or any of their respective Affiliates, that
commits to provide or otherwise enter into agreements in connection with the Debt Financing proposed to be provided to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (including Merger Sub) in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby, including the Lenders, agents, bookrunners and arrangers of any Financing, together with their respective former, current and future holders of any equity,
partnership or limited liability company interests, officers, employees, directors, consultants, Affiliates (including underwriters, placement agents and initial purchasers), affiliated (or commonly
advised) funds, partners (general or limited), stockholders, managers, members, controlling parties, attorneys, agents advisors, accountants, agents and representatives and any successors or assigns
of the foregoing, including any successors or assigns via joinder agreements or credit agreements relating thereto.
(o) "
Governmental Authority
" means: (i) any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or international government or
governmental authority, quasi-governmental entity of any kind, regulatory or administrative agency, governmental commission, department, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, court, tribunal,
arbitrator or arbitral body (public or private) or any body exercising or entitled to exercise any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of
any nature, (ii) any self-regulatory organization (including any stock exchange) or (iii) any political subdivision of any of the foregoing.
(p) "
Hazardous Substances
" means: (i) any substance that is listed, classified or regulated as hazardous, toxic or a
pollutant or contaminant under any Environmental Law or (ii) any petroleum product or by-product, asbestos-containing material, lead-containing paint or plumbing, polychlorinated biphenyls,
radioactive material or radon.
(q) "
Intellectual Property
" means all rights in and to intellectual property of any type or nature throughout the world,
including: (i) trademarks, service marks, brand names, Internet domain names, logos, trade dress, trade names, and other indicia of origin, all applications and registrations for the foregoing,
and all goodwill associated therewith and symbolized thereby; (ii) proprietary works of authorship, including works protected by copyright and proprietary industrial designs;
(iii) patents and applications therefor, including divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part and renewal applications, and including renewals, extensions, reexaminations and reissues;
(iv) proprietary data, confidential information, trade secrets and know-how; and (v) copyrights, whether registered or unregistered.
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(r) "
Knowledge
" means, when used with respect to Parent or the Company, the actual knowledge of the Persons set forth in
Section 8.1(r) of the Parent Disclosure Letter or Company Disclosure Letter, respectively.
(s) "
Law
" means any law, statute, ordinance, code, regulation, rule, treaty, convention or other requirement of, or
promulgated or enacted by, any Governmental Authority, and any Orders.
(t) "
Liens
" means any mortgages, liens, pledges, security interests, claims, options, rights of first offer or refusal,
charges or other encumbrances in respect of any property or asset.
(u) "
Orders
" means any orders, decisions, judgments, writs, injunctions, decrees, awards or other determination of any
Governmental Authority.
(v) "
Organizational Documents
" means the certificate of incorporation and bylaws (or the equivalent organizational documents)
executed, adopted or filed in connection with the creation, formation or organization of a Person, including any amendments thereto.
(w) "
Owned Intellectual Property
" means all Intellectual Property owned by either the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that
is registered or subject to a pending application for registration or issuance.
(x) "
Parent Material Adverse Effect
" means any event, circumstance, development, change or effect that, individually or in
the aggregate with all other events, circumstances, developments, changes and effects, would prevent or materially impair or delay the consummation of the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby or prevent or materially impair or delay the ability of Parent or Merger Sub to perform its obligations hereunder.
(y) "
Parent Related Parties
" means (i) Parent, Merger Sub, the Guarantor, the Pledgor, the Rollover Investors and the
Financing Sources, (ii) the former, current and future holders of any equity, partnership or limited liability company interest, controlling persons, directors, officers, employees, agents,
attorneys, Affiliates, members, managers, general or limited partners, stockholders or assignees of Parent, Merger Sub, the Guarantor, the Pledgor, the Rollover Investors or the Financing Sources or
(iii) any future holders of any equity, partnership or limited liability company interest, controlling persons, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, Affiliates, members, managers,
general or limited partners, stockholders, assignees of any of the foregoing.
(z) "
Permitted Lien
" shall mean (i) any Lien for Taxes or other governmental charges which are not yet due or which
are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (ii) Liens securing indebtedness or Liabilities that
are reflected in the Company SEC Reports filed on or prior to the date hereof, (iii) such non-monetary Liens or other imperfections of title, if any, that are not materially adverse to the
Company and its Subsidiaries, including (A) easements whether or not shown by the public records, overlaps, encroachments and any matters not of record which would be disclosed by an accurate
survey or a personal inspection of the property, (B) any supplemental Taxes or assessments not shown by the public records and (C) title to any portion of the premises lying within the
right of way or boundary of any public road or private road, (iv) rights of parties in possession, (v) Liens imposed or promulgated by Laws with respect to real property and
improvements, including zoning regulations, (vi) Liens disclosed on existing title insurance policies, title reports or existing surveys which have (together with all title exception documents)
been delivered to Parent, (vii) materialmans', mechanics', carriers', workmen's, repairmen's and similar Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business for amounts not yet due or which are
being contested in good faith and for which adequate accruals or reserves have been established, in each case, to the extent required by GAAP, (viii) in the case of leased or licensed real
property, any Lien to which the fee or any other superior interest in the leased or licensed premises is subject,
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and
any rights contained in the applicable lease, license or other occupancy agreement, (ix) licenses or other grants of rights to use of Intellectual Property and (x) other Liens that
are not material to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(aa) "
Person
" means any natural person, corporation, company, partnership, association, limited liability company, limited
partnership, limited liability partnership, trust or other legal entity or organization, including a Governmental Authority.
(bb) "
Representatives
" means, when used with respect to Parent or the Company, the directors, officers, employees,
consultants, accountants, legal counsel, investment bankers or other financial advisors, agents and other representatives of Parent or the Company, as applicable, and their respective Affiliates;
provided, however, that, for purposes of this Agreement, neither George Feldenkreis, Oscar Feldenkreis nor their family members or Affiliates will be deemed Representatives of the Company or any its
Subsidiaries; provided, further, that, for purposes of this Agreement, no Representative of Parent or any of its Affiliates shall be deemed to be a Representative of the Company prior to the Closing.
(cc) "
Requisite Company Vote
" means adoption of this Agreement by the affirmative vote of holders of (i) a majority of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote thereon as of the record date for the Company Stockholders Meeting and (ii) a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled
to vote thereon that are not owned directly or indirectly by the Rollover Investors, any other officers or directors of the Company or any other Person having any equity interest in, or right to
acquire any equity interest in, Merger Sub or any Person of which Merger Sub is a direct or indirect Subsidiary.
(dd) "
Rights
" means any rights, title, interest or benefit of whatever kind or nature.
(ee) "
Solvent
" means, when used with respect to any Person, that, on a consolidated basis as of any date of determination,
(i) the amount of the present fair saleable value of the assets of such Person will, as of such date, exceed the amount of all Liabilities of such Person, as of such date, as such amounts are
determined in accordance with applicable Law governing determinations of the insolvency of debtors, (ii) the present fair saleable value of the assets of such Person will, as of such date, be
greater than the amount that will be required to pay the Liabilities of such Person on its debts as such debts become absolute and matured, (iii) such Person will not have, as of such date, an
unreasonably small amount of capital with which to conduct its business and (iv) such Person will be able to pay its debts as they mature. For purposes of this definition, (A) "debt"
means liability on a "claim" and (B) "claim" means any (x) right to payment, whether or not such a right is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured,
unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured or unsecured or (y) right to an equitable remedy for breach of performance if such breach gives rise to a right to payment, whether or
not such right to an equitable remedy is reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured or unsecured. The amount of Liabilities at any time shall be
computed as the amount that, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at the time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured Liability.
(ff) "
Subsidiary
" means, when used with respect to any Person, any other Person that such Person directly or indirectly owns
or has the power to vote or control more than 50% of the voting stock or other interests the holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of directors or other
applicable governing body of such other Person.
(gg) "
Superior Proposal
" means a bona fide written Takeover Proposal (with all percentages in the definition of Takeover
Proposal changed to 50%), not obtained in violation in any material respect of
Section 5.4
, which the Special Committee determines in good faith,
after consultation with the Company's outside legal counsel and financial advisors, (i) is on terms and conditions
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more
favorable, from a financial point of view, to the stockholders of the Company (excluding the Rollover Investors) than those contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) is reasonably capable of
being completed, taking into account all material financial, regulatory, legal and other aspects of such proposal.
(hh) "
Takeover Proposal
" means, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, any bona fide written proposal or
offer relating to (i) a merger, consolidation, spin-off, share exchange (including a split-off) or business combination involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries representing 20% or more
of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) a sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, transfer or other disposition, in a single transaction or series of related
transactions, of 20% or more of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (iii) a purchase or sale of shares of capital stock or other securities, in a single
transaction or series of related transactions, representing 20% or more of the voting power of the capital stock of the Company, including by way of a tender offer or exchange offer, (iv) a
reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation or dissolution involving 20% or more of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, take as a whole or (v) any other transaction having a
similar effect to those described in clauses (i) through (iv).
(ii) "
Tax Returns
" means any and all reports, returns, declarations, claims for refund, elections, disclosures, estimates,
information reports or returns or statements required to be supplied to a taxing authority in connection with Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto or amendment thereof.
(jj) "
Taxes
" means all federal, state, provincial, county, local, municipal, foreign and other taxes, assessments, duties or
similar charges, including all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to such amounts, imposed by any Governmental Authority.
(kk) "
Willful and Material Breach
" means a willful and deliberate act or a willful and deliberate failure to act (including a
failure to cure), in each case that is the consequence of an act or omission by a party that knows that the taking of such act or failure to take such act would or would reasonably be expected to
cause a material breach of this Agreement (regardless of whether breaching was the object of the act or failure to act), it being understood that such term shall include, in any event, the failure to
consummate the Merger when required to do so by this Agreement.
Section 8.2
Interpretation.
Unless the express context otherwise requires:
(a) the
words "hereof," "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import, when used in this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
provision of this Agreement;
(b) terms
defined in the singular shall have a comparable meaning when used in the plural, and vice versa;
(c) the
terms "Dollars" and "$" mean U.S. dollars;
(d) references
herein to a specific Section, Subsection, Recital, Schedule or Exhibit shall refer, respectively, to Sections, Subsections, Recitals, Schedules or Exhibits of
this Agreement;
(e) wherever
the word "include," "includes" or "including" is used in this Agreement, it shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation";
(f) references
herein to any gender shall include each other gender;
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(g) references
herein to any Person shall include such Person's heirs, executors, personal representatives, administrators, successors and assigns; provided, that nothing
contained in this
Section 8.2
is intended to authorize any assignment or transfer not otherwise permitted by this Agreement;
(h) references
herein to a Person in a particular capacity or capacities shall exclude such Person in any other capacity;
(i) with
respect to the determination of any period of time, the word "from" means "from and including" and the words "to" and "until" each means "to but excluding";
(j) the
word "or" shall be disjunctive but not exclusive;
(k) references
herein to any Law shall be deemed to refer to such Law as amended, modified, codified, reenacted, supplemented or superseded in whole or in part and in effect
from time to time, and also to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
(l) references
herein to any Contract mean such Contract as amended, supplemented or modified (including any waiver thereto) in accordance with the terms thereof;
(m) the
headings contained in this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and shall not affect the rights of the parties to this Agreement;
(n) with
regard to all dates and time periods set forth or referred to in this Agreement, time is of the essence;
(o) if
the last day for the giving of any notice or the performance of any act required or permitted under this Agreement is a day that is not a Business Day, then the time
for the giving of such notice or the performance of such action shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day;
(p) references
herein to "as of the date hereof," "as of the date of this Agreement" or words of similar import shall be deemed to mean "as of immediately prior to the
execution and delivery of this Agreement"; and
(q) The
representations and warranties in this Agreement are the product of negotiations among the parties hereto and are for the sole benefit of such parties. Any
inaccuracies in such representations and warranties are subject to waiver by the parties hereto in accordance with
Section 8.9
without notice or
liability to any other Person. In some instances, the representations and warranties in this Agreement may represent an allocation among the parties hereto of risks associated with particular matters
regardless of the knowledge of any of the parties. Consequently, Persons other than the parties hereto may not rely on the representations and warranties in this Agreement as characterizations of
actual facts or circumstances as of the date of this Agreement or as of any other date.
Section 8.3
No Survival.
None of the representations and warranties contained
in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered under this Agreement (other than the Limited Guarantee and
the Pledge and Security Agreement in accordance with their terms) shall survive the Effective Time. This
Section 8.3
shall not limit any covenant
or agreement of the parties to this Agreement which, by its terms, contemplates performance after the Effective Time, which, in each case, shall survive in accordance with its terms and conditions.
Section 8.4
Governing Law
.
(a) This
Agreement, and any dispute, claim, legal action, suit, proceeding or controversy arising out of or relating hereto, shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the Laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict of law principles thereof.
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(b) Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, the parties hereto agree that any dispute, claim, cross-claim, third-party claim, legal action, suit, proceeding or
controversy of any kind or description, whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, involving or against a Financing Source arising out of or relating hereto, including
but not limited to any dispute arising out of or relating in any way to the Financing or the Financing Commitments or the performance thereof, or any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of law principles thereof.
Section 8.5
Submission to Jurisdiction; Service
.
(a) Each
party to this Agreement (i) irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the personal jurisdiction of the federal and state courts of the United States of
America located in the State of Florida, (ii) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court,
(iii) agrees that any actions or proceedings arising in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement against any Company Related Party or any Parent Related
Party shall be brought, tried and determined only in the state and federal courts in Miami-Date Country, State of Florida (or, only if the state and federal courts in Miami-Dade County, State of
Florida decline to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Florida) (the "
Chosen Courts
"),
(iv) waives any claim of improper venue or any claim that those courts are an inconvenient forum and (v) agrees that it will not bring any action relating to this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement against any Company Related Party or any Parent Related Party in any court other than the Chosen Courts, except to the extent that all such courts shall
lawfully decline to exercise such jurisdiction and except that any party may seek to enforce or implement any Order obtained in any such courts or in any other court of competent jurisdiction. The
parties to this Agreement agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in the manner provided in
Section 8.7
or in such other manner as may be
permitted by applicable Law, shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.
(b) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, each party to this Agreement acknowledges and irrevocably agrees (i) that any action, suit, claim or
proceeding, cause of action, cross-claim or third-party claim of any kind of description, whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, involving or against any of the
Lenders or other Financing Sources or any Affiliate thereof arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Debt Commitment Letters or the performance thereunder shall be subject to the exclusive
jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City and State of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof (it being understood and agreed that,
notwithstanding the selection of such exclusive jurisdiction, any interpretation of "Company Material Adverse Effect" or any similar term shall be solely governed by the Laws of the State of Florida),
(ii) not to bring or permit any of their Affiliates to bring or support anyone else in bringing any such action or proceeding in any other court, (iii) to waive any right to trial by
jury in respect of any such action or proceeding and (iv) that the Lenders and other Financing Sources and their respective Affiliates are express third-party beneficiaries of this
Section 8.5(b)
. For clarity, in no event shall the provisions of this
Section 8.5(b)
apply
to Parent, Rollover Investors or any of their respective Affiliates, regardless of whether any such Person is a Lender, Financing Source or an Affiliate thereof.
Section 8.6
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH
MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE,
EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LEGAL ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY
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ARISING
OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE FINANCING COMMITMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY LITIGATION AGAINST ANY FINANCING SOURCES ARISING OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE FINANCING COMMITMENTS. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (A) NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR
OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER IN THE EVENT OF A LEGAL ACTION, (B) SUCH PARTY HAS CONSIDERED AND UNDERSTANDS THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER,
(C) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (D) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN
THIS
SECTION 8.6
.
Section 8.7
Notices.
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and
shall be addressed as follows (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified
by like notice):
If
to Parent or Merger Sub, to:
4810
NW 74 Ave
Miami, FL 33166
Attention: George Feldenkreis
Facsimile: 305-864-1813
with
a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Olshan
Frome Wolosky LLP
1325 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
Attention: Steve Wolosky, Esq.
Elizabeth R. Gonzalez-Sussman, Esq.
Michael R. Neidell, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 451-2222
If
to the Company, to:
Perry
Ellis International, Inc.
3000 N.W. 107th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33172
Attention: Tricia Thompkins, General Counsel
J. David Scheiner, Chairman of the Special Committee
Facsimile: (786) 221-8735
with
a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Paul,
Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019-6064
Attention: Kelley D. Parker, Esq.
Robert B. Schumer, Esq.
Facsimile: (212) 757-3900
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and
Akerman LLP
98 Southeast Seventh Street, Suite 1100
Miami, FL 33131
Attention: Stephen Roddenberry, Esq.
Carl D. Roston, Esq.
Facsimile: (305) 374-5095
All
such notices or communications shall be deemed to have been delivered and received (a) if delivered in person, on the day of such delivery, (b) if by facsimile or
electronic mail, on the day on which such facsimile or electronic mail was sent;
provided
, that receipt is personally confirmed by telephone,
(c) if by certified or registered mail (return receipt requested), on the seventh Business Day after the mailing thereof or (d) if by reputable overnight delivery service, on the second
Business Day after the sending thereof.
Section 8.8
Amendment.
This Agreement may be amended by the parties to this Agreement at any
time before the Effective Time, whether before or after obtaining the Requisite Company
Vote, so long as (a) no amendment that requires further stockholder approval under applicable Law after stockholder approval hereof shall be made without such required further approval and
(b) such amendment has been duly approved by the board of directors or manager, as applicable, of each of Merger Sub, Parent and the Company (only pursuant to a resolution adopted by the
Special Committee). This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Section 8.8
, any amendments, modifications supplements to or waivers of any FS Provisions (or any other provision of this Agreement to the extent
an amendment or waiver of such provision would modify the substance of any FS Provision) in a manner adverse to the Financing Sources shall require the prior written consent of the Financing Sources.
Section 8.9
Extension; Waiver.
At any time before the Effective Time, Parent and Merger Sub, on
the one hand, and the Company (only pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Special Committee),
on the other hand, may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations of the other party, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other
party contained in this Agreement or in any document delivered under this Agreement or (c) subject to applicable Law, waive compliance with any of the covenants or conditions contained in this
Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Section 8.9
, any waivers of any FS Provisions (or any other provision
of this agreement to the extent a waiver of such provision would modify the substance of any FS Provision) in a manner adverse to the Financing Sources shall require the prior written consent of the
Financing Sources. Any agreement on the part of a party to any extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by such party. The failure of any party to assert
any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of such rights, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the
exercise of any right, power or privilege under this Agreement.
Section 8.10
Entire Agreement.
This Agreement (including the exhibits and schedules hereto), the
Company Disclosure Letter, the Parent Disclosure Letter, the Limited Guarantee, the Pledge and
Security Agreement, the Rollover Letters, the Voting Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreements contain all of the terms, conditions and representations and warranties agreed to by the parties
relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements, negotiations, correspondence, undertakings, understandings, representations and warranties, both
written and oral, among the parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of
Section 4.14
, no representation, warranty, inducement,
promise, understanding or condition not set forth in this Agreement (including the
exhibits and
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schedules
hereto), the Company Disclosure Letter, the Parent Disclosure Letter, the Limited Guarantee, the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Rollover Letters, the Voting Agreement and the
Confidentiality Agreements has been made or relied upon by any of the parties to this Agreement.
Section 8.11
No Third-Party Beneficiaries.
Except (a) as provided in
Section 5.7
, (b) for the provisions of
Article II
(which, from and after the Effective Time, shall be for the benefit of holders of Common Stock, Company
Options and Company Stock
Awards as of the Effective Time) and (c) for the provisions of the last sentence of
Section 5.12(b)
, which shall be for the benefit of the
Company, its Affiliates and their respective Representatives, Parent and the Company hereby agree that their respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein are
solely for the benefit of the other party hereto, in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement, and this Agreement is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any Person other than
the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder, including the right to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, except that the Financing Sources are made express third
party beneficiaries to
Section 7.6(f)
,
Section 8.4(b)
,
Section 8.5(b)
,
Section 8.6
,
Section 8.8
,
Section 8.9
, this
Section 8.11
,
Section 8.14
and
Section 8.18
(collectively, the "
FS Provisions
"). The representations
and warranties in this
Agreement are the product of negotiations among the parties hereto and are for the sole benefit of the parties hereto. Any inaccuracies in such representations and warranties are subject to waiver by
the parties hereto in accordance with
Section 8.9
without notice or liability to any other Person. The representations and warranties in this
Agreement may represent an allocation among the parties hereto of risks associated with particular matters regardless of the Knowledge of any of the parties hereto. Accordingly, Persons other than the
parties hereto may not rely upon the representations and warranties in this Agreement as characterizations of actual facts or circumstances as of the date of this Agreement or as of any other date.
Section 8.12
Severability.
The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the
invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability
of the other provisions of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of that provision to any Person or any circumstance, is invalid or unenforceable, then (a) a
suitable and equitable provision shall be substituted for that provision in order to carry out, so far as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of the invalid or unenforceable provision
and (b) the remainder of this Agreement and the application of that provision to other Persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, nor shall such
invalidity or unenforceability affect the validity or enforceability of that provision, or the application of that provision, in any other jurisdiction. Upon such a determination, the parties shall
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a reasonably acceptable manner so that the transactions contemplated
hereby may be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
Section 8.13
Rules of Construction.
The parties have participated jointly in negotiating and
drafting this Agreement. If an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement
shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this
Agreement. Subject to and without limiting the introductory language to
Article III
and
Article IV
, each party to this Agreement has or may have
set forth information in its respective disclosure letter in a section of such
disclosure letter that corresponds to the section of this Agreement to which it relates. The fact that any item of information is disclosed in a disclosure letter to this Agreement shall not
constitute an admission by such party that such item is material, that such item has had or would have a Company Material Adverse Effect or Parent Material Adverse Effect, as the case may be, or that
the disclosure of such be construed to mean that such information is required to be disclosed by this Agreement.
Section 8.14
Assignment.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and their permitted successors and assigns. No party to this Agreement
may assign
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or
delegate, by operation of law or otherwise, all or any portion of its rights or liabilities under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties to this Agreement, which any
such party may withhold in its absolute discretion; and any purported assignment without such prior written consents shall be void; provided that, notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement
to the contrary, Parent and Merger Sub may assign this Agreement to any Financing Source (so long as any such assignment does not relieve Parent or Merger Sub of its respective obligations hereunder)
under terms of the Financing solely for the purpose of creating a security interest herein or otherwise assigning collateral with respect to the Financing.
Section 8.15
Specific Performance
.
(a) The
parties to this Agreement agree that irreparable damage would occur if any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific
terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties to this Agreement shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this
Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement in the Chosen Courts, this being in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity, and the parties to this Agreement
hereby waive any requirement for the posting of any bond or similar collateral in connection therewith. The parties acknowledge and agree that each party hereto shall be entitled to an injunction,
specific performance and other equitable relief
to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. Each party
hereto agrees that it will not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief on the basis that (a) the other party has an adequate remedy at law or
(b) an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or equity.
(b) Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the parties hereto agree that the right of the Company to obtain an injunction, specific
performance or other equitable relief in each case to cause Parent and Merger Sub to close the Merger shall be subject to the requirements that:
-
(i)
-
all
of the conditions set forth in
Section 6.1
and
Section 6.2
would have been satisfied if the Closing were to have occurred at such time (other
than those conditions that by their terms are to
be satisfied by actions taken at the Closing, each of which shall be capable of being satisfied at the Closing, or the failure of which to be satisfied is attributable primarily to a breach by Parent
or Merger Sub of their respective representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement);
-
(ii)
-
the
Debt Financing has been funded or will be funded at the date the Closing is required to have occurred pursuant to
Section 1.2
upon delivery of a drawdown notice by Parent and/or notice from Parent
that the Rollover Investment will be funded at such date;
-
(iii)
-
Parent
fails to complete the Closing in accordance with
Section 1.2
; and
-
(iv)
-
the
Company has irrevocably confirmed to Parent in writing that (A) all of the conditions in
Section 6.1
and
Section 6.3
have been satisfied or
that it is willing to waive any such
open conditions, and (B) if specific performance is granted and if the Financing and the Rollover Investment were funded, the Closing would occur.
(c) Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, while the Company may be entitled to (i) specific performance, subject in all respects to this
Section 8.15
, and (ii) payment of the Parent
Termination Fee, if, as and when payable pursuant to
Section 7.6(d)
, under no circumstances shall the Company, directly or indirectly, be permitted or entitled to receive (A) both a grant of
specific performance or other equitable relief pursuant to which the Merger is actually consummated and the aggregate Merger Consideration is actually received, on the one
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hand,
and payment of all or a portion of the Parent Termination Fee or other monetary damages hereunder, on the other hand, or (B) both payment of the Parent Termination Fee, on the one hand,
and payment of other monetary damages, on the other hand.
(d) Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the maximum aggregate liability of Parent and Merger Sub for monetary damages or other monetary remedies in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be limited to an amount equal to the Parent Termination Fee, and in no event shall any Company Related Party seek or
obtain, nor shall it permit any of its Representatives or any other Persons on its or their behalf to seek or obtain, any monetary recovery or monetary award or any monetary damages of any kind
against Parent and Merger Sub in excess of the Parent Termination Fee.
Section 8.16
Counterparts; Effectiveness.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, as if the signatures to each counterpart were upon a single instrument, and all such counterparts
together shall be deemed an original of this Agreement. Facsimile signatures or signatures received as a pdf attachment to electronic mail shall be treated as original signatures for all purposes of
this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective when, and only when, each party hereto shall have received a counterpart signed by all of the other parties hereto.
Section 8.17
Special Committee Approval.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no
amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement and no decision or determination shall be made, or
action taken, by or on behalf of the Company under or with respect to this Agreement without first obtaining the approval of the Special Committee.
Section 8.18
No Recourse to Financing Sources.
Notwithstanding anything herein or in the
Financing Commitments to the contrary, (i) no Financing Source shall have any liability for any obligations or
liabilities of the parties hereto, or any of their respective Subsidiaries, Affiliates or Representatives, or for any claim (whether in tort, contract or otherwise), based on, in respect of, or by
reason of this Agreement, the Financing, the Financing Commitments or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or in respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection
herewith or therewith and (ii) neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries, Affiliates or Representatives shall have any rights or claims (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) against any
Financing Source based on, in respect of, by reason of, or in any way relating to this Agreement, the Financing, the Financing Commitments or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or in
respect of any oral representations made or alleged to be made in connection herewith or therewith. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, other than pursuant to the Financing Commitments
with respect to Parent and/or Merger Sub, (i) in no event shall any party hereto, nor any of its Affiliates, and each of the parties hereto hereby agrees not to and to cause its Affiliates not
to, (a) seek to enforce this Agreement against, make any claims for breach of this Agreement against, or seek to recover monetary damages from, any Financing Source or (b) seek to
enforce the commitments against, make any claims for breach of the Debt Commitment Letters against, or seek to obtain any other damages of any kind from, or otherwise sue, the Financing Sources for
any reason, including in connection with the Debt Commitment Letters. Nothing in this
Section 8.18
shall in any way limit or qualify the
liabilities of the Financing Sources and the other parties to the Financing (or the definitive documents entered into pursuant thereto) to each other thereunder or in connection therewith. No
Financing Source shall be subject to any special, consequential, punitive or indirect damages or damages or a tortious nature.
Section 8.19
Breach of Rollover Investors Disregarded.
Any breach or assertion of any breach of
this Agreement by the Company or any of its Representatives that is attributable to or caused by the actions of or
failure to act by George Feldenkreis or Oscar Feldenkreis, including in connection with any representations or warranties made hereunder or any actions taken or failure to act, in each case in
contravention hereof, shall be disregarded for all purposes under this Agreement.
[
Signature page follows
]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the parties to this Agreement as of the date first
written above.
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FELDENKREIS HOLDINGS LLC
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By:
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Name:
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George Feldenkreis
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Title:
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Sole Member
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GF MERGER SUB, INC.
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By:
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Name:
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George Feldenkreis
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Title:
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Chief Executive Officer & President
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PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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By:
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Name:
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Oscar Feldenkreis
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Title:
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Chief Executive Officer
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the parties to this Agreement as of the date first written above.
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FELDENKREIS HOLDINGS LLC
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GF MERGER SUB, INC.
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Title:
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PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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By:
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Name:
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Oscar Feldenkreis
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Title:
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Chief Executive Officer
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[Signature
Page to Merger Agreement]
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EXHIBIT A
SIXTH AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL, INC
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 607.0202 of the Florida Business Corporation Act, the undersigned does hereby execute and submit
for filing with the Florida Department of State these Articles of Incorporation as follows:
ARTICLE INAME
The name of the corporation is Perry Ellis International, Inc.
ARTICLE IIADDRESS
The principal office and mailing address of the corporation is 4810 NW 74th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33166.
ARTICLE IIICAPITAL STOCK
The corporation is authorized to issue [ ] shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.
ARTICLE IVREGISTERED OFFICE AND REGISTERED AGENT
The address of the registered office of the corporation is 1200 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, Florida 33324 and the name of the registered
agent of the corporation at such address is NRAI Services, Inc.
ARTICLE VIINDEMNIFICATION
The corporation may insure and shall indemnify and shall advance expenses on behalf of its officers and directors and any persons serving at the
request of the corporation as an
officer, director, member, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise to the fullest extent not prohibited by law in existence either now or
hereafter.
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused these Sixth Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to be duly executed as of [ ], 2018.
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PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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By:
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Name:
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George Feldenkreis
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Title:
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EXHIBIT B
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
a Florida Corporation
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THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
a Florida Corporation
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. The
location of the registered office of Perry Ellis International, Inc., a Florida corporation (the "Corporation"), shall be as stated in the
Articles of Incorporation, which location may be changed from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the "Board of Directors").
Section 2. The
Corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Florida, as the Board of Directors may from time to time
determine or as the business of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Section 1. Meetings
of the shareholders may be held at such place either within or without the State of Florida as shall be designated from time to time by the Board
of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.
Section 2. Annual
meetings of shareholders shall be held on such date and at such time as may be fixed from time to time, provided, that there shall be an annual
meeting held every calendar year at which shareholders shall elect a Board of Directors and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
Section 3. Special
meetings of the shareholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation, may be
called by the Chairman of the Board or the
President of the Corporation, and shall be called by the Board of Directors at the request in writing of a majority of the Board of Directors or at the request in writing of the holders of not less
than 50% of all the shares entitled to vote at a meeting which shall state in such request the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.
Section 4. The
officer or agent who has charge of the stock transfer book for shares of the Corporation shall make and certify a complete list of the shareholders
entitled to vote at a shareholders' meeting, or any adjournment thereof. Such list shall be arranged alphabetically and by voting group and shall show the address of each shareholder and the number of
shares registered in the name of each shareholder. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any shareholder
who is present.
Section 5. Except
as may be provided by statute, written notice of an annual or special meeting of shareholders stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and
the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered, either personally or by first-class mail, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, to
each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the shareholder at his address
as it appears on the stock transfer books of the Corporation with postage thereon prepaid.
Section 6. The
holders of a majority of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a
quorum at all meetings of the
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shareholders
for the transaction of business except as otherwise expressly required by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws. All shareholders present in person or represented by
proxy at such meeting may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough shareholders to leave less than a quorum. If, however, such quorum shall not be initially
present at any meeting of shareholders, a majority of the shareholders entitled to vote thereat shall nevertheless have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time and to another place, without
notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting, at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be
transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called. If after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall
be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting, it is deemed presented for quorum purposes for the remainder of the
meeting and for any adjournment of that meeting unless a new record date is or must be set for that adjourned meeting.
Section 7. When
an action other than the election of directors is to be taken by vote of the shareholders, it shall be authorized if the votes cast favoring the
action exceed the votes cast against the action, except as otherwise expressly required by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, in which case such express provision shall govern
and control the decision of such question. "Shares represented at the meeting" shall be determined as of the time the existence of the quorum is determined. Except as otherwise expressly required by
the Articles of Incorporation, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at an election.
Section 8. Except
as otherwise provided by law or the Articles, each shareholder shall at every meeting of the shareholders be entitled to one vote in person or by
proxy for each share of the capital stock having voting power held by such shareholder except as otherwise expressly required in the Articles of Incorporation. A vote may be cast either orally or in
writing. Each proxy shall be in writing and signed by the shareholder or his authorized agent or representative. A proxy is not valid after the expiration of 11 months after its date unless the
person executing it specifies therein the length of time for which it is to continue in force. Unless prohibited by law, a proxy otherwise validly granted by facsimile shall be deemed to have been
signed by the granting shareholder. All questions regarding the qualification of voters, the validity of proxies and the acceptance or rejection of votes shall be decided by the presiding officer of
the meeting.
Section 9. Attendance
of a person at a meeting of shareholders in person or by proxy constitutes a waiver of notice of the meeting except where the shareholder, at
the beginning of the meeting, objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting.
Section 10. Any
action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the shareholders, or any other action which may be taken at any annual or special
meeting of the shareholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by holders of
outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.
Within 10 days after obtaining such authorization by written consent, notice shall be given to those shareholders who have not consented in writing. The notice shall fairly summarize the
material features of the authorized action and, if the action is of a type for which dissenters' rights are provided for by statute, the notice shall contain a clear statement of the right of
shareholders dissenting therefrom to be paid the fair value of their shares upon compliance with further provisions of such statute regarding the rights of dissenting shareholders.
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ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
Section 1. The
business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise all such powers of the
Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the shareholders.
Section 2. The
number of directors of the Corporation shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. In the absence of an express
determination by the Board of Directors, the number of directors, until changed by the Board of Directors, shall be that number of directors elected at the most recently held annual meeting of
shareholders or, if no such meeting has been held, the number elected by the incorporator. The directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the shareholders, except as provided in
Section 3 of this Article, and each director elected shall hold office until his successor is duly elected and qualified or until his death, resignation or removal. Directors need not be
shareholders or officers of the Corporation.
Section 3. Vacancies
and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, or by the shareholders, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual
election of directors by the shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their death, resignation or removal. Any director may be removed, with or without cause, by
the shareholders at a meeting of the shareholders called expressly for that purpose. A director may resign by written notice to the Corporation. The resignation is effective upon its delivery to the
Corporation or a subsequent time as set forth in the notice of resignation.
Section 4. The
Board of Directors may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Florida. Unless otherwise restricted by the
Articles of Incorporation, members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the board or committee by means of conference
telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this section shall constitute
presence in person at such meeting.
Section 5. Regular
meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors or
by the President of the Corporation. Any notice given of a regular meeting need not specify the business to be transacted or the purpose of the meeting. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may
also be held without notice.
Section 6. Special
meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Board of Directors or President of the Corporation on two days' notice to each director by
mail or 24 hours' notice either personally or by telephone or facsimile transmission. The notice need not specify the business to be transacted or the purpose of the special meetings. The
notice shall specify the place of the special meeting.
Section 7. At
all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the number of directors then serving shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. At
all meetings of a committee of the Board of Directors a majority of the directors then members of the committee in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of a
majority of the members present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors or the committee, unless the vote of a larger number is specifically required by
statute, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors or a committee, the
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members
present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time and to another place without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
Section 8. Unless
otherwise provided by the Articles of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any
committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if, before or after the action, all members of the Board of Directors or committee consent thereto in writing. The written consents shall be filed
with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee. Such consents shall have the same effect as a vote of the Board of Directors or committee for all purposes.
Section 9. A
majority of the full Board of Directors may, by resolution, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors
of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.
Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs
of the Corporation; provided, however, such a committee shall not have the power or authority to:
(a) approve
or recommend to shareholders actions or proposals required by statute to be approved by the shareholders,
(b) fill
vacancies on the Board of Directors or any committee thereof,
(c) adopt,
amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation,
(d) authorize
or approve the reacquisition of shares unless pursuant to a general formula or method specified by the Board of Directors, or
(e) authorize
or approve the issuance or sale or contract for the sale of shares, or determine the designation and relative rights, preferences and limitations of a voting
group, except that the Board of Directors may authorize a committee (or an officer of the Corporation) to do so within limits specifically prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Such
committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. A committee, and each member thereof, shall serve at
the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Section 10. Each
committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors when required.
Section 11. By
resolution of the Board of Directors and irrespective of any personal interest of any director, the Board of Directors may establish reasonable
compensation of directors for services to the Corporation as directors, officers or members of a committee. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other
capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
Section 12. Attendance
of a director at a meeting constitutes a waiver of notice of the meeting except where a director states, at the beginning of the meeting or
promptly upon arrival at the meeting, any objection to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
ARTICLE IV
NOTICES
Section 1. Whenever,
under the provisions of the statutes or of the Articles of Incorporation or of these Bylaws, written notice is required to be given to any
director, committee member or shareholder, such notice may be (but is not required to be) given in writing by mail (registered, certified or other first class mail) addressed to such director,
shareholder or committee member at his
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address
as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid. Such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in a post office or official
depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States postal service.
Section 2. Whenever
any notice is required to be given under the provision of the statutes or of the Articles of Incorporation or of these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in
writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the
purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the shareholders, directors or a committee, need be specified in any written waiver of notice.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. The
officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors at its first meeting after each annual meeting of shareholders. The officers of
the Corporation may consist of a president, one or more vice presidents, a secretary and a treasurer and, if elected by the Board of Directors by resolution, a Chairman of the Board of Directors. Any
number of offices may be held by the same person.
Section 2. The
Board of Directors may from time to time appoint such other officers and assistant officers and agents as it shall deem necessary who shall hold their
offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. The
salaries of all officers of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
Section 4. The
officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of
Directors may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors with or without cause whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Corporation will be served thereby. Any vacancy occurring in
any office of the Corporation by death, resignation, removal or otherwise shall be filled by the Board of Directors. An officer may resign by written notice to the Corporation. The resignation is
effective upon its delivery to the Corporation or at a subsequent time specified in the notice of resignation.
Section 5. Unless
otherwise provided by resolution of the Board of Directors, the president shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation, shall, in the
absence or non-election of a chairman or vice chairman of the Board of Directors, preside at all meetings of the shareholders and the Board of Directors (if he shall be a member of the Board of
Directors), shall have general and active management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. He
shall execute on behalf of the Corporation, and may affix or cause the corporate seal (if adopted by the Board of Directors) to be affixed to, all instruments requiring such execution except to the
extent the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation, and he shall have the authority to vote any shares of
stock owned by the Corporation.
Section 6. The
vice-presidents shall act under the direction of the president. They shall perform such duties and have such other powers as the president or the Board
of Directors may from time to time prescribe. The Board of Directors may designate one or more executive vice-presidents or may otherwise specify the order of seniority of the vice-presidents.
Section 7. The
secretary shall act under the direction of the president. Subject to the direction of the president he or she shall attend all meetings of the Board of
Directors and all meetings of the shareholders and record the proceedings. The secretary shall perform like duties for the standing
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committees
when required. The secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the shareholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties
as may be prescribed by the president or the Board of Directors. The secretary shall keep in safe custody the seal of the Corporation, if a corporate seal is adopted by the Board of Directors. When
authorized by the president or the Board of Directors, the secretary shall cause the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to any instrument requiring it. The secretary shall be responsible for
maintaining the stock transfer book and minute book of the Corporation and shall be responsible for their updating.
Section 8. The
assistant secretaries shall act under the direction of the president. In the order of their seniority in office, unless otherwise determined by the
president or the Board of Directors, they shall, in the absence or disability of the secretary, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary. They shall perform such other duties and
have such other powers as the president or the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
Section 9. The
treasurer shall act under the direction of the president. Subject to the direction of the president, the treasurer shall have custody of the corporate
funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name
and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the president
or the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the Board of Directors so
requires, an account of all transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. The treasurer may affix or cause to be affixed the seal of the Corporation to documents so
requiring the seal, if a corporate seal is adopted by the Board of Directors.
Section 10. The
assistant treasurers in the order of their seniority of office, unless otherwise determined by the president or the Board of Directors shall, in the
absence or disability of the treasurer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the treasurer. They shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the president or the Board of
Directors may from time to time prescribe.
Section 11. To
the extent the powers and duties of the several officers are not provided from time to time by resolution or other directive of the Board of Directors
or by the president (with respect to other officers), the officers shall have all powers and shall discharge the duties customarily and usually held and performed by like officers of corporations
similar in organization and business purposes to this Corporation.
ARTICLE VI
CERTIFICATES OF STOCK
AND SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD
Section 1. The
shares of stock of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the
president or a vice-president and by the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Corporation provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any
classes or series of its stock shall be uncertificated shares. Notwithstanding the adoption of such a resolution by the Board of Directors, each holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to
have such a certificate certifying the number of shares owned by him in the Corporation.
Section 2. Any
or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile if the certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent or registered by a registrar
other than the Corporation itself or its employee. In case any officer who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer before such
certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer at the date of issue. The seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof may, but need not,
be affixed to the certificates of stock.
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Section 3. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate for shares to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the
Corporation alleged to have been lost or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of
a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost or destroyed certificate, or his legal
representative, to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been
lost or destroyed.
Section 4. Upon
surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of
succession, assignment or authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the Corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the
transaction upon its stock transfer book for shares of the Corporation.
Section 5. In
order that the Corporation may determine the shareholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof,
or entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or for the purpose of any other action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a date as a record date, which shall not be more than 70
nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting, nor more than 70 days prior to any other action. The stock transfer books of the Corporation shall not be closed.
If
no record date is fixed:
(a) The
record date for determining the shareholders of record entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of shareholders shall be at the close of business on the day
on which notice is given, or, if no notice is given, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; and
(b) The
record date for determining shareholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution
relating thereto.
A
determination of shareholders of record entitled to notice or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of
Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
Section 6. The
Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered upon its stock transfer book for shares of the Corporation as the
owner of shares for all purposes, including voting and dividends, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person,
whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Florida.
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Subject
to the other provisions of this Article, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by
the Florida Business Corporation Act, as amended (the "FBCA"), as the same exists now or as it may be hereinafter amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such
amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), any person (and the heirs, executors,
administrators or estate of such person) who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or otherwise becomes involved in, a
Proceeding (as defined in Section 17 of this Article) other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was serving, or had agreed to
serve, in an Official Capacity (as defined in
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Section 17
of this Article) for the Corporation, or while serving in an Official Capacity for the Corporation is or was serving at the request of the Corporation in an Official Capacity for
another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (an "Other Enterprise"), including service with respect to employee benefit plans maintained or
sponsored by the Corporation, or is an employee of the Corporation specifically designated by the Board of Directors as an indemnified employee (hereinafter, each of the foregoing persons, a "Covered
Person"), against Expenses (as defined in Section 17 of this Article), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such
Proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal
Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person's conduct was unlawful. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or
its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person's conduct was unlawful.
Section 2. Subject
to the other provisions of this Article, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by the FBCA, any
Covered Person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or otherwise becomes involved in, a Proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation against Expenses actually and
reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be
liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view
of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such Expenses which such court shall deem proper.
Section 3. To
the extent that a Covered Person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding described in Section 1 or
Section 2 of this Article, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection
therewith.
Section 4. Subject
to the other provisions of this Article, the Corporation shall have power to indemnify its employees and its agents to the extent not prohibited by
the FBCA or other applicable law. The
Board of Directors shall have the power to delegate the determination of whether employees or agents shall be indemnified to such person or persons as the Board of Directors determines.
Section 5.
(a) Expenses
incurred by any Covered Person in defending any Proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding. Such
advances shall be paid by the Corporation within ten (10) calendar days after the receipt by the Corporation of a statement or statements from the claimant requesting such advance or advances
from time to time; provided, that if Florida law requires, the payment of such Expenses incurred by a Covered Person in his or her capacity as a director or officer shall be made only upon delivery to
the Corporation of an undertaking in writing (the "Undertaking") by or on behalf of such Covered Person to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision
from which there is no further right of appeal (a "final disposition") that such Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified for such Expenses under this Bylaw or otherwise. The Covered Person's
undertaking to repay the Corporation any amounts advanced for Expenses shall not be required to be secured and shall not bear interest.
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(b) Except
as otherwise provided in the FBCA or this Section 5 of this Article, the Corporation shall not impose on the Covered Person additional conditions to the
advancement of Expenses or require from the Covered Person additional undertakings regarding repayment. Advancements of Expenses shall be made without regard to the Covered Person's ability to repay
the Expenses.
(c) Advancements
of Expenses pursuant to this subsection shall not require approval of the Board of Directors or the shareholders of the Corporation, or of any other person
or body. The Secretary shall promptly advise the Board of Directors in writing of the request for advancement of Expenses, of the amount and other details of the request and of the undertaking to make
repayment provided pursuant to this Section 5.
(d) Advancements
of Expenses to a Covered Person shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing an action to enforce this right of advancement, including
Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Corporation to support the advancements claimed.
(e) The
right to advancement of Expenses shall not apply to (i) any action, suit or proceeding against an agent brought by the Corporation and approved by a majority
of the authorized members of the Board of Directors which alleges willful misappropriation of corporate assets by such agent, wrongful
disclosure of confidential information, or any other willful and deliberate breach in bad faith of such agent's duty to the Corporation or its shareholders, or (ii) any claim for which
indemnification is excluded pursuant to these Bylaws, but shall apply to any Proceeding referenced in Section 6(b) or Section 6(c) of this Article prior to a determination that the
person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation.
Section 6. Subject
to the requirements in Section 3 of this Article and the FBCA, the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any person pursuant to
this Article in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding):
(a) for
which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of such person under any statute, insurance policy, indemnity provision, vote or otherwise, except with respect
to any excess beyond the amount paid;
(b) initiated
by such person against the Corporation or its directors, officers, employees, agents or other indemnitees, unless (a) the Board of Directors authorized
the Proceeding (or the relevant part of the Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (b) the Corporation provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the
Corporation under applicable law, (c) otherwise required to be made under Section 7 of this Article or (d) otherwise required by applicable law; or
(c) if
prohibited by applicable law; provided, however, that if any provision or provisions of this Article shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any
reason whatsoever: (1) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph or clause containing
any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and
(2) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Article (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph or clause containing any such provision held to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.
Section 7.
(a) To
obtain indemnification under this Article, a claimant shall submit to the Corporation a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and
information as is
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reasonably
available to the claimant and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent the claimant is entitled to indemnification. Upon written request by a claimant for
indemnification, a determination (the "Determination"), if required by applicable law, with respect to the claimant's entitlement thereto shall be made as follows: (i) by the Board of Directors
by majority vote of a quorum consisting of Disinterested Directors (as defined in Section 17 of this Article); (ii) if such a quorum of Disinterested Directors cannot be obtained, by
majority vote of a committee duly designated by the Board of Directors (in which all directors, whether or not Disinterested Directors, may participate) consisting solely of two or more Disinterested
Directors; (iii) if such a committee cannot be designated, by any Independent Counsel (as defined in Section 17 of this Article) selected by the Board of Directors prescribed in
(i) above or by the committee of the Board of Directors prescribed in (ii) above, in a written opinion to the Board of Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to the claimant; or
if a quorum of the Board of Directors cannot be obtained for (a) above and the committee cannot be designated under (b) below, selected by majority vote of the full Board of Directors
(in which directors who are parties may participate); or (iii) if such Independent Counsel determination cannot be obtained, by majority vote of a quorum consisting of shareholders who are not
parties to such Proceeding, or if no such quorum is obtainable, by a majority vote of shareholders who are not parties to the Proceeding. If it is so determined that the claimant is entitled to
indemnification, payment to the claimant shall be made within ten (10) calendar days after such determination.
(b) (i)
If a claim for indemnification under this Article is not paid in full by the Corporation within thirty (30) calendar days after a written claim pursuant to
Section 7(a) above has been received by the Corporation, or (ii) if a request for advancement of Expenses under this Article is not paid in full by the Corporation within ten
(10) calendar days after a statement pursuant to Section 5 above and the required Undertaking, if any, have been received by the Corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter
bring suit against the Corporation in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover the unpaid amount of the claim for indemnification or request for advancement of Expenses and, if successful in whole
or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also any and all Expenses incurred in connection with prosecuting such claim. In any such suit, the Corporation shall, to the fullest extent not
prohibited by law, have the burden of proving that the claimant is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of Expenses. It shall be a defense to any such action that, under the
FBCA or other applicable law, the claimant has not met the standard of conduct which makes it permissible for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed or that the claimant is
not entitled to the requested advancement of Expenses, but (except where the required Undertaking, if any, has not been tendered to the Corporation) the burden of proving such defense shall be on the
Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Disinterested Directors, Independent Counsel or shareholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action
that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth under the FBCA or other applicable law, nor an actual
determination by the Corporation (including its Disinterested Directors, Independent Counsel or shareholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to
the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
(c) The
termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of
nolo contendere
or its
equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the person's conduct was unlawful.
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(d) If
a Determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 7(a) above that the claimant is entitled to indemnification, the Corporation shall be bound by such
determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to Section 7(b) above.
(e) The
Corporation shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to Section 7(b) above that the procedures and presumptions of this
Bylaw are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in such proceeding that the Corporation is bound by all the provisions of this Bylaw.
Section 8.
(a) All
costs of making the Determination shall be borne solely by the Corporation, including, but not limited to, the costs of legal counsel, proxy solicitations and
judicial determinations. The Corporation shall also be solely responsible for paying (i) all reasonable Expenses incurred by the indemnified person to enforce the indemnification rights
provided pursuant to this Article, including, but not limited to, the costs incurred by the indemnified person to obtain court-ordered indemnification pursuant to Section 7 hereof regardless of
the outcome of any such application or Proceeding, and (ii) all costs of defending any suits or Proceedings challenging payments to the indemnified person under these Bylaws.
(b) The
Corporation shall use its best efforts to make the Determination contemplated by Section 7 hereof promptly.
(i) if
the Determination is to be made by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, such Determination shall be made not later than fifteen (15) business days
after a written request for a Determination (a "Request") is delivered to the Corporation by the indemnified person;
(ii) if
the Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel, such Determination shall be made not later than thirty (30) days after a Request is delivered to the
Corporation by the indemnified person; and
(iii) if
the Determination is to be made by the shareholders of the Corporation, such Determination shall be made not later than ninety (90) days after a Request is
delivered to the Corporation by the indemnified person.
Section 9. All
of the rights conferred in this Article, as to indemnification, advancement of Expenses and otherwise, shall be contract rights between the Corporation
and each indemnified person to whom such rights are extended that vest at the commencement of such indemnified person's service to or at the request of the Corporation and (i) no amendment,
modification or repeal of this Article shall affect, to the detriment of the indemnified person and such indemnified person's heirs, executors, administrators and estate, such obligations of the
Corporation in connection with a claim based on any act or failure to act occurring before such modification or repeal, and (ii) all of such rights shall continue as to any such indemnified
person who has ceased to serve in an Official Capacity for the Corporation or ceased to serve at the request of the Corporation in an Official Capacity for an Other Enterprise, and shall inure to the
benefit of such indemnified person's heirs, executors, administrators and estate, and shall be applicable to proceedings commenced after the adoption hereof, whether arising from acts or omissions
occurring before or after the adoption hereof.
Section 10. All
of the rights conferred pursuant to this Article, as to indemnification, advancement of Expenses and otherwise, (i) shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of Expenses may be entitled under the Articles of Incorporation or any statute, bylaw, agreement, vote of
shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person's Official Capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and (ii) cannot be
terminated or impaired by the Corporation, the Board of
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Directors
or the shareholders of the Corporation with respect to a person's service prior to the date of such termination. The Corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts
with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advancement of Expenses, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the FBCA or other applicable law.
Section 11.
(a) The
Corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain, at its expense, insurance to protect itself and any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
against any expense, liability or loss asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of such person's status as such, whether or not the Corporation
would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under Florida Law. To the extent that the Corporation maintains any policy or policies providing such insurance, each such current or
former director or officer, and each such agent or employee to which rights to indemnification have been granted as provided in this Article, shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance
with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage thereunder for any such current or former director, officer, employee or agent.
(b) The
Corporation may create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means (including, without limitation, a letter of credit) to insure the payment of such
sums as may become necessary to effect indemnification as provided herein.
Section 12. Persons
who after the date of the adoption of this Article serve or continue to serve the Corporation in an Official Capacity or who, while serving in an
Official Capacity, serve or continue to serve in an Official Capacity for an Other Enterprise, shall be conclusively presumed to have relied on the rights to indemnification and advancement of
Expenses contained in this Article.
Section 13. The
knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any other officer, director, employee or agent of the Corporation or an Other Enterprise shall not be
imputed to an indemnified person for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Article.
Section 14. The
rights to indemnification and advancement of Expenses conferred by this Article shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director,
officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation or an Other Enterprise and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators and estate of such person.
Section 15. Any
notice, request or other communication required or permitted to be given to the Corporation under this Article shall be in writing and either
delivered in person or sent by mail or other method of delivery, or by e-mail or other electronic transmission, to the Secretary of the Corporation and shall be effective only upon receipt by the
Secretary.
Section 16. If
this Article or any provision hereof shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason
whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article (including, without limitation, each section and subsection of this Article containing any
such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired hereby, and (b) to the
fullest extent possible and permitted by the FBCA and other applicable law, the provisions of this Article (including, without limitation, each portion of any section or subsection of this Article
containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give maximum effect to the intent manifested by the provision held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable.
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Section 17.
(a) The
term "agent" includes a volunteer.
(b) The
term "Corporation" for purposes of this Article shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a
constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents, so that
any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article with respect to the resulting or surviving
corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.
(c) The
term "Disinterested Director" means a director of the Corporation who is not and was not a party to the matter in respect of which indemnification is sought by the
claimant.
(d) The
term "Expenses" shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, all direct and indirect losses, liabilities, expenses, including fees and expenses
of attorneys, fees and expenses of accountants, fees and expenses of public relations consultants and other advisors, court costs, transcript costs, fees and expenses of experts, witness fees and
expenses, travel expenses, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, delivery service fees, the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any bond (including cost bonds, appraisal bonds,
or their equivalents), judgments, fines (including excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan) and amounts paid in settlement and all other disbursements or expenses of
the types customarily incurred in connection with (i) the investigation, prosecution, defense, appeal or settlement of a Proceeding, (ii) serving as an actual or prospective witness, or
preparing to be a witness in a Proceeding, or other participation in, or other preparation for, any Proceeding, (iii) any voluntary or required interviews or depositions related to a
Proceeding, and (iv) responding to, or objecting to, a request to provide discovery in any Proceeding. Expenses shall also include any federal, state, local and foreign taxes imposed on such
person as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Article.
(e) The
term "Independent Counsel" means a law firm, a member of a law firm, or an independent practitioner, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and shall
include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would not have a conflict of interest in representing either the Corporation or the claimant in an
action to determine the claimant's rights under this Article.
(f) The
term "Official Capacity" shall mean service as a director or officer of the Corporation or service, at the request of the Corporation while serving in an Official
Capacity for the Corporation, as a director, officer, partner, member, manager, trustee, employee, agent or other representative of an Other Enterprise.
(g) The
term "Proceeding" shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement, arbitration and
appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, investigation, inquiry, hearing, arbitration, other alternative dispute mechanism or any other proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or otherwise and whether formal or informal, including, without limitation, actions by or in the right of the Corporation, a class of its
security holders or otherwise.
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(h) The
term "serving at the request of the Corporation" includes any service as a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation that imposes duties on such
persons, including duties relating to an employee benefit plan and its participants or beneficiaries.
(i) The
term "not opposed to the best interest of the Corporation" describes the actions of a person who acts in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believes to be in
the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan.
ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. All
checks, drafts or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or
persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such
banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
Section 2. The
fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors, but shall end on
December 31st of each year if not otherwise fixed by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. The
Board of Directors may adopt a corporate seal for the Corporation. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation and the
words "Corporate Seal, Florida." The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise. Except as otherwise provided by law, the failure to
affix the seal of the Corporation to a document shall not affect the validity thereof.
Section 4. The
Corporation shall keep within or without the State of Florida books and records of account and minutes of the proceedings of its shareholders, Board of
Directors and executive committee, if any. The Corporation shall keep at its registered office or at the office of its transfer agent within or without the State of Florida a stock transfer book for
shares of the Corporation containing the names and addresses of all shareholders, the number, class and series of shares held by each and the dates when they respectively became holders of record
thereof. Any such stock transfer book, books, records or minutes may be in written form or in any other form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable time.
Section 5. These
Bylaws shall govern the internal affairs of the Corporation, but only to the extent they are consistent with law and the Articles of Incorporation.
Nothing contained in the Bylaws shall, however, prevent the imposition by contract of greater voting, notice or other requirements than those set forth in these Bylaws.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. The
Bylaws may be amended or repealed, or new Bylaws may be adopted, by action of either the shareholders or the Board of Directors. The
shareholders may from time to time specify particular provisions of the Bylaws which may not be altered or repealed by the Board of Directors.
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APPENDIX B
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June 15, 2018
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Special Committee of the Board of Directors
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Perry Ellis International, Inc.
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3000 N.W. 107th Avenue
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Miami, Florida 33172
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Ladies and Gentlemen:
You
have asked us to advise you with respect to the fairness to the holders (other than Feldenkreis Holdings LLC ("Parent") and its affiliates) of the
outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Shares"), of Perry Ellis International, Inc. (the "Company"), from a financial point of view of the $27.50 in cash per Share
(the "Consideration") to be paid to the holders of the Shares pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 15, 2018 (the "Agreement"), by Parent, GF Merger
Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), and the Company.
We
understand that the Agreement provides for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation in the merger as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent (the "Merger"), and that, upon effectiveness of the Merger, each Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (other than Excluded Shares and
Dissenting Shares (each as defined in the Agreement) will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive the Consideration.
For
purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
(i) reviewed
certain publicly available financial statements and other information of the Company;
(ii) reviewed
certain internal financial statements and other financial and operating data concerning the Company prepared and provided to us by the management of the
Company and approved for our use by the Company;
(iii) reviewed
certain financial projections for the Company prepared and provided to us by the management of the Company and approved for our use by the Company;
(iv) discussed
the past and current operations, financial condition and prospects of the Company with management of the Company;
(v) reviewed
the reported prices and trading activity of the Shares;
(vi) compared
the financial performance and condition of the Company and the reported prices and trading activity of the Shares with that of certain other publicly traded
companies that we deemed relevant;
(vii) reviewed
publicly available information regarding the financial terms of certain transactions that we deemed relevant, in whole or in part, to the Merger;
(viii) participated
in certain discussions among management and other representatives of each of Parent and the Company;
(ix) reviewed
a draft of the Agreement dated June 15, 2018; and
(x) performed
such other analyses and reviewed such other material and information as we have deemed appropriate.
We
have assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by us for the purposes of this opinion and we have not assumed any responsibility for
independent verification of such information and have relied on such information being complete and correct. We have relied on assurances of the management of the Company that they are not aware of
any facts or
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circumstances
that would make such information inaccurate or misleading in any respect material to our opinion. With respect to the financial projections, we have assumed that the financial
projections
were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of management of the Company of the future financial performance of the Company. We have not conducted
a physical inspection of the facilities or property of the Company. We have not assumed any responsibility for or performed any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of the
Company, nor have we been furnished with any such valuation or appraisal. Furthermore, we have not considered any tax, accounting or legal effects of the Merger or the transaction structure on any
person or entity.
We
have assumed that the final form of the Agreement will be substantially the same as the last draft reviewed by us and will not vary in any respect material to our analysis. We have
also assumed that the Merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, without waiver, modification or amendment of any material term, condition or agreement (including,
without limitation, the Consideration to be paid to the holders (other than Parent and its affiliates) of the Shares in the Merger) and that, in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or
third party approvals, consents and releases for the Merger, no delay, limitation, restriction or condition will be imposed that would have an adverse effect on the Company or the contemplated
benefits of the Merger. We have further assumed that all representations and warranties set forth in the Agreement are and will be true and correct as of all the dates made or deemed made and that all
parties to the Agreement will comply with all covenants of such parties thereunder.
Our
opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of June 14, 2018. In particular, we do not
express any opinion as to the prices at which the Shares may trade at any future time or as to the impact of the Merger on the solvency or viability of the Company, Parent or Merger Sub or the ability
of the Company, Parent or Merger Sub to pay their respective obligations when they come due. Furthermore, our opinion does not address the Company's underlying business decision to undertake the
Merger, and our opinion does not address the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any alternative transactions or business strategies that might be available to the Company. Our opinion does
not address any other aspect or implication of the Merger or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding entered into in connection with the Merger or otherwise except as expressly identified
herein.
Natixis, S.A.
("Natixis"), which became the holder of a majority of our outstanding equity on June 8, 2016, is, together with its affiliates, engaged in advisory,
underwriting and financing, principal investing, sales and trading, research, investment management, insurance and other financial and nonfinancial activities and services for various persons and
entities. Natixis and its affiliates and employees, and funds or other entities they manage or in which they invest or have other economic interests or with which they co-invest, may at any time
purchase, sell, hold or vote long or short positions and investments in securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments of the Company,
Parent, any of their respective affiliates and third parties, including affiliates of George Feldenkreis, an affiliate of Parent (the "Principal Shareholder"), or any currency or commodity that may be
involved in the Merger.
We
have acted as financial advisor to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with this transaction and will receive a fee for our services, a
substantial portion of which is contingent upon the closing of the Merger and a portion of which is payable upon the delivery of this letter. In addition, the Company has agreed to reimburse our
expenses and indemnify us against
certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. We have not during the two years prior to the date hereof provided any financial advisory services to the Company, Parent, the Principal Shareholder
or their respective affiliates for which we received payment. In the future, we, Natixis and our respective affiliates may provide financial advisory services to the Company, Parent, the Principal
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Shareholder
and their respective affiliates, and in the future may receive compensation for rendering these services.
This
letter and our advisory services are provided for the information and assistance of the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Board of Directors of the
Company (in their capacities as such) in connection with their consideration of the Merger. This letter may not be reproduced, summarized, described, referred to or used for any other purpose without
our prior written consent, except as part of a proxy statement that is required to be filed by the Company in connection with the Merger, except to the extent provided in our engagement letter dated
February 22, 2018. We express no view as to, and our opinion does not address, the fairness (financial or otherwise) of the amount or nature or any other aspect of any compensation to any
officers, directors or employees of any parties to the Merger, or any class of such persons, relative to the Consideration to be paid to the holders (other than Parent and its affiliates) of the
Shares pursuant to the Agreement. This letter does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Shares as to how any such holder should vote on the Merger or act on any matter relating to the
Merger. The issuance of this opinion has been authorized by our fairness opinion committee.
Based
on, and subject to, the foregoing, we are of the opinion that on the date hereof, the Consideration to be paid to the holders (other than Parent and its affiliates) of the Shares
pursuant to the Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to such holders.
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Very truly yours,
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PJ SOLOMON SECURITIES, LLC
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APPENDIX C
607.1301 Appraisal rights; definitions.
The following definitions apply to ss. 607.1302-607.1333:
(1) "Affiliate"
means a person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another person or
is a senior executive thereof. For purposes of s. 607.1302(2)(d), a person is deemed to be an affiliate of its senior executives.
(2) "Beneficial
shareholder" means a person who is the beneficial owner of shares held in a voting trust or by a nominee on the beneficial owner's behalf.
(3) "Corporation"
means the issuer of the shares held by a shareholder demanding appraisal and, for matters covered in ss. 607.1322-607.1333, includes the surviving
entity in a merger.
(4) "Fair
value" means the value of the corporation's shares determined:
(a) Immediately
before the effectuation of the corporate action to which the shareholder objects.
(b) Using
customary and current valuation concepts and techniques generally employed for similar businesses in the context of the transaction requiring appraisal, excluding
any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the corporate action unless exclusion would be inequitable to the corporation and its remaining shareholders.
(c) For
a corporation with 10 or fewer shareholders, without discounting for lack of marketability or minority status.
(5) "Interest"
means interest from the effective date of the corporate action until the date of payment, at the rate of interest on judgments in this state on the effective
date of the corporate action.
(6) "Preferred
shares" means a class or series of shares the holders of which have preference over any other class or series with respect to distributions.
(7) "Record
shareholder" means the person in whose name shares are registered in the records of the corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to the extent of the rights
granted by a nominee certificate on file with the corporation.
(8) "Senior
executive" means the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, or anyone in charge of a principal business unit or function.
(9) "Shareholder"
means both a record shareholder and a beneficial shareholder.
History.
s. 118, ch. 89-154; s. 21, ch. 2003-283; s. 2, ch. 2005-267.
607.1302 Right of shareholders to appraisal.
(1) A
shareholder of a domestic corporation is entitled to appraisal rights, and to obtain payment of the fair value of that shareholder's shares, in the event of any of the
following corporate actions:
(a) Consummation
of a conversion of such corporation pursuant to s. 607.1112 if shareholder approval is required for the conversion and the shareholder is entitled to
vote on the conversion under ss. 607.1103 and 607.1112(6), or the consummation of a merger to which such corporation is a party if shareholder approval is required for the merger under
s. 607.1103 and the shareholder is entitled to vote on the merger or if such corporation is a subsidiary and the merger is governed by s. 607.1104;
(b) Consummation
of a share exchange to which the corporation is a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the
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exchange,
except that appraisal rights are not available to any shareholder of the corporation with respect to any class or series of shares of the corporation that is not exchanged;
(c) Consummation
of a disposition of assets pursuant to s. 607.1202 if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the disposition, including a sale in dissolution but not
including a sale pursuant to court order or a sale for cash pursuant to a plan by which all or substantially all of the net proceeds of the sale will be distributed to the shareholders within
1 year after the date of sale;
(d) An
amendment of the articles of incorporation with respect to the class or series of shares which reduces the number of shares of a class or series owned by the
shareholder to a fraction of a share if the corporation has the obligation or right to repurchase the fractional share so created;
(e) Any
other amendment to the articles of incorporation, merger, share exchange, or disposition of assets to the extent provided by the articles of incorporation, bylaws,
or a resolution of the board of directors, except that no bylaw or board resolution providing for appraisal rights may be amended or otherwise altered except by shareholder approval;
(f) With
regard to a class of shares prescribed in the articles of incorporation prior to October 1, 2003, including any shares within that class subsequently
authorized by amendment, any amendment of the articles of incorporation if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the amendment and if such amendment would adversely affect such shareholder by:
1. Altering
or abolishing any preemptive rights attached to any of his or her shares;
2. Altering
or abolishing the voting rights pertaining to any of his or her shares, except as such rights may be affected by the voting rights of new shares then being
authorized of any existing or new class or series of shares;
3. Effecting
an exchange, cancellation, or reclassification of any of his or her shares, when such exchange, cancellation, or reclassification would alter or abolish the
shareholder's voting rights or alter his or her percentage of equity in the corporation, or effecting a reduction or cancellation of accrued dividends or other arrearages in respect to such shares;
4. Reducing
the stated redemption price of any of the shareholder's redeemable shares, altering or abolishing any provision relating to any sinking fund for the redemption
or purchase of any of his or her shares, or making any of his or her shares subject to redemption when they are not otherwise redeemable;
5. Making
noncumulative, in whole or in part, dividends of any of the shareholder's preferred shares which had theretofore been cumulative;
6. Reducing
the stated dividend preference of any of the shareholder's preferred shares; or
7. Reducing
any stated preferential amount payable on any of the shareholder's preferred shares upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation;
(g) An
amendment of the articles of incorporation of a social purpose corporation to which s. 607.504 or s. 607.505 applies;
(h) An
amendment of the articles of incorporation of a benefit corporation to which s. 607.604 or s. 607.605 applies;
(i) A
merger, conversion, or share exchange of a social purpose corporation to which s. 607.504 applies; or
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(j) A
merger, conversion, or share exchange of a benefit corporation to which s. 607.604 applies.
(2) Notwithstanding
subsection (1), the availability of appraisal rights under paragraphs (1)(a), (b), (c), and (d) shall be limited in accordance with
the following provisions:
(a) Appraisal
rights shall not be available for the holders of shares of any class or series of shares which is:
1. Listed
on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.; or
2. Not
so listed or designated, but has at least 2,000 shareholders and the outstanding shares of such class or series have a market value of at least $10 million,
exclusive of the value of such shares held by its subsidiaries, senior executives, directors, and beneficial shareholders owning more than 10 percent of such shares.
(b) The
applicability of paragraph (a) shall be determined as of:
1. The
record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the meeting of shareholders to act upon the corporate action requiring
appraisal rights; or
2. If
there will be no meeting of shareholders, the close of business on the day on which the board of directors adopts the resolution recommending such corporate action.
(c) Paragraph (a)
shall not be applicable and appraisal rights shall be available pursuant to subsection (1) for the holders of any class or series of shares
who are required by the terms of the corporate action requiring appraisal rights to accept for such shares anything other than cash or shares of any class or any series of shares of any corporation,
or any other proprietary interest of any other entity, that satisfies the standards set forth in paragraph (a) at the time the corporate action becomes effective.
(d) Paragraph (a)
shall not be applicable and appraisal rights shall be available pursuant to subsection (1) for the holders of any class or series of shares
if:
1. Any
of the shares or assets of the corporation are being acquired or converted, whether by merger, share exchange, or otherwise, pursuant to the corporate action by a
person, or by an affiliate of a person, who:
a. Is,
or at any time in the 1-year period immediately preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporate action requiring appraisal rights was, the beneficial
owner of 20 percent or more of the voting power of the corporation, excluding any shares acquired pursuant to an offer for all shares having voting power if such offer was made within
1 year prior to the corporate action requiring appraisal rights for consideration of the same kind and of a value equal to or less than that paid in connection with the corporate action; or
b. Directly
or indirectly has, or at any time in the 1-year period immediately preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporation of the corporate action
requiring appraisal rights had, the power, contractually or otherwise, to cause the appointment or election of 25 percent or more of the directors to the board of directors of the corporation;
or
2. Any
of the shares or assets of the corporation are being acquired or converted, whether by merger, share exchange, or otherwise, pursuant to such corporate action by a
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person,
or by an affiliate of a person, who is, or at any time in the 1-year period immediately preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporate action requiring appraisal rights was, a
senior executive or director of the corporation or a senior executive of any affiliate thereof, and that senior executive or director will receive, as a result of the corporate action, a financial
benefit not generally available to other shareholders as such, other than:
a. Employment,
consulting, retirement, or similar benefits established separately and not as part of or in contemplation of the corporate action;
b. Employment,
consulting, retirement, or similar benefits established in contemplation of, or as part of, the corporate action that are not more favorable than those
existing before the corporate action or, if more favorable, that have been approved on behalf of the corporation in the same manner as is provided in s. 607.0832; or
c. In
the case of a director of the corporation who will, in the corporate action, become a director of the acquiring entity in the corporate action or one of its
affiliates, rights and benefits as a director that are provided on the same basis as those afforded by the acquiring entity generally to other directors of such entity or such affiliate.
(e) For
the purposes of paragraph (d) only, the term "beneficial owner" means any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, or
understanding, other than a revocable proxy, has or shares the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, shares, provided that a member of a national securities exchange shall not be deemed to be a
beneficial owner of securities held directly or indirectly by it on behalf of another person solely because such member is the recordholder of such securities if the member is precluded by the rules
of such exchange from voting without instruction on contested matters or matters that may affect substantially the rights or privileges of the holders of the securities to be voted. When two or more
persons agree to act together for the purpose of voting their shares of the corporation, each member of the group formed thereby shall be deemed to have acquired beneficial ownership, as of the date
of such agreement, of all voting shares of the corporation beneficially owned by any member of the group.
(3) Notwithstanding
any other provision of this section, the articles of incorporation as originally filed or any amendment thereto may limit or eliminate appraisal rights
for any class or series of preferred
shares, but any such limitation or elimination contained in an amendment to the articles of incorporation that limits or eliminates appraisal rights for any of such shares that are outstanding
immediately prior to the effective date of such amendment or that the corporation is or may be required to issue or sell thereafter pursuant to any conversion, exchange, or other right existing
immediately before the effective date of such amendment shall not apply to any corporate action that becomes effective within 1 year of that date if such action would otherwise afford appraisal
rights.
(4) A
shareholder entitled to appraisal rights under this chapter may not challenge a completed corporate action for which appraisal rights are available unless such
corporate action:
(a) Was
not effectuated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section or the corporation's articles of incorporation, bylaws, or board of directors'
resolution authorizing the corporate action; or
(b) Was
procured as a result of fraud or material misrepresentation.
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History.
s. 119, ch. 89-154; s. 5, ch. 94-327; s. 31, ch. 97-102; s. 22, ch. 2003-283;
s. 1, ch. 2004-378; s. 3, ch. 2005-267; s. 5, ch. 2014-209.
607.1303 Assertion of rights by nominees and beneficial owners.
(1) A
record shareholder may assert appraisal rights as to fewer than all the shares registered in the record shareholder's name but owned by a beneficial shareholder only
if the record shareholder objects with respect to all shares of the class or series owned by the beneficial shareholder and notifies the corporation in writing of the name and address of each
beneficial shareholder on whose behalf appraisal rights are being asserted. The rights of a record shareholder who asserts appraisal rights for only part of the shares held of record in the record
shareholder's name under this subsection shall be determined as if the shares as to which the record shareholder objects and the record shareholder's other shares were registered in the names of
different record shareholders.
(2) A
beneficial shareholder may assert appraisal rights as to shares of any class or series held on behalf of the shareholder only if such shareholder:
(a) Submits
to the corporation the record shareholder's written consent to the assertion of such rights no later than the date referred to in s. 607.1322(2)(b)2.
(b) Does
so with respect to all shares of the class or series that are beneficially owned by the beneficial shareholder.
History.
s. 23, ch. 2003-283.
607.1320 Notice of appraisal rights.
(1) If
proposed corporate action described in s. 607.1302(1) is to be submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, the meeting notice must state that the
corporation has concluded that shareholders are, are not, or may be entitled to assert appraisal rights under this chapter. If the corporation concludes that appraisal rights are or may be available,
a copy of ss. 607.1301-607.1333 must accompany the meeting notice sent to those record shareholders entitled to exercise appraisal rights.
(2) In
a merger pursuant to s. 607.1104, the parent corporation must notify in writing all record shareholders of the subsidiary who are entitled to assert appraisal
rights that the corporate action became effective. Such notice must be sent within 10 days after the corporate action became effective and include the materials described in s. 607.1322.
(3) If
the proposed corporate action described in s. 607.1302(1) is to be approved other than by a shareholders' meeting, the notice referred to in
subsection (1) must be sent to all shareholders at the time that consents are first solicited pursuant to s. 607.0704, whether or not consents are solicited from all shareholders, and
include the materials described in s. 607.1322.
History.
s. 120, ch. 89-154; s. 35, ch. 93-281; s. 32, ch. 97-102; s. 24, ch. 2003-283.
607.1321 Notice of intent to demand payment.
(1) If
proposed corporate action requiring appraisal rights under s. 607.1302 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, or is submitted to a shareholder
pursuant to a consent vote under s. 607.0704, a shareholder who wishes to assert appraisal rights with respect to any class or series of shares:
(a) Must
deliver to the corporation before the vote is taken, or within 20 days after receiving the notice pursuant to s. 607.1320(3) if action is to be taken
without a shareholder
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meeting,
written notice of the shareholder's intent to demand payment if the proposed action is effectuated.
(b) Must
not vote, or cause or permit to be voted, any shares of such class or series in favor of the proposed action.
(2) A
shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (1) is not entitled to payment under this chapter.
History.
s. 25, ch. 2003-283; s. 7, ch. 2004-378.
607.1322 Appraisal notice and form.
(1) If
proposed corporate action requiring appraisal rights under s. 607.1302(1) becomes effective, the corporation must deliver a written appraisal notice and form
required by paragraph (2)(a) to all shareholders who satisfied the requirements of s. 607.1321. In the case of a merger under s. 607.1104, the parent must deliver a written
appraisal notice and form to all record shareholders who may be entitled to assert appraisal rights.
(2) The
appraisal notice must be sent no earlier than the date the corporate action became effective and no later than 10 days after such date and must:
(a) Supply
a form that specifies the date that the corporate action became effective and that provides for the shareholder to state:
1. The
shareholder's name and address.
2. The
number, classes, and series of shares as to which the shareholder asserts appraisal rights.
3. That
the shareholder did not vote for the transaction.
4. Whether
the shareholder accepts the corporation's offer as stated in subparagraph (b)4.
5. If
the offer is not accepted, the shareholder's estimated fair value of the shares and a demand for payment of the shareholder's estimated value plus interest.
(b) State:
1. Where
the form must be sent and where certificates for certificated shares must be deposited and the date by which those certificates must be deposited, which date may
not be earlier than the date for receiving the required form under subparagraph 2.
2. A
date by which the corporation must receive the form, which date may not be fewer than 40 nor more than 60 days after the date the subsection (1) appraisal
notice and form are sent, and state that the shareholder shall have waived the right to demand appraisal with respect to the shares unless the form is received by the corporation by such specified
date.
3. The
corporation's estimate of the fair value of the shares.
4. An
offer to each shareholder who is entitled to appraisal rights to pay the corporation's estimate of fair value set forth in subparagraph 3.
5. That,
if requested in writing, the corporation will provide to the shareholder so requesting, within 10 days after the date specified in subparagraph 2.,
the number of shareholders who return the forms by the specified date and the total number of shares owned by them.
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6. The
date by which the notice to withdraw under s. 607.1323 must be received, which date must be within 20 days after the date specified in
subparagraph 2.
(c) Be
accompanied by:
1. Financial
statements of the corporation that issued the shares to be appraised, consisting of a balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year ending not more than
15 months prior to the date of the corporation's appraisal notice, an income statement for that year, a cash flow statement for that year, and the latest available interim financial statements,
if any.
2. A
copy of ss. 607.1301-607.1333.
History.
s. 26, ch. 2003-283.
607.1323 Perfection of rights; right to withdraw.
(1) A
shareholder who wishes to exercise appraisal rights must execute and return the form received pursuant to s. 607.1322(1) and, in the case of certificated
shares, deposit the shareholder's certificates in accordance with the terms of the notice by the date referred to in the notice pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)2. Once a shareholder deposits that
shareholder's certificates or, in the case of uncertificated shares, returns the executed forms, that shareholder loses all rights as a shareholder, unless the shareholder withdraws pursuant to
subsection (2).
(2) A
shareholder who has complied with subsection (1) may nevertheless decline to exercise appraisal rights and withdraw from the appraisal process by so notifying
the corporation in writing by the date set forth in the appraisal notice pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)6. A shareholder who fails to so withdraw from the appraisal process may not thereafter
withdraw without the corporation's written consent.
(3) A
shareholder who does not execute and return the form and, in the case of certificated shares, deposit that shareholder's share certificates if required, each by the
date set forth in the notice described in subsection (2), shall not be entitled to payment under this chapter.
History.
s. 27, ch. 2003-283.
607.1324 Shareholder's acceptance of corporation's offer.
(1) If
the shareholder states on the form provided in s. 607.1322(1) that the shareholder accepts the offer of the corporation to pay the corporation's estimated fair
value for the shares, the corporation shall make such payment to the shareholder within 90 days after the corporation's receipt of the form from the shareholder.
(2) Upon
payment of the agreed value, the shareholder shall cease to have any interest in the shares.
History.
s. 28, ch. 2003-283.
607.1326 Procedure if shareholder is dissatisfied with offer.
(1) A
shareholder who is dissatisfied with the corporation's offer as set forth pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)4. must notify the corporation on the form provided
pursuant to s. 607.1322(1) of that shareholder's estimate of the fair value of the shares and demand payment of that estimate plus interest.
(2) A
shareholder who fails to notify the corporation in writing of that shareholder's demand to be paid the shareholder's stated estimate of the fair value plus interest
under subsection (1) within the timeframe set forth in s. 607.1322(2)(b)2. waives the right to demand payment under
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this
section and shall be entitled only to the payment offered by the corporation pursuant to s. 607.1322(2)(b)4.
History.
s. 29, ch. 2003-283.
607.1330 Court action.
(1) If
a shareholder makes demand for payment under s. 607.1326 which remains unsettled, the corporation shall commence a proceeding within 60 days after
receiving the payment demand and petition the court to determine the fair value of the shares and accrued interest. If the corporation does not commence the proceeding within the 60-day period, any
shareholder who has made a demand pursuant to s. 607.1326 may commence the proceeding in the name of the corporation.
(2) The
proceeding shall be commenced in the appropriate court of the county in which the corporation's principal office, or, if none, its registered office, in this state
is located. If the corporation is a foreign corporation without a registered office in this state, the proceeding shall be commenced in the county in this state in which the principal office or
registered office of the domestic corporation merged with the foreign corporation was located at the time of the transaction.
(3) All
shareholders, whether or not residents of this state, whose demands remain unsettled shall be made parties to the proceeding as in an action against their shares.
The corporation shall serve a copy of the initial pleading in such proceeding upon each shareholder party who is a resident of this state in the manner provided by law for the service of a summons and
complaint and upon each nonresident shareholder party by registered or certified mail or by publication as provided by law.
(4) The
jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced under subsection (2) is plenary and exclusive. If it so elects, the court may appoint one or
more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a decision on the question of fair value. The appraisers shall have the powers described in the order appointing them or in any amendment
to the order. The shareholders demanding appraisal rights are entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings. There shall be no right to a jury trial.
(5) Each
shareholder made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment for the amount of the fair value of such shareholder's shares, plus interest, as found by the
court.
(6) The
corporation shall pay each such shareholder the amount found to be due within 10 days after final determination of the proceedings. Upon payment of the
judgment, the shareholder shall cease to have any interest in the shares.
History.
s. 2, ch. 2004-378.
607.1331 Court costs and counsel fees.
(1) The
court in an appraisal proceeding shall determine all costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by the
court. The court shall assess the costs against the corporation, except that the court may assess costs against all or some of the shareholders demanding appraisal, in amounts the court finds
equitable, to the extent the court finds such shareholders acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with respect to the rights provided by this chapter.
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(2) The
court in an appraisal proceeding may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:
(a) Against
the corporation and in favor of any or all shareholders demanding appraisal if the court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with
ss. 607.1320 and 607.1322; or
(b) Against
either the corporation or a shareholder demanding appraisal, in favor of any other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and expenses
are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with respect to the rights provided by this chapter.
(3) If
the court in an appraisal proceeding finds that the services of counsel for any shareholder were of substantial benefit to other shareholders similarly situated, and
that the fees for those services should not be assessed against the corporation, the court may award to such counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded the shareholders who were
benefited.
(4) To
the extent the corporation fails to make a required payment pursuant to s. 607.1324, the shareholder may sue directly for the amount owed and, to the extent
successful, shall be entitled to recover from the corporation all costs and expenses of the suit, including counsel fees.
History.
s. 30, ch. 2003-283; s. 98, ch. 2004-5.
607.1332 Disposition of acquired shares.
Shares acquired by a corporation pursuant to payment of the agreed value thereof or
pursuant to
payment of the judgment entered therefor, as provided in this chapter, may be held and disposed of by such corporation as authorized but unissued shares of the corporation, except that, in the case of
a merger or share exchange, they may be held and disposed of as the plan of merger or share exchange otherwise provides. The shares of the surviving corporation into which the shares of such
shareholders demanding appraisal rights would have been converted had they assented to the merger shall have the status of authorized but unissued shares of the surviving corporation.
History.
s. 31, ch. 2003-283.
607.1333 Limitation on corporate payment.
(1) No
payment shall be made to a shareholder seeking appraisal rights if, at the time of payment, the corporation is unable to meet the distribution standards of
s. 607.06401. In such event, the shareholder shall, at the shareholder's option:
(a) Withdraw
his or her notice of intent to assert appraisal rights, which shall in such event be deemed withdrawn with the consent of the corporation; or
(b) Retain
his or her status as a claimant against the corporation and, if it is liquidated, be subordinated to the rights of creditors of the corporation, but have rights
superior to the shareholders not asserting appraisal rights, and if it is not liquidated, retain his or her right to be paid for the shares, which right the corporation shall be obliged to satisfy
when the restrictions of this section do not apply.
(2) The
shareholder shall exercise the option under paragraph (1)(a) or paragraph (1)(b) by written notice filed with the corporation within 30 days
after the corporation has given written notice that the payment for shares cannot be made because of the restrictions of this section. If the shareholder fails to exercise the option, the shareholder
shall be deemed to have withdrawn his or her notice of intent to assert appraisal rights.
History.
s. 32, ch. 2003-283.
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