-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: keymaster@town.hall.org Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFkwCgYEVQgBAQICAgADSwAwSAJBALeWW4xDV4i7+b6+UyPn5RtObb1cJ7VkACDq pKb9/DClgTKIm08lCfoilvi9Wl4SODbR1+1waHhiGmeZO8OdgLUCAwEAAQ== MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, HMECTEyHr3rG1wTt9jNYJnqLriM9kjnmx/NCmHToJMo5m6rvpXQe0Jl16OyRpDXg Zpd3XXtQpDW/jhejVzHcOA== 0000031224-94-000081.txt : 19941116 0000031224-94-000081.hdr.sgml : 19941116 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000031224-94-000081 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: U-1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 FILED AS OF DATE: 19941114 SROS: NYSE FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: EASTERN UTILITIES ASSOCIATES CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000031224 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: 4911 IRS NUMBER: 041271872 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: U-1 SEC ACT: 1935 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 070-08523 FILM NUMBER: 94559547 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE LIBERTY SQ STREET 2: P O BOX 2333 CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02109 BUSINESS PHONE: 6173579590 U-1 1 EUA/HIGHLAND ENERGY PARTNERS, LP File No. 70- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM U-1 APPLICATION-DECLARATION WITH RESPECT TO THE ISSUANCE OF COMMON SHARES IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF AN ENERGY SERVICES BUSINESS UNDER THE PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT OF 1935 EASTERN UTILITIES ASSOCIATES P.O. Box 2333, Boston, Massachusetts 02107 EUA COGENEX CORPORATION P.O. Box 2333, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02107 (Name of companies filing this statement and address of principal executive office) EASTERN UTILITIES ASSOCIATES (Name of top registered holding company parent of applicant or declarant) CLIFFORD J. HEBERT, JR., TREASURER EASTERN UTILITIES ASSOCIATES P.O. Box 2333, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02107 (Name and address of agent for service) The Commission is requested to mail signed copies of all orders, notices and communications to: ARTHUR I. ANDERSON, P.C. McDermott, Will & Emery 75 State Street Boston, MA 02109 ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. I. Overview of Application/Declaration. Eastern Utilities Associates ("EUA"), a Massachusetts business trust and a registered holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 ("Act") and EUA Cogenex Corporation ("Cogenex"), a Massachusetts corporation and a wholly- owned subsidiary of EUA (collectively, the "Applicants"), jointly file this application-declaration with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission"). The Applicants seek Commission approval: (i) for EUA to issue common shares to fund the acquisition by Cogenex of Highland Energy Group, Inc., a Colorado corporation, located at 2970 Wilderness Place #110, Boulder, Colorado 80301 ("Highland Energy"); and (ii) to acquire Highland Energy. Highland Energy owns a 50% general partnership interest in EUA/Highland Energy Partners, L.P. The Applicants request Commission approval for EUA to issue common shares of EUA (par value $5.00 per share) in connection with Cogenex's acquisition of Highland Energy as described below and for Cogenex to effect that acquisition. Cogenex will acquire Highland Energy in a transaction structured as a statutory merger and qualifying as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The consideration paid to Highland Energy, as further described below, will include an amount to be paid at Closing in EUA common shares plus a deferred, contingent earn-out amount also to be paid in EUA common shares. The earn-out is based on the cumulative operating income of the Highland Energy business over the three year period following the Closing. The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and will result in an increase in the equity to debt ratio of Cogenex and EUA. Highland Energy is actively involved in one or more of Cogenex's principal business areas. The acquisition of Highland Energy will provide synergies which will enable Cogenex to provide its services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner and thereby enhance Cogenex's competitive position and profitability. The acquisition of Highland Energy will also allow Cogenex to expand its customer base and will provide a new outlet for the services and products of EUA NOVA and EUA Day (both divisions of Cogenex) and for engineering services of Cogenex. II. Description of Highland Energy Business. Highland Energy is a national energy services company that has extensive experience in the energy efficiency industry. The company's mission is to provide energy savings programs designed to assist large energy consumers and energy suppliers in reducing energy demand, use, and costs. Highland Energy designs, executes, finances, monitors, maintains, and guarantees energy savings programs for public consumers, such as schools and hospitals, and for private energy consumers, such as office buildings and businesses, under multi-year contracts. Highland Energy has completed projects in Ohio, Texas and North Carolina and has recently been awarded demand side management contracts with Texas Utilities for 9 Megawatts and Duke Power for 4.5 megawatts. III. The Highland Energy Acquisition Plan. The Highland Energy acquisition will be a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code structured as a statutory merger of Highland Energy into Cogenex. In the merger, common shares of EUA will be issued in exchange for the transfer to Cogenex of the outstanding common stock of Highland Energy, which will be cancelled by operation of law. The common shares to be issued by EUA have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "'33 Act") by a registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33- 50099) filed with the Commission on August 27, 1993 and made effective by order of the Commission dated November 22, 1993. As set out in detail in the Highland Energy Agreement referred to below, payment will be made to the stockholders of Highland Energy in common shares, taken at their average Closing market price over a 5-day period before the relevant payment date. The Highland Energy stockholders will receive $4,200,000 at Closing plus a deferred earn-out amount ranging from zero up to $3,800,000 depending on the level of cumulative operating income (as defined) of the purchased business for a three year period from the Closing. A credit shall be awarded toward the earn-out amount for the "income" impact of the net operating loss of the Highland Energy business as determined on an annual basis by a firm of independent auditors. Assuming an EUA common share price of $22.00 per share, up to 363,636 common shares of EUA could be issued in the acquisition. The actual number of shares to be issued will be determined in accordance with the formula to be included in the definitive agreement. Cogenex will pay cash in lieu of common shares for any fractional shares which otherwise would be issued by EUA. By operation of the merger, Cogenex will acquire all of the liabilities of Highland Energy. Cumulative income is defined in the Highland Energy Agreement as sales attributable to the Highland Energy business, less: (i) general and administrative expenses allocated to Highland Energy operations (including a general and administrative charge of five percent (5%) for Cogenex overhead); and (ii) any liabilities incurred by Cogenex on account of the acquisition or any breach of representations and warranties made by Highland Energy's shareholders, and (iii) all other expenses allocated to Highland Energy's operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and (iv) amortization of transaction costs incurred by Cogenex in connection with the acquisition. Certain contracts of Highland Energy are subject to contract deferred terms (such as true shared savings contracts). The proforma anticipated cumulative income attributable to such contracts shall be calculated as if such contracts were sold to a third party during the earn-out period. EUA's obligation to issue common shares under the earn-out is capped at the number of common shares issued at the initial Closing, regardless of whether the value of those shares equals the dollar earn-out amount. Cogenex and Highland Energy have executed a letter agreement (Exhibit B-1), the terms of which will be more fully set forth in a definitive agreement and plan of merger which will be filed as an Exhibit to this application-declaration. The obligation of EUA and Cogenex to effect the acquisition will be subject to various closing conditions, including the approval of the Commission under the Act. IV. Request For Authority For Financing The Acquisitions By The Applicants. The common shares to be issued by EUA have been registered under the '33 Act by a registration statement on Form S-4, filed by EUA on August 27, 1993, with respect to the issuance and sale of one million five hundred thousand (1,500,000) of its common shares. The registration statement was made effective by order of the Commission dated November 22, 1993. The maximum number of shares issued by EUA in connection with the acquisition of Highland Energy will be based upon the various factors described above and will be less than the number of shares registered pursuant to the S-4. The additional shares which were registered have either been used in previous Cogenex acquisitions, or are for possible use in connection with future transactions. At such time as EUA and Cogenex wish to effect further acquisitions, whether in consideration for the issuance of common shares of EUA or otherwise, they will seek further Commission approval for such acquisitions. If additional EUA shares are to be issued, EUA will file with the Commission on Form U-1 for authorization to issue said shares. Cogenex is currently restricted to earning less than 50% of its revenues from outside New England and New York (the "50% Restriction"). Revenues from Highland Energy will be subject to the 50% Restriction just like any other aspect of Cogenex's business other than revenues from QF projects and consulting revenues, which revenues are not included in the calculation for the 50% Restriction. Cogenex does not now, and will not in the future, without prior Commission approval, own or operate or be an equity participant in any exempt wholesale generator or foreign utility company, as such terms are defined in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. ITEM 2. FEES, COMMISSIONS, AND EXPENSES. The fees, commissions and expenses of the Applicants expected to be paid or incurred, directly or indirectly, in connection with the transactions described will be filed by amendment. ITEM 3. APPLICABLE STATUTORY PROVISIONS. The sections of the Act and rules or exemptions thereunder that the applicants believe are or may be applicable to the transactions proposed are set forth below: Acquisition of Highland Energy Sections 9(a) and 10. by Cogenex and indirectly by EUA. Issuance and sale of common Sections 6(a), 7 and shares by EUA to or on behalf 12(b) and 12(f); Rules its Cogenex subsidiary. 43(a) and 45(a). ITEM 4. REGULATORY APPROVALS. No state commission and no Federal commission, other than the Commission, has jurisdiction over the proposed transactions. ITEM 5. PROCEDURE. (a) In order to be in a position to carry out the proposed transactions at the most advantageous time, the Applicants request that the Commission issue its order hereon on the earliest practical date. (b) It is not considered necessary that there be a recommended decision by a hearing officer or by any other responsible officer of the Commission. The Office of Public Utility Regulation may assist in the preparation of the decision of the Commission, and it is believed that a thirty (30) day waiting period between the issuance of the order of the Commission and the day on which the order is to become effective would not be appropriate. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (* Filed herewith) (a) Exhibits. Exhibit A-1 Declaration of Trust of EUA, dated April 2, 1928, as amended (Exhibit A-3, File No. 70-3188; Exhibit 1 to EUA's 8-K reports for April in each of the years 1957, 1962, 1966, 1968, 1972, and 1973, File No. 1-5366; Exhibit A-1(a), Amendment No. 2 to Form U-1, File No. 70-5997, Exhibit 4-3, Registration No. 2-72589; Exhibit 1 to Certificate of Notification, File No. 70-6713; Exhibit 1 to Certificate of Notification, File No. 70-7084; Exhibit 3-2, Form 10-K of EUA for 1987, File No. 1-5366). Exhibit B-1 Letter Agreement: Highland Energy, Inc. (to be filed by amendment). Exhibit B-2 Agreement and Plan of Merger: Highland Energy Group, Inc. (to be filed by amendment). Exhibit F Opinion of counsel (to be filed by amendment). *Exhibit G Proposed Form of Notice. (b) Financial Statements. To be filed by amendment. ITEM 7. INFORMATION AS TO ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS. The transactions described in Item 1. do not involve major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. No Federal agency has prepared or is preparing an environmental impact statement with respect to the proposed transactions. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the undersigned Applicants have duly caused this statement to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned duly authorized individuals. EASTERN UTILITIES ASSOCIATES By: /s/ Clifford J. Hebert, Jr. Clifford J. Hebert, Jr. Treasurer EUA COGENEX CORPORATION By: /s/ Basil G. Pallone Basil G. Pallone Vice President Dated November 14, 1994 EX-99 2 PROPOSED FORM OF NOTICE Exhibit G (PROPOSED FORM OF NOTICE) SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (Release No. 35- , 70- ) Eastern Utilities Associates ("EUA"), a registered holding company, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, EUA Cogenex Corporation ("Cogenex") have filed an application-declaration with this Commission pursuant to Sections 6(a), 7, 9(a), 10, 12(b) and 12(f) of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (the "Act") and Rules 43(a) and 45(a) promulgated thereunder. EUA and Cogenex request Commission approval for EUA to issue common shares of EUA (par value $5.00 per share) in connection with Cogenex's acquisition of Highland Energy Group, Inc. ("Highland Energy") as described below and for Cogenex to effect that acquisition. Cogenex will acquire Highland Energy in a transaction structured as a statutory merger and qualifying as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The consideration paid to Highland Energy, as further described below, will include an amount to be paid at Closing in EUA common shares plus a deferred, contingent earn-out amount also to be paid in EUA common shares. The earn-out is based on the cumulative operating income of the Highland Energy business over the three year period following the Closing. The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and will result in an increase in the equity to debt ratio of Cogenex and EUA. Highland Energy is actively involved in one or more of Cogenex's principal business areas. The acquisition of Highland Energy will provide synergies which will enable Cogenex to provide its services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner and thereby enhance Cogenex's competitive position and profitability. The acquisition of Highland Energy will also allow Cogenex to expand its customer base and will provide a new outlet for the services and products of EUA NOVA and EUA Day (both divisions of Cogenex) and for engineering services of Cogenex. Highland Energy is a national energy services company that has extensive experience in the industry of energy efficiency. The company's mission is to provide energy savings programs designed to assist large energy consumers and energy suppliers in reducing energy demand, use, and costs. Highland Energy designs, executes, finances, monitors, maintains, and guarantees energy savings programs for public consumers, such as schools and hospitals, and for private energy consumers, such as office buildings and businesses, under multi-year contracts. Highland Energy has completed projects in Ohio, Texas and North Carolina and has recently been awarded demand side management contracts with Texas Utilities for 9 Megawatts and Duke Power for 4.5 megawatts. The Highland Energy acquisition will be a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code structured as a statutory merger of Highland Energy into Cogenex. In the merger, common shares of EUA will be issued in exchange for the transfer to Cogenex of the outstanding common stock of Highland Energy, which will be cancelled by operation of law. The common shares to be issued by EUA have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "'33 Act") by a registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-50099) filed with the Commission on August 27, 1993 and made effective by order of the Commission dated November 22, 1993. As set out in detail in the Highland Energy Agreement referred to below, payment will be made to the stockholders of Highland Energy in common shares, taken at their average Closing market price over a 5-day period before the relevant payment date. The Highland Energy stockholders will receive $4,200,000 at Closing plus a deferred earn-out amount ranging from zero up to $3,800,000 depending on the level of cumulative operating income (as defined) of the purchased business for a three year period from the Closing. A credit shall be awarded toward the earn-out amount for the "income" impact of the net operating loss of the Highland Energy business as determined on an annual basis by a firm of independent auditors. Assuming an EUA common share price of $22.00 per share, up to 363,636 common shares of EUA could be issued in the acquisition. The actual number of shares to be issued will be determined in accordance with the formula to be included in the definitive agreement. Cogenex will pay cash in lieu of common shares for any fractional shares which otherwise would be issued by EUA. By operation of the merger, Cogenex will acquire all of the liabilities of Highland Energy. Cumulative income is defined in the Highland Energy Agreement as sales attributable to the Highland Energy business, less: (i) general and administrative expenses allocated to Highland Energy operations (including a general and administrative charge of five percent (5%) for Cogenex overhead); and (ii) any liabilities incurred by Cogenex on account of the acquisition or any breach of representations and warranties made by Highland Energy's shareholders, and (iii) all other expenses allocated to Highland Energy's operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and (iv) amortization of transaction costs incurred by Cogenex in connection with the acquisition. Certain contracts of Highland Energy are subject to contract deferred terms (such as true shared savings contracts). The proforma anticipated cumulative income attributable to such contracts shall be calculated as if such contracts were sold to a third party during the earn-out period. EUA's obligation to issue common shares under the earn-out is capped at the number of common shares issued at the initial Closing, regardless of whether the value of those shares equals the dollar earn-out amount. Cogenex and Highland Energy have executed a letter agreement (Exhibit B-1), the terms of which will be more fully set forth in a definitive agreement and plan of merger which will be filed as an Exhibit to the application-declaration. The obligation of EUA and Cogenex to effect the acquisition will be subject to various closing conditions, including the approval of the Commission under the Act. The common shares to be issued by EUA have been registered under the '33 Act by a registration statement on Form S-4, filed by EUA on August 27, 1993, with respect to the issuance and sale of one million five hundred thousand (1,500,000) of its common shares. The registration statement was made effective by order of the Commission dated November 22, 1993. The maximum number of shares issued by EUA in connection with the acquisition of Highland Energy will be based upon the various factors described above and will be less than the number of shares registered pursuant to the S-4. The additional shares which were registered have either been used in previous Cogenex acquisitions, or are for possible use in connection with future transactions. At such time as EUA and Cogenex wish to effect further acquisitions, whether in consideration for the issuance of common shares of EUA or otherwise, they will seek further Commission approval for such acquisitions. If additional EUA shares are to be issued, EUA will file with the Commission on Form U-1 for authorization to issue said shares. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any interested person may, not later than _________, 1994, request in writing that a hearing be held on such matter, stating the nature of his interest, the reasons for such request, and the issues of fact or law raised by said application/declaration which he desires to controvert; or he may request that he be notified if the Commission should order a hearing thereon. Any such request should be addressed: Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 5th Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549. A copy of such request should be served personally or by mail upon the applicant/declarant at the above-stated address and proof of service (by affidavit or, in case of an attorney at law, by certificate) should be filed with the request. At any time after said date the application/declaration, as filed or as it may be amended, may be granted and permitted to become effective as provided in Rule 23 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated under the Act, or the Commission may grant exemption from such rules as provided in Rules 20(a) and 100 thereof or take such other action as it may deem appropriate. Persons who request a hearing or advice as to whether a hearing is ordered will receive any notices and orders issued in this matter, including the date of the hearing (if ordered) and any postponements thereof. For the Commission, by the Division of Corporate Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority. Secretary -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----