defm14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant þ Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 |
XETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
N/A
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
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XETA TECHNOLOGIES,
INC.
April 18, 2011
To the Shareholders of XETA Technologies, Inc.:
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of
shareholders of XETA Technologies, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation
(XETA, we, us or
our) to be held on May 26, 2011 at
10:00 a.m., Central time, at XETAs principal
executive offices, 1814 W. Tacoma Street, Broken
Arrow, Oklahoma 74012.
On February 8, 2011, we entered into the Agreement and Plan
of Merger among PAETEC Holding Corp. (PAETEC) and
Hera Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PAETEC
(the merger agreement). If the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement are completed, we will
become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PAETEC, and you
will be entitled to receive $5.50 per share in cash, without
interest and less any required withholding taxes, for each share
of XETA common stock, $0.001 par value (the common
shares), that you own at the time of the merger.
After careful consideration, our board of directors, acting on
the recommendation of a special committee of independent
directors consisting of Eric Grimshaw, S. Lee Crawley and
Ozarslan Tangun, unanimously approved the merger agreement and
the merger and related transactions and unanimously determined
that the merger is advisable and fair to, and in the best
interests of, XETA shareholders. Our board of directors
unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the
proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement.
The merger cannot be completed unless shareholders holding at
least a majority of the outstanding common shares on the record
date approve and adopt the merger agreement. The completion of
the merger is also subject to the satisfaction or waiver of
other conditions. More information about the merger is contained
in the accompanying proxy statement.
We encourage you to read the accompanying proxy statement in its
entirety because it explains the proposed merger, the documents
related to the merger and other related matters.
Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting, please
take the time to submit a proxy by following the instructions on
your proxy card as soon as possible. If your common shares are
held in an account at a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee, you should instruct your broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee how to
vote in accordance with the voting instructions that will be
furnished to you by your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee.
We appreciate your support of XETA.
Sincerely,
Ronald L. Siegenthaler
Chairman of the Board
The merger has not been approved or disapproved by the
Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities
commission. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor
any state securities commission has passed upon the merits or
fairness of the merger or upon the adequacy or accuracy of the
information contained in this proxy statement. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The accompanying proxy statement is dated April 18, 2011
and is first being mailed to shareholders on or about
April 18, 2011.
XETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
1814 W. Tacoma Street
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
(918) 664-8200
TO THE
SHAREHOLDERS OF XETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.:
NOTICE IS
HEREBY GIVEN that the special meeting of shareholders of XETA
Technologies, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, will be held on
May 26, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., Central time, at
XETAs principal executive offices,
1814 W. Tacoma Street, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
for the following purposes:
1. To approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of February 8, 2011 by and among XETA
Technologies, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation (XETA,
we, us or our), PAETEC
Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (PAETEC), and
Hera Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation and an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of PAETEC (the merger
agreement);
2. To approve an adjournment or postponement of the special
meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional
proxies for the adoption of the merger agreement; and
3. To transact any other business as may properly come
before the special meeting and at any adjournment or
postponement of the special meeting.
For more information about the merger and the other transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement, please review the
accompanying proxy statement and the merger agreement attached
as Annex A.
The board of directors has fixed the close of business on
April 5, 2011 as the record date for the determination of
shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at this special
meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. For ten
days prior to the meeting, a complete list of shareholders
entitled to vote at the meeting will be available for
examination by any shareholder, for any purpose relating to the
meeting, during ordinary business hours at our principal offices
located at 1814 W. Tacoma Street, Broken Arrow,
Oklahoma.
Please submit your proxy or voting instructions as soon as
possible to make sure that your shares are represented and voted
at the special meeting, whether or not you plan to attend the
special meeting. Whether you attend the special meeting or not,
you may revoke a proxy at any time before it is voted by filing
with our corporate secretary a duly executed revocation of
proxy, by properly submitting a proxy either by mail, the
Internet or telephone with a later date or by appearing at the
special meeting and voting in person. You may revoke a proxy by
any of these methods, regardless of the method used to deliver
your previous proxy. Attendance at the special meeting without
voting will not itself revoke a proxy. If your shares are held
in an account at a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee, you must contact your broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to revoke your
proxy. If you are a participant in the XETA Technologies Stock
Fund under the XETA Technologies, Inc. 401(k) plan, you may
instruct the 401(k) plan trustee how to vote the common shares
credited to your account as of the record date by following the
directions on the reverse side of the enclosed proxy card,
except that voting instructions from plan participants must be
received no later than 5:00 p.m., Central time on May 25,
2011.
XETA shareholders who do not vote in favor of the approval and
adoption of the merger agreement will have the right to seek
appraisal and the fair value of their shares, but only if they
perfect their appraisal rights by complying with the required
procedures under Oklahoma law. See Approval of the
Merger Agreement Appraisal Rights
beginning on page 46 of the accompanying proxy statement.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the special
meeting.
By order of the board of directors,
Robert B. Wagner
Corporate Secretary
SUMMARY
VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Ensure that your XETA common shares can be voted at the
special meeting by submitting your proxy or contacting your
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other
nominee.
If your XETA common shares are registered in the name of a
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee:
check the voting instructions that will be forwarded to
you by your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee to see which voting options are available or
contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee in order to obtain directions as to how to ensure
that your common shares are voted with respect to the proposals
at the special meeting.
If you are a participant in the XETA Technologies Stock
Fund under the XETA Technologies, Inc. 401(k) plan: you
may instruct the 401(k) plan trustee how to vote the common
shares credited to your account as of the record date by
following the directions on the reverse side of the enclosed
proxy card, except that voting instructions from plan
participants must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Central
time on May 25, 2011.
If your XETA common shares are registered in your name:
submit your proxy as soon as possible by telephone, via
the Internet or by signing, dating and returning the enclosed
proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, so that your
common shares can be voted in favor of the proposals at the
special meeting.
Instructions regarding Internet voting are included on the proxy
card.
For additional questions about the merger, assistance in
submitting proxies or voting XETA common shares, or to request
additional copies of the proxy statement or the enclosed proxy
card, please contact:
105 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10016
(212) 929-5500
(Call Collect)
or
Call Toll-Free
(800) 322-2885
Email:
proxy@mackenziepartners.com
IMPORTANT
NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
FOR THE SPECIAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING TO BE HELD ON
MAY 26, 2011
The following proxy materials for the special meeting of
shareholders are available at www.proxyvote.com:
1. The proxy statement for the special meeting of
shareholders; and
2. The form of proxy card being distributed to shareholders
in connection with the special meeting of shareholders.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Annex A
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Annex B
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Annex C
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XETA
TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
1814 W. Tacoma Street
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
(918) 664-8200
PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement contains information related to a special
meeting of shareholders of XETA Technologies, Inc., an Oklahoma
corporation (XETA, we, us or
our) to be held on May 26, 2011, at
10:00 a.m., Central time, at XETAs principal
executive offices, 1814 W. Tacoma Street, Broken
Arrow, Oklahoma 74012 and at any adjournments or postponements
thereof. We are furnishing this proxy statement to shareholders
of XETA as part of the solicitation of proxies by XETAs
board of directors for use at the special meeting. This proxy
statement is dated April 18, 2011 and is first being mailed
to shareholders on or about April 18, 2011.
SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information in this proxy
statement and may not contain all the information about the
merger that is important to you. We have included page
references in parentheses to direct you to more complete
descriptions of the topics presented in this summary. You should
carefully read this proxy statement in its entirety, including
the annexes and the other documents to which we have referred
you, for a more complete understanding of the matters being
considered at the special meeting.
The
Companies
(page 18)
XETA
Technologies, Inc.
XETA Technologies, Inc.
1814 W. Tacoma Street
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
(918) 664-8200
We are an Oklahoma corporation and a leading provider of
advanced communications solutions with nationwide sales and
service applications including voice messaging, wireless voice
and data solutions, video applications, contact center
solutions, unified communication and high speed internet access
solutions. We market our products and services to a variety of
companies, such as enterprise-class multi-location, mid-market
and large companies located throughout the United States. We
also market our solutions and services to several vertical
markets such as hospitality, education, federal government and
healthcare. We sell
and/or
support communications solutions produced by several
manufacturers including Avaya, Inc., Mitel Corporation, Samsung
Business Communications Systems, Juniper Networks, Polycom,
Microsoft and ShoreTel Corporation. Our professional services
offerings include network architecture and engineering, contact
center consulting, wireless solution architecture, information
security consulting, proactive network monitoring, network
remediation and help desk services. We deliver our services
through a nationwide network of company-employed design
engineers, service technicians and qualified third party service
providers. Our service delivery is coordinated in our contact
center, located at our headquarters in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma,
and our network operations center is located in Hazelwood,
Missouri.
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PAETEC
Holding Corp.
PAETEC Holding Corp.
One PAETEC Plaza
600 Willowbrook Office Park
Fairport, New York 14450
(585) 340-2500
PAETEC Holding Corp., which we refer to as PAETEC, is a Delaware
corporation. PAETEC is a communications services and solutions
provider guided by the principle that delivering superior
customer service is the key to competing successfully with other
communications services providers. PAETECs primary
business, as operated through its various subsidiaries, is
providing business end-user customers in metropolitan areas with
a package of integrated communications services that encompasses
data services, including broadband Internet access services and
virtual private network services, and voice services, including
local telephone services and domestic and international long
distance services.
Hera
Corporation
Hera Corporation
One PAETEC Plaza
600 Willowbrook Office Park
Fairport, New York 14450
(585) 340-2500
Hera Corporation, which we refer to as Merger Sub, is an
Oklahoma corporation and, to date, has engaged in no activities
other than those incident to its formation and to the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, described
below. Merger Sub is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
PAETEC. Upon consummation of the proposed merger, Merger Sub
will merge with and into XETA and will cease to exist, with XETA
surviving the merger as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
PAETEC.
The
Special Meeting
Purpose
(page 15)
The special meeting will be held on May 26, 2011 starting
at 10:00 a.m., Central time, at XETAs principal
executive offices, 1814 W. Tacoma Street, Broken
Arrow, Oklahoma 74012. At the special meeting, shareholders will
be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and
adopt the merger agreement and if necessary or appropriate, to
adjourn or postpone the special meeting to solicit additional
proxies. In connection with the merger, each of our outstanding
common shares (other than any common shares (i) held by
PAETEC, Merger Sub or any of PAETECs other subsidiaries,
(ii) held in our treasury or by any of our subsidiaries, or
(iii) held by shareholders who perfect appraisal rights
under Oklahoma law) will be converted into the right to receive
$5.50 per share in cash, without interest and less any required
withholding taxes.
We do not expect that any matter other than the proposal to
approve and adopt the merger agreement will be brought before
the special meeting. 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.
Required
Vote (page 15)
All shareholders of record at the close of business on the
record date, which was April 5, 2011, are entitled to
receive notice of, to attend, and to vote at the special
meeting. On that date, there were 10,779,707 XETA common
shares outstanding and entitled to vote. You may cast one vote
for each XETA common share that you owned on that date. Approval
and adoption of the merger agreement requires the affirmative
vote of holders of at least a majority of XETAs common
shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting.
Adjournment or postponement of the special meeting requires the
affirmative vote of holders of a majority of our common shares
present in person or represented by proxy at the special meeting
and entitled to vote, whether or not a quorum is present. With
respect to any matter other than the approval of
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the merger agreement or the adjournment or postponement of the
special meeting, approval of such matter requires that holders
of more of XETAs common shares vote in favor of the
proposal than vote against the proposal.
The presence at the special meeting, either in person or by
proxy, of holders of one-third of our total outstanding common
shares entitled to be voted at the special meeting will
constitute a quorum for purposes of the special meeting.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as common
shares present at the special meeting for purposes of
determining whether a quorum is present.
Proxies;
Revocation (page 17)
Our shareholders of record entitled to vote at the special
meeting may vote by returning the enclosed proxy card in the
accompanying pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope; submitting a
proxy by telephone or on the Internet; or by attending and
voting at the special meeting. If your common shares are held in
street name by a bank, brokerage firm or other
nominee, you should instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other
nominee on how to vote your common shares using the instructions
provided by that bank, brokerage firm or other nominee.
If you do not provide your broker, dealer, commercial
bank, trust company or other nominee with instructions on how to
vote your shares, your common shares will not be voted, which
will have the same effect as voting AGAINST the
approval and adoption of the merger agreement.
If you properly transmit your proxy, but do not indicate
how you want to vote, your proxy will be voted FOR
the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and
FOR any postponement or adjournment of the special
meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional
proxies.
If you are a participant in the XETA Technologies Stock Fund
under the XETA Technologies, Inc. Retirement Plan, which we
refer to as the 401(k) plan, you may instruct the 401(k) plan
trustee how to vote the common shares credited to your account
as of the record date. Please follow the directions on the
reverse side of the enclosed proxy card, except that voting
instructions from plan participants must be received no later
than 5:00 p.m., Central time on May 25, 2011. Participants
in the 401(k) plan must vote through the Bank of Oklahoma, the
401(k) plan trustee, and may not vote the common shares held on
their behalf by telephone, the Internet or in person at the
special meeting.
If a participants voting instructions are not
received by 5:00 p.m., Central time on May 25, 2011 or
if a participant signs and returns his or her proxy card without
instructions marked in the boxes, the plan trustee will vote the
participants interest in the shares of common stock in the
same proportion as other shares of our common stock held in the
XETA Technologies Stock Fund for which the plan trustee received
timely instructions.
Any proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by
your filing a written revocation of your proxy with our
corporate secretary, by properly delivering a later-dated proxy
either by mail, the Internet or telephone or attending the
special meeting in person and voting. You also may revoke your
proxy by delivering a notice of revocation to our corporate
secretary prior to the vote at the special meeting. Simply
attending the special meeting, however, will not revoke your
proxy. If your shares are held in street name, you must contact
your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other
nominee to revoke your proxy.
The
Merger
(page 52)
On the closing date, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of the merger agreement, and in accordance with
Oklahoma law, Merger Sub will be merged with and into XETA, with
XETA surviving the merger as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of PAETEC. The merger of Merger Sub and XETA will become
effective under all applicable laws at the time a certificate of
merger is accepted for filing by the Secretary of State of the
State of Oklahoma.
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Payment
for Common Shares
(page 53)
Computershare Trust Company N.A. has been appointed as the
exchange agent to coordinate the payment of the merger
consideration to our shareholders. The exchange agent will send
written instructions for surrendering your XETA common share
certificates, if your common shares are certificated, and
obtaining the merger consideration after we have completed the
merger. Do not return your common share certificates with your
proxy card and do not forward your common share certificates to
the exchange agent prior to receipt of the written instructions.
If you hold uncertificated XETA common shares (i.e., you hold
your shares in book entry), you will automatically receive your
cash consideration as soon as practicable after the effective
time of the merger without any further action required on your
part.
Treatment
of Options, Warrants and Restricted Shares
(page 40)
Options to purchase common shares outstanding immediately prior
to the effective time of the merger shall become fully vested
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, except
that with respect to options granted to our four senior
executives on December 28, 2010, only 50% of the 215,000
total shares covered by such options (i.e., 107,500 shares)
will vest; the remaining 50% of the shares covered by such
options will not vest. All options will be cancelled upon
consummation of the merger.
The holders of vested options will be entitled to receive (in
each case, less any required withholding tax and in accordance
with the terms of their respective agreements) an amount equal
to the product of
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the total number of common shares that would have been acquired
upon the exercise of the option, multiplied by
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the excess, if any, of the merger consideration over the
exercise price to acquire a common share under such option.
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If the exercise price per share of any option equals or exceeds
the applicable merger consideration, this amount shall be zero.
In May 2010, in connection with an acquisition we made, we
granted to the seller warrants, exercisable immediately, to
purchase up to 150,000 common shares at an exercise price of
$3.77 per share. The warrant agreement contains terms and
provisions for a net-issuance cashless exercise, and we
understand that prior to the merger, the holder intends to fully
exercise its warrant through such net-issuance cashless exercise.
Immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, all
remaining forfeiture restrictions applicable to our restricted
share awards will expire and the holders thereof will be
entitled to receive the $5.50 per share merger consideration
with respect to each share, less applicable tax withholdings.
Our Share
Price
(page 67)
Our common shares are currently traded on the NASDAQ Global
Market under the symbol XETA. On February 8,
2011, the trading day prior to announcement of the signing of
the merger agreement, the closing price per common share was
$3.84. The $5.50 per share to be paid for each XETA common share
in the merger represents a premium of approximately 43% to the
closing price on February 8, 2011. On April 14, 2011,
the last trading day before the printing of this proxy
statement, the closing price per share was $5.46.
Recommendation
of our Board of Directors and Special Committee; Reasons for
Recommending the Approval and Adoption of the Merger
Agreement
(page 27)
The special committee of independent directors of our board of
directors (which we refer to in this proxy statement as the
special committee) that was appointed to review and
evaluate the merger has unanimously
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determined that the merger agreement is in the best interests of
XETA and our shareholders, and recommended to our full board of
directors that the board of directors approve the merger
agreement. After considering the unanimous recommendation of the
special committee, on February 8, 2011, our board of
directors (all of whom were unaffiliated with PAETEC)
unanimously determined that the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby are advisable and in the best
interests of and are fair to XETA and its shareholders, and
approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby. Accordingly, our board of directors recommends that our
shareholders vote FOR approval and adoption
of the merger agreement.
In adopting the merger agreement and making the determination to
recommend that the merger agreement be approved and adopted, our
board of directors consulted with our management, as well as its
financial and legal advisors, and considered a number of factors
that our board of directors believed supported its decision. In
particular, our board of directors reviewed the possible
alternatives to any acquisition, an acquisition by PAETEC and
perceived risks of those alternatives, the range of potential
benefits to shareholders of these alternatives and the timing
and the likelihood of accomplishing the goals of such
alternatives, and concluded that none of these alternatives were
reasonably likely to present superior opportunities for XETA to
create greater value for shareholders, taking into account risks
to the successful completion of a transaction as well as
regulatory, business, competitive, industry and market risks.
For a further description of the reasons our board of directors
recommends the approval and adoption of the merger agreement,
you should refer to Approval of the Merger
Agreement Recommendation of Our Board of Directors
and Special Committee; Our Reasons for the Merger on
pages 27-30.
Background
of the Merger
(page 19)
For a description of the events leading to the adoption of the
merger agreement by the special committee and our board of
directors, you should refer to Approval of the Merger
Agreement Background of the Merger.
Opinion
of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
(page 30)
On February 8, 2011, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company,
Incorporated (Stifel Nicolaus Weisel) rendered its
oral opinion to our board of directors (which was subsequently
confirmed in writing by delivery of Stifel Nicolaus
Weisels written opinion dated the same date) to the effect
that, as of February 8, 2011 and based upon and subject to
the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered
and limitations of the review undertaken in its written opinion,
the $5.50 per share to be received by holders of XETA common
shares pursuant to the merger agreement was fair to such
holders, from a financial point of view (the
Opinion).
The full text of the written Opinion of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
is attached to this proxy statement as Annex B. We
encourage you to read this Opinion carefully in its entirety for
a complete description of the procedures followed, assumptions
made, matters considered, qualifications and limitations on
review undertaken and other matters considered by Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel in preparing its Opinion. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
provided its Opinion for the information and assistance of our
board of directors in connection with its consideration of the
financial terms of the merger. Stifel Nicolaus Weisels
Opinion is not a recommendation as to how any shareholder should
vote with respect to the merger.
Pursuant to the terms of Stifel Nicolaus Weisels
engagement letter with us, we paid Stifel Nicolaus Weisel a
retainer fee of $100,000 and a fee of $500,000 upon the delivery
of its Opinion, and neither of such fees was contingent upon
consummation of the merger. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel will receive
a transaction fee of $1.0 million upon consummation of the
merger, which amount will be reduced by the retainer fee and
opinion fee that we have previously paid. XETA has also agreed
to reimburse Stifel Nicolaus Weisel for its reasonable expenses
(not to exceed $75,000, other than as approved by XETA) and to
indemnify Stifel Nicolaus Weisel and certain related parties
against certain liabilities and expenses related to or arising
out of Stifel Nicolaus Weisels engagement, including
liabilities under federal securities laws.
5
Financing
of the Merger
(page 39)
Consummation of the merger and the other transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement are not conditioned upon
PAETEC or Merger Sub obtaining any financing. As of the date of
this proxy statement, PAETEC has sufficient funds to complete
the merger. See Approval of the Merger
Agreement Financing of the Merger
beginning on page 39.
Interests
of XETA Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger
(page 39)
Members of our board of directors and our executive officers may
have interests in the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement that differ from, or are in addition to, those of our
other shareholders. For example:
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as of April 5, 2011, XETAs directors and executive
officers (and affiliates and affiliated investment entities)
owned in the aggregate 2,100,161 common shares (including vested
and unvested restricted shares, but excluding common shares
issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase common shares);
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as of April 5, 2011, XETAs directors and executive
officers held stock options to purchase 555,900 common shares in
the aggregate, having exercise prices ranging from $1.59 to
$4.30 per share and an aggregate weighted average exercise price
of $2.68 per common share. At the effective time of the merger,
each holder of an option will be entitled to receive (except for
holders of options granted on December 28, 2011 that will
vest with respect to only 50% of the shares covered by such
options), an amount equal to the excess, if any, of $5.50,
without interest, over the exercise price per share of such
option, less any required withholding taxes;
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as of April 5, 2011, XETAs executive officers and
directors held outstanding restricted shares covering 24,843
common shares in the aggregate. All unvested restricted shares
held by XETAs employees, including its executive officers,
will fully vest immediately prior to the effective time of the
merger and represent rights to receive, in lieu thereof, the
merger consideration pursuant to the terms of the merger
agreement;
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our current and former directors and officers will continue to
be indemnified and will have the benefit of liability insurance
until six years after the effective time of the merger;
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in connection with the execution of the merger agreement, Ronald
L. Siegenthaler, our Chairman of the Board, Greg D. Forrest, our
Chief Executive Officer and President and a director, and Patara
Capital, LP, an entity affiliated with Ozarslan A. Tangun, a
director of XETA, who together represent, in the aggregate,
beneficial ownership of approximately 16% of the outstanding
common shares, each, solely in his or its capacity as a
shareholder of XETA, entered into separate voting agreements,
pursuant to which they agreed to vote common shares for which
they have the right to vote in favor of approval and adoption of
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the
merger agreement and in favor of any postponement or adjournment
of the special meeting to solicit additional proxies; and
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if the merger is consummated, any shareholder derivative claims
that are currently pending or that are brought against the
directors and officers of XETA by current shareholders would
likely be extinguished.
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Conditions
to the Merger
(page 61)
We are working to complete the merger as soon as possible. The
merger is subject to the satisfaction of several conditions,
including the conditions described immediately below. As such,
we cannot predict the exact time of the mergers completion.
6
The completion of the merger depends on satisfaction of the
conditions below:
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approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding common
shares entitled to vote on the merger;
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receipt of required antitrust or regulatory approvals, if any;
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the absence of any law, regulation, order or injunction
prohibiting the merger;
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the accuracy of the other partys representations and
warranties (subject to customary materiality qualifiers and
other qualifying disclosures which are not necessarily reflected
in the merger agreement);
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the other partys compliance with its covenants and
agreements contained in the merger agreement;
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the aggregate number of appraisal shares being less than 15% of
the outstanding common shares as of the record date for the
special shareholders meeting; and
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there not having been a material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition or results of operations of XETA and its
subsidiaries (subject to certain limitations) or the ability of
XETA to consummate the transactions under the merger agreement,
which has not been cured.
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Where legally permissible, a party may waive a condition to its
obligation to complete the merger even though that condition has
not been satisfied. Neither XETA, PAETEC nor Merger Sub,
however, has any intention to waive any condition as of the date
of this proxy statement.
Termination
of the Merger Agreement
(page 62)
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
effective time of the merger, whether before or after
shareholder approval has been obtained, as follows (subject to
certain limitations set forth in the merger agreement):
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by the mutual written consent of PATEC, Merger Sub and us;
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by either PAETEC or us if:
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the merger has not been consummated by July 31, 2011, and
the party seeking to terminate has not materially breached its
representations, warranties or covenants under the merger
agreement in any manner that caused or resulted in the failure
of the merger to be consummated by such time;
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a court with competent jurisdiction or a governmental authority
issues a final non-appealable order, decree or ruling that
permanently restrains, enjoins or prohibits the merger and the
party seeking to terminate has complied with its obligation to
use its reasonable best efforts to do, or cause to be done, all
things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable law to
consummate the merger, including its obligation to obtain
certain governmental consents; or
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the merger agreement is not adopted by the XETA shareholders;
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PAETEC or Merger Sub materially breaches any of their
representations, warranties or covenants in the merger agreement
such that the conditions to closing cannot be satisfied and such
breach is not cured before the earlier of (i) 30 days
after XETA gives notice to PAETEC and (ii) July 31,
2011, and so long as XETA has not materially breached any of its
representations, warranties or covenants; or
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subject to certain limitations and the payment of a termination
fee (see Termination Fee below), and provided
that we have not breached the non-solicitation provisions set
forth in the merger agreement (including the obligation to
negotiate in good faith with PAETEC to make adjustments to the
terms and conditions of the merger agreement for a period of
five business days), our board of directors either
(i) withdraws or modifies its recommendation regarding the
merger or (ii) approves a superior proposal (after
determining in good faith (following consultation with outside
counsel) that
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the failure to do so would be inconsistent with our boards
fiduciary duties under applicable law and after taking into
account any amendments to the merger agreement that PAETEC
agreed to make) and concurrently with such termination we enter
into an acquisition agreement regarding such superior proposal;
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XETA materially breaches any of its representations, warranties
or covenants in the merger agreement such that the conditions to
closing cannot be satisfied and such breach is not cured before
the earlier of (i) 30 days after PAETEC gives notice
to XETA and (ii) July 31, 2011, and so long as PAETEC
or Merger Sub has not materially breached any of its
representations, warranties or covenants; or
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our board of directors withdraws or modifies its recommendation
regarding the merger.
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Termination
Fee
(page 63)
Under certain circumstances in connection with the termination
of the merger agreement, we will be required to pay to PAETEC a
termination fee of $1.92 million.
Voting
Agreements
(page 64)
Concurrently with the execution and delivery of the merger
agreement, Ronald L. Siegenthaler, our Chairman of the
Board, Greg D. Forrest, our Chief Executive Officer and
President and a director, and Patara Capital, LP, an entity
affiliated with Ozarslan A. Tangun, a director of XETA, who
together represent, in the aggregate, beneficial ownership of
approximately 16% of the outstanding common shares (who are
together referred to as the Signing Shareholders),
each, solely in his or its capacity as a shareholder of XETA,
entered into separate voting agreements with PAETEC. Under the
voting agreements, the Signing Shareholders have agreed to vote,
or cause to be voted, common shares for which they have the
right to vote in favor of the approval and adoption of the
merger agreement, in favor of any postponement or adjournment of
the special meeting to solicit additional proxies, against
certain other acquisition proposals, against certain
extraordinary transactions involving XETA (including any
reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation or
winding-up
of XETA) and against any action of XETA requiring the approval
of XETAs shareholders that would adversely affect the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement.
In the voting agreements, the Signing Shareholders have agreed
not to, on or after the date of the voting agreements, among
other things, grant any proxies or enter into any arrangement to
vote any of their common shares, sell, assign, transfer,
encumber or dispose of any of their common shares or attempt to
execute any statutory appraisal or similar rights with regard to
their common shares. The Signing Shareholders also have agreed
not to knowingly take any action to solicit or initiate other
acquisition proposals or to engage in negotiations with any
person the Signing Shareholder knows is considering making, has
made, or has agreed to endorse, another acquisition proposal.
Each voting agreement will terminate upon the earliest to occur
of (i) the termination of the merger agreement in
accordance with its terms or (ii) the effective time of the
merger.
Certain
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
(page 48)
The exchange of shares for cash pursuant to the merger will be a
taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
and a U.S. Holder, as defined on page 48, who receives
cash for common shares pursuant to the merger will recognize
gain or loss, if any, equal to the difference between the amount
of cash received and the holders adjusted tax basis in the
common shares. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if
the common shares were a capital asset of the U.S. Holder,
and will be long-term capital gain or loss if such
U.S. Holders holding period for the common shares is
more than one year at the time of the exchange of
8
such holders common shares for cash. Long-term capital
gains recognized by an individual holder generally are subject
to tax at a lower rate than short-term capital gains or ordinary
income. There are limitations on the deductibility of capital
losses. However, subject to certain exceptions, a
Non-U.S. Holder,
as defined on page 49, will generally not be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on any gain or loss recognized as a
result of the merger.
You should read Approval of the Merger
Agreement Certain Material United States Federal
Income Tax Consequences beginning on page 48 for
a more complete discussion of the federal income tax
consequences of the merger. Tax matters can be complicated, and
the tax consequences of the merger to you will depend on your
particular tax situation. We urge you to consult your tax
advisor regarding the tax consequences of the merger to you.
Appraisal
Rights
(page 46 and Annex C)
If the merger is consummated, persons who are then shareholders
will have certain rights under Oklahoma law to dissent and
demand appraisal of, and payment in cash of the fair value of,
their common shares. Any common shares held by a person who
demands appraisal of such common shares and who complies with
the applicable provisions of Oklahoma law shall not be converted
into the right to receive merger consideration. Such appraisal
rights, if the statutory procedures are complied with, will lead
to a judicial determination of the fair value (excluding any
element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation
of the merger) required to be paid in cash to such dissenting
shareholders for their common shares. The value so determined
could be more or less than, or the same as, the purchase price
per share pursuant to the consideration per share to be paid in
the merger.
You should read Approval of the Merger
Agreement Appraisal Rights beginning on
page 46 for a more complete discussion of the appraisal
rights in relation to the merger as well as Annex C which
contains a full text of the applicable Oklahoma statute.
Regulatory
Matters
(page 45)
Under the merger agreement, each of the parties has agreed to
use its reasonable best efforts to complete the merger,
including making filings with and obtaining all necessary
approvals and consents from various federal and state
governmental authorities. We do not expect that the completion
of the merger will be subject to any federal or state regulatory
requirements other than filings under applicable securities laws
and the filing of certain merger documents with the Secretary of
State of the State of Oklahoma. The parties have determined that
approvals under applicable antitrust laws or regulations (such
as the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976) will not be required in
order to complete the merger. If any such additional
governmental approvals or actions are required, we expect that
those approvals or actions will be sought by the parties. There
can be no assurance, however, that any additional approvals or
actions will be obtained. For a description of the obligations
of XETA, PAETEC and Merger Sub related to third party consents
and regulatory approvals, see The Merger
Agreement Additional Agreements Consents
and Release of Liens and
Government Filings; Efforts
beginning on page 60.
Delisting
and Deregistration of Common Shares
(page 50)
If the merger is completed, XETA common shares will be delisted
from the NASDAQ Global Market and deregistered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and our common
shares will no longer be publicly traded.
9
Litigation
Relating to the Merger
(page 50)
In February 2011, XETA, PAETEC, Merger Sub and the XETA
directors were named defendants in three purported class action
lawsuits filed in the State District Court of Tulsa County,
Oklahoma, brought on behalf of proposed classes consisting of
holders of our common shares: Petterson v. XETA
Technologies, Inc., et al.,
No. CJ-2011-00838;
Capel v. Forrest, et al.,
No. CJ-2011-00848;
and Gasker v. XETA Technologies, Inc., et al.,
No. CJ-2011-00914.
The lawsuits alleged that our directors breached their fiduciary
duties to our shareholders by allegedly violating duties of
care, loyalty, good faith and independence; failing to properly
value XETA; failing to take steps to maximize the value of XETA
to our shareholders; failing to protect against conflicts of
interest; and failing to adequately consider potential buyers
other than PAETEC. The complaints also alleged that XETA and
PAETEC aided and abetted in our directors alleged breach
of their fiduciary duties.
On March 8, 2011, the Court entered an order, consented to
by all parties, consolidating the three cases under the caption
In re XETA Technologies, Inc. Purported Class Action
Litigation, Master File
No. CJ-2011-00838.
On March 23, 2011, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated
petition with the Court containing many of the same allegations
made in the previous lawsuits, but also alleging that we failed
to disclose to our shareholders all material information
relating to the proposed transaction. The relief sought by the
plaintiffs under the consolidated petition includes a
declaration that the action was properly maintainable as a
derivative and class action, unspecified money damages,
equitable relief that would delay or enjoin the merger and an
award of attorneys fees and costs of litigation.
As of April 13, 2011, counsel for the defendants and the
plaintiffs entered into a memorandum of understanding outlining
the terms of an agreement to settle and dismiss the consolidated
lawsuit. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, XETA has
agreed to make certain supplemental disclosures concerning the
merger, which are contained in this proxy statement. The
proposed settlement is subject to the execution of a stipulation
of settlement, confirmatory discovery, consummation of the
merger and Court approval.
10
QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND THE MERGER
The following questions and answers are intended to address
briefly some commonly asked questions regarding the merger, the
merger agreement and the special meeting. These questions and
answers may not address all questions that may be important to
you as a shareholder. Please refer to the summary of the merger
agreement and the more detailed information contained elsewhere
in this proxy statement and the annexes to this proxy
statement.
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What matters will be voted on at the special meeting? |
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You will vote on proposals to approve and adopt the merger
agreement, to adjourn or postpone the special meeting (if
necessary or appropriate) to solicit additional proxies and to
transact such other business as may properly come before the
special meeting. |
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As a shareholder, what will I receive in the merger? |
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You will be entitled to receive $5.50 in cash, without interest
thereon and less any applicable withholding tax, for each XETA
common share that you own immediately prior to the effective
time of the merger as described in the merger agreement. |
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When and where is the special meeting of our shareholders? |
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The special meeting of shareholders will be held on May 26,
2011, at 10:00 a.m., Central time, at XETAs principal
executive offices, 1814 W. Tacoma Street, Broken
Arrow, Oklahoma 74012. |
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What vote of our shareholders is required to approve and
adopt the merger agreement? |
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For us to complete the merger, shareholders holding at least a
majority of XETAs common shares outstanding and entitled
to vote at the special meeting must vote FOR
the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement. |
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At the close of business on the record date,
10,779,707 common shares were outstanding. |
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What vote of our shareholders is required to adjourn or
postpone the special meeting? |
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Approval of any proposal to adjourn or postpone the special
meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional
proxies requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority
of our common shares present in person or represented by proxy
at the special meeting and entitled to vote, whether or not a
quorum is present. A failure to attend the special meeting and
vote your shares of common stock or failure to submit a proxy
will have no effect on the outcome of any vote to adjourn or
postpone the special meeting. However, an abstention or a broker
non-vote will have the same effect as voting
AGAINST any proposal to adjourn or postpone
the special meeting. |
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Who can attend and vote at the special meeting? |
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All shareholders of record as of the close of business on
April 5, 2011, the record date for the special meeting, are
entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at the
special meeting, or any postponement or adjournment thereof. If
you wish to attend the special meeting and your shares are held
in an account at a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee (i.e., in street name), you
will need to bring a copy of your voting instruction card or
statement reflecting your share ownership as of the record date.
Street name holders who wish to vote at the special
meeting will need to obtain a legal proxy from the broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee that
holds their common shares. Seating will be limited at the
special meeting. Admission to the special meeting will be on a
first-come, first-served basis. |
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How does our board of directors recommend that I vote? |
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Our board of directors, acting on the recommendation of a
special committee of independent directors appointed to review
and evaluate the merger, unanimously recommends that our
shareholders vote FOR the proposal to approve
and adopt the merger agreement and FOR the
proposal to adjourn or postpone the special meeting, if
necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies. |
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Am I entitled to exercise appraisal rights instead of
receiving the merger consideration for my shares? |
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Yes. XETA shareholders who do not vote in favor of approval and
adoption of the merger agreement will have the right to seek
appraisal and the fair value of their shares if the merger
closes, but only if they perfect their appraisal rights by
complying with the required procedures under Oklahoma law. See
Approval of the Merger Agreement Appraisal
Rights beginning on page 46 of this proxy
statement. For the full text of
Section 18-1091
of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act, please see Annex C
hereto. |
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How do I cast my vote if I am a holder of record? |
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If you were a holder of record on April 5, 2011, you may
vote by returning the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying
pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope; submitting a proxy by
telephone or on the Internet; or by attending and voting at the
special meeting. If your common shares are held in street
name by a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, you
should instruct your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee on
how to vote your common shares using the instructions provided
by that bank, brokerage firm or other nominee. |
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If you properly transmit your proxy, but do not indicate
how you want to vote, your proxy will be voted FOR
the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and
FOR any postponement or adjournment of the special
meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional
proxies. |
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XETA does not expect that any matters other than the
adoption of the merger agreement and any adjournment or
postponement of the special meeting, if necessary, will be
brought before the special meeting. If, however, such a matter
is properly presented at the special meeting or any adjournment
or postponement of the special meeting, the persons appointed as
proxies will have discretionary authority to vote the shares
represented by duly executed proxies in accordance with their
judgment. |
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How do I cast my vote if my XETA shares are held in
street name by my broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee? |
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If you hold your shares in street name, which means
your common shares are held of record on April 5, 2011 by a
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee,
you must provide the record holder of your common shares with
instructions on how to vote your common shares in accordance
with the voting directions that will be provided to you by your
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee.
If you do not provide your broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee with instructions on how to vote
your shares, your common shares will not be voted, which will
have the same effect as voting AGAINST the approval
and adoption of the merger agreement. Please refer to the
voting instructions that will be provided to you by your broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to see
if you may submit voting instructions using the Internet or
telephone. |
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How do I vote the common shares that I hold through
XETAs 401(k) Retirement Plan? |
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If you are a participant in the XETA Technologies Stock Fund
under the XETA Technologies, Inc. Retirement Plan, which we
refer to as the 401(k) plan, you may instruct the 401(k) plan
trustee how to vote the common shares credited to your account
as of the record date. Please follow the directions on the
reverse side of the enclosed proxy card, except that voting
instructions from plan participants must be received no later
than 5:00 p.m., Central time on May 25, 2011. Participants
in the 401(k) plan must vote through the Bank of Oklahoma, the
401(k) plan trustee, and may not vote the common shares held on
their behalf by telephone, the Internet or in person at the
special meeting. |
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If a participants voting instructions are not
received by 5:00 p.m., Central time on May 25, 2011 or
a participant signs and returns his or her proxy card without
instructions marked in the boxes, the plan trustee will vote the
participants interest in the shares of common stock in the
same proportion as other shares of our common stock held in the
XETA Technologies Stock Fund for which the plan trustee received
timely instructions. |
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Can I change my vote after I have delivered my proxy? |
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Yes. If you are a record holder, you can change your vote at any
time before your proxy is voted at the special meeting by
properly delivering a later-dated proxy either by mail, the
Internet or telephone or attending the special meeting in person
and voting. You also may revoke your proxy by delivering a
notice of revocation to our corporate secretary prior to the
vote at the special meeting. Simply attending the special
meeting, however, will not revoke your proxy. If your shares are
held in street name, you must contact your broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to revoke your
proxy. |
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What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting
materials? |
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You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including
multiple copies of this proxy statement or multiple proxy or
voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your common
shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a
separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in
which you hold common shares. If you are a holder of record and
your common shares are registered in more than one name, you
will receive more than one proxy card. Please submit each
proxy and voting instruction card that you receive. |
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If I am a holder of certificated XETA common shares, should I
send in my share certificates now? |
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No. Promptly after the merger is completed, each holder of
record as of the time of the merger will be sent written
instructions for exchanging their share certificates for the
merger consideration. These instructions will tell you how and
where to send in your certificates for your cash consideration.
You will receive your cash payment after the exchange agent
receives your share certificates and any other documents
requested in the instructions. Please do not send certificates
with your proxy. |
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Holders of uncertificated XETA common shares (i.e., holders
whose shares are held in book entry) will automatically receive
their cash consideration as soon as practicable after the
effective time of the merger without any further action required
on the part of such holders. |
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When is the merger expected to be completed? |
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We are working to complete the merger as quickly as possible and
anticipate closing the merger during the third quarter of our
fiscal 2011. In order to complete the merger, we must obtain
shareholder approval and the other closing conditions under the
merger agreement must be satisfied or waived. |
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Who can help answer my questions? |
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If you have any questions about the merger or how to submit your
proxy, or if you need additional copies of this proxy statement
or the enclosed proxy card, you should contact MacKenzie
Partners, Inc. toll-free at
(800) 322-2885,
collect at
(212) 929-5500
or by email at proxy@mackenziepartners.com. |
13
CAUTIONARY
STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This proxy statement contains forward-looking statements that
involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or
uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect,
the results of XETA and its consolidated subsidiaries could
differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other
than statements of historical fact are statements that could be
deemed forward-looking statements, including statements about
the ability to complete the proposed transaction; the expected
benefits and costs of the transaction; management plans relating
to the transaction; the expected timing of the completion of the
transaction; the expected outcome of certain litigation relating
to the merger; any statements of the plans, strategies and
objectives of management for future operations, including the
execution of integration plans; any statements of expectation or
belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the
foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the
possibility that expected benefits may not materialize as
expected; that, prior to the completion of the transaction,
XETAs business may not perform as expected due to
transaction-related uncertainty or other factors; that
integration strategies cannot be successfully implemented; and
other risks that are set forth in XETAs filings with the
SEC, which are available without charge at www.sec.gov. XETA
assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these
forward-looking statements.
14
THE
SPECIAL MEETING
We are furnishing this proxy statement to XETA shareholders
as part of the solicitation of proxies by the XETA board of
directors for use at the special meeting.
Date,
Time and Place
We will hold the special meeting on May 26, 2011, at
10:00 a.m., Central time, at XETAs principal
executive offices, 1814 W. Tacoma Street, Broken
Arrow, Oklahoma 74012. Seating will be limited to shareholders.
Admission to the special meeting will be on a first-come,
first-served basis.
Purpose
of the Special Meeting
The special meeting is being held for the following purposes:
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to approve and adopt the merger agreement (see Approval
of the Merger Agreement beginning on page 18);
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to approve an adjournment or postponement of the special
meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional
proxies for adoption of the merger agreement; and
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to transact any other business that is properly brought before
the special meeting or any reconvened meeting after any
adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
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Recommendation
of Our Board of Directors and Special Committee
XETAs board of directors, acting on the recommendation of
a special committee of independent directors appointed to review
and evaluate the merger, unanimously recommends that our
shareholders vote FOR the approval and
adoption of the merger agreement and FOR the
adjournment or postponement of the special meeting, if necessary
or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies.
Record
Date; Shareholders Entitled to Vote; Quorum
Only holders of record of XETA common shares at the close of
business on April 5, 2011, the record date, are entitled to
notice of and to vote at the special meeting. On the record
date, April 5, 2011, 10,779,707 XETA common shares
were issued and outstanding and held by 180 holders of
record. Holders of record of XETA common shares on the record
date are entitled to one vote per common share at the special
meeting on each proposal. For 10 days prior to the meeting,
a complete list of shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting
will be available for examination by any shareholder, for any
purpose relating to the meeting, during ordinary business hours
at our principal offices located at 1814 W. Tacoma
Street, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012.
A quorum is necessary to hold a valid special meeting. Under our
certificate of incorporation, a quorum will be present at the
special meeting if holders of one-third of our total outstanding
common shares entitled to be voted at the special meeting are
present, in person or by proxy.
Vote
Required
Approval
of the Merger Agreement
The approval and adoption of the merger agreement by our
shareholders requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least a majority of XETAs common shares outstanding and
entitled to vote at the special meeting, either in person or by
proxy.
Because the affirmative vote required to approve the proposal to
adopt the merger agreement is based upon the total number of
XETA common shares outstanding, if you (i) fail to submit a
proxy, (ii) fail to vote in person at the special meeting,
(iii) abstain or (iv) fail to provide your bank,
brokerage firm or other nominee with voting instructions, as
applicable, this will have the same effect as a vote
AGAINST the proposal to adopt the merger
agreement.
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Adjournment
or Postponement of the Special Meeting
The adjournment or postponement of the special meeting, if
necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies,
requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of our
common shares present in person or represented by proxy at the
special meeting and entitled to vote on the matter, whether or
not a quorum is present. Because the affirmative vote required
to approve a proposal to adjourn or postpone the special meeting
is based upon the total number of XETA common shares represented
at the meeting and because abstentions and broker
non-votes
will be counted as common shares present at the special meeting,
abstentions and broker
non-votes
will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST a
proposal to adjourn or postpone the special meeting. However, a
failure to vote your common shares will have no effect on the
outcome of any vote to adjourn or postpone the special meeting.
Any signed proxies received by us for which no voting
instructions are provided on the matter will be voted
FOR an adjournment or postponement of the
special meeting to solicit additional proxies. Any adjournment
or postponement of the special meeting for the purpose of
soliciting additional proxies will allow our shareholders who
have already sent in their proxies to revoke them at any time
prior to their use at the special meeting as adjourned or
postponed.
Any adjournment may be made without notice, other than by an
announcement made at the special meeting of the time, date and
place of the adjourned meeting. However, if the adjournment is
for 30 days or more, or if after the adjournment a new
record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the
adjourned meeting will be given to each shareholder of record
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
Other
Proposals
The approval of any other items properly brought before the
special meeting requires that holders of more of XETAs
common shares vote in favor of the proposal than vote against
the proposal, unless the item is one for which a different vote
is required by Oklahoma law or XETAs bylaws.
Voting
Procedures
Voting
by Proxy or in Person at the Special Meeting
Holders of record can ensure that their common shares are voted
at the special meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the
special meeting by completing, signing, dating and delivering
the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
Submitting by this method or voting by telephone or the Internet
as described below will not affect your right to attend the
special meeting and to vote in person. If you plan to attend the
special meeting and wish to vote in person, you will be given a
ballot at the special meeting. Simply attending the special
meeting, however, will not revoke your proxy.
If you hold your shares in street name, which means
your common shares are held of record on April 5, 2011 by a
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee,
you must provide the record holder of your common shares with
instructions on how to vote your common shares in accordance
with the voting directions provided by your broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee. If you do
not provide your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company
or other nominee with instructions on how to vote your shares,
your common shares will not be voted, which will have the same
effect as voting AGAINST the approval and adoption
of the merger agreement. Please refer to the voting
instruction card that will be sent to you by your broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to see
if you may submit voting instructions using the Internet or
telephone. If you wish to vote your common shares held in
street name at the special meeting, you must bring
to the special meeting a proxy from the record holder of the
common shares authorizing you to vote at the special meeting.
If you are a participant in the XETA Technologies Stock Fund
under the XETA Technologies, Inc. Retirement Plan, which we
refer to as the 401(k) plan, you may instruct the 401(k) plan
trustee how to vote the common shares credited to your account
as of the record date. Please follow the directions on the
reverse side of the enclosed proxy card, except that voting
instructions from plan participants must be received no later
than 5:00 p.m., Central time on May 25, 2011. Participants
in the 401(k) plan must vote through the
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Bank of Oklahoma, the 401(k) plan trustee, and may not vote the
common shares held on their behalf by telephone, the Internet or
in person at the special meeting.
Telephone
and Internet Voting
Our holders of record and many shareholders who hold their
common shares through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee will have the option to submit their
proxy cards or voting instruction cards electronically by
telephone or the Internet. Please note that there are separate
arrangements for using the telephone depending on whether your
common shares are registered in our records in your name or in
the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee. Some brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust
companies or other nominees may also allow voting through the
Internet. If you hold your common shares through a broker, bank
or other nominee, you should check the voting instructions that
will be forwarded to you by your broker, dealer, commercial
bank, trust company or other nominee to see which options are
available.
Please read and follow the instructions on your proxy or voting
instruction card carefully.
Other
Business
We do not expect that any matter other than the proposal to
approve and adopt the merger agreement will be brought before
the special meeting. 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.
Revocation
of Proxies
Submitting a proxy on the enclosed form does not preclude a
shareholder from voting in person at the special meeting. A
shareholder of record may revoke a proxy at any time before it
is voted by filing with our corporate secretary a duly executed
revocation of proxy, by properly submitting a proxy by mail, the
Internet or telephone with a later date or by appearing at the
special meeting and voting in person. A shareholder of record
may revoke a proxy by any of these methods, regardless of the
method used to deliver the shareholders previous proxy.
Attendance at the special meeting without voting will not itself
revoke a proxy. If your common shares are held in street name,
you must contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee to revoke your proxy.
Solicitation
of Proxies
XETA has retained MacKenzie Partners, Inc. to assist in the
solicitation of proxies for the special meeting for a fee of
$12,000, plus reimbursement of reasonable
out-of-pocket
expenses. XETAs directors, officers and employees may also
solicit proxies by personal interview, mail,
e-mail,
telephone, facsimile or other means of communication. These
persons will not be paid additional remuneration for their
efforts. XETA will also request brokers and other fiduciaries to
forward proxy solicitation material to the beneficial owners of
common shares that the brokers and fiduciaries hold of record.
Upon request, XETA will reimburse them for their reasonable
out-of-pocket
expenses. All other expenses of the solicitation of proxies will
be borne by XETA, except that under the merger agreement, we and
PAETEC have each agreed to pay 50% of (i) the SEC and other
filing fees incident to the proxy materials for this special
meeting and (ii) the costs and expenses associated with
printing the proxy materials.
Assistance
If you need assistance in completing your proxy card or have
questions regarding the special meeting, please contact
MacKenzie Partners, Inc. toll-free at
(800) 322-2885,
collect at
(212) 929-5500
or by email at proxy@mackenziepartners.com.
17
APPROVAL
OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following is a description of the material aspects of the
merger. While we believe that the following description covers
the material terms 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 merger agreement attached to this proxy statement as
Annex 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.
The
Companies
XETA Technologies, Inc.
1814 W. Tacoma Street
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
(918) 664-8200
We are an Oklahoma corporation and a leading provider of
advanced communications solutions with nationwide sales and
service applications including voice messaging, wireless voice
and data solutions, video applications, contact center
solutions, unified communication and high speed internet access
solutions. We market our products and services to a variety of
companies, such as enterprise-class multi-location, mid-market
and large companies located throughout the United States. We
also market our solutions and services to several vertical
markets such as hospitality, education, federal government and
healthcare. We sell
and/or
support communications solutions produced by several
manufacturers including Avaya, Inc., Mitel Corporation, Samsung
Business Communications Systems, Juniper Networks, Polycom,
Microsoft and ShoreTel Corporation. Our professional services
offerings include network architecture and engineering, contact
center consulting, wireless solution architecture, information
security consulting, proactive network monitoring, network
remediation and help desk services. We deliver our services
through a nationwide network of company-employed design
engineers, service technicians and qualified third party service
providers. Our service delivery is coordinated in our contact
center, located at our headquarters in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma,
and our network operations center is located in Hazelwood,
Missouri.
Our common shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under
the symbol XETA.
PAETEC Holding Corp.
One PAETEC Plaza
600 Willowbrook Office Park
Fairport, New York 14450
(585) 340-2500
PAETEC Holding Corp., which we refer to as PAETEC, is a Delaware
corporation. PAETEC is a communications services and solutions
provider guided by the principle that delivering superior
customer service is the key to competing successfully with other
communications services providers. PAETECs primary
business, as operated through its various subsidiaries, is
providing business end-user customers in metropolitan areas with
a package of integrated communications services that encompasses
data services, including broadband Internet access services and
virtual private network services, and voice services, including
local telephone services and domestic and international long
distance services.
Hera Corporation
One PAETEC Plaza
600 Willowbrook Office Park
Fairport, New York 14450
(585) 340-2500
Hera Corporation, which we refer to as Merger Sub, is an
Oklahoma corporation and, to date, has engaged in no activities
other than those incident to its formation and to the
transactions contemplated by the
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merger agreement, described below. Merger Sub is an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of PAETEC. Upon consummation of the
proposed merger, Merger Sub will merge with and into XETA and
will cease to exist.
Overview
of the Transaction
XETA, PAETEC and Merger Sub entered into the merger agreement on
February 8, 2011. In the merger agreement, PAETEC agreed to
acquire XETA through a merger of Merger Sub with and into XETA,
with XETA surviving as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
PAETEC. The following will occur in connection with the merger:
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each of our common shares issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the effective time of the merger (other than common
shares held in the treasury of XETA or held by PAETEC or any
direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of XETA or PAETEC, or
held by shareholders of XETA who are entitled to demand and who
properly demand and perfect appraisal of such common shares
pursuant to, and who comply in all material respects with,
Section 18-1091
of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act (which shall be treated
as described under Appraisal
Rights below)), will by virtue of the merger, and
without action by the holder thereof, be cancelled and converted
into the right to receive $5.50 per common share;
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all common shares so converted will, by virtue of the merger, be
cancelled, and each holder of a certificate representing any
shares of XETA common stock will cease to have any rights with
respect thereto, except the right to receive the $5.50 per share
merger consideration upon surrender of such certificate;
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each outstanding share of common stock of Merger Sub will be
converted into one fully paid and non-assessable share of common
stock, par value $0.001 per share, of XETA as the surviving
corporation;
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XETA shareholders (other than PAETEC or any direct or indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of PAETEC) will no longer have any
interest in, and no longer be shareholders of, XETA, and will
not participate in any of our future earnings or growth;
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our common shares will no longer be listed on the NASDAQ Global
Market and price quotations with respect to our common shares in
the public market will no longer be available; and
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the registration of our common shares under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, will be terminated.
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Management
and Board of Directors of the Surviving Corporation
It is expected that the directors of Merger Sub immediately
prior to the effective time will be the initial directors of the
surviving corporation and the officers of Merger Sub immediately
prior to the effective time will be initial officers of the
surviving corporation.
Background
of the Merger
As part of the ongoing evaluation of our business, our board of
directors and members of our senior management regularly review
and assess opportunities to achieve long-term strategic goals,
including potential opportunities for business combinations,
acquisitions, dispositions, internal restructurings and other
strategic alternatives.
During June 2010, Greg D. Forrest, our chief executive officer,
was contacted by the president and chief executive officer of a
privately-held integrated communications and managed services
provider, which we refer to as Company A, regarding a potential
commercial transaction or business relationship between Company
A and XETA. On June 15, 2010, Company A and XETA entered
into a Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement to better assure the
protection and preservation of the confidential or proprietary
information to be disclosed to or shared with each other. These
commercial discussions turned to discussions regarding a
possible business combination or strategic alliance involving
XETA and Company A. For the remainder of June, at industry
conferences and through telephone calls, the two individuals
discussed the potential benefits and disadvantages
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of such a business combination. During this time,
Mr. Forrest discussed these conversations with certain
members of our board of directors and our regular outside legal
counsel, Barber & Bartz, PC. On June 28, 2010,
Mr. Forrest was told by the president of Company A that a
written proposal regarding a strategic combination between the
two companies would be sent to him shortly.
On July 12, 2010, Mr. Forrest received a written
non-binding unsolicited indication of interest and proposal from
Company A, setting forth the general business terms of a
proposed strategic acquisition transaction with XETA and
proposing an acquisition consideration of $4.50 cash per share;
this proposal was conditioned upon a number of assumptions,
including XETA having $6.5 million in cash and no
outstanding debt as of June 30, 2010. To assist XETA in
analyzing this proposal and evaluating strategic alternatives
that may be available for our company, certain members of our
board of directors discussed engaging an independent investment
banking firm and forming a special committee of independent
directors to analyze and evaluate these strategic alternatives.
Management and certain members of the board of directors of XETA
conferred during this time on a
day-to-day
basis with attorneys at Barber & Bartz.
XETA management at this time had been involved to a significant
extent in evaluating and negotiating a number of potential
acquisitions of other businesses. At a telephonic special
meeting held on July 16, 2010, our board of directors
determined, for reasons of resource allocation and process
efficiency, to approve the establishment of a special committee
of the board, to be composed of independent, disinterested
directors, to consider whether the company should pursue
strategic alternatives and to oversee further negotiations with
Company A.
At XETAs regularly scheduled
two-day
board meeting held on July
21-22, 2010
in Tulsa, the board reviewed the qualifications of the directors
and concluded that S. Lee Crawley, Eric Grimshaw and Ozarslan A.
Tangun were independent and disinterested. The board then
organized the special committee (the special
committee), appointed Messrs. Crawley, Grimshaw and
Tangun to serve as the members of the special committee, and
designated Mr. Grimshaw as its chairman. Mr. Grimshaw was
selected chairman of the special committee principally due to
his many years experience as a corporate and securities
lawyer representing publicly-held companies.
The board also authorized the special committee to
(a) retain an investment bank to assist it in considering
strategic alternatives and advise the board regarding any
potential acquisitions that might result from such process;
(b) retain such other advisors as the committee might deem
appropriate; (c) negotiate the terms of a proposed
transaction; (d) consider the fairness of any proposed
transaction or any alternative transaction to XETA and its
shareholders and report its recommendation to the full board;
and (e) take all other actions that the special committee
deemed necessary or desirable in connection with the foregoing.
Following the July 21st session of the
two-day
board meeting, Mr. Forrest contacted the president of
Company A and explained to him the process that the board was
undertaking.
In January 2010, we engaged Michael Carney, a former investment
banker, as a consultant to assist our corporate development
efforts, in financial analysis of acquisition opportunities and
post-acquisition integration strategy and implementation. For
his services, Mr. Carney was paid $10,000 per month, plus
reimbursement of his
out-of-pocket
expenses. He also received $49,000 in 2010 as incentive
compensation under a formula based on the value of completed
acquisitions and other performance factors. Because we had
limited sources of capital for cash acquisitions of businesses,
in June 2010, Mr. Forrest asked Mr. Carney for his
recommendations of qualified investment bankers to advise our
management on capital-raising alternatives to fund our future
acquisitions. From Mr. Carneys experience as an
investment banker, Mr. Carney knew that a senior banker at
another investment banking firm, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel, had
significant experience and expertise in XETAs industry
sector, although Mr. Carney had not had any business
collaborations with this senior banker.
Mr. Carney recommended to Mr. Forrest that he meet
with representatives of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel to discuss
potential capital raising alternatives for our future
acquisitions. In June and July 2010, Mr. Forrest met with
representatives of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel on this topic and
asked them after this meeting to make a presentation to our
board of directors at an upcoming meeting. At the
July 22nd session of our
two-day
board
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meeting, as scheduled, representatives of Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel met with our board of directors and made a presentation
on capital raising alternatives to fund future acquisitions.
Immediately following the July 22nd session of the
board meeting, the special committee held its first meeting and
invited Mr. Carney, and afterwards, the Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel representatives, to participate in the meeting. The
committee members first met with Mr. Carney and asked him
about any prior relationships that he had with Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel. Next, the special committee discussed with one of the
representatives of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel whether Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel could serve as financial advisor to the special
committee regarding its evaluation of strategic alternatives for
XETA.
Prior to the meetings referenced above, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
had not been engaged to perform any services for XETA, and other
than the senior bankers acquaintance with Mr. Carney,
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel did not have any relationship with XETA.
On July 26, 2010, the special committee retained Mayer
Brown LLP as its special legal counsel. Mayer Brown had from
time to time previously advised our company on a limited basis,
when requested, regarding specified securities law disclosure
matters.
On July 28, 2010, at a telephonic meeting of the special
committee, the special committee members interviewed
representatives of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel for the purpose of
discussing the retention of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel to assist the
committee in evaluating strategic alternatives. Attorneys from
Mayer Brown and Barber & Bartz also attended this
telephonic meeting.
The special committee had scheduled an interview for
August 2, 2010, with another investment banking firm
regarding such firms serving as financial advisor, but
approximately three days prior to that interview, the firm
informed the special committee that it was cancelling the
interview and withdrawing its name from consideration, citing as
reasons its lack of capacity and capabilities at that time to
serve as financial advisor in connection with an engagement of
this nature.
On August 2, 2010, the special committee met in the offices
of Barber & Bartz in Tulsa (Mr. Tangun was out of
the United States and attended by telephone). At this meeting,
representatives of Mayer Brown and Barber & Bartz
advised the special committee members with regard to their legal
duties and responsibilities and their fiduciary obligations.
Following this meeting, Mr. Grimshaw contacted Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel representatives and advised them that they had
been retained by the special committee.
On August 5, 2010, at a telephonic meeting of the special
committee, the special committee discussed with Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel a process for proceeding ahead and directed Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel to be the point of contact for the company in
discussions with Company A. At this meeting, Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel and the special committee also discussed options for
maximizing value for XETAs shareholders, including a
managed auction process. The special committee determined to
meet on Monday of every week by telephone conference or other
means to update its members and advisors regarding the progress
of negotiations and other pertinent matters.
For each subsequent meeting of the special committee,
representatives of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel and representatives of
Barber & Bartz and Mayer Brown attended each meeting.
Between the date of the formation of the special committee on
July 21, 2010, and February 8, 2011, the date the
definitive merger agreement with PAETEC was executed, the
special committee met a total of 39 times.
On August 9, 2010, the special committee held a telephonic
meeting and heard the results of Stifel Nicolaus Weisels
conversations with Company As president. At this meeting,
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel informed the committee that the president
of Company A was not inclined to participate in an auction
process for XETA. The committee members also discussed with
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel matters pertaining to XETAs
valuation. At the next special committee meetings held on August
16 and 20, 2010, the committee discussed with Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel the status of discussions with Company A. During this
time, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel met with our management and
assisted with an analysis of our long-term business plan.
At a special committee telephonic meeting held on
August 26, 2010 and at the request of the special
committee, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel made a presentation to the
special committee members, and discussed
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preliminary valuation considerations and an overview of certain
strategic alternatives available to the company, based upon its
analysis to that date. The special committee reviewed these
various strategic alternatives, including (i) maintaining
the status quo and operating the business as it has been
operated, (ii) having the company pursue an active
acquisition program and (iii) a sale of the company, either
for cash or for stock, to a strategic or financial buyer. The
special committee then discussed the advantages and
disadvantages of each alternative, including timing, execution
risk and the ongoing consolidation trends in XETAs
industry sectors, as well as our companys strengths and
weaknesses and relative position in our marketplace compared to
our competitors. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel reviewed with the
special committee members certain suggested potential parties to
be contacted about interest in a strategic transaction with XETA.
In numerous telephone conference meetings of the special
committee and its advisors during the remainder of August and
through mid-September, the special committee reviewed multiple
drafts of a confidential information memorandum regarding XETA
to be sent to interested third parties that had executed
confidentiality agreements satisfactory to us, and monitored the
continuing discussions between Stifel Nicolaus Weisel and
Company A. On September 1, 2010, as a result of its working
with our management regarding XETAs long-term business
plan, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel provided the special committee with
a revised preliminary financial analysis.
At the request of the special committee, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
representatives had informed Company A of the timeline that
would be required in order for the special committee and its
advisors to sufficiently review and analyze the requisite
information for an evaluation of strategic alternatives, and to
return with recommendations for the full board of directors.
Substantive discussions with Company A were also delayed due to
negotiations regarding the terms of a confidentiality agreement
sufficient for XETAs interests. On
September 15, 2010, a new confidentiality agreement
was executed by XETA and Company A, and the prior June 15,
2010 confidentiality agreement was terminated. Shortly
thereafter, XETA began sharing financial data and related
information requested by Company A.
On September 16, 2010, with the concurrence of the other
members of the special committee, Mr. Tangun held a meeting
with the president of Company A in Dallas, Texas, and discussed
with the president certain background and high-level information
regarding XETA and Company A.
During the remainder of September and into October, Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel contacted by telephone approximately 42
potential strategic and financial buyers regarding their
interest in reviewing information concerning a possible
transaction. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel notified these potential
buyers of an October 14, 2010 deadline to submit their
initial indicative bids.
On October 14, 2010, an initial indicative bid was received
from Company B, a strategic party backed by a financial sponsor,
which provided for an indicative price range of $3.54 to $4.41
per share. Following October 14th, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
contacted an additional five potential interested parties,
making a total of 47 potential buyers contacted.
During October, the special committee met regularly and heard
reports from Stifel Nicolaus Weisel regarding negotiations and
discussions with Company A, as well as the status of indications
of interest from other potential interested parties.
On October 21, 2010, Company A indicated orally that it
would be willing to make an indicative offer for all of
XETAs equity in an all-cash transaction of $5.35 per
share, but that its offer was dependent on its gaining
exclusivity with XETA in order for Company A to complete its due
diligence and negotiate and finalize a transaction. At the
special committee telephonic meeting on October 22, 2010,
the committee determined that it would take this indicative
offer to the full XETA board, although it would need to receive
a written preliminary offer from Company A.
On October 28, 2010, at a regular meeting of the board of
directors at XETAs headquarters in Broken Arrow, the full
board heard a report from the special committee on the progress
and current status of the process. Representatives from Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel, Barber & Bartz and Mayer Brown
attended this board meeting. The representatives from Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel discussed with the board members certain
strategic
22
alternatives available to the company and its financial
analysis. Mayer Brown and Barber & Bartz advised the
full board regarding their fiduciary duties.
Later that day, representatives of Stephens Inc., investment
bankers for PAETEC, contacted Greg Forrest to express interest
in pursuing a transaction with XETA. PAETEC was one of the
companies that had been initially contacted by Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel on behalf of the special committee, but it had indicated
at that time that it was not interested in pursuing a
transaction with XETA.
On November 2, 2010, at the request of the special
committee, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel responded to Company A, and
informed Company A that if Company A could improve its
indicative offer to $5.50 cash per share, XETA would be willing
to grant Company A exclusivity for a short period of time in
order to negotiate a transaction with XETA. On November 3,
Company A submitted a written preliminary proposal and
indication of interest to XETA, but its indicative offer price
remained at $5.35 per share. The special committee held a
telephonic meeting on November 3 with its advisors and
determined that the president of Company A should be invited to
come to Broken Arrow and meet with XETA management to see if
Company A could improve its price.
In early November 2010, the special committee authorized our
management to work with Stifel Nicolaus Weisel and begin
assembling and implementing an electronic due diligence data
room for the potential buyers due diligence purposes.
On November 8, 2010, at a special committee telephonic
meeting, the committee decided that it would be appropriate to
move forward with Company A on an exclusive basis for a short
period of time, but because a limited exclusivity period was a
condition to proceeding with Company A, the committee determined
that it would present Company As proposal to our board of
directors and recommend this approach to our board.
On November 9, 2010, at a special telephonic meeting of our
board of directors, the board authorized the special committee
to negotiate a non-binding letter of intent with Company A
having a limited, binding exclusivity provision.
On November 11, 2010, an initial indicative bid was
received from Company C, a strategic party, which evidenced an
initial indicative range of $4.24 to $4.85 per share.
On November 15, 2010, following negotiations with Company
A, we executed a non-binding letter of intent with Company A.
The letter of intent contained an indication of interest from
Company A to merge with XETA for a cash merger consideration of
$5.35 per share, calculated on a fully diluted basis using the
treasury stock method; this provision was conditioned on the
assumption that there were no change of control payments or
other similar obligations to employees of XETA triggered by such
a transaction, and to the extent any such payments or
obligations were triggered, the merger consideration would be
reduced accordingly. In the letter of intent, XETA granted
Company A the exclusive right to negotiate with XETA for a
45-day
period (until December 30, 2010), with an option to extend
for an additional 15 days if we were provided with an
initial draft of a definitive agreement on or before
December 30th. Company A agreed that it would notify us
immediately if it intended to modify any key term contained in
the letter of intent, and that, in such event, we would have the
right to immediately terminate the exclusivity period upon
written notice by XETA to Company A.
On November 16 and November 23, 2010, Greg Forrest and
other members of XETA management met with representatives of
Company A and its parent company.
On November 24, 2010, the president of Company A telephoned
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel representatives and informed them that
Company A remained interested in pursuing a transaction, but was
not prepared to pay its indicated $5.35 per share. On
November 28, 2010, we gave Company A its written notice
that we were terminating Company As rights to negotiate
exclusively with XETA. At a special committee telephonic meeting
held on November 26, 2010, the committee members discussed
with Stifel Nicolaus Weisel and legal counsel the termination of
Company As exclusivity rights, and determined to continue
to engage again with the remaining interested parties.
23
On December 2, 2010, an initial indicative bid was received
from Company D, a strategic party, which evidenced an initial
indicative range of $3.50 to $3.85 per share. Company D was
informed by Stifel Nicolaus Weisel representatives, acting at
the direction of the special committee, that its indicative bid
was insufficient and that it should be increased in order to be
able to participate in a management presentation and meet with
our management in Broken Arrow. Company D subsequently agreed to
increase its initial indicative range to $3.85 to $4.19 per
share.
At the special committee telephonic meeting held on
December 6, 2010, the committee members were informed that
Company A had decided to wait for XETAs fourth quarter
fiscal 2010 results before it would consider resubmitting any
indicative offer that would contain a revised valuation.
In early December 2010, PAETEC executed and returned to Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel the form of non-disclosure agreement, and was
sent the confidential information memorandum. On
December 10, 2010, PAETEC submitted an initial indicative
bid to the special committee, which provided for an indicative
range of $4.25 to $5.00 per share.
Through December 15, 2010, of the 47 potential buyers
contacted, 10 companies had signed non-disclosure
agreements with us. Seven of these 10 companies were
strategic parties and three were financial parties. These
10 companies received a copy of the confidential
information memorandum. Of these 10 companies, a total of
five companies (including Company A) had submitted initial
indicative offers to XETA. At such time, the cumulative range of
indicative bids from the remaining four companies ranged from
$3.50 to $5.00 per share.
During December 2010, and extending into early January,
representatives of PAETEC, Company B, Company C and Company
D the remaining companies that had submitted initial
indicative bids met in separate meetings with XETA
management at our headquarters in Broken Arrow and participated
in management presentations. In the meantime, Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel, acting on behalf of the special committee, indicated to
each of these companies that the timetable for the process going
forward was for the final bids from these companies (along with
a marked-up
form of definitive merger agreement) to be submitted to the
special committee by no later than January 31, 2011.
On December 20, 2010, the special committee at its regular
telephonic meeting discussed the status of the four remaining
parties to the process PAETEC, Company B, Company C
and Company D and received a progress update on the
completion of the electronic due diligence data room containing
the financial and other information regarding XETA, which these
parties were then accessing.
On December 22, 2010, PAETEC representatives met with our
management at our headquarters in Broken Arrow, and participated
in a presentation by our management concerning XETA.
On December 27, 2010, the special committee at its regular
telephonic meeting discussed the PAETEC meeting at XETA
headquarters and also discussed the management meetings with the
other three companies that had already been completed or were
scheduled.
Since 2006, we have traditionally made in December of each year
our annual cash incentive compensation awards and equity
compensation grants to our key employees and senior management
team, because the financial results for our most recently
completed fiscal year are by then substantially known. In
accordance with this prior practice, on December 9, 2010,
the compensation committee of our board of directors held a
regularly scheduled meeting in which it considered and approved
the annual awards, which were granted conditionally subject to
the audit committees later acceptance and approval of our
2010 financial results. On that same day, immediately following
the compensation committees meeting, our board of
directors, at a special meeting, ratified these conditional
grants. On December 28, 2010, after the acceptance and
approval by the audit committee of our fiscal 2010 financial
results, these 2010 cash incentive compensation awards and
equity compensation grants consisting of stock options and
restricted share awards to members of our senior management team
and our key employees, became effective. See
Interests of XETA Directors and Executive
Officers in the Merger Effect of the Merger
Agreement on Options, Warrants and Restricted Shares.
24
At the special committee telephonic meeting on January 3,
2011, the committee discussed a final bid process letter and
learned that each of the four interested parties had indicated
that a final deadline of January 31, 2011 to submit a final
bid and a
marked-up
copy of the definitive merger agreement was sufficient.
At a special telephonic meeting of the board of directors held
on January 6, 2011, the full board was briefed by the
special committee of the status of the ongoing process.
Representatives of Mayer Brown and Barber & Bartz
reviewed with the full board the proposed form of definitive
merger agreement.
With respect to stock options granted under our 2000 Stock
Option Plan, upon a change in control of our company, the
vesting of any unvested options automatically accelerates
according to the terms of the plan. With respect to options and
restricted share awards granted under our 2004 Omnibus Stock
Incentive Plan, upon such a change in control, the vesting of
unvested options and unvested restricted shares will accelerate
if our compensation committee determines to accelerate vesting.
The proposed merger with PAETEC and Merger Sub would constitute
a change in control under our 2004 Omnibus Stock
Incentive Plan. At the special meeting of the board of directors
on January 6, 2011, the directors discussed the accelerated
vesting of the equity compensation awards held by XETA officers
and employees and recommended that, with respect to options
granted on December 28, 2010 under the 2004 Omnibus Stock
Incentive Plan to our four senior executive officers, only 50%
of the total shares covered by those options should vest upon a
change in control. Our compensation committee later determined
that vesting of all unvested shares covered by options and all
restricted shares under the 2004 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan
should accelerate upon the change in control, except that
vesting with respect to only 50% of the total shares covered by
options granted on December 28, 2010 to our four senior
executive officers would accelerate in such event. See
Interests of XETA Directors and Executive
Officers in the Merger Effect of the Merger
Agreement on Options, Warrants and Restricted Shares.
The form of definitive merger agreement was sent to the four
interested parties on January 8, 2011. Separate drafts of
the disclosure schedules were furnished to these parties on
January 20, 2011.
Throughout January, XETA management furnished additional
information requested by the four interested parties, which
information was posted in the electronic due diligence data room
so that all participants could have the same access to this
information.
On January 14, 2011, Company C notified the special
committee and Stifel Nicolaus Weisel that it did not wish to
submit a final bid. On January 25, 2011, Company B notified
the special committee and Stifel Nicolaus Weisel that it did not
wish to submit a final bid.
On January 31, 2011, Company D submitted an offer of $3.88
cash per share and PAETEC submitted an offer of $5.25 cash per
share. The special committee held a telephonic meeting late on
January 31st to discuss the offers. At the meeting,
the special committee determined to continue to pursue
discussions with both Company D and PAETEC.
On January 31 and February 1, 2011, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
communicated with representatives of Company D and PAETEC
concerning the terms of their final bids. Company D was informed
that its offer was inadequate; in response to these
communications, Company D submitted a revised offer of $4.57 per
share. PAETEC requested a short exclusivity period to negotiate
with XETA, which period was subsequently orally defined to be
between five and seven days.
In a telephonic meeting of the special committee held on
February 2, the special committee compared the terms of the
offers from Company D and PAETEC. Lawyers from Mayer Brown and
Barber & Bartz compared the terms of the two draft
definitive merger agreements that Company D and PAETEC had
submitted. At the request of the special committee, Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel made a presentation concerning the valuation of
XETA. As a result of this meeting, the special committee
instructed Stifel Nicolaus Weisel to offer to PAETEC a limited
exclusivity period in order to negotiate with XETA, which
limited exclusivity was dependent upon PAETECs increasing
its offer to $5.50 per share and deleting or revising certain
terms that it had requested from PAETECs draft definitive
merger agreement.
25
At a meeting of our board of directors held by conference
telephone on Thursday, February 3, 2011, the special
committee discussed with the board the status of the offers. A
partner from Mayer Brown and a shareholder from
Barber & Bartz made a presentation to the board of
directors, comparing the terms of the two draft definitive
merger agreements. At the request of the special committee,
representatives of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel then made a
presentation of Stifel Nicolaus Weisels views regarding
XETAs valuation. The special committee recommended to the
board of directors that the special committee and its advisors
be authorized to negotiate a
five-day
exclusivity agreement with PAETEC in order to negotiate the
terms of a definitive merger agreement, conditioned on
PAETECs increasing its offer to $5.50 per share and
deleting or revising certain terms contained in its marked draft
of the definitive merger agreement. The board authorized the
special committee and its advisors to pursue the superior bid
from PAETEC and to negotiate such an exclusivity agreement with
PAETEC so that a fully-negotiated merger agreement would be
ready for approval by both companies boards of directors
on February 7 or 8. The board then temporarily adjourned the
meeting, and determined to reconvene the meeting on the
following Monday, February 7, 2011.
On February 3, Company D was informed by Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel that XETA was pursuing a limited exclusive arrangement
with another party.
On February 3, 2011, XETA and PAETEC executed an
exclusivity agreement, granting PAETEC the right to negotiate
exclusively with XETA until the exclusivity period expired at
5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on February 8, 2011,
and prohibiting XETA from negotiating or furnishing information
to other interested parties during such time. In addition, the
exclusivity agreement evidenced the parties agreement to
increase the purchase price to $5.50 per share, revise language
in the draft merger agreement regarding certain representations,
provide that Ronald L. Siegenthaler, Ozarslan A. Tangun, and
Greg D. Forrest would execute voting agreements with PAETEC (and
thereby agree, subject to the terms thereof, to support and vote
their shares in favor of the merger) and fix the Termination Fee
in the definitive merger agreement at $1,920,000, which amount
is approximately 3% of XETAs enterprise value.
Between February 4 and February 6, 2011, the terms of the
definitive merger agreement were negotiated between management
of XETA, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel, Barber & Bartz and
Mayer Brown, on behalf of XETA, and management of PAETEC,
Stephens Inc. and PAETECs legal counsel, Harter
Secrest & Emery LLP, on behalf of PAETEC.
On February 6, 2011, the special committee received
additional updates by telephone regarding the terms of the
definitive merger agreement and the valuation of XETA from
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel and legal counsel.
On the morning of February 7, 2011, the full board of
directors reconvened and continued their board meeting that they
had temporarily adjourned on February 3rd, and continued
the discussion with XETAs financial and legal advisors
regarding the valuation of XETA and the terms of the proposed
merger agreement. On the afternoon of February 7, 2011, the
full board of directors met again in a separate special
telephonic meeting called to consider the proposed transaction.
A partner from Mayer Brown and a shareholder from
Barber & Bartz described the draft terms of the
definitive merger agreement with PAETEC, as they had been
negotiated as of that time, including the conditions to closing.
Legal counsel then described the proposed actions to be taken by
the board of directors and discussed with the board members the
directors fiduciary duties in connection with their
actions. Afterwards, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel made its
presentation regarding the valuation of XETA to our board of
directors.
Between February 7 and February 8, 2011, XETA, PAETEC and
their respective advisors continued to negotiate and finalize
the terms of the merger agreement and the ancillary documents.
On February 8, 2011, Mayer Brown sent revised drafts of the
merger agreement to our board of directors. On February 8,
2011, the special committee determined that it would report to
the full board that the special committee had approved the terms
of the definitive merger agreement draft and had unanimously
recommended that the board approve and authorize the definitive
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
On the evening of February 8, 2011, the full board of
directors met again telephonically to consider the proposed
transaction. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel reviewed with the board its
final valuation presentation, answered further questions from
the board members and delivered a verbal opinion to the board
that, as of February 8th,
26
the merger consideration of $5.50 per share in cash to be
received by holders of XETA common shares in the merger pursuant
to the merger agreement was fair to such holders, from a
financial point of view. Attorneys from Mayer Brown and
Barber & Bartz reviewed the boards fiduciary
duties in connection with its approval of the merger agreement
and related transactions. After discussion with management and
the advisors regarding the terms of the merger agreement and
related agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby,
the board of directors unanimously (a) determined that the
merger is in the best interests of XETA and its shareholders,
and declared it advisable to enter into the merger agreement,
(b) approved the execution, delivery and performance of the
merger agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby, including the merger, (c) resolved to
recommend that the shareholders approve the adoption of the
merger agreement and directed that the matter be submitted for
consideration by the shareholders of XETA at the special meeting
and (d) approved a modification to the bylaws of XETA to
grant the board of directors the authority to fix the date of
the annual shareholders meeting each year instead of XETA
being required to hold the annual meeting in March of each year.
Later on February 8, 2011, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel delivered
its written opinion to the board of directors that, as of the
date of the Opinion and based upon and subject to the procedures
followed, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations
of the review undertaken in such written Opinion, the merger
consideration of $5.50 per share in cash to be received by
holders of XETA common shares in the merger pursuant to the
merger agreement was fair to such holders, from a financial
point of view.
On February 8, 2011, XETA, PAETEC and Merger Sub executed
the merger agreement and related ancillary agreements.
On February 9, 2011, PAETEC and XETA announced the merger
and related transactions by issuing a joint press release, and
XETA filed a Current Report on
Form 8-K
with the SEC.
Subsequent to XETAs filing of its preliminary proxy
statement for its special meeting of shareholders on
March 11, 2011, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel became aware that it
had applied a risk premium to the weighted average cost of
capital (WACC) calculation as opposed to the cost of
equity calculation that was incorporated into the WACC. After
becoming aware of such miscalculation, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
recalculated its discount rates used in its Discounted Cash Flow
Analysis prepared in connection with the delivery to the board
of directors of XETA of its opinion that the merger
consideration to be received by holders of XETA common shares
was fair to such holders, from a financial point of view. See
Opinion of Stifel, Nicolaus &
Company, Incorporated on page 30.
On March 29, 2011, at a telephonic meeting of our board of
directors, representatives of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel made a
presentation to our board of directors regarding the
miscalculation and its recalculated discounted cash flow
analysis. The Stifel Nicolaus Weisel representatives stated that
the miscalculation did not affect Stifel Nicolaus Weisels
conclusions as of February 8, 2011, and noted that the
miscalculation did not affect the opinion of Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel, as of February 8, 2011, that the merger
consideration of $5.50 per share in cash to be received by
holders of XETA common shares in the merger under the merger
agreement was fair to such holders from a financial point of
view. Afterwards, the board of directors concluded that the
miscalculation and the revised financial analysis did not affect
the boards prior determinations regarding its approval and
adoption of the merger agreement and the advisability of the
merger.
Recommendation
of Our Board of Directors and Special Committee; Our Reasons for
the Merger
Our
Board of Directors and Special Committee
Recommendation
On February 8, 2011, our special committee of independent
directors that had been appointed to review and evaluate the
merger unanimously determined that the merger agreement is in
the best interests of XETA and our shareholders, and recommended
to our full board of directors that our board of directors
approve the merger agreement. At a special meeting of our board
of directors convened on February 8, 2011, our board of
directors (all of whom were unaffiliated with PAETEC or Merger
Sub) unanimously adopted and declared advisable the merger
agreement and unanimously determined that the merger is in the
best interests of XETA
27
and its shareholders. Accordingly, our board of directors
recommends that our shareholders vote FOR
approval and adoption of the merger agreement.
Our
Reasons for the Merger
In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the
merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement, authorize XETA to enter into the merger agreement and
recommend that our shareholders vote to approve and adopt the
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement, our board of directors consulted with its and the
special committees financial and legal advisors and our
management. In addition, our board of directors acted based on
the unanimous recommendation of the special committee, as well
as other factors such as those described more fully below.
Our board of directors and the special committee considered a
number of potentially positive factors, including the following
material factors:
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The belief that the merger and the merger consideration of $5.50
per share was more favorable to shareholders than the
alternative of remaining a stand-alone independent company and
continuing to execute its strategic plan, because of the
uncertain returns to shareholders if we remained independent and
based on various factors, including the directors
knowledge and understanding of XETA and our industry, our
competitive position and managements business plan;
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The assessment as to the low likelihood that a third party would
offer a higher price than PAETEC, especially in light of the
managed auction sale process we conducted, as more fully
described in Background of the
Merger beginning on page 19;
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The business reputation of PAETEC and its management and the
substantial financial resources of PAETEC, which our board of
directors believed supported the conclusion that a transaction
with PAETEC could be completed relatively quickly and in an
orderly manner;
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Certain financial analyses presented to the special committee
and our board of directors by Stifel Nicolaus Weisel, as well as
the Opinion of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel to the effect that, as of
the date of the Opinion, and based upon and subject to the
procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations of the review undertaken in such Opinion, the $5.50
per share cash merger consideration to be received by holders of
XETA common shares in connection with the merger pursuant to the
merger agreement was fair to such holders, from a financial
point of view (see Opinion of Stifel,
Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated);
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The fact that the merger consideration consists solely of cash,
which provides immediate liquidity and certainty of value to our
shareholders compared to a transaction in which shareholders
would receive stock;
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The fact that the special committee, with the assistance of
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel, conducted a strategic alternatives
review and an extensive sale process over five months, which
included Stifel Nicolaus Weisel contacting 47 parties
(consisting of 36 strategic buyers and 11 financial buyers) that
might have been interested in acquiring XETA to solicit their
interest in making an acquisition proposal, entering into
confidentiality agreements with 10 parties, receiving initial
indications of interest from five parties, making separate
management presentations to five parties and receiving two
final, fully-diligenced acquisition proposals;
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The current and historical market prices of our common shares
and the fact that the price of $5.50 per share represented a
premium of 43% over the market closing price of $3.84 on
February 8, 2011, the last trading day prior to the
announcement of the proposed transaction, a premium of
approximately 48.4% percent over the average market closing
price for the trailing one month, a premium of approximately
67.0% over the average market closing price for the trailing six
months, and a premium of approximately 65.0% over the average
market closing price for the trailing 12 months;
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The current and historical market prices of the common shares
relative to those of other industry participants and general
market indices;
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The belief that while improvements in our operating performance
could yield improved operating results, the achievement of such
improvements is uncertain and subject to significant execution
risk;
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General industry, economic and market conditions, both on a
historical and on a prospective basis;
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The financial and other terms and conditions of the merger
agreement, which were the product of arms length
negotiations with PAETEC and its legal advisors, including that:
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The merger is not subject to any financing condition;
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We are permitted to furnish information to and conduct
negotiations with third parties that make an unsolicited
acquisition proposal (as defined in The
Merger Agreement Non-Solicitation of Transactions;
Change of Recommendation) in certain circumstances;
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Subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the
merger agreement, if a third party has proposed an alternative
transaction that is a superior proposal, our board
of directors is permitted, following a determination made by it
in good faith (after consulting with outside counsel) that the
failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties
under applicable law, prior to the adoption of the merger
agreement by our shareholders, to change its recommendation,
approve or recommend the superior proposal or, upon the payment
to PAETEC of a $1.92 million termination fee, terminate the
merger agreement in order to enter into a definitive agreement
with respect to the superior proposal, as more fully described
below under The Merger Agreement
Non-Solicitation of Transactions; Change of
Recommendation; and
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The merger agreement is subject to a limited number of
conditions, and the board of directors believes, after review
with its legal advisors, that the conditions to the merger have
a high likelihood of being satisfied (see The Merger
Agreement Conditions to the Merger);
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Our board of directors belief, after consultation with its
legal and financial advisors, that the termination fee of
$1.92 million (or approximately 3% of XETAs
enterprise value) that may become payable (and the circumstances
under which such fee is payable) is reasonable in light of the
facts and circumstances surrounding the merger, the benefits of
the merger, commercial practice and transactions of this size
and nature;
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The likelihood that the merger will be completed, in light of
our board of directors belief that there will not be any
significant antitrust risk in connection with the transaction
and the financial capabilities of PAETEC; and
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The fact that holders of common shares will have an opportunity
to vote on the merger and have the right to dissent and seek a
judicial appraisal of their shares if such holders comply with
the requirements of Oklahoma law concerning appraisal rights.
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The special committee and our board of directors also considered
and balanced against the potentially positive factors a number
of potentially negative factors concerning the merger, including
the following material factors:
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The risk that the merger may not be completed in a timely manner
or at all;
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That we will no longer exist as an independent public company
and our shareholders will forgo any future increase in the value
that might result from future earnings or possible growth as an
independent company or the benefits of synergies resulting from
the merger, if any;
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That the receipt of cash by the shareholders in exchange for
common shares pursuant to the merger will generally be a taxable
transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
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That certain of our directors and executive officers may have
conflicts of interest in connection with the merger, as they may
receive benefits that are different from, and in addition to,
those of the other shareholders, as described below under
Approval of the Merger Agreement Interests
of XETA Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger;
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That the restrictions on the conduct of business prior to the
consummation of the merger, which require us to conduct our
business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice,
subject to specific limitations, may delay or prevent us from
undertaking business opportunities that may arise pending
completion of the merger;
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The risks and costs to us if the merger does not close,
including the diversion of management and employee attention,
employee attrition and the effect on existing business
relationships;
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The impact of the merger on our employees;
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The fact that the merger agreement precludes us from actively
soliciting alternative acquisition proposals;
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The possibility that the termination fee of $1.92 million
(or approximately 3% of XETAs enterprise value) payable
under specified circumstances may discourage a potential buyer
with a competing proposal to acquire us; and
|
|
|
|
The risk that entering into the merger agreement may result in
the loss of interest by other parties to make a definitive
proposal for our acquisition at a price that may be higher than
the $5.50 per share to be received by the shareholders.
|
After taking into account all of the factors set forth above, as
well as others, the special committee and our board of directors
determined that the potentially positive factors outweighed the
potentially negative factors. Furthermore, our board of
directors determined that the merger agreement, the merger and
the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are
advisable, fair to and in the best interests of XETA and our
shareholders. The board of directors has approved the merger
agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by
the merger agreement by a unanimous vote of the directors and
recommends that our shareholders vote to approve and adopt the
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement at the special meeting.
The special committee and our board of directors did not assign
relative weights to the above factors or the other factors
considered by them. In addition, the special committee and our
board of directors did not reach any specific conclusion on each
factor considered, but conducted an overall analysis of these
factors. Individual directors may have given different weights
to different factors.
Opinion
of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
On August 5, 2010, the special committee of our board of
directors retained Stifel Nicolaus Weisel to act as its
financial advisor and to provide a fairness opinion in
connection with the merger contemplated by the merger agreement.
On February 8, 2011, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel delivered to
the board of directors its oral opinion, which was later
confirmed in writing that day, that, as of February 8, 2011
and based upon and subject to the procedures followed,
assumptions made, matters considered and limitations of the
review undertaken in such written Opinion, the merger
consideration to be received by holders of XETA common shares
was fair to such holders, from a financial point of view.
The full text of the written Opinion of Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement and
is incorporated into this document by reference. The summary of
Stifel Nicolaus Weisels Opinion set forth in this proxy
statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full
text of the Opinion. Shareholders are urged to read the Opinion
carefully and in its entirety for a discussion of the procedures
followed, assumptions made, other matters considered and limits
of the review undertaken by Stifel Nicolaus Weisel in connection
with such Opinion.
It is understood that the Opinion is solely for the information
and benefit of, and directed to, our board of directors for its
information and assistance in connection with its evaluation of
the financial terms of the merger. The Opinion did not
constitute a recommendation to XETA or our board of directors as
to whether we should enter into the merger agreement or effect
the merger or any other transaction contemplated by the merger
agreement, nor does the Opinion constitute a recommendation to
any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote with
respect to the merger or any other matter, or as to whether or
not such
30
shareholder should enter into any voting, support or
shareholders agreement in connection with the merger or
exercise any dissenters or appraisal rights that may be
available to such shareholder. The Opinion does not address the
relative merits of the merger and any alternatives to the merger
which may have been available to or considered by our board or
directors or XETA and does not address the underlying decision
of our board of directors or XETA to proceed with or effect the
merger, or any other aspect of the merger.
Stifel Nicolaus Weisels Opinion is limited to whether, as
of the date of the Opinion, the merger consideration to be
received by the holders of XETA common shares pursuant to the
merger was fair to such holders, from a financial point of view.
The Opinion does not consider, address or include: (i) any
other strategic alternatives currently (or which have been or
may be) contemplated by XETA or our board of directors;
(ii) the legal, financial reporting, tax, accounting or
regulatory consequences of the merger on XETA or our
shareholders; (iii) the fairness of the amount or nature of
any compensation to be paid or payable to any of our officers,
directors or employees, or class of such persons, in connection
with the merger, whether relative to the merger consideration to
the public holders of XETA common shares or otherwise; or
(iv) the treatment of, or effect of the merger on, stock
options or other share-based awards.
In connection with its Opinion, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel:
(1) reviewed certain publicly available financial and other
data with respect to XETA, including the consolidated financial
statements for recent years and interim periods to
October 31, 2010 and certain other relevant financial and
operating data relating to XETA made available to Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel from published sources and from the internal
records of XETA;
(2) reviewed the financial terms and conditions of the
merger agreement as set forth in the draft thereof, dated as of
February 8, 2011, furnished to Stifel Nicolaus Weisel;
(3) reviewed certain publicly available information
concerning the trading of, and the trading market for, XETA
common shares;
(4) compared XETA from a financial point of view with
certain other companies broadly in the advanced communications
industry and in particular the VAR, Technology Services and
Technology Distribution subsectors, which Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
deemed to be relevant;
(5) considered the financial terms, to the extent publicly
available, of selected recent business combinations of companies
broadly in the advanced communications industry and in
particular the network system integration, support services and
product distribution subsectors that had been announced, which
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel deemed to be comparable, in whole or in
part, to the merger;
(6) reviewed and discussed with representatives of the
management of XETA certain information of a business and
financial nature regarding XETA, furnished to Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel by them with the consent of our board of directors,
including financial forecasts and related assumptions of XETA
that our board of directors directed Stifel Nicolaus Weisel to
utilize for purposes of its analysis;
(7) made inquiries regarding and discussed the merger and
the merger agreement and other matters related thereto with
XETAs counsel; and
(8) performed such other analyses and examinations as
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel deemed appropriate.
In connection with Stifel Nicolaus Weisels review, it did
not assume any obligation to independently verify, and did not
independently verify, the foregoing information and relied on it
being accurate and complete in all material respects.
With respect to the financial forecasts for XETA provided to
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel by our management, upon XETAs
advice and with the consent of our board of directors, Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel assumed for purposes of its Opinion that the
forecasts had been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the
best currently available estimates and judgments of our
management at the time of preparation as to the future financial
performance of XETA and that such forecasts provided a
reasonable basis upon which Stifel Nicolaus Weisel could form
its Opinion. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel acknowledged that we do not
publicly disclose internal management forecasts of the type
provided to Stifel Nicolaus Weisel by our management in
connection with
31
the review by Stifel Nicolaus Weisel of the transaction. These
forecasts were not prepared with a view toward public
disclosure. In addition, these forecasts were based upon
numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently
uncertain, including, without limitation, factors related to
general economic, market and competitive conditions.
Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those
set forth in these forecasts. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel did not
assume any liability for these forecasts. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
further relied upon our assurances that we were unaware of any
facts that would make any information provided by us or on our
behalf incomplete or misleading.
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel assumed that there have been no material
changes in our financial condition, results of operations,
business or prospects since the date of the financial statements
contained in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the period ended October 31, 2010. Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel also relied on, without assuming any obligation to
independently verify, the accuracy and completeness of all
advice of our counsel and independent accountants as to all
legal, financial reporting, tax, accounting and regulatory
matters with respect to XETA, the merger and the merger
agreement, including, without limitation, the legal status and
financial reporting of litigation involving XETA.
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel assumed that the merger will be
consummated in a manner that complies in all respects with the
applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all other
applicable federal and state statutes, rules and regulations,
and that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and
approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger will be
obtained without any adverse effect on the expected benefits of
the merger in any way meaningful to its analysis. Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel did not assume responsibility for making, and
did not make, an independent evaluation, appraisal or physical
inspection of any of the assets or liabilities (including any
contingent, derivative or other off-balance-sheet assets or
liabilities) of XETA, nor was Stifel Nicolaus Weisel furnished
with any such evaluations or appraisals.
Stifel Nicolaus Weisels Opinion was based on economic,
monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the
information made available to Stifel Nicolaus Weisel as of, the
date of its Opinion. Accordingly, although subsequent
developments may affect its Opinion, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel has
not assumed any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its
Opinion. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel also assumed that the merger
will be consummated in accordance with the terms described in
the draft merger agreement, without any waiver modification or
amendment of any terms or conditions thereof, the effect of
which would be in any way meaningful in its analysis.
The summary set forth below does not purport to be a complete
description of the analyses performed by Stifel Nicolaus Weisel,
but describes, in summary form, the material elements of the
presentation that Stifel Nicolaus Weisel made to our board of
directors on February 7, 2011, in connection with Stifel
Nicolaus Weisels Opinion.
Except as otherwise noted, the information utilized by Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel in its analyses, to the extent that it is based
on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or
before February 8, 2011 and is not necessarily indicative
of current market conditions. The analyses described below do
not purport to be indicative of actual future results, or to
reflect the prices at which any securities may trade in the
public markets, which may vary depending upon various factors,
including changes in interest rates, dividend rates, market
conditions, economic conditions and other factors that influence
the price of securities.
Some of the summaries of financial analyses performed by Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel include information presented in tabular format.
In order to fully understand the financial analyses performed by
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel, you should read the tables together with
the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a
complete description of the financial analyses. Considering the
data set forth in the tables without considering the full
narrative description of the financial analyses, including the
methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could
create a misleading or incomplete view of the financial analyses
performed by Stifel Nicolaus Weisel.
Selected Comparable Company Analysis. Based on
public and other available information, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
calculated XETAs implied enterprise value (which Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel defined as fully
32
diluted market capitalization, plus total debt, less cash, cash
equivalents and marketable securities) and XETAs implied
fully diluted equity value, in each case, using multiples of
calendar year CY 2010 revenues, adjusted earnings before
interest, taxes, stock-based compensation, depreciation and
amortization, or EBITDA, pro forma revenues and pro forma EBITDA
(pro forma financials take into account the four acquisitions
XETA made during FY2010) and projected CY 2011 revenues and
EBITDA which multiples were implied by the estimated enterprise
values and equity values, and projected revenues and EBITDA of
the selected companies listed below. CY 2010 and projected CY
2011 information for XETA was provided by our management.
Projections for the selected companies were based upon First
Call Consensus estimates, publicly available investment banking
research and public filings. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel believes
that the 13 companies listed below have operations similar
to certain operations of XETA, but noted that none of these
companies have identical management, composition, size
and/or
combination of businesses as XETA:
|
|
|
|
|
Insight Enterprises Inc.
|
The following table sets forth the valuation multiples of the
Selected Comparable Companies based on February 4, 2011
closing prices:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EV/Revenue
|
|
EV/EBITDA
|
|
P/E
|
|
|
|
PEG
|
|
|
CY10
|
|
CY11
|
|
CY10
|
|
CY11
|
|
CY10
|
|
CY11
|
|
LTG
|
|
CY11
|
|
Black Box Corp.
|
|
|
0.9
|
x
|
|
|
0.8
|
x
|
|
|
7.7
|
x
|
|
|
7.2
|
x
|
|
|
12.3
|
x
|
|
|
11.3
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
Insight Enterprises Inc.
|
|
|
0.2
|
x
|
|
|
0.1
|
x
|
|
|
4.7
|
x
|
|
|
4.4
|
x
|
|
|
9.7
|
x
|
|
|
8.8
|
x
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
|
0.6
|
x
|
ePlus Inc.
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
10.8
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
Accenture plc
|
|
|
1.6
|
x
|
|
|
1.5
|
x
|
|
|
10.0
|
x
|
|
|
9.0
|
x
|
|
|
18.6
|
x
|
|
|
16.1
|
x
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
|
1.5
|
x
|
Computer Science Corp.
|
|
|
0.6
|
x
|
|
|
0.6
|
x
|
|
|
4.3
|
x
|
|
|
4.2
|
x
|
|
|
10.5
|
x
|
|
|
9.9
|
x
|
|
|
8
|
%
|
|
|
1.2
|
x
|
Cap Gemini S.A.
|
|
|
0.7
|
x
|
|
|
0.6
|
x
|
|
|
7.7
|
x
|
|
|
6.5
|
x
|
|
|
19.1
|
x
|
|
|
15.0
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
CIBER, Inc.
|
|
|
0.3
|
x
|
|
|
0.3
|
x
|
|
|
8.1
|
x
|
|
|
6.9
|
x
|
|
|
21.5
|
x
|
|
|
13.6
|
x
|
|
|
50
|
%
|
|
|
0.3
|
x
|
Virtusa Corp.
|
|
|
1.8
|
x
|
|
|
1.5
|
x
|
|
|
10.8
|
x
|
|
|
7.8
|
x
|
|
|
30.5
|
x
|
|
|
20.6
|
x
|
|
|
25
|
%
|
|
|
0.8
|
x
|
Ingram Micro Inc.
|
|
|
0.1
|
x
|
|
|
0.1
|
x
|
|
|
5.4
|
x
|
|
|
4.8
|
x
|
|
|
11.0
|
x
|
|
|
9.6
|
x
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
|
0.6
|
x
|
Tech Data Corp.
|
|
|
0.1
|
x
|
|
|
0.1
|
x
|
|
|
6.0
|
x
|
|
|
5.3
|
x
|
|
|
11.7
|
x
|
|
|
10.5
|
x
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
1.1
|
x
|
SYNNEX Corp.
|
|
|
0.2
|
x
|
|
|
0.2
|
x
|
|
|
7.4
|
x
|
|
|
6.2
|
x
|
|
|
10.4
|
x
|
|
|
9.2
|
x
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
0.9
|
x
|
Datatec Ltd.
|
|
|
0.2
|
x
|
|
|
0.2
|
x
|
|
|
4.9
|
x
|
|
|
4.3
|
x
|
|
|
10.3
|
x
|
|
|
8.9
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
ScanSource, Inc.
|
|
|
0.4
|
x
|
|
|
0.4
|
x
|
|
|
10.2
|
x
|
|
|
8.8
|
x
|
|
|
17.1
|
x
|
|
|
15.0
|
x
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
1.5x
|
|
The following table sets forth the summary multiples indicated
by this analysis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Value to:
|
|
First Quartile
|
|
Median
|
|
Mean
|
|
Third Quartile
|
|
CY 2010 Projected Revenue
|
|
|
0.2
|
x
|
|
|
0.4
|
x
|
|
|
0.6
|
x
|
|
|
0.7
|
x
|
CY 2010 Projected EBITDA
|
|
|
5.3
|
x
|
|
|
7.6
|
x
|
|
|
7.3
|
x
|
|
|
8.6
|
x
|
CY 2011 Projected Revenue
|
|
|
0.2
|
x
|
|
|
0.4
|
x
|
|
|
0.5
|
x
|
|
|
0.7
|
x
|
CY 2011 Projected EBITDA
|
|
|
4.7
|
x
|
|
|
6.4
|
x
|
|
|
6.3
|
x
|
|
|
7.4
|
x
|
33
The multiples derived from the implied estimated enterprise
values and applicable projected revenues and EBITDA of the
companies listed above were calculated using data that excluded
all extraordinary items and non-recurring charges, and were pro
forma for pending acquisitions.
The implied XETA per share equity values below were each
calculated based on a range of multiples of first quartile to
third quartile. The quartiles were calculated using statistical
interpolation to divide the probability distribution into four
equal areas. In each case, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel multiplied the
ratios derived from its analysis by XETAs actual, pro
forma or estimated revenues and EBITDA, as applicable, to
calculate enterprise value, and subtracting XETAs net debt
position to derive equity value. Using the treasury stock
method, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel then derived XETAs implied
per share equity value.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XETA
|
|
Valuation Range
|
Enterprise Value to:
|
|
Financial Metric
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
CY 2010 Revenue
|
|
$
|
85.0
|
|
|
$
|
1.12
|
|
|
$
|
5.19
|
|
CY 2010 Pro Forma Revenue
|
|
$
|
99.0
|
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
$
|
6.05
|
|
CY 2010 Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
4.1
|
|
|
$
|
1.73
|
|
|
$
|
2.96
|
|
CY 2010 Pro Forma EBITDA
|
|
$
|
6.4
|
|
|
$
|
2.83
|
|
|
$
|
4.69
|
|
CY 2011 Projected Revenue
|
|
$
|
120.9
|
|
|
$
|
1.46
|
|
|
$
|
6.91
|
|
CY 2011 Projected EBITDA
|
|
$
|
12.8
|
|
|
$
|
5.18
|
|
|
$
|
8.08
|
|
Selected Comparable Transactions
Analysis. Based on public and other available
information, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel calculated XETAs
implied enterprise value and implied equity value based on
multiples of last 12 months (LTM) revenues and pro forma
revenues and adjusted EBITDA and pro forma EBITDA (pro forma
financials take into account the four acquisitions XETA made
during FY2010), implied by 19 acquisitions of companies listed
below in the telecommunications network, design integration and
maintenance sectors; system integration sector; and network
hardware and software distribution sectors that had been
announced since January 1, 2008. The acquisitions reviewed
in this analysis were the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective Date
|
|
Acquirer
|
|
Target
|
|
EV/Revenue
|
|
|
EV/EBITDA
|
|
|
Pending
|
|
EarthLink Inc.
|
|
One Communications Corp.
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
4.7
|
x
|
1/3/2011
|
|
Avnet, Inc.
|
|
itX Group Limited
|
|
|
0.4
|
x
|
|
|
5.6
|
x
|
10/25/2010
|
|
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
|
|
Dimension Data Holdings plc
|
|
|
0.7
|
x
|
|
|
10.4
|
x
|
9/9/2010
|
|
Arrow Electronics Inc.
|
|
Shared Technologies Inc.
|
|
|
1.0
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
6/21/2010
|
|
Arrow Electronics Inc.
|
|
Sphinx Ltd.
|
|
|
2.1
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
1/20/2010
|
|
Genesis Group Holdings
|
|
Southern Technologies Services
|
|
|
1.3
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
12/31/2009
|
|
INX Inc.
|
|
Marketware Technologies, Inc.
|
|
|
0.4
|
x
|
|
|
1.0
|
x
|
11/12/2009
|
|
Platinum Equity
|
|
Pomeroy IT Solutions Inc.
|
|
|
0.1
|
x
|
|
|
7.4
|
x
|
10/28/2009
|
|
Hitachi Ltd.
|
|
Hitachi Information Systems, Ltd.
|
|
|
0.4
|
x
|
|
|
4.1
|
x
|
34
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective Date
|
|
Acquirer
|
|
Target
|
|
EV/Revenue
|
|
|
EV/EBITDA
|
|
|
10/2/2009
|
|
Black Box Corp.
|
|
Quanta Systems, LLC
|
|
|
0.9
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
7/17/2009
|
|
INX Inc.
|
|
AdvancedNetworX, Inc.
|
|
|
1.7
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
12/31/2008
|
|
Firoz Lalji
|
|
Zones, Inc.
|
|
|
0.1
|
x
|
|
|
4.8
|
x
|
7/8/2008
|
|
QSGI, Inc.
|
|
Contemporary Computer Services, Inc.
|
|
|
0.9
|
x
|
|
|
10.5
|
x
|
7/3/2008
|
|
Maxima Holdings PLC
|
|
DXI Networks Ltd.
|
|
|
0.6
|
x
|
|
|
6.8
|
x
|
6/30/2008
|
|
Avnet, Inc.
|
|
Horizon Technology Group plc
|
|
|
0.3
|
x
|
|
|
8.8
|
x
|
6/6/2008
|
|
INX, Inc.
|
|
AccessFlow, Inc.
|
|
|
0.7
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
4/1/2008
|
|
Insight Enterprises, Inc.
|
|
Calence LLC
|
|
|
0.5
|
x
|
|
|
11.6
|
x
|
3/17/2008
|
|
Logicalis Group Ltd.
|
|
Promon Tecnologia SA
|
|
|
0.7
|
x
|
|
|
5.4
|
x
|
1/3/2008
|
|
Softchoice Corp.
|
|
Optimus Solutions, LLC
|
|
|
0.3
|
x
|
|
|
NA
|
|
The following table sets forth the multiples indicated by this
analysis and the multiples implied by the proposed transaction:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Value to:
|
|
First Quartile
|
|
Median
|
|
Mean
|
|
Third Quartile
|
|
LTM Revenues
|
|
|
0.4x
|
|
|
|
0.6x
|
|
|
|
0.7x
|
|
|
|
0.9x
|
|
LTM EBITDA
|
|
|
4.8x
|
|
|
|
6.2x
|
|
|
|
6.8x
|
|
|
|
9.2x
|
|
The implied XETA per share equity values below were each
calculated based on a range of multiples of first quartile to
third quartile. The quartiles were calculated using statistical
interpolation to divide the probability distribution into four
equal areas. In each case, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel multiplied the
ratios derived from its analysis by XETAs actual and pro
forma revenues and EBITDA, as applicable, to calculate
enterprise value, and subtracting XETAs net debt position
to derive equity value. Using the treasury stock method, Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel then derived XETAs implied per share
equity value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XETA
|
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Value to:
|
|
Financial Metric
|
|
Low
|
|
High
|
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
LTM Revenue
|
|
$
|
85.0
|
|
|
$
|
2.75
|
|
|
$
|
6.58
|
|
LTM Pro Forma Revenue
|
|
$
|
99.0
|
|
|
$
|
3.23
|
|
|
$
|
7.65
|
|
LTM Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
4.1
|
|
|
$
|
1.55
|
|
|
$
|
3.20
|
|
LTM Pro Forma EBITDA
|
|
$
|
6.4
|
|
|
$
|
2.57
|
|
|
$
|
5.05
|
|
No transaction used in the comparable transaction analysis is
identical to the merger. However, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel chose
such transactions based on, among other things, a review of
transactions involving companies in the telecommunications
network, design integration and maintenance sectors; system
integration sector; and network hardware and software
distribution sectors announced since January 1, 2008,
Stifel Nicolaus Weisels knowledge about XETA, the
industries in which XETA operates, the geographical and
operational nature of XETAs business and the similarity of
the applicable target companies in the transactions to XETA with
respect to the size, mix, margins and other characteristics of
their businesses. Accordingly, an analysis of the results of the
foregoing is not mathematical; rather it involves complex
considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial
and operating characteristics of the target companies and other
factors that could affect the public trading value of the
companies and the transactions to which XETA and the merger are
being compared.
Since the filing of the preliminary proxy statement, Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel became aware that it had applied a risk premium
to the weighted average cost of capital (WACC)
calculation as opposed to the cost of equity calculation that
was incorporated into the WACC. After becoming aware of such
miscalculation, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel recalculated its discount
rates used in its Discounted Cash Flow Analysis prepared in
connection with the delivery to the board of directors of XETA
of its opinion that the merger consideration to be received by
holders of XETA common shares was fair to such holders, from a
financial point of view.
35
When recalculated, the range of discount rates used in these
analyses changes from 14.2% 18.2% to
13.1% 17.1%. A description of the resulting
recalculated Discounted Cash Flow Analysis is included below.
The recalculated WACC was based on the following inputs:
(1) a calculated 17.5% cost of equity (using a levered
volatility measure (beta) of 1.01 based on the median
2-year
weekly adjusted beta of the selected comparable companies
(source: Bloomberg), an equity risk premium of 6.7% (reflecting
the historical equity risk premium per Ibbotsons
Long-Horizon Equity Risk Premium), a microcap equity size
premium of 6.3% (source: Ibbotson
30-year
Micro-Cap Equity Size Premium), and a risk-free rate of 3.6%
(based on the
U.S. 10-Year
Treasury yield)), (2) a pre-tax cost of debt of 6.2% and
(3) a tax rate of 40.0%. The resulting cost of equity of
17.5% and after-tax cost of debt of 3.7% were weighted using a
debt-to-equity
ratio of 21.0% to derive a weighted average cost of capital, or
WACC, of 15.1%. Further in calculating the Discounted Cash Flow
Analysis as described below, a range of discount rates was then
applied reflecting the addition of 1% and 2% to, and the
subtraction of 1% and 2% from, the recalculated WACC.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel used two approaches: in the first approach, Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel estimated the terminal value of the projected
cash flows by applying exit multiples to XETAs estimated
2015 EBITDA, which multiples ranged from 5.0x to 7.0x. Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel then discounted the cash flows projected through
2015 and the terminal value to present values using rates
ranging from 13.1% to 17.1%. In the second approach, Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel estimated the perpetual cash flows by applying
annual growth rates of 2.0% to 4.0% to XETAs estimated
2015 free cash flow and then discounted the cash flows projected
through 2015 and the perpetual cash flows to present values
using rates ranging from 13.1% to 17.1%. These two methods of
analysis indicated two ranges of aggregate values, each of which
were then decreased by XETAs estimated net debt of
$2.9 million as of February 1, 2011, to calculate a
range of equity values. These equity values were then divided by
fully diluted shares outstanding to calculate implied equity
values per share ranging from $6.96 to $8.29. Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel noted that the value of consideration to be received by
holders of the common shares pursuant to the merger was $5.50.
The following table sets forth the range of implied equity
values per share calculated using the estimated terminal value
of projected cash flows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount
|
|
Terminal Multiple Range
|
Rate
|
|
5.0x
|
|
5.5x
|
|
6.0x
|
|
6.5x
|
|
7.0x
|
|
13.1%
|
|
$
|
7.69
|
|
|
$
|
8.18
|
|
|
$
|
8.67
|
|
|
$
|
9.17
|
|
|
$
|
9.66
|
|
14.1%
|
|
|
7.42
|
|
|
|
7.89
|
|
|
|
8.36
|
|
|
|
8.83
|
|
|
|
9.29
|
|
15.1%
|
|
|
7.16
|
|
|
|
7.60
|
|
|
|
8.05
|
|
|
|
8.50
|
|
|
|
8.95
|
|
16.1%
|
|
|
6.90
|
|
|
|
7.33
|
|
|
|
7.76
|
|
|
|
8.19
|
|
|
|
8.62
|
|
17.1%
|
|
|
6.67
|
|
|
|
7.08
|
|
|
|
7.49
|
|
|
|
7.90
|
|
|
|
8.31
|
|
The following table sets forth the range of implied equity
values per share calculated using perpetual cash flows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount
|
|
Growth Rate
|
Rate
|
|
2.0%
|
|
2.5%
|
|
3.0%
|
|
3.5%
|
|
4.0%
|
|
13.1%
|
|
$
|
7.90
|
|
|
$
|
8.17
|
|
|
$
|
8.46
|
|
|
$
|
8.79
|
|
|
$
|
9.15
|
|
14.1%
|
|
|
7.21
|
|
|
|
7.43
|
|
|
|
7.66
|
|
|
|
7.92
|
|
|
|
8.21
|
|
15.1%
|
|
|
6.63
|
|
|
|
6.81
|
|
|
|
7.00
|
|
|
|
7.21
|
|
|
|
7.44
|
|
16.1%
|
|
|
6.13
|
|
|
|
6.28
|
|
|
|
6.44
|
|
|
|
6.61
|
|
|
|
6.80
|
|
17.1%
|
|
|
5.70
|
|
|
|
5.83
|
|
|
|
5.96
|
|
|
|
6.10
|
|
|
|
6.26
|
|
Premiums Paid Analysis. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
reviewed the consideration paid in 79 selected acquisitions
involving an aggregate value between approximately
$20 million and $500 million announced since
January 1, 2010. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel calculated the
premiums paid in these transactions over both the applicable
stock price of the target company one day, one week and one
month prior to the announcement of the proposed acquisition, and
calculated the implied per share value based on third and first
quartile metrics.
36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premium One Day
|
|
Premium One Week
|
|
Premium One Month
|
|
|
Prior to
|
|
Prior to
|
|
Prior to
|
|
|
Announcement
|
|
Announcement
|
|
Announcement
|
|
Third Quartile
|
|
|
46.2
|
%
|
|
|
50.7
|
%
|
|
|
55.6
|
%
|
Median
|
|
|
31.0
|
%
|
|
|
33.9
|
%
|
|
|
36.1
|
%
|
Mean
|
|
|
31.6
|
%
|
|
|
36.3
|
%
|
|
|
42.0
|
%
|
First Quartile
|
|
|
10.2
|
%
|
|
|
14.6
|
%
|
|
|
19.5
|
%
|
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel noted that the premiums implied by the
merger were 44.7%, 55.9% and 65.3% for the period one day, one
week and one month prior to February 4, 2010.
The foregoing description is only a summary of the analyses and
examinations that Stifel Nicolaus Weisel deemed material to its
Opinion. It is not a comprehensive description of all analyses
and examinations actually conducted by Stifel Nicolaus Weisel.
The preparation of a fairness opinion necessarily is not
susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel believes that its analyses and the summary set
forth above must be considered as a whole and that selecting
portions of its analyses and of the factors considered, without
considering all analyses and factors, would create an incomplete
view of the process underlying the analyses set forth in its
presentation to us. In addition, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel may have
given various analyses more or less weight than other analyses,
and may have deemed various assumptions more or less probable
than other assumptions. The fact that any specific analysis has
been referred to in the summary above is not meant to indicate
that this analysis was given greater weight than any other
analysis. Accordingly, the ranges of valuations resulting from
any particular analysis described above should not be taken to
be the view of Stifel Nicolaus Weisel with respect to the actual
value XETA.
Based upon the foregoing analyses and the assumptions and
limitations set forth in full in the text of Stifel Nicolaus
Weisels Opinion, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel was of the opinion
that, as of the date of Stifel Nicolaus Weisels Opinion,
the merger consideration to be received by the holders of XETA
common shares in the merger pursuant to the merger agreement was
fair to such holders, from a financial point of view.
As more fully described in Background of
the Merger beginning on page 19 of this proxy
statement, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel acted as financial advisor to
XETA in connection with the merger. We paid Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel a retainer fee of $100,000 and a fee of $500,000 upon the
delivery of its Opinion, and neither of such fees was contingent
upon consummation of the merger. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel will
receive a transaction fee of $1.0 million upon consummation
of the merger, which amount will be reduced by the retainer fee
and opinion fee which we previously paid. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
will not receive any other significant payment or compensation
contingent upon the successful consummation of the merger. In
addition, we agreed to reimburse Stifel Nicolaus Weisel for its
reasonable
out-of-pocket
expenses, including fees and disbursements of counsel, and to
indemnify Stifel Nicolaus Weisel for certain liabilities arising
out of its engagement. There are no other material relationships
that existed during the two years prior to the date of Stifel
Nicolaus Weisels Opinion or that are mutually understood
to be contemplated in which any compensation was received or is
intended to be received as a result of the relationship between
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel and any party to the merger. Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel or its affiliates may seek to provide investment
banking services to PAETEC or its affiliates in the future, for
which Stifel Nicolaus Weisel would seek customary compensation.
In the ordinary course of business, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel and
its affiliates and its and their clients may transact in the
equity securities of XETA and PAETEC and may at any time hold a
long or short position in such securities. Stifel Nicolaus
Weisels internal Fairness Opinion Committee approved the
issuance of its Opinion.
Projected
Financial Information
In the course of the process resulting in the merger agreement,
our management prepared and provided to Stifel Nicolaus Weisel,
PAETEC, and the other parties that entered into confidentiality
agreements non-public, projected financial information, which
was based on our managements estimate of our future
financial performance as of the date they were prepared. The
projected financial information covered the fiscal years 2011
and 2012, and, when available, fiscal year 2013. In addition,
our management provided to Stifel Nicolaus
37
Weisel, for purposes of its financial analyses, adjusted
projected financial information for fiscal year 2010 that
eliminated expenses that our management determined were
non-recurring in nature and also provided Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
pro forma financials for 2010 taking into account the four
acquisitions XETA completed during fiscal year 2010. We made
available to PAETEC and the other potential buyers all of the
information necessary to permit PAETEC and the others to make
the adjustments we provided to Stifel Nicolaus Weisel. The
projected financial information provided to Stifel Nicolaus
Weisel and the adjusted projected financial information provided
to Stifel Nicolaus Weisel (the Forecasts) were also
provided by our management to our board of directors.
For purposes of certain of the analyses described above under
Approval of the Merger Agreement Opinion of
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated,
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel, at the direction of our management
and the board of directors, converted the Forecasts from a
fiscal-year basis to a calendar-year basis in order to
facilitate the comparison of XETAs financial information
to companies that report their financial information on a
calendar-year basis. Furthermore, for purposes of the discounted
cash flow analysis described above under Approval of
the Merger Agreement Opinion of Stifel,
Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Stifel
Nicolaus Weisel, at the direction of our management and the
board of directors, extrapolated from the Forecasts projected
revenue, EBITDA and EBIT for 2014 through 2015 using constant
growth rates.
The Forecasts were not prepared with a view to public disclosure
and are included in this proxy statement only because Forecasts
were provided to our board of directors, Stifel Nicolaus Weisel
and the potential buyers. The Forecasts were not prepared with a
view to compliance with the published guidelines of the SEC or
the guidelines established by the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants regarding projections. Our
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm has not examined,
compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the
Forecasts and accordingly does not provide any form of assurance
with respect to the Forecasts. Neither we nor any of our
representatives (including Stifel Nicolaus Weisel) has made or
makes any representations to any person regarding the ultimate
performance of XETA compared to the information contained in the
Forecasts, and neither we nor any of our affiliates intend to
provide any update or revision thereof, except as required by
law.
Furthermore, the Forecasts:
|
|
|
|
|
while presented with numerical specificity, necessarily make
numerous assumptions, many of which are beyond our control,
including with respect to industry performance, general
business, economic, regulatory, market and financial conditions,
as well as matters specific to our business, and may not prove
to have been, or may no longer be, accurate;
|
|
|
|
|
|
do not necessarily reflect revised prospects for our business,
changes in general business, economic, regulatory, market and
financial conditions, or any other transaction or event that has
occurred or that may occur and that was not anticipated at the
time the Forecasts were prepared;
|
|
|
|
|
|
cover multiple years and such information by its nature becomes
less reliable with each successive year;
|
|
|
|
|
|
are not necessarily indicative of current values or future
performance, which may be significantly more favorable or less
favorable than as set forth below; and
|
|
|
|
|
|
should not be regarded as a representation that the Forecasts
will be achieved and readers of this proxy statement are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on the projections.
|
In light of the foregoing factors and the uncertainties
inherent in the Forecasts, shareholders are cautioned not to
place undue, if any, reliance on the Forecasts.
38
The Forecasts are summarized in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
Fiscal Year Ending
|
|
|
October 31,
|
|
October 31,
|
|
October 31,
|
|
October 31,
|
|
October 31,
|
|
October 31,
|
|
|
2010
|
|
2011
|
|
2012
|
|
2013
|
|
2014
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
85.7
|
|
|
$
|
118.0
|
|
|
$
|
132.2
|
|
|
$
|
148.4
|
|
|
$
|
155.8
|
|
|
$
|
163.6
|
|
Pro Forma Revenue(1)(2)
|
|
$
|
102.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
$
|
4.3
|
|
|
$
|
12.2
|
|
|
$
|
15.9
|
|
|
$
|
19.3
|
|
|
$
|
20.2
|
|
|
$
|
21.2
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA(2)
|
|
$
|
4.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma EBITDA(1)(2)
|
|
$
|
7.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBIT
|
|
$
|
2.1
|
|
|
$
|
9.7
|
|
|
$
|
12.8
|
|
|
$
|
15.7
|
|
|
$
|
16.4
|
|
|
$
|
17.3
|
|
Less: Income Taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(3.8
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6.1
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6.4
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6.8
|
)
|
Unlevered After-Tax Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
5.9
|
|
|
$
|
7.8
|
|
|
$
|
9.5
|
|
|
$
|
10.0
|
|
|
$
|
10.5
|
|
Plus: Depreciation & Amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.6
|
|
|
$
|
3.1
|
|
|
$
|
3.6
|
|
|
$
|
3.8
|
|
|
$
|
4.0
|
|
Less: Capital Expenditures
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(2.9
|
)
|
|
$
|
(3.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2.0
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2.1
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2.2
|
)
|
Less: Working Capital Investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(1.6
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.3
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.5
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.2
|
)
|
Free Cash Flow(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3.9
|
|
|
$
|
7.6
|
|
|
$
|
10.7
|
|
|
$
|
11.5
|
|
|
$
|
12.0
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Assumes full 2010 fiscal year impact of acquisitions with
synergies and excludes one-time, non-recurring acquisition
related expenses. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Excludes one-time, non-recurring costs for 2010 related to
acquisition integration and the process resulting in the merger. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Stock-based compensation was treated as a cash expense and
therefore not added back to Free Cash Flow. |
Financing
of the Merger
PAETEC, the ultimate parent company of Merger Sub, will provide
Merger Sub with sufficient funds to pay for all common shares to
be acquired in the merger. The total amount of funds necessary
to pay all merger consideration and customary fees and expenses
in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated therein is estimated to be approximately
$63 million, which will be used to pay shareholders of
XETA, holders of options and warrants to purchase XETA common
shares and to repay outstanding indebtedness under certain
credit facilities of XETA. PAETEC has advised us that they
expect to provide funds for these payments to Merger Sub, either
as a capital contribution or as an intercompany loan. PAETEC
will obtain such funds from cash on hand
and/or cash
generated from general corporate activities, or from amounts
available under PAETECs existing credit facilities. The
consummation of the merger is not conditioned upon any financing
arrangements.
Interests
of XETA Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger
In considering the recommendation of our board of directors to
vote for the proposal to approve and adopt the merger agreement,
shareholders should be aware that XETAs executive officers
and directors have agreements or arrangements that may provide
them with interests that may differ from, or be in addition to,
those of shareholders generally. Our board of directors was
aware of these interests and considered them, among other
matters, in determining the recommendation set forth in this
proxy statement.
Consideration
Payable Pursuant to the Merger
As of April 5, 2011, XETAs directors and executive
officers (and affiliates and affiliated investment entities)
owned in the aggregate 2,100,161 common shares (including
vested and unvested restricted shares, but excluding common
shares issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase common
shares). Of this amount, Ronald L. Siegenthaler, our Chairman of
the Board, Greg D. Forrest, our Chief Executive Officer and
President and a director, and Patara Capital, LP, an entity
affiliated with Ozarslan A. Tangun, a director of
39
XETA, held approximately 1,787,524 common shares on
February 8, 2011, representing approximately 16% of
XETAs outstanding common shares, which are subject to the
voting agreements. The beneficial ownership of each director and
executive officer as of April 5, 2011 is further described
under the heading Share Ownership.
Effect
of the Merger Agreement on Options, Warrants and Restricted
Shares
Options
As of April 5, 2011, XETAs directors and executive
officers held options to purchase 555,900 common shares in the
aggregate, with exercise prices ranging from $1.59 to $4.30 per
share and an aggregate weighted average exercise price of $2.68
per share.
With respect to stock options granted under our 2000 Stock
Option Plan, upon a change in control of our company, vesting of
any unvested options automatically accelerates according to the
terms of the plan. With respect to options granted under our
2004 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, upon such a change of
control, the vesting of unvested options will accelerate if the
compensation committee of our board of directors determines to
accelerate vesting. The proposed merger with PAETEC and Merger
Sub will constitute a change in control under our
2004 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. At a special meeting of the
board of directors held on January 6, 2011, our board of
directors discussed the accelerated vesting of the equity
compensation awards held by our officers and employees and
recommended that, with respect to options granted on
December 28, 2010 under the 2004 Omnibus Stock Incentive
Plan to our four senior executive officers, only 50% of the
total shares covered by those options should vest upon a change
of control.
Our compensation committee then determined that vesting of all
unvested shares covered by options under the 2004 Omnibus Stock
Incentive Plan would accelerate upon the occurrence of the
change in control, except that vesting with respect to only 50%
of the total shares covered by options granted on
December 28, 2010 to our four senior executive officers
would accelerate in such event; any rights to the remainder of
the shares covered by those options would terminate. See
Background of the Merger.
All options will be cancelled upon consummation of the merger.
Holders of vested options will be entitled to receive (in each
case, less any required withholding tax and in accordance with
the terms of their respective agreements) an amount equal to the
product of
|
|
|
|
|
the total number of common shares that would have been acquired
upon the exercise of the option, multiplied by
|
|
|
|
the excess, if any, of the merger consideration over the
exercise price to acquire a common share under such option.
|
If the exercise price per share of any option equals or exceeds
the applicable merger consideration, such amount shall be zero.
40
The table below sets forth information regarding the options
held by XETAs directors and executive officers as of
April 5, 2011 having an exercise price per share less than
the merger consideration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
Option
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying XETA
|
|
Exercise
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Options (#)
|
|
Price ($)
|
|
Proceeds ($)
|
|
Total ($)
|
|
Greg D. Forrest
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
$
|
1.77
|
|
|
$
|
111,900
|
|
|
$
|
432,598
|
|
|
|
|
71,013
|
|
|
|
2.54
|
|
|
|
210,198
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85,000
|
(1)
|
|
|
2.90
|
|
|
|
110,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert B. Wagner
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
1.77
|
|
|
|
93,250
|
|
|
|
322,675
|
|
|
|
|
55,549
|
|
|
|
2.54
|
|
|
|
164,425
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
(1)
|
|
|
2.90
|
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Donald E. Reigel
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
|
2.95
|
|
|
|
76,500
|
|
|
|
205,010
|
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
1.77
|
|
|
|
55,950
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,338
|
|
|
|
2.54
|
|
|
|
33,560
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
(1)
|
|
|
2.90
|
|
|
|
39,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul Comeau
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
1.77
|
|
|
|
74,600
|
|
|
|
139,600
|
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
(1)
|
|
|
2.90
|
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Donald T. Duke
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
|
|
3.63
|
|
|
|
22,440
|
|
|
|
78,690
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
3.25
|
|
|
|
56,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ozarslan A. Tangun
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
1.59
|
|
|
|
39,100
|
|
|
|
39,100
|
|
Eric Grimshaw
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
2.70
|
|
|
|
28,000
|
|
|
|
28,000
|
|
Dr. Robert D. Hisrich
|
|
|
8,000
|
|
|
|
3.63
|
|
|
|
14,960
|
|
|
|
14,960
|
|
Ronald L. Siegenthaler
|
|
|
8,000
|
|
|
|
3.63
|
|
|
|
14,960
|
|
|
|
14,960
|
|
S. Lee Crawley
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
4.30
|
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
All executive officers and directors as a group
|
|
|
555,900
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,287,594
|
|
|
$
|
1,287,594
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Only 50% of the total shares covered by these options will vest
on the closing date. |
Warrants
In May 2010, in connection with an acquisition we made, we
granted to the seller, Hotel Technologies Solutions, Inc. d/b/a
Lorica Solutions, warrants exercisable immediately to purchase
up to 150,000 of our common shares at an exercise price of $3.77
per share. The warrant agreement contains terms and provisions
that permit the holder of the warrants to exercise the warrants
in a net-issuance cashless exercise. We understand that the
holder intends to fully exercise its warrants through a
net-issuance cashless exercise.
Restricted
Shares
As of April 5, 2011, XETAs executive officers held
outstanding restricted share awards granted under our 2004
Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan covering a total of 24,843 common
shares. Our directors are not eligible to receive restricted
share awards. Immediately prior to the effective time of the
merger, all remaining forfeiture restrictions applicable to
outstanding restricted share awards will expire and the holders
thereof will be entitled to receive the $5.50 per share cash
merger consideration with respect to each such share, less
applicable tax withholdings.
At the special meeting of the board of directors held on
January 6, 2011, our board of directors recommended that
vesting of the restricted shares awards granted under the 2004
Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan should accelerate upon the change
in control that would result from the merger. Our compensation
committee then determined that vesting of all such unvested
restricted share awards would accelerate upon the occurrence of
such change in control. See
Options above.
41
The table below sets forth information regarding the restricted
shares held by XETAs executive officers as of
April 5, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subject to
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
Name
|
|
Restrictions (#)
|
|
|
Proceeds ($)
|
|
|
Greg D. Forrest
|
|
|
10,346
|
|
|
$
|
56,903
|
|
Robert B. Wagner
|
|
|
8,609
|
|
|
|
47,350
|
|
Paul Comeau
|
|
|
5,888
|
|
|
|
32,384
|
|
All executive officers as a group
|
|
|
24,843
|
|
|
$
|
136,637
|
|
In addition, prior to the effectiveness of the merger,
XETAs board of directors, or the compensation committee of
the board of directors, expects to adopt a resolution providing
that dispositions by certain XETA officers and directors of
their common shares and stock options in connection with the
merger, shall be exempt from liability under Section 16(b)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to
Rule 16b-3
under such Act.
Change
in Control Severance Plan
On December 9, 2010, our board of directors adopted an
Executive Change in Control Severance Plan for certain of our
executives. The board of directors designated Greg D.
Forrest, our Chief Executive Officer and President, Robert
B. Wagner, our Chief Financial Officer, Paul Comeau, our
Chief Operating Officer, and Don Reigel, our Chief Sales
Officer, as participants under the plan.
Severance benefits are triggered under the severance plan upon
the participants termination of employment with XETA and
its subsidiaries upon an involuntary termination of
employment during the one-year period following a change
in control. Under the severance plan, the proposed merger with
PAETEC constitutes a change in control event. An involuntary
termination of employment is defined under the severance plan as
a termination of the participants employment by XETA or
its subsidiaries for reasons other than cause, or as
a voluntary termination of employment by the participant for
a good reason event.
For purposes of the severance plan, cause means
(i) the conviction of the participant for any felony
involving dishonesty, fraud or breach of trust,
(ii) intentional disclosure of our confidential information
contrary to company policies, (iii) intentional engagement
in any competitive activity which would constitute a breach of
the participants duty of loyalty, (iv) the willful
and continued failure of participant to substantially perform
his duties for us (other than as a result of incapacity due to
physical or mental illness), or (v) the willful engagement
by the participant in gross misconduct in the performance of his
or her duties that materially injures our company.
A good reason event means the occurrence after a
change in control of any one of the following events or
conditions: (a) a change (other than a nominal one) in the
participants position or duties as they were in effect
immediately before the change in control; (b) XETA assigns
the participant any duties inconsistent with, or takes action
that materially diminishes, the participants position,
authority, duties or responsibilities in effect immediately
before the change in control; (c) XETA materially reduces
the participants base salary or annual cash compensation;
(d) the participant is relocated to a workplace more than a
50-mile
radius outside of the participants workplace prior to the
change in control; or (e) XETA breaches a provision of the
severance plan which results in a material adverse effect on the
participant.
The severance plan provides for a single lump-sum cash payment
based on a multiple of the participants annual cash
compensation, which includes his (i) base salary, plus
(ii) the annual cash incentive award established by the
board of directors (or if such annual cash incentive has not
been established, then the greater of the participants
previous years annual cash incentive award or the average
of such awards for generally the preceding three years). The
multiple is one and one-half times annual cash compensation for
XETAs Chief Executive Officer and one times annual cash
compensation for all other participants. The severance plan also
provides for continued life and medical insurance coverage for
12 months following the date of the participants
involuntary termination subject to certain conditions and
limitations set forth in the severance plan.
42
In order to be entitled to receive severance benefits, the
participant is required by the severance plan to execute and
deliver to us a release and waiver of claims against XETA and to
continue to abide by applicable company policies regarding
confidential information, non-disclosure and other policies that
survive termination of employment.
XETA has the right to terminate or amend the severance plan at
any time without the consent of the participant, except during
the one-year period following a change in control.
Indemnification
of Directors and Officers
XETA is organized under the laws of the State of Oklahoma.
Section 18-1031
of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act (OGCA)
permits a corporation to include in its charter documents, and
in agreements between the corporation and its directors and
officers, indemnification rights in addition to those expressly
set forth in the OGCA. XETAs certificate of incorporation
provides for the indemnification of XETAs directors to the
fullest extent permissible under the OGCA.
In addition, XETAs bylaws provide that XETA is required to
indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents, in each
case to the fullest extent permitted by the OGCA. XETAs
bylaws also provide that XETA shall advance expenses incurred by
a director, officer, employee or certain agents in advance of
the final disposition of any action or proceeding, and permit
XETA to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director,
employee or other agent for any liability arising out of his or
her actions in that capacity regardless of whether XETA would
otherwise be permitted to indemnify him or her under the
provisions of the OGCA.
In the merger agreement, PAETEC has agreed that the certificate
of incorporation and bylaws of the surviving corporation in the
merger will contain provisions no less favorable with respect to
indemnification and exculpation from liabilities of the present
and former directors, officers and employees of XETA than those
in effect as of the date of the merger agreement and that such
provisions will not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified
for six years from the effective time of the merger in any way
that would affect adversely the rights of any directors,
officers, employees, fiduciaries or agents of XETA or any of its
subsidiaries in respect of actions or omissions occurring at or
prior to the effective time of the merger.
Under the merger agreement, PAETEC and the surviving corporation
will honor and fulfill in all respects the indemnification
obligations of XETA, including the advancement of expenses
incurred in the defense of any action or suit, incurred prior to
the effective time of the merger. Until the sixth anniversary of
the effective time of the merger, the surviving corporation will
maintain in effect directors and officers liability
insurance with benefits and coverage levels that are no less
favorable than XETAs existing policies in respect of acts
or omissions occurring at or prior to the effective time of the
merger, provided that in satisfying such obligations, PAETEC and
the surviving corporation will not be obligated to pay annual
premiums in excess of 300% of the amount paid by XETA for
coverage for its last full fiscal year. If the annual premiums
of such insurance coverage exceed such amount, PAETEC will
obtain a policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost
not exceeding such amount.
Summary
of Aggregate Proceeds that May be Received by XETAs
Directors and Executive Officers
The table below sets forth information regarding the aggregate
proceeds that may be received by each of XETAs directors
and executive officers in connection with the merger. These
amounts are described in further detail above under
Consideration Payable Pursuant to the
Merger and Effect of the Merger
Agreement on Options, Warrants and Restricted Shares.
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
Name
|
|
Proceeds ($)
|
|
|
Ronald L. Siegenthaler(1)
|
|
$
|
6,114,477
|
|
Ozarslan A. Tangun(2)
|
|
|
3,128,346
|
|
Greg D. Forrest(3)
|
|
|
1,114,153
|
|
Donald E. Reigel(4)
|
|
|
899,897
|
|
Robert B. Wagner(5)
|
|
|
595,333
|
|
Donald T. Duke(6)
|
|
|
324,881
|
|
Robert D. Hisrich(7)
|
|
|
285,500
|
|
Paul Comeau(8)
|
|
|
216,386
|
|
S. Lee Crawley(9)
|
|
|
127,418
|
|
Eric Grimshaw(10)
|
|
|
32,092
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Consists of (i) $6,099,517 payable upon exchange of shares
held by Mr. Siegenthaler and (ii) $14,960 in
connection with options to purchase shares held by
Mr. Siegenthaler. |
|
(2) |
|
Consists of (i) $3,089,246 payable upon exchange of shares
held by Patara Capital, LP, an entity affiliated with Mr.
Tangun, and (ii) $39,100 in connection with options to
purchase shares held by Mr. Tangun. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Consists of (i) $624,652 payable upon exchange of shares
held by Mr. Forrest, (ii) $432,598 in connection with
options to purchase shares held by Mr. Forrest and
(iii) $56,903 in connection with restricted shares held by
Mr. Forrest. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Consists of (i) $694,887 payable upon exchange of shares
held by Mr. Reigel and (ii) $205,010 in connection
with options to purchase shares held by Mr. Reigel. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Consists of (i) $225,308 payable upon exchange of shares
held by Mr. Wagner, (ii) $322,675 in connection with
options to purchase shares held by Mr. Wagner and
(iii) $47,350 in connection with restricted shares held by
Mr. Wagner. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Consists of (i) $246,191 payable upon exchange of shares
held by Mr. Duke and (ii) $78,690 in connection with
options to purchase shares held by Mr. Duke. |
|
(7) |
|
Consists of (i) $270,540 payable upon exchange of shares
held by Mr. Hisrich and (ii) $14,960 in connection
with options to purchase shares held by Mr. Hisrich. |
|
(8) |
|
Consists of (i) $44,402 payable upon exchange of shares
held by Mr. Comeau, (ii) $139,600 in connection with
options to purchase shares held by Mr. Comeau and
(iii) $32,384 in connection with restricted shares held by
Mr. Comeau. |
|
(9) |
|
Consists of (i) $115,418 payable upon exchange of shares
held by Mr. Crawley and (ii) $12,000 in connection
with options to purchase shares held by Mr. Crawley. |
|
(10) |
|
Consists of (i) $4,092 payable upon exchange of shares held
by Mr. Grimshaw and (ii) $28,000 in connection with
options to purchase shares held by Mr. Grimshaw. |
Voting
Agreements
Concurrently with the execution and delivery of the merger
agreement, Messrs. Siegenthaler and Forrest, and Patara Capital,
LP, whom we refer to as the Signing Shareholders,
each, solely in his or its capacity as a shareholder of XETA,
entered into separate voting agreements with PAETEC. Under the
voting agreements, the Signing Shareholders have agreed to vote,
or cause to be voted, common shares for which they have the
right to vote in favor of the approval and adoption of the
merger agreement, in favor of any postponement or adjournment of
the special meeting to solicit additional proxies, against
certain other acquisition proposals, against certain
extraordinary transactions involving XETA (including any
reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation or
winding-up
of XETA) and against any action of XETA requiring the approval
of XETAs shareholders that would adversely affect the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement.
44
In the voting agreements, the Signing Shareholders have agreed
not to, on or after the date of the voting agreements, among
other things, grant any proxies or enter into any arrangement to
vote any of their common shares, sell, assign, transfer,
encumber or dispose of any of their common shares or attempt to
execute any statutory appraisal or similar rights with regard to
their common shares. The Signing Shareholders also have agreed
not to knowingly take any action to solicit or initiate other
acquisition proposals or to engage in negotiations with any
person the Signing Shareholder knows is considering making, has
made, or has agreed to endorse, another acquisition proposal.
Each voting agreement will terminate upon the earliest to occur
of (i) the termination of the merger agreement in
accordance with its terms or (ii) the effective time of the
merger.
Claims
Against Directors
There are shareholder derivative lawsuits pending against
current directors of XETA relating to the merger. If the merger
is consummated, any such claims that are currently pending or
that could be brought against such directors of XETA by current
shareholders would likely be extinguished. See
Litigation Relating to the Merger.
Dividends
We have never paid dividends. Pursuant to the merger agreement,
we are prohibited from declaring or paying any dividends or
making any similar distributions to our shareholders.
Determination
of the Merger Consideration
The merger consideration was determined through
arms-length negotiations between XETA and PAETEC.
Regulatory
Matters
Under the merger agreement, each of the parties has agreed to
use its reasonable best efforts to complete the merger,
including making filings with and obtaining all necessary
approvals and consents from various federal and state
governmental authorities. We do not expect that the completion
of the merger will be subject to any federal or state regulatory
requirements other than filings under applicable securities laws
and the filing of certain merger documents with the Secretary of
State of the State of Oklahoma. The parties have determined that
approvals under applicable antitrust laws or regulations (such
as the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976) will not be required in
order to complete the merger. If any such additional
governmental approvals or actions are required, we expect that
those approvals or actions will be sought by the parties. There
can be no assurance, however, that any additional approvals or
actions will be obtained. For a description of the obligations
of XETA, PAETEC and Merger Sub related to third party consents
and regulatory approvals, see The Merger
Agreement Additional Agreements Consents
and Release of Liens and
Government Filings; Efforts
beginning on page 60.
Person/Assets,
Retained, Employed, Compensated Or Used
Stifel Nicolaus Weisel acted as financial advisor to XETA in
connection with the merger. We paid Stifel Nicolaus Weisel a
retainer fee of $100,000 and a fee of $500,000 upon the delivery
of its Opinion, and neither of such fees was contingent upon
consummation of the merger. Stifel Nicolaus Weisel will receive
a transaction fee of $1.0 million upon consummation of the
merger, which amount will be reduced by the retainer fee and
opinion fee that we have previously paid. XETA has also agreed
to reimburse Stifel Nicolaus Weisel for its reasonable expenses
(not to exceed $75,000, other than as approved by XETA) and to
indemnify Stifel Nicolaus Weisel and certain related parties
against certain liabilities and expenses related to or arising
out of Stifel Nicolaus Weisels engagement, including
liabilities under federal securities laws.
45
Appraisal
Rights
If the merger is completed, our shareholders are entitled to
appraisal rights under
Section 18-1091
of the OGCA, provided that they comply with the conditions
established by
Section 18-1091.
The discussion below is not a complete summary regarding a XETA
shareholders appraisal rights under Oklahoma law and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the
relevant provisions of Oklahoma law, which are attached to this
proxy statement as Annex C. Shareholders intending to
exercise appraisal rights should carefully review Annex C.
Failure to follow precisely any of the statutory procedures set
forth in Annex C may result in a termination or waiver of
these rights.
A record holder of common shares who makes the demand described
below with respect to such shares, who continuously is the
record holder of such shares through the effective time of the
merger, who otherwise complies with the statutory requirements
of
Section 18-1091
and who neither votes in favor of the merger nor consents
thereto in writing will be entitled to an appraisal by an
Oklahoma state district court (the Court), of the
fair value of his, her or its common shares in lieu of the
consideration that such shareholder would otherwise be entitled
to receive pursuant to the merger agreement. All references in
this summary of appraisal rights to a shareholder or
holders of common shares are to the record holder or
holders of common shares. Except as described herein,
shareholders of XETA will not be entitled to appraisal rights in
connection with the merger.
Under
Section 18-1091,
where a merger is to be submitted for approval at a meeting of
shareholders, not fewer than 20 days prior to the meeting,
a constituent corporation must notify each of the holders of
common shares for whom appraisal rights are available that such
appraisal rights are available and include in each such notice a
copy of
Section 18-1091.
This proxy statement shall constitute such notice to the record
holders common shares.
Shareholders who desire to exercise their appraisal rights must
satisfy all of the conditions of
Section 18-1091.
Those conditions include the following:
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Shareholders electing to exercise appraisal rights must not vote
for the adoption of the merger agreement. Voting
for the adoption of the merger agreement will result
in the waiver of appraisal rights.
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A written demand for appraisal of shares must be filed with XETA
before the effective date for the merger agreement. The written
demand for appraisal should specify the shareholders name
and mailing address, and that the shareholder is thereby
demanding appraisal of his or her common shares. The written
demand for appraisal of shares is separate from a vote against
the merger agreement or an abstention from such vote. That is,
voting against or abstaining from voting on the merger alone
will not satisfy your obligation to make a written demand for
appraisal.
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A demand for appraisal must be executed by or for the
shareholder of record, fully and correctly, as such
shareholders name appears on the share certificate. If the
shares are owned of record in a fiduciary capacity, such as by a
trustee, guardian or custodian, this demand must be executed by
or for the fiduciary. If the shares are owned by or for more
than one person, as in a joint tenancy or tenancy in common,
such demand must be executed by or for all joint owners. An
authorized agent, including an agent for two or more joint
owners, may execute the demand for appraisal for a shareholder
of record. However, the agent must identify the record owner and
expressly disclose the fact that, in exercising the demand, he
is acting as agent for the record owner. A person having a
beneficial interest in common shares held of record in the name
of another person, such as a broker or nominee, must act
promptly to cause the record holder to follow the steps
summarized below in a timely manner to perfect whatever
appraisal rights the beneficial owners may have.
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A shareholder who elects to exercise appraisal rights should
mail or deliver his, her or its written demand to XETA at
1814 W. Tacoma Street, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
Attention: Corporate Secretary.
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Within 10 days after the effective time of the merger, XETA
must provide notice of the effective time of the merger to all
XETA shareholders who have complied with
Section 18-1091
and have not voted in favor of the adoption of the merger
agreement.
Within 120 days after the effective time of the merger,
either XETA or any shareholder who has complied with the
required conditions of
Section 18-1091
may file a petition in the Court, with a copy served on XETA in
the case of a petition filed by a shareholder, demanding a
determination of the fair value of the shares of all
shareholders seeking to exercise appraisal rights. There is no
present intent on the part of XETA to file an appraisal
petition, and shareholders seeking to exercise appraisal rights
should not assume that XETA will file such a petition or that
XETA will initiate any negotiations with respect to the fair
value of such shares. Accordingly, holders of common shares who
desire to have their shares appraised should initiate any
petitions necessary for the perfection of their appraisal rights
within the time periods and in the manner prescribed in
Section 18-1091.
Within 120 days after the effective time of the merger, any
shareholder who has satisfied the requirements of
Section 18-1091
will be entitled, upon written request, to receive from XETA a
statement setting forth the aggregate number of common shares
not voting in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement and
with respect to which demands for appraisal were received by
XETA and the aggregate number of holders of such shares. Such
statement must be mailed within 10 days after the
shareholders request has been received by XETA or within
10 days after the expiration of the period for the delivery
of demands as described above, whichever is later.
If a petition for an appraisal is timely filed and a copy
thereof is served upon XETA, XETA will then be obligated, within
20 days after service, to file in the office of the Court,
a duly verified list containing the names and addresses of all
shareholders who have demanded an appraisal of their shares and
with whom agreements as to the value of their shares have not
been reached. After notice to shareholders, as required by the
Court, at the hearing on such petition, the Court will determine
which shareholders are entitled to appraisal rights. The Court
may require the shareholders who have demanded an appraisal for
their shares and who hold common shares represented by
certificates to submit their share certificates to the Court for
notation thereon of the pendency of the appraisal proceedings;
and if any shareholder fails to comply with such direction, the
Court may dismiss the proceedings as to such shareholder. Where
proceedings are not dismissed, the Court will appraise the
common shares owned by such shareholders, determining the fair
value of such shares exclusive of any element of value arising
from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger, together
with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon the amount
determined to be the fair value.
Although the board of directors of XETA believes that the merger
consideration is fair, no representation is made as to the
outcome of the appraisal of fair value as determined by the
Court, and shareholders should recognize that such an appraisal
could result in a determination of a value higher or lower than,
or the same as, the consideration they would receive pursuant to
the merger agreement. Moreover, XETA does not anticipate
offering more than the merger consideration to any shareholder
exercising appraisal rights and reserves the right to assert, in
any appraisal proceeding, that, for purposes of
Section 18-1091,
the fair value of a common share is less than the
merger consideration. In determining fair value, the
Court is required to take into account all relevant factors. The
cost of the appraisal proceeding, which does not include
attorneys or experts fees, may be determined by the
Court and taxed against the dissenting shareholder
and/or XETA
as the Court deems equitable under the circumstances. Each
dissenting shareholder is responsible for his or her
attorneys and expert witness expenses, although, upon
application of a dissenting shareholder, the Court may order
that all or a portion of the expenses incurred by any dissenting
shareholder in connection with the appraisal proceeding,
including without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees
and the fees and expenses of experts, be charged pro rata
against the value of all common shares entitled to appraisal.
Any shareholder who has duly demanded appraisal in compliance
with
Section 18-1091
will not, after the effective time of the merger, be entitled to
vote for any purpose any shares subject to such demand or to
receive payment of dividends or other distributions on such
shares, except for dividends or distributions payable to
shareholders of record at a date prior to the effective time of
the merger.
47
At any time within 60 days after the effective time of the
merger, any shareholder will have the right to withdraw his, her
or its demand for appraisal and to accept the terms offered in
the merger agreement. After this period, a shareholder may
withdraw his, her or its demand for appraisal and receive
payment for his, her or its shares as provided in the merger
agreement only with the consent of XETA. If no petition for
appraisal is filed with the Court within 120 days after the
effective time of the merger, shareholders rights to
appraisal, if available, will cease. Inasmuch as XETA has no
obligation to file such a petition, any shareholder who desires
a petition to be filed is advised to file it on a timely basis.
Any shareholder may withdraw such shareholders demand for
appraisal by delivering to XETA a written withdrawal of his, her
or its demand for appraisal and acceptance of the merger
consideration, except (i) that any such attempt to withdraw
made more than 60 days after the effective time of the
merger will require written approval of XETA and (ii) that
no appraisal proceeding in the Court shall be dismissed as to
any shareholder without the approval of the Court, and such
approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Court deems
just.
Failure by any XETA shareholder to comply fully with the
procedures described above and set forth in Annex C to this
proxy statement may result in termination of such
shareholders appraisal rights. In view of the complexity
of exercising appraisal rights under Oklahoma law, any XETA
shareholder considering exercising these rights should consult
with legal counsel.
Certain
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal
income tax consequences to holders of common shares upon the
exchange of common shares for cash pursuant to the merger. This
summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of
all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a decision
to dispose of common shares in the merger, including tax
considerations that arise from rules of general application to
all taxpayers or to certain classes of investors or that are
generally assumed to be known by investors. This summary is
based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury
regulations, administrative rulings and court decisions, all as
in effect as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to
differing interpretations
and/or
change at any time (possibly with retroactive effect). In
addition, this summary is not a complete description of all the
tax consequences of the merger and, in particular, may not
address U.S. federal income tax considerations to holders
of common shares subject to special treatment under
U.S. federal income tax law (including, for example,
financial institutions, dealers in securities or currencies,
traders that mark to market, holders who hold their common
shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction,
insurance companies, tax-exempt entities and holders who
obtained their common shares by exercising options or warrants).
In addition, this summary does not discuss any consequences to
holders of options or warrants to purchase common shares or any
aspect of state, local or foreign tax law that may be applicable
to any holder of common shares, or any U.S. federal tax
considerations other than U.S. federal income tax
considerations. This summary assumes that holders own common
shares as capital assets.
We urge holders of common shares to consult their own tax
advisors with respect to the specific tax consequences to them
in connection with the merger in light of their own particular
circumstances, including the tax consequences under state,
local, foreign and other tax laws.
U.S.
Holders
Except as otherwise set forth below, the following discussion is
limited to the U.S. federal income tax consequences
relevant to a beneficial owner of common shares that is a
citizen or resident of the United States, a domestic corporation
(or any other entity or arrangement treated as a corporation for
U.S. federal income tax purposes), any estate (other than a
foreign estate), and any trust if (i) a court within the
United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the
administration of the trust, and (ii) one or more
U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial
decisions of the trust (a U.S. Holder).
If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as
a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds
common shares, the tax treatment of a holder that is a partner
in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the
partner and the activities of the partnership. Such holders
should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax
consequences of exchanging the common shares pursuant to the
merger.
48
Payments
with Respect to Common Shares
The exchange of common shares for cash pursuant to the merger
will be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, and a U.S. Holder who receives cash for common
shares pursuant to the merger will recognize gain or loss, if
any, equal to the difference between the amount of cash received
and the holders adjusted tax basis in the common shares.
Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and will be
long-term capital gain or loss if such U.S. Holders
holding period for the common shares is more than one year at
the time of the exchange of such holders common shares for
cash. Long-term capital gains recognized by an individual holder
generally are subject to tax at a lower rate than short-term
capital gains or ordinary income. There are limitations on the
deductibility of capital losses.
Backup
Withholding Tax and Information Reporting
Payments made with respect to common shares exchanged for cash
in the merger will be subject to information reporting and
U.S. federal backup withholding tax (at a rate of 28%)
unless the U.S. Holder (i) furnishes an accurate tax
identification number or otherwise complies with applicable
U.S. information reporting or certification requirements
(typically, by completing and signing a substitute
Form W-9)
or (ii) is a corporation or other exempt recipient and,
when required, demonstrates such fact. Backup withholding is not
an additional tax and any amounts withheld under the backup
withholding rules may be refunded or credited against a
U.S. Holders United States federal income tax
liability, if any, provided that such U.S. Holder furnishes
the required information to the Internal Revenue Service in a
timely manner.
Non-U.S.
Holders
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income
tax consequences that will apply to you if you are a
Non-U.S. Holder
of common shares. The term
Non-U.S. Holder
means a beneficial owner, other than a partnership, of common
shares that is not a U.S. Holder.
Non-U.S. Holders
should consult their own tax advisors to determine the specific
U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences
that may be relevant to them.
Payments
with Respect to Common Shares
Payments made to a
Non-U.S. Holder
with respect to common shares exchanged for cash pursuant to the
merger generally will be exempt from U.S. federal income
tax, unless:
(a) the gain on common shares, if any, is effectively
connected with the conduct by the
Non-U.S. Holder
of a trade or business in the United States (and, if certain
income tax treaties apply, is attributable to the
Non-U.S. Holders
permanent establishment in the United States) (in which event
(i) the
Non-U.S. Holder
will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as described
under U.S. Holders, but such
Non-U.S. Holder
should provide a
Form W-8ECI
instead of a
Form W-9,
and (ii) if the
Non-U.S. Holder
is a corporation, it may be subject to branch profits tax on
such gain at a 30% rate (or such lower rate as may be specified
under an applicable income tax treaty));
(b) the
Non-U.S. Holder
is an individual who was present in the United States for
183 days or more in the taxable year and certain other
conditions are met (in such event the
Non-U.S. Holder
will be subject to tax at a flat rate of 30% (or such lower rate
as may be specified under an applicable income tax treaty) on
the gain from the exchange of the common shares net of
applicable U.S. losses from sales or exchanges of other
capital assets recognized during the year); or
(c) the
Non-U.S. Holder
is an individual subject to tax pursuant to U.S. tax rules
applicable to certain expatriates.
Backup
Withholding Tax and Information Reporting
In general, if you are a
Non-U.S. Holder
you will not be subject to backup withholding and information
reporting with respect to a payment made with respect to common
shares exchanged for cash in the merger if
49
you have provided an IRS
Form W-8BEN
(or a
Form W-8ECI
if your gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a
U.S. trade or business). If shares are held through a
foreign partnership or other flow-through entity, certain
documentation requirements also apply to the partnership or
other flow-through entity. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax and any amounts withheld under the backup
withholding rules may be refunded or credited against a
Non-U.S. Holders
United States federal income tax liability, if any, provided
that such
Non-U.S. Holder
furnishes the required information to the Internal Revenue
Service in a timely manner.
Delisting
and Deregistration of XETA Common Shares
If the merger is completed, XETA common shares will be delisted
from the NASDAQ Global Market and deregistered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and our common
shares will no longer be publicly traded.
Litigation
Relating to the Merger
Between February 14 and 16, 2011, three putative class action
lawsuits were filed against XETA, its directors, PAETEC and
Merger Sub in connection with the proposed merger. All three
suits were filed in the State District Court of Tulsa County,
Oklahoma. These suits generally alleged that our directors
breached their fiduciary duties to our shareholders by allegedly
failing to properly value XETA, failing to take steps to
maximize the value of XETA to our shareholders and failing to
adequately consider potential buyers other than PAETEC. The
complaints further alleged that XETA, PAETEC and Merger Sub
aided and abetted in our directors alleged breach of their
fiduciary duties. The relief sought by the plaintiffs included a
declaration that the action was properly maintainable as a
derivative and class action, unspecified money damages and
equitable relief that would delay or enjoin the merger.
Additional details regarding the three lawsuits are as follows:
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Court
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Filing Date
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Case Name
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Case Number
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District Court of Tulsa
County, Oklahoma
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February 14, 2011
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Petterson v. XETA Technologies,
Inc., et al.
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CJ-2011-00838
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District Court of Tulsa
County, Oklahoma
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February 14, 2011
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Capel v. Forrest, et al.
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CJ-2011-00848
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District Court of Tulsa
County, Oklahoma
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February 16, 2011
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Gasker v. XETA Technologies,
Inc., et al.
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CJ-2011-00914
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On March 8, 2011, the State District Court entered an
order, consented to by all parties, consolidating the three
cases under the caption In re XETA Technologies, Inc.
Purported Class Action Litigation, Master File
No. CJ-2011-00838.
On March 23, 2011, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated
petition with the Court, which generally alleges that our
directors breached their fiduciary duties to our shareholders by
allegedly violating duties of care, loyalty, good faith and
independence; failing to take steps to maximize the value of
XETA to our shareholders; failing to properly value XETA;
failing to protect against conflicts of interest; and failing to
disclose to shareholders all material information relating to
the proposed transaction. In addition, the consolidated petition
further alleges that XETA, PAETEC and Merger Sub aided and
abetted in our directors alleged breach of their fiduciary
duties. The relief sought by the plaintiffs under the
consolidated petition includes a declaration that the action was
properly maintainable as a derivative and class action,
unspecified money damages, equitable relief that would delay or
enjoin the merger and an award of attorneys fees and costs
of litigation.
As of April 13, 2011, plaintiffs counsel and counsel
for the named defendants in the consolidated action entered into
a memorandum of understanding outlining the terms of an
agreement to settle and dismiss the lawsuit. The proposed
settlement is conditional upon, among other things, the
execution of a stipulation of settlement on terms satisfactory
to all parties, consummation of the merger and final approval of
the proposed settlement by the Court. Under the proposed
settlement, XETA has agreed to make certain supplemental
disclosures concerning the merger, which are contained in this
proxy statement. In addition, the proposed settlement
contemplates that the defendants or their insurers will pay
plaintiffs attorneys fees and expenses, as awarded by the
Court, in an amount not to exceed $350,000. There can be no
assurance that the parties will
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ultimately enter into a stipulation of settlement or that the
Court will approve the settlement even if the parties were to
enter into such stipulation. In such event, the proposed
settlement as contemplated by the memorandum of understanding
may be terminated.
The defendants in the consolidated action have denied all
liability with respect to the facts and claims alleged in the
lawsuits and specifically deny that any further supplemental
disclosure was required under any applicable rule, statute,
regulation or law. The proposed settlement is not, and should
not be construed as, an admission of wrongdoing or liability by
any defendant. We have agreed in principle to the terms of the
proposed settlement in order to avoid costly litigation and
eliminate the risk of any delay to the closing of the merger.
The proposed settlement will not affect the amount of the merger
consideration to be paid to shareholders of XETA in connection
with the merger or the timing of the special meeting of
shareholders.
51
THE
MERGER AGREEMENT
This section of the proxy statement describes certain material
provisions of the merger agreement but does not purport to
describe all of the terms of the merger agreement. The following
summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
complete text of the merger agreement, which is attached as
Annex A to this proxy statement. We urge you to read the
full text of the merger agreement because it is the legal
document that governs the merger. Neither the merger agreement
nor this summary is intended to provide you with any other
factual information about us.
The
Merger
The Merger; Effective Time; Closing. The
effective time of the merger will occur at the time that we file
a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State
of Oklahoma on the closing date of the merger. The closing date
will occur no later than the second business day after all of
the conditions to the merger set forth in the merger agreement
have been satisfied or waived (other than conditions that by
their nature are to be satisfied on the closing date, but
subject to satisfaction or waiver of such conditions).
Structure. Subject to the terms and conditions
of the merger agreement and in accordance with Oklahoma law, at
the effective time of the merger, Merger Sub will merge with and
into XETA. The separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will
cease, and XETA will continue as the surviving corporation and
an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PAETEC. Following the
completion of the merger, our common shares will be delisted
from the NASDAQ Global Market and deregistered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will no longer be publicly
traded.
Charter and Bylaws. At the effective time of
the merger, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of XETA
will be amended and restated so as to read as the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of Merger Sub as in effect immediately
prior to the effective time of the merger. The name of the
surviving corporation will remain XETA Technologies, Inc. In the
merger agreement, PAETEC and the surviving corporation have
agreed that the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the
surviving corporation in the merger will contain provisions no
less favorable with respect to indemnification and exculpation
from liabilities of the present and former directors, officers
and employees of XETA than those in effect as of the date of the
merger agreement and that such provisions will not be amended,
repealed or otherwise modified for six years from the effective
time of the merger in any way that would affect adversely the
rights of any directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries or
agents of XETA or any of its subsidiaries in respect of actions
or omissions occurring at or prior to the effective time of the
merger.
Directors and Officers of the Surviving
Corporation. The directors and officers of Merger
Sub immediately prior to the effective time of the merger are
expected to become the initial directors and officers,
respectively, of the surviving corporation following the merger.
Conversion of Common Shares. Each common share
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time
of the merger (other than common shares held in the treasury of
XETA or owned by PAETEC or Merger Sub, or by any direct or
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PAETEC, Merger Sub or XETA,
and any common shares held by a XETA shareholder who is entitled
to demand and properly demands appraisal of such common shares
pursuant to
Section 18-1091
of the OGCA, which is attached hereto as
Annex C) will, by virtue of the merger and without any
action on the part of PAETEC, Merger Sub, XETA or the
shareholder, be cancelled and converted at the effective time of
the merger into the right to receive the merger consideration,
without interest thereon and less any required withholding tax.
At the effective time of the merger, each common share of XETA
owned, if any, by PAETEC, Merger Sub or any wholly-owned
subsidiary of PAETEC or XETA and common shares held by XETA in
treasury will be cancelled, and no payment or distribution will
be made with respect to such common shares. At the effective
time of the merger, each share of Merger Sub capital stock
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time
of the merger will, by virtue of the merger and without any
action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into one
common share of the surviving corporation.
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Options, Warrants and Restricted Shares. All
unvested options to purchase common shares outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger shall
become fully vested immediately prior to the effective time of
the merger, except that with respect to options granted on
December 28, 2010 to our four senior executive
officers Greg D. Forrest, Robert B. Wagner, Paul
Comeau and Donald Reigel our board of directors and
the compensation committee of our board of directors have
determined that only 50% of the 215,000 total shares covered by
such options (i.e., 107,500 shares) will vest; the
remaining 50% of the shares covered by these options will not
vest. All options will be cancelled upon consummation of the
merger.
Holders of vested options will be entitled to receive (in each
case, less any required withholding tax and in accordance with
the terms of their respective agreements) an amount equal to the
product of
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the total number of common shares that would have been acquired
upon the exercise of the option, multiplied by
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the excess, if any, of the merger consideration over the
exercise price to acquire a common share under such option.
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If the exercise price per share of any option equals or exceeds
the applicable merger consideration, such amount shall be zero.
In May 2010, in connection with an acquisition we made, we
granted to the seller, Hotel Technologies Solutions, Inc. d/b/a
Lorica Solutions, warrants exercisable immediately to purchase
up to 150,000 of our common shares at an exercise price of $3.77
per share. The warrant agreement contains terms and provisions
that permit the holder of the warrants to exercise the warrants
in a net-issuance cashless exercise. We understand that the
holder intends to fully exercise its warrants through a
net-issuance cashless exercise.
Immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, all
remaining forfeiture restrictions applicable to restricted
shares will expire and the holders thereof will be entitled to
receive the $5.50 per share merger consideration with respect to
each such share, less applicable tax withholdings.
Exchange and Payment Procedures. PAETEC will
deposit with Computershare Trust Company N.A. (or an
affiliate thereof), as exchange agent for the merger, for the
benefit of the holders of common shares, sufficient funds to pay
the aggregate merger consideration in an exchange fund. After
the merger is completed, you will have the right to receive
$5.50 per common share, but you will no longer have any rights
as a XETA shareholder. You will receive the merger consideration
in exchange for your common shares in accordance with the
instructions that will be contained in the letter of transmittal
that will be sent to you shortly after completion of the merger.
If your common shares are held in street name by
your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other
nominee, you will receive instructions from your broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee as to how to
surrender your street name common shares and receive
cash for those common shares. If your shares are held in
book-entry form, you will receive instructions from
Computershare Trust Company N.A. as to how to surrender
your book-entry common shares and receive cash for
those shares.
Any portion of the exchange fund (including the proceeds of any
investments thereof) that remains unclaimed for one year after
the effective time of the merger will be delivered to PAETEC.
Holders of shares outstanding before the effective time of the
merger will thereafter be entitled to look only to PAETEC for
payment of any claims for merger consideration to which they may
be entitled (after giving effect to any required withholding
tax). Neither the surviving corporation, PAETEC, the exchange
agent nor any other person will be liable to any person in
respect of any merger consideration delivered to a public
official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat
or similar laws.
No interest will be paid or will accrue on the cash payable upon
surrender of the certificates or book-entry shares. The exchange
agent and surviving corporation will be entitled to deduct and
withhold, and pay to the appropriate taxing authorities, any
applicable taxes from the merger consideration. Any sum which is
withheld and paid to a taxing authority by the exchange agent or
the surviving corporation will be deemed to have been paid to
the person from whom it is withheld.
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If you have lost a certificate, or if it has been stolen or
destroyed, then before you will be entitled to receive the
merger consideration, you will have to make an affidavit of that
fact and, if required by the exchange agent or reasonably
requested by the surviving corporation, post a bond in a
customary amount or provide an indemnity against any claim that
may be made against it with respect to that certificate.
Representations
and Warranties
We make various representations and warranties in the merger
agreement that are subject, in some cases, to specified
exceptions and qualifications contained in the merger agreement
or in the disclosure schedule delivered in connection therewith.
These representations and warranties relate to, among other
things:
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our organization, good standing, corporate power and authority
and qualification to do business;
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our subsidiaries;
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our capitalization, including in particular the number of common
shares, options to purchase common shares and warrants;
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our corporate power and authority to enter into the merger
agreement and to perform our obligations under the merger
agreement, and the execution, delivery and enforceability of the
merger agreement;
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the approval and recommendation by our board of directors of the
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement (subject to the right of our board of directors to
change its recommendation in certain circumstances);
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Stifel Nicolaus Weisel having delivered to our board of
directors their written Opinion to the effect, as of the date of
the merger agreement and based on and subject to the
assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth therein,
that the merger consideration to be received by the holders of
XETA common shares pursuant to the merger was fair to such
holders, from a financial point of view;
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the absence of violations of or conflicts with our certificate
of incorporation or bylaws, certain of our material contracts or
applicable laws or orders, and the absence of the creation of
any lien on any of our or our subsidiaries properties or
assets, in each case as a result of entering into the merger
agreement and consummating the merger;
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the required consents and approvals of governmental authorities
in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement;
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neither we nor our subsidiaries being in violation of our
certificates of incorporation or bylaws, not having violated
applicable laws, orders, judgments or decrees of any
governmental authority and not having defaulted under certain
material contracts;
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XETA and its subsidiaries having all permits required by
government authorities for the current ownership and operation
of properties and assets to carry on their business;
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our SEC filings since November 1, 2007, including the
financial statements contained therein;
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our internal disclosure controls and procedures and our system
of internal control over financial reporting, and the absence of
any significant deficiencies, material weakness or fraud
regarding our or our subsidiaries accounting and auditing
practice or our internal accounting controls since
November 1, 2007;
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the absence of undisclosed liabilities;
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the absence of certain changes or events since November 1,
2010;
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the absence of actions, investigations, proceedings, orders or
injunctions against us or our subsidiaries by or before any
governmental authority;
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our employee benefit plans;
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real property owned or leased by us;
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taxes;
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environmental matters;
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intellectual property;
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material contracts, including agreements relating to
indebtedness and contracts, leases and licenses pursuant to
which we have paid over $250,000 in the last 12 months;
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the accuracy of this proxy statement;
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labor agreements and other employee issues;
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insurance policies;
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the absence of undisclosed brokers or finders fees;
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steps taken by our board of directors to waive certain
antitakeover provisions of Oklahoma law;
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the absence of certain payments, bribes, political contributions
or influence payments and violations under anti-corruption or
anti-bribery laws;
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the absence of facts that could reasonably result in the
termination of customer agreements for which we have received at
least $100,000 in revenue over the 12 months ended
October 31, 2010 and supplier agreements for which we have
paid $100,000 or more during the 12 months ended
October 31, 2010;
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the absence of conditions involving our customers or suppliers
that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse
effect on XETA after consummation of the merger;
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the voting agreements have been entered into; and
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Many of our representations and warranties are qualified by the
absence of a material adverse effect on XETA, which means, for
purposes of the merger agreement, a material adverse effect on
the business, properties, financial condition or results of
operations of XETA and our subsidiaries taken as a whole or on
our ability to consummate the merger, except for such effects
attributable to any of the following:
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general political, economic or market conditions or general
changes in the industries in which XETA and its subsidiaries
operate to the extent such conditions do not have a materially
disproportionate effect on XETA and such subsidiaries relative
to other companies operating in such industries;
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acts of terrorism or war or natural disasters;
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the announcement of the merger;
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changes in applicable law or accounting regulations;
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changes in the price or trading volume of our common shares;
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our failure to meet public or internal revenue, earnings or
other projections;
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action taken as required under the merger agreement; or
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effects to the extent resulting from the acts of current or
former shareholders relating to the merger agreement.
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PAETEC and Merger Sub make various representations and
warranties in the merger agreement with respect to PAETEC and
Merger Sub. These include representations and warranties
regarding:
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PAETECs and Merger Subs organization and good
standing;
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PAETECs and Merger Subs corporate power and
authority to enter into the merger agreement and to perform
their obligations under the merger agreement, and the execution,
delivery and enforceability of the merger agreement;
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the absence of any violation of or conflict with their governing
documents and certain agreements to which PAETEC or Merger Sub
are party, and the absence of the creation of any lien on any of
their respective properties or assets, in each case as a result
of entering into the merger agreement and consummating the
merger;
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the required consents and approvals of governmental authorities
in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement;
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the accuracy of information supplied by PAETEC or its
subsidiaries for inclusion in this proxy statement;
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the absence of undisclosed brokers or finders fees;
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availability of funds for the merger;
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the absence of actions, investigations, proceedings, orders or
injunctions against PAETEC or Merger Sub by or before any
governmental authority;
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the absence of the requirement of a vote of PAETECs
shareholders or the holder of any other securities of PAETEC in
order for PAETEC and Merger Sub to consummate the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement;
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the solvency of PAETEC and Merger Sub;
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PAETECs acknowledgement of adequate access to the books,
records, facilities, equipment, contracts and other assets of
XETA and our subsidiaries and the full opportunity to meet with
our senior management;
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PAETEC having disclosed all agreements among PAETEC, Merger Sub
or any of their affiliates and members of the XETA board of
directors or any person to PAETECs knowledge holding 5% or
more of the common shares of XETA;
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lack of ownership of XETA common shares; and
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neither PAETEC nor Merger Sub being subject to certain
antitakeover provisions of Oklahoma law.
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Certain of the representations and warranties of PAETEC and
Merger Sub are qualified by the absence of a material adverse
effect on PAETEC, which means, for purposes of the merger
agreement, any material adverse effect on the ability of either
PAETEC or Merger Sub to perform its obligations under the merger
agreement or to consummate the merger.
The representations and warranties described above and included
in the merger agreement were made by XETA to PAETEC and Merger
Sub, and by PAETEC and Merger Sub to XETA. These representations
and warranties may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the
contracting parties, including being qualified by confidential
disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk
between the parties to the merger agreement instead of
establishing these matters as facts, and may be subject to
standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties
that differ from those applicable to investors. In addition,
these representations and warranties (a) will not survive
consummation of the merger and cannot be the basis for any
claims under the merger agreement by the other party after
termination of the merger agreement except as a result of a
willful and material breach as of the date of the merger
agreement, and (b) were made only as of the date of the
merger agreement or such other date as is specified in the
merger agreement. Moreover, information concerning the subject
matter of the representations and warranties may change after
the date of the merger agreement, and this subsequent
information may or may not be fully reflected in the
parties public disclosures. See Where You Can
Find More Information on page 69. Accordingly,
the merger agreement is included in this proxy statement only to
provide investors with information regarding the terms of the
merger agreement, and not to provide investors with any other
factual information regarding the parties or their respective
businesses. The representations and warranties and other
provisions of the merger agreement should not be read alone, but
instead should be read only in conjunction with the information
provided elsewhere in this proxy statement.
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Conduct
of Business
Under the merger agreement, we have agreed that, unless required
by applicable law or the merger agreement or if PAETEC gives its
written consent, between the date of the merger agreement and
the effective time of the merger, we and our subsidiaries will
carry on our respective businesses in all material respects in
the ordinary course consistent with past practice and in
compliance in all material respects with applicable laws
(payment of reasonable fees and expenses of our financial
advisors and attorneys in connection with the merger
transactions is deemed to be in the ordinary course of business);
We have also agreed that during the same time period, unless
required by applicable law or the merger agreement or if PAETEC
gives its written consent, we will not and will not permit any
of our subsidiaries to:
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amend or otherwise change our certificate of incorporation or
bylaws;
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issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, grant, encumber, or authorize
the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition, grant or encumbrance of
any shares of capital stock of any class or of any of our
subsidiaries, or any options, warrants, convertible securities
or other rights of any kind to acquire any such shares (except
in accordance with the terms of securities outstanding on the
date hereof or pursuant to any exercises of options or vesting
under any existing XETA stock plans);
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declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other
distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise,
with respect to any of our capital stock;
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reclassify, combine, split or subdivide, or redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire directly or indirectly, any of our capital
stock;
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acquire (including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation
or acquisition of stock or assets) any corporation, partnership
or other business organization or any division thereof or any
material amount of assets;
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incur any indebtedness or issue any debt securities or assume,
guarantee or endorse, or otherwise as an accommodation become
responsible for, the obligations of any person, or make any
loans or advances, except (i) in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice or (ii) with
prior written notice to PAETEC, for refinancings of existing
debt;
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enter into or amend any contract, agreement, commitment or
arrangement for the acquisition of any business organization or
to incur any indebtedness;
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intentionally subject any properties or assets (whether tangible
or intangible) of XETA or our subsidiaries to any lien except
for certain permitted liens that are, in the aggregate, not
material, and liens that may be incurred under our existing debt
arrangements;
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increase the compensation payable to any officers except for
increases disclosed to PAETEC on or prior to the date of the
merger agreement;
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make any offers of employment to or employ any new employees
with an annual base compensation in excess of $90,000, except
for replacements for existing employees hired at an annual base
compensation not to exceed the annual base compensation for the
departed employee existing as of such employees date of
departure from XETA;
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increase the compensation payable to our non-officer employees
except as has been disclosed to PAETEC on or prior to the date
of the merger agreement, or pursuant to existing plans, policies
or contractual arrangements;
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enter into any employment or severance agreement with or grant
any severance or termination pay to any director, officer or
other employee of XETA or any of our subsidiaries, or, except as
required by applicable law, establish, adopt, enter into or
amend any collective bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift,
compensation, option, restricted share, pension, retirement,
deferred compensation, employment, termination, severance or
other plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or arrangement,
including any XETA employee benefit plan, for the benefit of any
current or former director, officer or employee;
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make any capital expenditures in any fiscal quarter exceeding
our capital expenditure budget for such fiscal quarter by more
than $150,000, excluding any capital expenditures to repair or
replace equipment necessary to continue our operations in a
manner consistent with such operations as of the date of the
merger agreement, to the extent covered by insurance proceeds,
to the extent required on an emergency basis and in amounts
unspent but allowed in any prior quarter;
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sell or transfer any interest in any real property or any
properties or assets having a value in excess of $25,000 in the
aggregate, other than sales of supplies, surplus or obsolete
equipment or sales of assets in the ordinary course of business;
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enter into any non-compete, non-solicit
or similar agreement that would restrict the businesses of the
surviving corporation or its subsidiaries or their ability to
solicit customers or employees following the effective time of
the merger agreement;
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adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution,
merger or consolidation of such entity;
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make or rescind any election relating to taxes or make any
change in any method of accounting, keeping of books of account
or accounting practices or in any method of tax accounting,
unless required by generally accepted accounting principles (as
concurred with by our auditors) or applicable law, and then only
so long as we have first notified PAETEC of such change;
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acquire any interest in any real property having a value in
excess of $30,000 individually, or $150,000 in the aggregate,
except for renewals of existing leases that are extended or
renewed in accordance with their existing terms at the same rate
or the rate specified in the applicable lease agreement;
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enter into any contract with vendors for services or products
(other than purchase orders thereunder), except for contracts
that involve a projected total expenditure of less than $175,000
over the term of the contract, have a term of less than
5 years and do not include any purchase take or
pay commitment (but not including renewals of existing
contracts that are extended or renewed in accordance with their
existing terms at the same rate or the rate specified in the
applicable contract); and
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agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.
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Non-Solicitation
of Transactions; Change of Recommendation
We have agreed that we will, and we will cause our subsidiaries
and our respective representatives to, cease immediately and
cause to be terminated all discussions and negotiations with
respect to or that reasonably could be expected to lead to an
acquisition proposal. For purposes of the merger agreement,
acquisition proposal means, other than transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement, any inquiry, proposal or
offer from any person relating to any:
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merger, share exchange, consolidation, business combination,
recapitalization or similar transaction involving XETA or any of
our subsidiaries;
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purchase or sale of 20% or more of our consolidated assets;
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purchase or sale of, or tender or exchange offer for, our common
shares that, if consummated, would reasonably be expected to
result in any person beneficially owning 20% or more of our
total voting power; or
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any transaction that is substantially similar to any of the
foregoing.
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We have agreed that until the earlier of the effective time of
the merger and the date of termination of the merger agreement,
and subject to specified exceptions described below, we will
not, nor will we permit any of our subsidiaries or their
officers, directors or employees to, and we will cause our other
representatives to not, directly or indirectly:
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knowingly initiate, solicit, encourage, induce, or take any
action designed to or which could reasonably be expected to lead
to, directly or indirectly, the making of any acquisition
proposal;
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other than informing persons of our non-solicitation
obligations, have any discussions with or provide any
confidential information to any person relating to an
acquisition proposal, or engage in any negotiations concerning
an acquisition proposal;
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approve or recommend any acquisition proposal; or
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approve or recommend, or execute or enter into, any letter of
intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition
agreement or other similar agreement or agree to do any of the
foregoing related to any acquisition proposal.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in the merger
agreement to the contrary, prior to our obtaining shareholder
approval of the merger agreement, our board of directors may:
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engage in negotiations or discussions with or provide any
information to any person in response to an unsolicited bona
fide written acquisition proposal if (i) our board of
directors concludes in good faith (after consultation with legal
counsel and financial advisors) that such person is capable of
making an acquisition proposal (taking into account the legal,
financial, regulatory and other aspects of the acquisition
proposal), such acquisition proposal constitutes or could
reasonably lead to a superior proposal and that such action
would be reasonably necessary for our board of directors to
comply with its fiduciary duties and (ii) prior to
providing confidential information, XETA obtains a
confidentiality agreement substantially similar to
PAETECs; or
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withdraw, modify or qualify its recommendation to the
shareholders to approve and adopt the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement if
(i) XETA has received an unsolicited written acquisition
proposal that is not withdrawn, and our board of directors
determines in good faith (after consultation with legal counsel
and financial advisors) that such acquisition proposal
constitutes a superior proposal and (ii) our board of
directors determines in good faith (after consultation with
legal counsel and financial advisors) in light of such superior
proposal, a change in the recommendation of our board of
directors is reasonably necessary in order for our board of
directors to comply with its fiduciary duties.
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The board of directors may only take the foregoing actions if:
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XETA has given PAETEC at least five business days prior
written notice of its intention to take such action and has
provided a copy of the relevant material terms and conditions of
the superior proposal;
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during a
five-day
period following delivery of such notice, XETA has negotiated in
good faith with PAETEC to revise the terms of the merger
agreement such that the acquisition proposal no longer
constitutes a superior proposal;
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following such negotiation period, our board of directors has
determined in good faith that the third-party proposal remains a
superior proposal and that the termination of the merger
agreement or the recommendation of such superior proposal by our
board of directors is necessary to comply with the fiduciary
duties of our board of directors; and
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our board of directors has delivered written notice of
termination to PAETEC.
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A superior proposal is defined in the merger
agreement to mean a bona fide written acquisition proposal that
our board of directors determines in good faith is reasonably
capable of being consummated and would reasonably be expected
to, if consummated, result in a transaction that is more
favorable to our shareholders from a financial point of view
than the merger, taking into account the nature of the
consideration payable and all legal, financial, regulatory, and
similar aspects of, and conditions to, the proposal and the
person making the proposal.
Employee
Matters
In the merger agreement, PAETEC has agreed with XETA that all
employees of XETA and its subsidiaries immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger shall be employed by the surviving
corporation immediately after the effective time of the merger,
although neither PAETEC nor the surviving
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corporation will have an obligation to continue to employ such
employees (except as required by applicable law, employee
benefit plans or as disclosed in the most recent XETA annual
report on
Form 10-K
filed with the SEC). The surviving corporation is obligated to
perform each written severance agreement existing at the
effective time of the merger between XETA and its employees.
PAETEC and the surviving corporation are required to treat the
period of employment with XETA and its subsidiaries to have been
employment and service with PAETEC and the surviving corporation
for purposes of PAETECs and the surviving
corporations employee benefit plans (if recognized under
such plans terms).
Except for option and restricted share plans, for one year after
the effective time of the merger (or such longer period as
required by any employment agreement or employee benefit plan),
PAETEC and the surviving corporation must provide employees of
XETA with base salary levels, annual bonus opportunities and
employee benefit plans that are no less favorable to similarly
situated employees of PAETEC. Employees of XETA shall be
enrolled in the tax-qualified retirement plan designated by
PAETEC, and PAETEC shall cause its insurance carriers to waive
restrictions on pre-existing medical conditions (to the extent
such conditions would be covered under XETAs comparable
plan), and to offer to each XETA employee coverage under a group
health plan which credits such employee towards deductibles,
co-payments and
out-of-pocket
maximums for the year in which the effective time of the merger
occurs.
Immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, XETA must
terminate the XETA 401(k) plan.
Indemnification
and Insurance of Our Directors and Officers
In the merger agreement, PAETEC has agreed that the certificate
of incorporation and bylaws of the surviving corporation in the
merger will contain provisions no less favorable with respect to
indemnification and exculpation from liabilities of the present
and former directors, officers and employees of XETA than those
in effect as of the date of the merger agreement and that such
provisions will not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified
for six years from the effective time of the merger in any way
that would affect adversely the rights of any directors,
officers, employees, fiduciaries or agents of XETA or any of its
subsidiaries in respect of actions or omissions occurring at or
prior to the effective time of the merger.
Under the merger agreement, PAETEC and the surviving corporation
will honor and fulfill in all respects the indemnification
obligations of XETA, including the advancement of expenses
incurred in the defense of any action or suit, incurred prior to
the effective time of the merger. Until the sixth anniversary of
the effective time of the merger, the surviving corporation will
maintain in effect directors and officers liability
insurance with benefits and coverage levels that are no less
favorable than XETAs existing policies in respect of acts
or omissions occurring at or prior to the effective time of the
merger, provided that in satisfying such obligations, PAETEC and
the surviving corporation will not be obligated to pay annual
premiums in excess of 300% of the amount paid by XETA for
coverage for its last full fiscal year. If the annual premiums
of such insurance coverage exceed that amount, PAETEC and the
surviving corporation will obtain a policy with the greatest
coverage available for a cost not exceeding such amount.
Additional
Agreements
Shareholders Meeting. The merger
agreement requires us to duly call, give notice of and hold a
meeting of our shareholders to approve and adopt the merger
agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement as promptly as reasonably practicable after the
mailing of this proxy statement. Subject to limited
circumstances contemplated by the merger agreement and described
above in Non-Solicitation of Transactions;
Change of Recommendation, our board of directors is
required to recommend that our shareholders vote in favor of
approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and to use
commercially reasonable efforts to solicit proxies in favor of
such approval and adoption.
Access to Information. We have agreed to grant
PAETEC and PAETECs representatives reasonable access to
our and our subsidiaries properties, books, contracts,
commitments, personnel and records and all other information
concerning our and our subsidiaries business, properties
and personnel as PAETEC
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reasonably requests. PAETEC has agreed to hold confidential any
nonpublic information regarding XETA or our subsidiaries in
accordance with the terms of a confidentiality agreement.
Consents and Release of Liens. XETA must use
its reasonable best efforts to obtain prior to the closing of
the merger all consents, waivers and approvals under XETAs
material contracts requiring such consents as a result of the
merger. XETA must obtain prior to closing the merger and deliver
to PAETEC pay-off letters from its credit facility lenders and
evidence that all liens relating to such credit facilities on
the assets of XETA have been or will be released as of the
effective time of the merger.
NASDAQ De-listing; SEC Deregistration. If the
merger is completed, XETA common shares will be delisted from
the NASDAQ Global Market and deregistered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and our common shares will no
longer be publicly traded.
Government Filings; Efforts. Under the merger
agreement, each of the parties has agreed to use its reasonable
best efforts to complete the merger, including making filings
with and obtaining all necessary approvals and consents from
various federal and state governmental authorities. We do not
expect that the completion of the merger will be subject to any
federal or state regulatory requirements other than filings
under applicable securities laws and the filing of certain
merger documents with the Secretary of State of the State of
Oklahoma. The parties have determined that approvals under
applicable antitrust laws or regulations (such as the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976) will not be required in
order to complete the merger. If any such additional
governmental approvals or actions are required, we expect that
those approvals or actions will be sought by the parties. There
can be no assurance, however, that any additional approvals or
actions will be obtained.
PAETEC Assurances. PAETEC agrees to take all
action necessary to cause Merger Sub and the surviving
corporation to perform all of Merger Subs and the
surviving corporations agreements, covenants and
obligations under the merger agreement and to consummate the
merger agreement.
Conditions
to the Merger
The respective obligations of the parties to effect the merger
are subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by all parties) at or
prior to the effective time of the merger of the following
conditions:
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approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding XETA
common shares entitled to vote on the merger;
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receipt of required regulatory approvals, if any; and
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the absence of any law, regulation, order or injunction
prohibiting the merger.
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Our obligation to effect the merger is further subject to
satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions:
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the representations and warranties of PAETEC and Merger Sub in
the merger agreement shall be true and correct as of the date of
the merger agreement and as of the closing date as though made
on or as of the closing date (except to the extent any such
representation or warranty was expressly made as of a specified
date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be
true and correct with respect to such specified date), except
where the failure of any such representations and warranties to
be so true and correct (without giving effect to any
qualification contained therein as to materiality or a PAETEC
material adverse effect) has not had and is not reasonably
likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a PAETEC
material adverse effect;
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each of PAETEC and Merger Sub shall have performed in all
material respects all of their covenants required to be
performed by them under the merger agreement at or prior to the
closing date; and
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XETA shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of
PAETEC by an executive officer of PAETEC to the effect that the
foregoing conditions have been so satisfied.
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The obligation of PAETEC and Merger Sub to effect the merger is
further subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following
conditions:
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without reference to any item disclosed on any form, document,
proxy statements, reports, registration statements and schedules
filed with or furnished to the SEC by XETA on or after the date
of the merger agreement:
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the representations and warranties regarding capitalization of
XETA shall be true and correct in all respects other than de
minimis inaccuracies as of the date of the merger agreement and
as of the closing date; and
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each of the other representations and warranties of XETA in the
merger agreement are true and correct as of the date of the
merger agreement and as of the closing date as though made on or
as of the closing date (except to the extent any such
representation or warranty was expressly made as of a specified
date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be
true and correct with respect to such specified date), except
where the failure of any such representations and warranties to
be so true and correct (without giving effect to any
qualification contained therein as to materiality or a XETA
material adverse effect) has not had and is not reasonably
likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a XETA
material adverse effect;
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XETA shall have performed in all respects, all of its covenants
regarding the release of liens relating to its credit facilities;
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XETA shall have performed in all material respects all of its
other covenants required to be performed by it under the merger
agreement at or prior to the closing date of the merger;
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PAETEC shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of
XETA by an executive officer of XETA to the effect that the
foregoing conditions above have been so satisfied;
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during the period from the date of the merger agreement to the
closing date, there shall not have been a XETA material adverse
effect which shall not have been cured; and
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the aggregate number of appraisal shares shall not equal 15% or
more of the common shares as of the record date for the XETA
shareholders meeting.
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Termination
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
effective time of the merger, whether before or after
shareholder approval has been obtained, as follows (subject to
certain limitations set forth in the merger agreement):
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by the mutual written consent of PAETEC, Merger Sub and us;
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by either PAETEC or us if:
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the merger has not been consummated by July 31, 2011, and
the party seeking to terminate has not materially breached its
representations, warranties or covenants under the merger
agreement in any manner that caused or resulted in the failure
of the merger to be consummated by such time;
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a court with competent jurisdiction or a governmental authority
issues a final non-appealable order, decree or ruling that
permanently restrains, enjoins or prohibits the merger and the
party seeking to terminate has complied with its obligation to
use its reasonable best efforts to do, or cause to be done, all
things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable law to
consummate the merger, including its obligation to obtain
certain governmental consents; or
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the merger agreement is not adopted by the XETA shareholders;
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PAETEC or Merger Sub materially breaches any of their
representations, warranties or covenants in the merger agreement
such that the conditions to closing cannot be satisfied and such
breach is not
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62
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cured before the earlier of (i) 30 days after XETA
gives notice to PAETEC and (ii) July 31, 2011, and so
long as XETA has not materially breached any of its
representations, warranties or covenants; or
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subject to certain limitations and the payment of a termination
fee as described below, and provided that we have not breached
the non-solicitation provisions set forth in the merger
agreement (including the obligation to negotiate in good faith
with PAETEC to make adjustments to the terms and conditions of
the merger agreement for a period of five business days), our
board of directors either (i) withdraws or modifies its
recommendation regarding the merger or (ii) approves a
superior proposal (after determining in good faith following
consultation with outside legal counsel that the failure to do
so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under
applicable law and after taking into account any amendments to
the merger agreement that PAETEC agreed to make) and
concurrently with such termination we enter into an acquisition
agreement regarding such superior proposal;
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XETA materially breaches any of its representations, warranties
or covenants in the merger agreement such that the conditions to
closing cannot be satisfied and such breach is not cured before
the earlier of (i) 30 days after PAETEC gives notice
to XETA and (ii) July 31, 2011, and so long as PAETEC
or Merger Sub has not materially breached any of its
representations, warranties or covenants; or
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our board of directors withdraws or modifies its recommendation
regarding the merger.
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Termination
Fee
The merger agreement requires us to pay to PAETEC a termination
fee equal to $1.92 million upon the following events:
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termination of the merger agreement by either PAETEC or us
because:
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the merger has not been consummated by July 31, 2011, and
at the time of termination an acquisition proposal has been made
that has not been rejected by XETA; or
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the merger agreement is not adopted by the XETA shareholders and
at the time of termination an acquisition proposal has been made
that has not been rejected by XETA;
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termination of the merger agreement by XETA because our board of
directors either (i) withdraws or modifies its
recommendation regarding the merger in response to an
acquisition proposal or (ii) approves a superior proposal;
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the merger agreement is terminated by PAETEC because:
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our board of directors withdraws or modifies its recommendation
regarding the merger in response to an acquisition
proposal; or
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we have breached or failed to comply to any material extent with
our non-solicitation covenant, which breach has not been cured
by us.
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The termination fee payable by us to PAETEC is the sole monetary
remedy of PAETEC in respect of any termination of the merger
agreement. If we fail to pay the termination fee when due, and
PAETEC makes a claim that results in a judgment against us for
the termination fee, then we must pay PAETECs reasonable
costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees
and expenses) in connection with such proceeding, plus interest
at the prime rate of Commerce Bank, N.A., Kansas City, Missouri,
in effect on the date payment was required to be made,
plus 3%.
63
Amendment
and Waiver
The merger agreement may be amended in writing by XETA, PAETEC
and Merger Sub by action taken by their respective boards of
directors at any time prior to the effective time of the merger
(except that after the XETA shareholders have approved the
merger agreement, no amendment shall be made unless such
amendment is approved by the XETA shareholders where such
approval is required pursuant to applicable law). At any time
prior to the effective time of the merger, XETA, PAETEC and
Merger Sub may (i) extend in writing the time for the
performance of any obligation or other act of XETA, PAETEC or
Merger Sub; (ii) waive in writing any inaccuracy in the
representations and warranties of XETA, PAETEC or Merger Sub; or
(iii) waive in writing compliance with any agreement or
condition contained in the merger agreement applicable to XETA,
PAETEC or Merger Sub.
Specific
Performance
The parties to the merger agreement are entitled to an
injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the merger
agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions
of the merger agreement.
Voting
Agreements
Concurrently with the execution and delivery of the merger
agreement, each of the Signing Shareholders, solely in his or
its capacity as a shareholder of XETA, entered into separate
voting agreements with PAETEC. Under the voting agreements, the
Signing Shareholders have agreed to vote, or cause to be voted,
common shares for which they have the right to vote in favor of
the approval and adoption of the merger agreement, in favor of
any postponement or adjournment of the special meeting to
solicit additional proxies, against certain other acquisition
proposals, against certain extraordinary transactions involving
XETA (including any reorganization, recapitalization,
liquidation or
winding-up
of XETA) and against any action of XETA requiring the approval
of XETAs shareholders that would adversely affect the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement.
In the voting agreements, the Signing Shareholders have agreed
not to, on or after the date of the voting agreements, among
other things, grant any proxies or enter into any arrangement to
vote any of their common shares, sell, assign, transfer,
encumber or dispose of any of their common shares or attempt to
execute any statutory appraisal or similar rights with regard to
their common shares. The Signing Shareholders also have agreed
not to knowingly take any action to solicit or initiate other
acquisition proposals or to engage in negotiations with any
person the Signing Shareholder knows is considering making, has
made, or has agreed to endorse, another acquisition proposal.
Each voting agreement will terminate upon the earliest to occur
of (i) the termination of the merger agreement in
accordance with its terms or (ii) the effective time of the
merger.
Assignment
PAETEC and Merger Sub may assign all or any of their rights and
obligations under the merger agreement to any direct or indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of PAETEC, although no such assignment
will relieve PAETEC or Merger Sub of its obligations under the
merger agreement if such assignee does not perform such
obligations. All other assignments of any rights, interests or
obligations under the merger agreement requires the prior
written consent of the other parties to the merger agreement,
and any purported assignment without such consent will
be void.
64
SHARE
OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth certain data with respect to
those persons known by XETA to be the beneficial owners of more
than 5% of the issued and outstanding XETA common shares as of
April 5, 2011.
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Amount and Nature
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of Beneficial
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Percent of
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
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Ownership
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Class
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Ronald L. Siegenthaler
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1,117,003
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(1)
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10.4%
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8716 S. Peoria
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74132
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William M. Sams
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1,100,000
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(2)
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10.2%
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750 North St. Paul, Suite 1650
Dallas, Texas 75201
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Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
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543,466
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(3)
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5.0%
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Palisades West, Building One
6300 Bee Cave Road
Austin, Texas 78746
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Ozarslan Tangun
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561,681
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(4)
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5.2%
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5050 Quorum Drive, Suite 312
Dallas, Texas 75254
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(1) |
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Includes options to purchase 8,000 shares of XETAs
common stock which are presently exercisable and
129,000 shares held by Mr. Siegenthalers
wifes trust. Substantially all of the shares held directly
by Mr. Siegenthaler are pledged to secure personal
indebtedness; Mr. Siegenthaler has the right to vote such
shares, unless the price of such shares as reported on NASDAQ
falls below $2.00 per share, in which case the pledgee would
have the right to exercise voting rights over the shares. |
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(2) |
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Based on a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on
January 14, 2011. |
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(3) |
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Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on
February 11, 2011. According to that filing, Dimensional
Fund Advisors LP, an investment adviser registered under
Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
furnishes investment advice to four investment companies
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and serves
as investment manager to certain other commingled group trusts
and separate accounts. In its role of investment adviser,
sub-adviser
and/or manager to those funds, neither Dimensional
Fund Advisors LP or its subsidiaries possess voting and/or
investment power over the securities of XETA that are owned by
such funds, and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the
XETA common shares held by such funds. However, all securities
reported in the Schedule 13G/A are stated as being owned by such
funds. In its Schedule 13G/A, Dimensional disclaims
beneficial ownership of such securities and states that the
filing of its Schedule 13G shall not be construed to be an
admission that it or any of its affiliates is the beneficial
owner of any securities covered by the Schedule 13G for any
other purposes than Section 13(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
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(4) |
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Held by Mr. Tangun through Patara Capital, LP, Patara
Partners, LP and Patara Capital Management, LP, for each of
which he is managing member. Mr. Tangun has shared
investment and voting power over these shares. |
65
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of XETA
common shares as of April 5, 2011, by each director, each
executive officer and by all directors and executive officers of
XETA as a group. Except in cases where community property laws
apply or as indicated in the footnotes to this table, we believe
that each shareholder identified in the table possesses sole
voting and investment power with respect to all common shares
shown as beneficially owned by such shareholder. Unless
elsewhere indicated, the address of each of the individuals
listed below is XETAs principal executive offices.
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Shares Beneficially Owned
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Name or Group of Beneficial Owners
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Number(1)
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Percent(2)
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Executive Officers:
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Greg D. Forrest(3)
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159,425
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1.5
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%
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Robert B. Wagner(4)
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77,348
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*
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Paul Comeau
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13,961
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*
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Donald E. Reigel(5)
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162,012
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1.5
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%
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Directors:
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Ronald L. Siegenthaler(6)
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1,117,003
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10.4
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%
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Ozarslan Tangun(7)
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561,681
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5.2
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%
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Donald T. Duke
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81,762
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*
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Robert D. Hisrich
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57,189
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*
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S. Lee Crawley
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30,985
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*
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Eric Grimshaw
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744
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*
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Executive officers and directors as a group
(10 persons)
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2,262,110
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21.0
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%
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* |
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Represents less than 1%. |
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(1) |
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The number of shares beneficially owned includes the number of
common shares that such persons presently have the right to
acquire pursuant to unexercised options under XETAs stock
option plans, as follows: 35,506 shares for
Mr. Forrest; 27,774 shares for Mr. Wagner;
35,669 shares for Mr. Reigel; 8,000 shares for
Mr. Siegenthaler; 37,000 shares for Mr. Duke;
8,000 shares for Dr. Hisrich; 10,000 shares for
Mr. Crawley; and 161,949 shares for all directors and
executive officers as a group. |
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(2) |
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Applicable percentage ownership is based on 10,779,707 common
shares outstanding as of April 5, 2011. Beneficial
ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, based on factors including
voting and investment power with respect to shares, subject to
any applicable community property laws. Our stock options that
are exercisable within 60 days after April 5, 2011 are
deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage
ownership of the person holding such stock options, but are not
deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any
other person. |
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(3) |
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Mr. Forrest is also a director. Includes 7,079 common shares,
the equivalent number of shares held as units for
Mr. Forrests account by XETAs 401(k) plan. |
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(4) |
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Includes 4,400 shares held by Mr. Wagner, over which
he shares voting and investment power with his adult children;
and 7,630 shares, the equivalent number of shares held as
units for Mr. Wagners account by XETAs 401(k)
plan. |
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(5) |
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Includes 8,465 shares, the equivalent number of shares held
as units for Mr. Reigels account by XETAs
401(k) plan. |
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(6) |
|
Includes 129,000 shares held by
Mr. Siegenthalers wifes trust. Substantially
all of the shares held directly by Mr. Siegenthaler are
pledged to secure personal indebtedness. Mr. Siegenthaler
has the right to vote such shares, unless the price of such
shares as reported on NASDAQ falls below $2.00 per share, in
which case the pledgee would have the right to exercise voting
rights over the shares. |
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(7) |
|
Includes shares held by Patara Capital, LP, Patara Partners, LP
and Patara Capital Management, LP, for each of which Mr. Tangun
is managing member. Mr. Tangun has shared investment and
voting power over these shares. |
66
MARKET
PRICE OF XETAS COMMON SHARES
XETAs common shares are currently publicly traded on the
NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol XETA. The
following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per
common share on the NASDAQ Global Market for the periods
indicated.
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Fiscal Year
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High
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Low
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|
Fiscal Year 2011:
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First Quarter
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|
$
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3.65
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$
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2.82
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Second Quarter (through April 14, 2011)
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$
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5.59
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$
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3.30
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Fiscal Year 2010 (ended October 31, 2010):
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First Quarter
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|
$
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3.15
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$
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2.27
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Second Quarter
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3.99
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2.85
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Third Quarter
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3.95
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3.05
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Fourth Quarter
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3.64
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2.60
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Fiscal Year 2009 (ended October 31, 2009):
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First Quarter
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$
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2.21
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$
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1.25
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Second Quarter
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2.05
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1.06
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Third Quarter
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3.00
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1.66
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Fourth Quarter
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|
|
2.98
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2.05
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Fiscal Year 2008 (ended October 31, 2008):
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First Quarter
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|
$
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4.89
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$
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3.70
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Second Quarter
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4.59
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3.03
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Third Quarter
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4.12
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2.90
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Fourth Quarter
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3.50
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1.19
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|
XETA has never paid dividends. Pursuant to the merger agreement,
XETA is prohibited from declaring any dividends following
execution of the merger agreement on February 8, 2011.
Accordingly, we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends
prior to the merger.
On February 8, 2011, the last full trading day prior to the
public announcement of the terms of the merger, the reported
closing sales price per common share on the NASDAQ Global Market
was $3.84 per share. The $5.50 per share to be paid for each
XETA common share in the merger represents a premium of
approximately 43% to the closing price on February 8, 2011.
On April 14, 2011, the closing price per share was $5.46.
As of April 5, 2011, there were approximately
180 record holders of our common shares.
67
OTHER
MATTERS
As of the date of this proxy statement, our board of directors
knows of no other matters which may be presented for
consideration at the special meeting. Under our bylaws, business
at special meetings must be limited to the purpose or purposes
of the special meeting as set forth in the call of such meeting.
However, if any other matter is presented properly for
consideration and action at the meeting or any adjournment or
postponement thereof, it is intended that the proxies will be
voted with respect thereto in accordance with the best judgment
and in the discretion of the proxy holders.
SHAREHOLDER
PROPOSALS
Future Shareholder Proposals in the Event the Merger is Not
Completed. As of the date of this proxy
statement, XETAs 2011 annual meeting of shareholders has
been indefinitely postponed. If the merger is completed, there
will be no public shareholders of XETA, and no public
participation in any future meetings of shareholders.
If the merger is not completed, or if we are otherwise required
to hold an annual meeting under applicable law, we will hold a
2011 annual meeting of shareholders, in which case shareholder
proposals will be eligible for consideration for inclusion in
the proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2011 annual
meeting. In the event that we must hold a 2011 annual meeting,
we will publicly announce and disclose the date of such meeting
and deadline for submission of shareholder proposals for that
meeting. Shareholder proposals to be included in the proxy
statement for any 2011 annual meeting must also comply with the
requirements of
Rule 14a-8
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Shareholder Proposals for Special
Meeting. Section 2.11 of our bylaws provides
that business may be brought by a shareholder before a special
meeting of shareholders if the business is a proper subject to
be brought before the meeting and the shareholder gives timely
notice thereof to our corporate secretary. The shareholder must
also (i) be a shareholder of record on the date on which we
give the notice of the meeting and on the record date for the
determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote
at the meeting, and (ii) comply with the notice procedures
set forth in Section 2.11 of our bylaws. In order to be
timely with respect to a special meeting of shareholders, the
shareholder notice must be received not later than the date that
we call the meeting, as set forth in Section 2.2 of our
bylaws.
For each matter of business to be brought before any meeting by
the shareholder, the shareholder notice must include: (1) a
brief description of the proposal and the reasons for making the
proposal; (2) the name and record address of the
shareholder; (3) the class and number of shares
beneficially owned by the shareholder; (4) a representation
that the shareholder is a holder of record entitled to vote at
the meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the
meeting to present the business to be brought before the
meeting; and (5) a description of any arrangement or
understanding in connection with such business between the
shareholder and any other person(s) (identifying them by name),
and any material interest of the shareholder in such business.
68
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements
and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy these
reports, proxy statements and other information at the
SECs Public Reference Section at 100 F Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330
for further information on the public reference room. Our SEC
filings are available to the public on the SECs Internet
website at www.sec.gov.
PAETEC has supplied all information contained in this proxy
statement relating to PAETEC and Merger Sub, and we have
supplied all information relating to XETA.
Any person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this proxy
statement is delivered may request copies of reports, proxy
statements or other information concerning XETA, without charge,
by written or telephonic request directed to:
Attn.: Corporate Secretary
XETA Technologies, Inc.
1814 W. Tacoma Street
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
(918) 664-8200
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, the information or
representations must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by us or any other person. This proxy statement is
dated April 18, 2011. 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.
THIS PROXY STATEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE SOLICITATION OF A
PROXY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO OR FROM ANY PERSON TO WHOM OR FROM
WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH PROXY SOLICITATION IN SUCH
JURISDICTION. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH
INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS
PROXY STATEMENT.
69
AGREEMENT
AND PLAN OF MERGER
among
PAETEC HOLDING CORP.,
HERA CORPORATION
and
XETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Dated February 8, 2011
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Page
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ARTICLE I. THE MERGER
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A-1
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Section 1.1
|
|
The Merger
|
|
|
A-1
|
|
Section 1.2
|
|
Effective Time; Closing
|
|
|
A-1
|
|
Section 1.3
|
|
Effect of the Merger
|
|
|
A-1
|
|
Section 1.4
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws
|
|
|
A-2
|
|
Section 1.5
|
|
Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation
|
|
|
A-2
|
|
Section 1.6
|
|
Conversion of Securities; Appraisal Rights
|
|
|
A-2
|
|
Section 1.7
|
|
Options and Restricted Shares
|
|
|
A-3
|
|
Section 1.8
|
|
Surrender of Shares; Stock Transfer Books
|
|
|
A-3
|
|
Section 1.9
|
|
Withholding Taxes
|
|
|
A-5
|
|
Section 1.10
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
A-5
|
|
Section 1.11
|
|
Taking of Necessary Action; Further Action
|
|
|
A-5
|
|
ARTICLE II.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF XETA
|
|
|
A-5
|
|
Section 2.1
|
|
Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries
|
|
|
A-6
|
|
Section 2.2
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
|
|
|
A-7
|
|
Section 2.3
|
|
Capitalization
|
|
|
A-7
|
|
Section 2.4
|
|
Authority; Due Authorization; Binding Agreement; Approval
|
|
|
A-7
|
|
Section 2.5
|
|
No Violation; Consents
|
|
|
A-8
|
|
Section 2.6
|
|
Compliance
|
|
|
A-8
|
|
Section 2.7
|
|
SEC Filings; Financial Statements; Internal Control
|
|
|
A-9
|
|
Section 2.8
|
|
No Undisclosed Liabilities
|
|
|
A-10
|
|
Section 2.9
|
|
Absence of Certain Changes or Events
|
|
|
A-10
|
|
Section 2.10
|
|
Litigation
|
|
|
A-10
|
|
Section 2.11
|
|
Employee Benefit Plans
|
|
|
A-10
|
|
Section 2.12
|
|
Properties
|
|
|
A-12
|
|
Section 2.13
|
|
Taxes
|
|
|
A-14
|
|
Section 2.14
|
|
Environmental Matters
|
|
|
A-15
|
|
Section 2.15
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
|
|
A-15
|
|
Section 2.16
|
|
Material Contracts
|
|
|
A-16
|
|
Section 2.17
|
|
Information Supplied
|
|
|
A-17
|
|
Section 2.18
|
|
Employment Matters
|
|
|
A-18
|
|
Section 2.19
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
A-18
|
|
Section 2.20
|
|
Brokers; Transaction Fees
|
|
|
A-18
|
|
Section 2.21
|
|
Takeover Provisions
|
|
|
A-18
|
|
Section 2.22
|
|
Certain Business Practices
|
|
|
A-18
|
|
Section 2.23
|
|
Customers and Suppliers
|
|
|
A-18
|
|
Section 2.24
|
|
Voting Agreements
|
|
|
A-19
|
|
Section 2.25
|
|
Bank Accounts
|
|
|
A-19
|
|
A-i
TABLE OF
CONTENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND SUB
|
|
|
A-19
|
|
Section 3.1
|
|
Organization and Qualification; Sub
|
|
|
A-19
|
|
Section 3.2
|
|
Authority; Due Authorization; Binding Agreement; Approval
|
|
|
A-19
|
|
Section 3.3
|
|
No Violation; Consents
|
|
|
A-20
|
|
Section 3.4
|
|
Proxy Statement
|
|
|
A-20
|
|
Section 3.5
|
|
Brokers; Transaction Fees
|
|
|
A-20
|
|
Section 3.6
|
|
Availability of Funds
|
|
|
A-20
|
|
Section 3.7
|
|
Litigation
|
|
|
A-20
|
|
Section 3.8
|
|
No Vote of Parent Shareholders
|
|
|
A-20
|
|
Section 3.9
|
|
[Intentionally Omitted]
|
|
|
A-21
|
|
Section 3.10
|
|
Solvency
|
|
|
A-21
|
|
Section 3.11
|
|
Access
|
|
|
A-21
|
|
Section 3.12
|
|
Other Agreements or Understandings
|
|
|
A-21
|
|
Section 3.13
|
|
Ownership of Shares
|
|
|
A-21
|
|
Section 3.14
|
|
Not Interested Shareholder
|
|
|
A-21
|
|
ARTICLE IV. CONDUCT OF
BUSINESS PENDING THE EFFECTIVE TIME
|
|
|
A-21
|
|
Section 4.1
|
|
Conduct of XETA Business
|
|
|
A-21
|
|
Section 4.2
|
|
Securities Filings
|
|
|
A-23
|
|
Section 4.3
|
|
No Control of Other Partys Business
|
|
|
A-23
|
|
ARTICLE V. ADDITIONAL
AGREEMENTS
|
|
|
A-23
|
|
Section 5.1
|
|
Proxy Statement; Shareholders Meeting
|
|
|
A-23
|
|
Section 5.2
|
|
Access to Information; Confidentiality
|
|
|
A-24
|
|
Section 5.3
|
|
No Solicitation
|
|
|
A-25
|
|
Section 5.4
|
|
Directors and Officers Indemnification and Insurance
|
|
|
A-27
|
|
Section 5.5
|
|
Notification of Certain Matters; Third-Party Consents; Release
of Liens
|
|
|
A-28
|
|
Section 5.6
|
|
Governmental Filings; Efforts
|
|
|
A-29
|
|
Section 5.7
|
|
Public Announcements
|
|
|
A-30
|
|
Section 5.8
|
|
Parent Assurances
|
|
|
A-30
|
|
Section 5.9
|
|
Employee Matters
|
|
|
A-30
|
|
Section 5.10
|
|
Rule 16b-3
|
|
|
A-31
|
|
Section 5.11
|
|
Nasdaq De-listing
|
|
|
A-31
|
|
Section 5.12
|
|
Anti-takeover Laws
|
|
|
A-31
|
|
Section 5.13
|
|
Director and Officer Resignations
|
|
|
A-31
|
|
ARTICLE VI. CONDITIONS TO
THE MERGER
|
|
|
A-32
|
|
Section 6.1
|
|
Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party to Effect the Merger
|
|
|
A-32
|
|
Section 6.2
|
|
Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and Sub
|
|
|
A-32
|
|
Section 6.3
|
|
Conditions to the Obligations of XETA
|
|
|
A-32
|
|
Section 6.4
|
|
Frustration of Closing Conditions
|
|
|
A-33
|
|
A-ii
TABLE OF
CONTENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
ARTICLE VII. TERMINATION,
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
|
|
|
A-33
|
|
Section 7.1
|
|
Termination
|
|
|
A-33
|
|
Section 7.2
|
|
Effect of Termination
|
|
|
A-34
|
|
Section 7.3
|
|
Fees and Expenses
|
|
|
A-34
|
|
Section 7.4
|
|
Amendment
|
|
|
A-34
|
|
Section 7.5
|
|
Waiver
|
|
|
A-35
|
|
ARTICLE VIII. GENERAL
PROVISIONS
|
|
|
A-35
|
|
Section 8.1
|
|
Survival
|
|
|
A-35
|
|
Section 8.2
|
|
Scope of Representations and Warranties
|
|
|
A-35
|
|
Section 8.3
|
|
Notices
|
|
|
A-36
|
|
Section 8.4
|
|
Certain Definitions
|
|
|
A-36
|
|
Section 8.5
|
|
Severability
|
|
|
A-37
|
|
Section 8.6
|
|
Entire Agreement; Assignment
|
|
|
A-37
|
|
Section 8.7
|
|
Parties in Interest
|
|
|
A-37
|
|
Section 8.8
|
|
Specific Performance
|
|
|
A-38
|
|
Section 8.9
|
|
Governing Law; Jurisdiction and Venue
|
|
|
A-38
|
|
Section 8.10
|
|
Waiver of Jury Trial
|
|
|
A-38
|
|
Section 8.11
|
|
Headings
|
|
|
A-38
|
|
Section 8.12
|
|
Interpretation
|
|
|
A-38
|
|
Section 8.13
|
|
Incorporation of Exhibits
|
|
|
A-39
|
|
Section 8.14
|
|
Counterparts
|
|
|
A-39
|
|
EXHIBITS
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit 1.2 Certificate of Merger
|
|
|
AA-1
|
|
Exhibit 2.24 Form of Voting Agreement
|
|
|
AB-1
|
|
Exhibit 8.2 Persons Deemed to Have Knowledge
|
|
|
AC-1
|
|
A-iii
SCHEDULE OF
DEFINED TERMS
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Term
|
|
Section or Exhibit
|
|
Acquisition Proposal
|
|
|
Section 5.3(a)
|
|
affiliate
|
|
|
Section 8.4(a)
|
|
Agreement
|
|
|
Preamble
|
|
Applicable Law
|
|
|
Section 1.4
|
|
Appraisal Shares
|
|
|
Section 1.6(d)
|
|
beneficial owner
|
|
|
Section 8.4(b)
|
|
business day
|
|
|
Section 8.4(c)
|
|
COBRA
|
|
|
Section 2.11(a)
|
|
Certificates
|
|
|
Section 1.8(b)(ii)
|
|
Change in the XETA Recommendation
|
|
|
Section 5.3(b)
|
|
Closing
|
|
|
Section 1.2
|
|
Closing Date
|
|
|
Section 1.2
|
|
Code
|
|
|
Section 2.11(a)
|
|
Common Shares
|
|
|
Recitals
|
|
Confidentiality Agreement
|
|
|
Section 5.2(b)
|
|
control
|
|
|
Section 8.4(d)
|
|
controlled by
|
|
|
Section 8.4(d)
|
|
Effective Time
|
|
|
Section 1.2
|
|
Environmental Laws
|
|
|
Section 2.14(a)
|
|
ERISA
|
|
|
Section 2.11(a)
|
|
Exchange Act
|
|
|
Section 2.5(b)
|
|
Exchange Agent
|
|
|
Section 1.8(a)
|
|
Exchange Fund
|
|
|
Section 1.8(a)
|
|
GAAP
|
|
|
Section 2.1(c)
|
|
Governmental Authority
|
|
|
Section 8.4(e)
|
|
HSR Act
|
|
|
Section 2.5(b)
|
|
Improvements
|
|
|
Section 2.12(d)
|
|
Indemnified Parties
|
|
|
Section 5.4(b)
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
|
|
Section 2.15(d)
|
|
IRS
|
|
|
Section 2.11(e)
|
|
Leases
|
|
|
Section 2.12(c)
|
|
Lien
|
|
|
Section 2.3(c)
|
|
Merger
|
|
|
Recitals
|
|
Merger Consideration
|
|
|
Section 1.6(b)
|
|
Nasdaq Rules
|
|
|
Section 5.11
|
|
Negotiation Period
|
|
|
Section 5.3(c)
|
|
Oklahoma Law
|
|
|
Recitals
|
|
Omnibus Plan
|
|
|
Section 1.7(a)
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Section 1.7(a)
|
|
Option Cash Amount
|
|
|
Section 1.7(a)
|
|
Outside Date
|
|
|
Section 7.1(b)(i)
|
|
Owned Real Property
|
|
|
Section 2.12(b)
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
Preamble
|
|
A-iv
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Term
|
|
Section or Exhibit
|
|
Parent Material Adverse Effect
|
|
|
Section 3.3(a)
|
|
Parent Parties
|
|
|
Preamble
|
|
Parent Schedule
|
|
|
Article III
|
|
Permitted Liens
|
|
|
Section 2.12(a)
|
|
person
|
|
|
Section 8.4(f)
|
|
Preferred Shares
|
|
|
Section 2.3(a)
|
|
Proxy Statement
|
|
|
Section 5.1(a)
|
|
Real Property
|
|
|
Section 2.12(c)
|
|
reasonable best efforts
|
|
|
Section 8.4(g)
|
|
Restricted Share
|
|
|
Section 1.7(b)
|
|
Returns
|
|
|
Section 2.13(a)
|
|
SEC
|
|
|
Section 1.8(a)
|
|
SEC Rules
|
|
|
Section 2.7
|
|
Section 409A
|
|
|
Section 2.11(k)
|
|
Section 1901
|
|
|
Section 1.6(d)
|
|
Securities Act
|
|
|
Section 2.5(b)
|
|
Stock Plans
|
|
|
Section 1.7(a)
|
|
Sub
|
|
|
Preamble
|
|
subsidiaries
|
|
|
Section 8.4(h)
|
|
subsidiary
|
|
|
Section 8.4(h)
|
|
Superior Proposal
|
|
|
Section 5.3(b)
|
|
Surviving Corporation
|
|
|
Section 1.1
|
|
Taxes
|
|
|
Section 2.13
|
|
Termination Fee
|
|
|
Section 7.3(a)
|
|
Transactions
|
|
|
Section 2.1(c)
|
|
Uncertificated Shares
|
|
|
Section 1.8(b)
|
|
under common control with
|
|
|
Section 8.4(d)
|
|
XETA
|
|
|
Preamble
|
|
XETA Board of Directors
|
|
|
Section 2.4(d)
|
|
XETA Employee Benefit Plans
|
|
|
Section 2.11(b)
|
|
XETA ERISA Affiliate
|
|
|
Section 2.11(a)
|
|
XETA Material Adverse Effect
|
|
|
Section 2.1(c)
|
|
XETA Material Contracts
|
|
|
Section 2.16(a)
|
|
XETA Permits
|
|
|
Section 2.6(b)
|
|
XETA Recommendation
|
|
|
Section 5.1(e)
|
|
XETA Schedule
|
|
|
Article II
|
|
XETA SEC Reports
|
|
|
Section 2.7(a)
|
|
XETA Shareholder Approval
|
|
|
Section 5.1(e)
|
|
XETA Shareholders Meeting
|
|
|
Section 5.1(e)
|
|
A-v
AGREEMENT
AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, executed this 8th day of
February, 2011 (this Agreement), is by and
among PAETEC Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation
(Parent), Hera Corporation, an Oklahoma
corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent
(Sub, and together with Parent, the
Parent Parties) and XETA Technologies, Inc.,
an Oklahoma corporation (XETA).
RECITALS:
A. The respective boards of directors of Parent, Sub and
XETA have approved this Agreement, and deem it advisable and in
the best interests of their respective shareholders to merge Sub
with and into XETA (the Merger) upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.
B. As a result of the Merger, and in accordance with the
Oklahoma General Corporation Act, as amended (the
Oklahoma Law), each issued and outstanding
share (the Common Shares) of common stock,
par value $0.001 per share, of XETA shall be converted into the
right to receive the Merger Consideration at the Effective Time
(as defined herein).
C. As a result of the Merger, XETA, as the Surviving
Corporation (as defined herein), shall become a direct
wholly-owned subsidiary of Quagga Corporation, which, in turn,
is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.
AGREEMENT:
For and in consideration of the mutual promises contained
herein, the benefits to be derived by each party hereunder and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Parent, Sub and
XETA 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
Oklahoma Law, at the Effective Time, Sub shall be merged with
and into XETA. As a result of the Merger, the separate corporate
existence of Sub shall cease and XETA shall continue as the
surviving corporation of the Merger, as a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent. XETA, as the surviving corporation after
the Merger, is referred to as the Surviving
Corporation.
Section 1.2 Effective
Time; Closing. As promptly as practicable (but
no later than two business days) after the satisfaction or, if
permissible, waiver in accordance with Section 7.5 of all
of the conditions set forth in Article VI (other than
conditions that by their nature can be satisfied only at the
Closing but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of these
conditions), the parties hereto shall cause the Merger to be
consummated by duly filing a certificate of merger with the
Secretary of State of the State of Oklahoma in substantially the
form attached hereto as Exhibit 1.2, and in such form as is
required by, and executed in accordance with the relevant
provisions of, Oklahoma Law (the date and time of such filing
being the Effective Time) and as mutually
agreed to by XETA and Parent. Prior to but on the same day as
such filing, a closing (the Closing) shall be
held at the Rochester, New York offices of Harter
Secrest & Emery, or at such other place or by such
other method as the parties shall agree, including by fax or
other electronic transmission, for the purpose of, among other
things, confirming the satisfaction or waiver, as the case may
be, of the conditions set forth in Article VI. The date of
the Closing is herein called the Closing Date.
Section 1.3 Effect
of the Merger. At the Effective Time, the effect
of the Merger shall be as provided in the applicable provisions
of the Oklahoma Law. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, all the
property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of XETA and
Sub shall vest in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts,
liabilities and duties of XETA and Sub shall become the debts,
liabilities and duties of the Surviving Corporation.
A-1
Section 1.4 Certificate
of Incorporation; Bylaws. At the Effective Time,
(i) the existing amended and restated certificate of
incorporation of XETA as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time shall be amended and restated so as to read in
its entirety as set forth in the form of the certificate of
incorporation of Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time and, as so amended, shall be the certificate of
incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in
accordance with Applicable Law, and (ii) the existing
amended and restated bylaws of XETA shall be amended and
restated so as to read in their entirety as set forth in the
form of the bylaws of Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time and, as so amended and restated, shall be the
bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until duly amended in
accordance with Applicable Law; in each case subject to
Section 5.4. As used in this Agreement, Applicable
Law shall mean, in addition to the Oklahoma Law, any
applicable domestic or foreign laws, common law, statutes,
ordinances, rules, regulations, codes, orders or legally
enforceable requirements enacted, issued, adopted, promulgated,
enforced, ordered or applied by any Governmental Authority (as
defined in Section 8.4(e)).
Section 1.5 Directors
and Officers of Surviving Corporation. The
directors and officers of Sub immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be the only directors and officers, respectively, of
the Surviving Corporation as of the Effective Time and shall so
serve until their respective successors have been duly elected
or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death,
resignation or removal, in accordance with the certificate of
incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation and
Applicable Law.
Section 1.6 Conversion
of Securities; Appraisal Rights. At the Effective
Time, automatically by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of Sub, XETA or the holders of any of the
Common Shares:
(a) Each share of Sub capital stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into
and become one fully paid and nonassessable share of common
stock, par value $0.001 per share of the Surviving Corporation.
(b) Each Common Share issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time (other than (i) any shares to
be cancelled pursuant to Section 1.6(c) and
(ii) Appraisal Shares) shall be converted automatically
into the right to receive $5.50 in cash, without interest
thereon (the Merger Consideration) upon
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 1.8,
less any amounts withheld pursuant to Section 1.9. As of
the Effective Time, all such shares (whether represented by
Certificates or held as Uncertificated Shares (as each term is
defined in Section 1.8(b))) shall no longer be outstanding
and shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist,
and each holder of such shares shall cease to have any rights
with respect thereto, except, upon satisfaction of the
conditions set forth in Section 1.8 of this Agreement, the
right to receive the Merger Consideration, without
interest; and
(c) Each Common Share held in the treasury of XETA and each
Common Share, if any, owned by Sub, Parent or any direct or
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent or of XETA
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled
without any conversion thereof and no payment or distribution
shall be made with respect thereto.
(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, Common Shares (Appraisal Shares)
that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time and that are held by any person who is entitled
to demand, and properly demands, appraisal of such Appraisal
Shares pursuant to, and who complies in all respects with,
Section 1091 of the Oklahoma Law
(Section 1091) shall not be converted
into the right to receive Merger Consideration as provided in
Section 1.6(b), but rather the holders of Appraisal Shares
shall be entitled to only such rights as are granted by
Section 1091; provided, however, that if any
such holder shall fail to perfect or otherwise shall waive,
withdraw or lose the right to appraisal under Section 1091,
then such Appraisal Shares shall be deemed to have been
converted as of the Effective Time into, and to have become
exchangeable solely for the right to receive, the Merger
Consideration without interest upon surrender of such Common
Shares as provided in this Article I. XETA shall provide
prompt written notice to Parent of any demands for appraisal of
any Common Shares, notices of intent to demand appraisal of any
Common Shares, withdrawals of such notices and any other related
instruments served pursuant to the Oklahoma Law received by
XETA, and Parent shall have the right to participate in all
negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands. Prior
to the Effective Time, XETA shall not, without the prior written
consent of Parent (which consent shall not be
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unreasonably withheld or delayed), make any payment with respect
to, or settle or offer to settle, any such demands, or agree to
do any of the foregoing.
Section 1.7 Options
and Restricted Shares.
(a) Section 1.7(a) of the XETA Schedule (as that term
is defined in the preamble to Article II below) sets forth
a list indicating the Options (as hereinafter defined) and
warrants that will be fully vested and unvested at the Effective
Time, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Stock
Plans (as defined below) under which such Option was granted or
the applicable stock option agreement for such Option or the
applicable warrant purchase agreement under which such warrant
was granted or pursuant to action of the XETA Board of Directors
(as defined herein) or a committee thereof. As soon as
practicable following the date of this Agreement, the XETA Board
of Directors or, if appropriate, any committee thereof
administering the Stock Plans shall adopt such resolutions or
take such other actions as may be required to provide that, at
the Effective Time, each Option listed as a vested Option on
Section 1.7(a) of the XETA Schedule shall be fully vested
and exercisable in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the applicable Stock Plan or other stock option agreement under
which such Option was granted. Subject to the terms and
conditions set forth below in this Section 1.7(a), each
Option shall terminate and be cancelled at the Effective Time
and each holder of a vested Option will be entitled to receive
from Parent, Sub or the Surviving Corporation, and shall receive
as soon as practicable following the Effective Time (but in no
event more than 30 days after the Effective Time), in full
settlement and satisfaction of each such vested Option an Option
Cash Amount. The Option Cash Amount shall be
equal to the net amount of the product of (i) the excess,
if any, of the Merger Consideration over the exercise price per
share of such Option, multiplied by (ii) the number of
shares subject to such Option. If the exercise price per share
of any Option equals or exceeds the Merger Consideration, the
Option Cash Amount therefor shall be zero. As used in this
Agreement, Options means any option granted,
and, immediately before the Effective Time not exercised,
expired or terminated, to a current or former employee, director
or independent contractor of XETA or any former subsidiary of
XETA or predecessor thereof to purchase Common Shares pursuant
to the Stock Plans. As used in this Agreement, Stock
Plans means the 2004 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (as
amended and restated December 18, 2008) (the
Omnibus Plan), the 2000 Stock Option Plan (as
amended and restated on December 30, 2008) and any
other stock option, stock bonus, stock award, or stock purchase
plan, program, agreement or arrangement of XETA or any of its
subsidiaries or any predecessor thereof or any other similar
agreement entered into by XETA or any of its subsidiaries. True
and complete copies of each Stock Plan have previously been
provided to Parent.
(b) Section 1.7(b) of the XETA Schedule sets forth a
list indicating the Restricted Shares (as hereinafter defined)
that will be fully vested at the Effective Time. As soon as
practicable following the date of this Agreement, the XETA Board
of Directors (or, if appropriate, any committee thereof
administering the Stock Plans) shall adopt such resolutions or
take such other actions as may be required to provide that,
immediately prior to the Effective Time, each Restricted Share
(as hereinafter defined) that is issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall vest in full
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Omnibus Plan under
which such Restricted Shares were granted or the applicable
restricted stock grant agreement for such Restricted Shares. Any
such Restricted Shares which become vested pursuant to this
Section 1.7(b) shall be treated in the same manner as other
Common Shares in connection with the Merger. As used in this
Agreement, Restricted Share means any
restricted stock award entitling the recipient to receive, upon
vesting, Common Shares no longer subject to a risk of forfeiture
under any Stock Plan.
Section 1.8 Surrender
of Shares; Stock Transfer Books.
(a) Prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall designate a
bank or trust company reasonably satisfactory to XETA to act as
agent (the Exchange Agent) for the holders of
Common Shares in connection with the Merger to receive the
Merger Consideration to which holders of Common Shares shall
become entitled pursuant to Section 1.6. At or prior to the
Effective Time, Parent shall deposit with the Exchange Agent, in
trust for the benefit of the holders of Common Shares, for
payment by the Exchange Agent in accordance with this
Article I, the cash necessary to pay to the holders of the
Common Shares converted into the right to receive Merger
Consideration (the Exchange Fund). The
Exchange Agent, pursuant to irrevocable instructions consistent
with the terms of this Agreement, shall deliver such cash to be
paid pursuant to Section 1.6
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out of the Exchange Fund, and the Exchange Fund shall not be
used for any other purpose whatsoever. The Exchange Fund shall
be invested by the Exchange Agent as directed by the Surviving
Corporation; provided, however, that such
investments shall be in obligations of or guaranteed by the
United States of America or of any agency thereof and backed by
the full faith and credit of the United States of America, in
commercial paper obligations rated
A-1 or
P-1 or
better by Moodys Investors Services, Inc. or
Standard & Poors Corporation, respectively, or
in deposit accounts, certificates of deposit or bankers
acceptances of, repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements
with, or Eurodollar time deposits purchased from, commercial
banks with capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating in
excess of $500 million (based on the most recent financial
statements of such bank which are then publicly available at the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or
otherwise); provided further, that any net profits from,
or interest or income produced by, such investments shall be
payable as directed by Parent; provided, further,
that no loss on any investment made pursuant to this
Section 1.8 shall affect the Merger Consideration payable
to the holders of Common Shares and, following any losses,
Parent shall promptly provide additional funds to the Exchange
Agent for the benefit of the shareholders of XETA in the amount
of any such losses.
(b) Promptly after the Effective Time and in any event not
later than the fifth business day following the Effective Time,
the Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record of a
certificate or certificates which immediately prior to the
Effective Time represented outstanding Common Shares (the
Certificates), and to each holder of record
of uncertificated Common Shares (the Uncertificated
Shares), in each case whose shares were converted into
the right to receive the Merger Consideration pursuant to
Section 1.6, (i) a letter of transmittal (which shall
specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and
title to the Certificates or the Uncertificated Shares shall
pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates or the transfer of
the Uncertificated Shares to the Exchange Agent and shall be in
such form and have such other provisions as Parent may
reasonably specify) and (ii) instructions for use in
surrendering the Certificates or transfer of the Uncertificated
Shares in exchange for the Merger Consideration. Each holder of
Common Shares that have been converted into the right to receive
the Merger Consideration shall be entitled to receive the Merger
Consideration in respect of the Common Shares represented by a
Certificate or Uncertificated Share, upon (A) surrender of
a Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together
with such letter of transmittal, duly executed, and such other
documents as may reasonably be required by the Exchange Agent,
or (B) receipt of an agents message by
the Exchange Agent (or such other evidence, if any, of transfer
as the Exchange Agent may reasonably request), in the case of a
book-entry transfer of Uncertificated Shares. Upon payment of
the Merger Consideration pursuant to the provisions of this
Article I, each Certificate or Uncertificated Share so
surrendered or transferred shall forthwith be cancelled. In the
event of a transfer of ownership of Common Shares that is not
registered in the transfer records of XETA, payment may be made
to a person (as defined in Section 8.4(f)) other than the
person in whose name the Certificate so surrendered or the
Uncertificated Shares so transferred is registered if such
Certificate shall be properly endorsed or otherwise be in proper
form for transfer or such Uncertificated Shares shall be
properly transferred and the person requesting such issuance
shall pay any transfer or other Taxes (as defined in
Section 2.13) required by reason of the payment to a person
other than the registered holder of such Certificate or
Uncertificated Shares or establish to the satisfaction of Parent
that such Tax has been paid or is not applicable. Each
Certificate and each Uncertificated Share (other than
Certificates or Uncertificated Shares representing Appraisal
Shares) shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to
represent only the right to receive upon surrender in accordance
with this Section 1.8 the Merger Consideration into which
the Common Shares shall have been converted pursuant to
Section 1.6. No interest shall be paid or shall accrue on
any cash payable to holders of Certificates or Uncertificated
Shares pursuant to the provisions of this Article I.
(c) The Merger Consideration paid upon the surrender for
exchange of Certificates or transfer of Uncertificated Shares in
accordance with the terms of this Article I shall be deemed
to have been paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining
to the Common Shares theretofore represented by such
Certificates or Uncertificated Shares, subject,
however, to the Surviving Corporations obligation
to pay any dividends or make any other distributions with a
record date prior to the Effective Time that may have been
declared or made by XETA on such Common Shares in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement or prior to the date of this
Agreement and that remain unpaid at the Effective Time, and
there shall be no further registration of transfers on the stock
transfer books of XETA of the Common Shares that were
outstanding immediately prior
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to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time,
Certificates or Uncertificated Shares are presented to the
Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent for any reason, they
shall be cancelled and exchanged as provided in this
Article I, except as otherwise provided by Applicable Law.
(d) Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains
undistributed to the holders of Certificates or Uncertificated
Shares for one year after the Effective Time shall be delivered
to Parent, upon demand, and any holders of Certificates or
Uncertificated Shares who have not theretofore complied with
this Article I shall thereafter look only to Parent for
payment of their claim for Merger Consideration.
(e) None of Parent, Sub, the Surviving Corporation, XETA or
the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any person in respect of
any cash from the Exchange Fund delivered to a public official
pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or
similar law. If any Certificate or Uncertificated Share shall
not have been surrendered immediately prior to such date on
which any amounts payable pursuant to this Article I would
otherwise escheat to or become the property of any Governmental
Authority (as defined in Section 8.4(e)), any such amounts
shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, become the
property of the Surviving Corporation, free and clear of all
claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto.
(f) If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the
person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed
and, if required by Parent, the posting by such person of a bond
in such reasonable amount as Parent may direct as indemnity
against any claim that may be made against it with respect to
such Certificate, the Exchange Agent shall issue in exchange for
such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the applicable Merger
Consideration with respect thereto pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 1.9 Withholding
Taxes. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement
to the contrary, Parent, Sub, the Surviving Corporation and the
Exchange Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the
consideration otherwise payable to any former holder of Common
Shares (and, for the avoidance of doubt, Restricted Shares
and/or
Options) pursuant to this Agreement any amount as may be
required to be deducted and withheld with respect to the making
of such payment under applicable Tax laws. To the extent that
amounts are so properly withheld by Parent, Sub, the Surviving
Corporation or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be, and are
paid over to the appropriate Governmental Authority in
accordance with Applicable Law, such withheld amounts shall be
treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid
to the holder of the Common Shares in respect of which such
deduction and withholding was made by Parent, Sub, the Surviving
Corporation or the Exchange Agent, as the case may be.
Section 1.10 Adjustments. In
the event that XETA changes the number of Common Shares or
securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for
Common Shares issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time
as a result of a reclassification, stock split (including a
reverse stock split), stock dividend or distribution,
recapitalization, merger, issuer tender or exchange offer or
other similar transaction, the Merger Consideration shall be
equitably adjusted.
Section 1.11 Taking
of Necessary Action; Further Action. Each of
Parent, Sub and XETA shall use reasonable best efforts to take
all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in order to
effectuate the Merger under Oklahoma Law as promptly as
commercially practicable. If at any time after the Effective
Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out
the purposes of this Agreement and to vest the Surviving
Corporation with full right, title and possession to all assets,
property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of XETA, the
officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation are fully
authorized in the name of XETA to take, and shall take, all such
lawful and necessary action.
ARTICLE II.
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF XETA
XETA hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Sub that,
except as otherwise set forth in (i) XETAs Schedules
to this Agreement (the XETA Schedule) (it
being agreed by the parties that disclosure of any item in any
section of the XETA Schedule shall also be deemed to be
disclosed with respect to any other
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section of the XETA Schedule to which the relevance of such item
is reasonably apparent on the face of such item as disclosed) or
(ii) the XETA Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010 (including the
exhibits and schedules thereto) filed with the SEC on
January 25, 2011, as amended by the
Form 10-K/A
thereto filed with the SEC on January 28, 2011, and all
forms, documents, proxy statements, reports, registration
statements and schedules filed with or furnished to the SEC by
XETA on or after January 28, 2011 to the extent the
relevance of such item is reasonably apparent on the face of
such filing or document as disclosed therein:
Section 2.1 Organization
and Qualification; Subsidiaries.
(a) XETA is a corporation duly organized and validly
existing in good standing under the laws of the State of
Oklahoma. XETA has the requisite corporate power and authority
to own or lease its properties and to carry on its business as
it is now being conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to
transact business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of
the business conducted by it or the character of the properties
owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification
necessary, except where the failure to be so licensed or
qualified has not had and is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a XETA Material Adverse Effect
(as defined hereinafter).
(b) Each subsidiary (as defined in Section 8.4(h)) of
XETA (i) is duly organized and validly existing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of organization, (ii) has the
requisite corporate or other business entity power and authority
to own or lease its properties and to carry on its business as
it is now being conducted and (iii) is duly licensed or
qualified to transact business in each jurisdiction in which the
nature of the business conducted by it or the character of the
properties owned or leased by it makes such licensing or
qualification necessary, in each case, except as has not had and
is not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a XETA Material Adverse Effect.
(c) The term XETA Material Adverse
Effect means a material adverse effect on the
business, properties, financial condition or results of
operations of XETA and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or on
the ability of XETA to consummate the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement (the Transactions), except,
in each case, for any such effect attributable to or resulting
from the following: (i) general political, economic or
market conditions or general changes or developments in the
industries in which XETA and its subsidiaries operate to the
extent such conditions do not have a materially disproportionate
effect on XETA and such subsidiaries considered as a single
enterprise, relative to other companies operating in such
industries, (ii) acts of terrorism or war (whether or not
declared) or natural disasters, (iii) the announcement or
pendency of the Transactions, (iv) changes in applicable
Law or any applicable accounting regulations or principles or
United States generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP), (v) changes in the price or
trading volume of XETAs Common Shares (provided
that any event, condition, change, occurrence or development
of a state of circumstances that may have caused or contributed
to such change in market price or trading volume shall not be
excluded under this proviso), (vi) any failure by XETA to
meet public or internal revenue, earnings or other projections
(provided that any event, condition, change, occurrence
or development of a state of circumstances that may have caused
or contributed to such failure to meet published revenue,
earnings or other projections shall not be excluded under this
proviso), (vii) the taking of any action required by this
Agreement or the failure to take any action prohibited by this
Agreement or (viii) effects to the extent resulting from
any legal proceedings brought by any of the current or former
shareholders of XETA (on their own behalf or on behalf of XETA)
arising out of or related to this Agreement or the Transactions.
(d) A true and complete list of all of XETAs
subsidiaries, together with the jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization of each such subsidiary and the percentage of the
outstanding capital stock of each such subsidiary owned by XETA
and each of its subsidiaries, is set forth in Section 2.1
of the XETA Schedule. Other than with respect to the XETA
subsidiaries set forth on Section 2.1 of the XETA Schedule,
XETA does not directly or indirectly own any equity interest in,
or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for, any equity interest in, any corporation, partnership, joint
venture, limited liability company or other business entity.
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Section 2.2 Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws. XETA has heretofore
furnished to Parent a true and complete copy of its certificate
of incorporation and bylaws, each as has been amended and
restated to date. Such certificate of incorporation and bylaws
are in full force and effect as of the date of this Agreement.
Section 2.3 Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital stock of XETA consists of
50,000,000 Common Shares, par value $0.001 per share, and
50,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.10 per share
(Preferred Shares). As of February 3,
2011, (i) 10,762,191 Common Shares were issued and
outstanding (109,476 Common Shares of which being issued and
outstanding but unvested and subject to a risk of forfeiture
under previously granted awards of Restricted Shares), all of
which Common Shares were validly issued and fully paid and are
nonassessable, and none of which were issued in violation of any
preemptive or similar rights of any securityholder of XETA,
(ii) no Preferred Shares were issued and outstanding,
(iii) Options to purchase an aggregate of 940,662 Common
Shares were issued and outstanding (of which Options to purchase
an aggregate of 668,182 Common Shares were exercisable) and
(iv) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 Common
Shares were issued and outstanding (of which warrants, an
aggregate of 150,000 Common Shares were exercisable).
(b) From December 17, 2010 to the date of this
Agreement, XETA has not issued any shares of capital stock or
granted any options covering shares of capital stock, except for
shares issued pursuant to the exercise of Options or pursuant to
any Stock Plan. Subject to the foregoing and other than as
contemplated by the Stock Plans, there are no options, warrants
or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any
character obligating XETA or any of its subsidiaries to issue or
sell any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests
in, XETA or any of its subsidiaries. There are no outstanding
contractual obligations of XETA or any of its subsidiaries to
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital
stock of XETA or any of its subsidiaries.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 2.3 of the XETA
Schedule, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock or
equivalent equity interests of each of XETAs subsidiaries
were duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid and are
non-assessable and are owned by XETA, directly or through its
subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage,
pledge, lien, encumbrance or claim (each, a
Lien), other than in favor of XETA or any of
its subsidiaries; and none of the outstanding shares of capital
stock or equivalent equity interests of any of XETAs
subsidiaries were issued in violation of any preemptive or
similar rights arising by operation of law, or under the
charter, bylaws or other comparable organizational documents of
any of XETAs subsidiaries or under any agreement to which
XETA or any of its subsidiaries is a party.
Section 2.4 Authority;
Due Authorization; Binding Agreement; Approval.
(a) XETA has all requisite corporate power and authority to
enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations under
this Agreement subject, with respect to the Merger, to the
adoption of this Agreement by the affirmative vote of the
holders of Common Shares to the extent required by Applicable
Law.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by XETA and the consummation by XETA of the
Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by all
requisite corporate action on the part of XETA (other than, with
respect to the Merger, the adoption of this Agreement by the
affirmative vote of the holders of Common Shares to the extent
required by Applicable Law and the filing of appropriate merger
documents as required by Oklahoma Law).
(c) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
XETA and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery
hereof by Parent and Sub, constitutes a valid and binding
obligation of XETA, enforceable against XETA in accordance with
its terms, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
moratorium, fraudulent transfer, reorganization and other laws
of general applicability relating to or affecting the rights or
remedies of creditors and by general equitable principles
(whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(d) (i) The board of directors of XETA (the
XETA Board of Directors), at a meeting duly
called and held, has (A) determined that this Agreement and
the Transactions are advisable and in the best interests of the
XETA shareholders, (B) approved this Agreement and
(C) resolved (subject to Section 5.3) to recommend
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adoption of this Agreement by the holders of Common Shares; and
(ii) Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated has
delivered to the XETA Board of Directors a written opinion to
the effect that, based on and subject to the assumptions,
qualifications and limitations set forth therein, the Merger
Consideration to be received by the holders of Common Shares
pursuant to the Merger is fair to such holders, from a financial
point of view, as of the date hereof, it being agreed that
neither Parent nor Sub has any rights with respect to such
opinion.
Section 2.5 No
Violation; Consents.
(a) Except for the consents, waivers and approvals set
forth on Section 2.5(a) of the XETA Schedule, the execution
and delivery of this Agreement by XETA does not, and the
consummation by XETA of the Transactions will not,
(i) violate the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of
XETA, (ii) constitute a breach or violation of, or a
default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or
both, would constitute such a default) under any indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other
agreement or instrument to which XETA or any of its subsidiaries
is a party or by which any of them or any of their respective
properties are bound, (iii) assuming that the consents and
approvals referred to in Section 2.5(b) are duly and timely
made or obtained and that the adoption of this Agreement by the
affirmative vote of the holders of Common Shares to the extent
required by Applicable Law is obtained, violate any statute, law
or regulation or any order, judgment, decree or injunction of
any court or Governmental Authority directed to XETA or any of
its subsidiaries or any of their properties or (iv) result
in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property of
XETA or its subsidiaries pursuant to the agreements and
instruments referred to in clause (ii), except, in the case of
clause (ii), (iii) or (iv), for such conflicts, breaches,
violations, defaults or liens, that have not had and are not
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
XETA Material Adverse Effect. Section 2.5(a) of the XETA
Schedule sets forth a complete list of all orders, judgments,
decrees and injunctions directed to and binding on XETA or any
of its subsidiaries (except for
agreed-upon
judicial settlement orders relating to previously settled
litigation which had and have an immaterial impact on XETA).
(b) Except as set forth on Section 2.5(b) of the XETA
Schedule, and except for (i) compliance with applicable
requirements, if any, of the
Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules
and regulations thereunder (the HSR Act) and
any other Applicable Law analogous to the HSR Act or otherwise
regulating antitrust, competition or merger control matters in
foreign jurisdictions, (ii) compliance with any applicable
requirements of (A) the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and the rules and regulation promulgated thereunder (the
Securities Act), the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulation promulgated
thereunder (the Exchange Act) and any other
applicable U.S. state or federal securities or Blue
Sky laws and (B) the Nasdaq Global Market,
(iii) filing or recordation of merger or other appropriate
documents as required by the Oklahoma Law or Applicable Law of
other states in which XETA is qualified to transact business and
(iv) such other authorizations, consents, approvals or
filings the failure of which to obtain or make have not had and
are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a XETA Material Adverse Effect, no authorization,
consent or approval of or filing with any Governmental Authority
is required to be obtained or made by XETA for the execution and
delivery by XETA of this Agreement or the consummation by XETA
of the Transactions.
Section 2.6 Compliance.
(a) Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries is in
(i) violation of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws
or other equivalent governing documents, as applicable,
(ii) violation of any Applicable Law or order, judgment or
decree of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over
it, except that no representation or warranty is made in this
Section 2.6 with respect to laws, rules, regulations,
orders, judgments or decrees relating to employee benefits, Tax
or environmental matters, which are addressed exclusively in
Sections 2.11, 2.13 and 2.14, respectively, or
(iii) default in the performance of any obligation,
agreement, covenant or condition under any indenture, mortgage,
deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or
instrument to which XETA or any of its subsidiaries is a party
or by which any of them or any of their respective properties
are bound, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii),
for such violations or defaults that have not had and are not
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
XETA Material Adverse Effect.
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(b) Except as has not had and is not reasonably likely to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a XETA Material Adverse
Effect (i) XETA and its subsidiaries are in possession of
all franchises, tariffs, grants, authorizations, licenses,
permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents,
certificates, approvals and orders of any Governmental Authority
necessary for XETA and its subsidiaries for the current
ownership, lease and operation of their properties and assets or
to carry on their businesses as they are now being conducted
(the XETA Permits) and (ii) to the
knowledge of XETA, no event or condition has occurred which
would reasonably be expected to result in a violation or breach
of any XETA Permit (in each case, with or without notice or
lapse of time or both).
Section 2.7 SEC
Filings; Financial Statements; Internal Control.
(a) XETA has filed all reports, financial statement
schedules, registration statements, definitive proxy statements,
and other statements and reports, including all exhibits to the
foregoing documents, required to be filed by it with the SEC
since November 1, 2007 (collectively, the XETA SEC
Reports). As of their respective dates, (i) the
XETA SEC Reports complied in all material respects with the
applicable requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange
Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations
thereunder (collectively, the SEC Rules) and
(ii) none of the XETA SEC Reports contained any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading, except for such statements, if
any, as have been corrected or amended by subsequent filings
with the SEC. No subsidiary of XETA is currently required to
file any form, report or other document with the SEC under
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Since
November 1, 2007, XETA has complied in all material
respects with the Nasdaq Rules (as defined in
Section 5.11). Since January 1, 2004, XETA has not
received any correspondence from the SEC or the Nasdaq Stock
Market, except as publicly disclosed in the XETA SEC Reports as
disclosed on the SECs EDGAR database and except for
correspondence relating to confidential treatment requests,
copies of which have been provided to Parent and Sub.
(b) The consolidated balance sheets and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders equity
and cash flows (including, in each case, any related notes and
schedules thereto) of XETA contained in the XETA SEC Reports
comply in all material respects with applicable accounting
requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC
with respect thereto, have been prepared in conformity with GAAP
(except, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by
Form 10-Q
of the SEC) applied on a consistent basis during the periods
involved (except as otherwise noted therein or to the extent
required by GAAP) and present fairly in all material respects
the consolidated financial condition and the consolidated
results of operations and cash flows of XETA and its
subsidiaries as of the dates or for the periods presented
therein, all in accordance with GAAP (subject, in the case of
unaudited statements, to normal year-end adjustments that are
not material in the aggregate).
(c) XETA has established and maintains: (i) disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in
Rules 13a-15(e)
and
15d-15(e) of
the Exchange Act) and internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in
Rules 13a-15(f)
and
15d-15(f) of
the Exchange Act) which disclosure controls and procedures
provide reasonable assurance that all material information
relating to XETA, including its subsidiaries, is made known to
management of XETA (including the chief executive officer and
chief financial officer of XETA) by others within those
entities; and (ii) its system of internal control over
financial reporting which provides reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with GAAP. Since November 1, 2007, neither
XETAs management, Audit Committee or its independent
auditors have identified (y) any significant deficiencies
or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal
control over financial reporting which affected or are
reasonably likely to adversely affect XETAs ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial information; or
(z) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
management or other employees who have a role in XETAs
internal control over financial reporting.
(d) Each of the XETA SEC Reports filed with SEC was
accompanied by all certifications required to be filed or
submitted by XETAs principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, and, at the time of filing or
submission of each such certification, such certification was
true and accurate and complied with all
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applicable requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange
Act, as the case may be, and SEC Rules. XETA maintains original
executed copies of such certifications in accordance with SEC
Rules.
(e) No loans have been made by XETA or any of its
subsidiaries to any executive officer (as defined in
Rule 3b-7
under the Exchange Act) or director of Company since the
adoption of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Section 2.8 No
Undisclosed Liabilities. Except for liabilities
and obligations (i) reflected or reserved against in
XETAs audited consolidated balance sheet or the notes
thereto included in XETAs Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for its fiscal year ended October 31, 2010,
(ii) arising under or incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the Transactions, and (iii) incurred since
November 1, 2010 in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice, neither XETA nor any of its
subsidiaries has any material accrued, contingent, absolute or
other liabilities or obligations of any nature, either matured
or unmatured.
Section 2.9 Absence
of Certain Changes or Events. From
November 1, 2010, until the date of this Agreement, except
as contemplated by this Agreement, XETA has conducted its
businesses only in the ordinary course consistent with past
practice and there has not been (i) any event or
development that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or
would be reasonably expected to have, a XETA Material Adverse
Effect, (ii) any change by XETA in its accounting methods,
principles or practices affecting the consolidated assets,
liabilities or results of operations of XETA and its
consolidated subsidiaries, except insofar as may have been
required by a change in GAAP, (iii) any declaration,
setting aside or payment of any dividend or distribution in
respect of any capital stock of XETA or any redemption, purchase
or other acquisition for value of any of its capital stock,
(iv) except as occurring within the ordinary course of
business, any material transaction or any material agreement or
commitments, (v) any issuances of capital stock or other
ownership interests or securities convertible into or
exchangeable for shares of capital stock or other ownership
interest of XETA or its subsidiaries, or any redemption, return
of capital or similar transaction with respect to the capital
stock of XETA, or (vi) any contracts, agreements,
commitments or understandings entered into by XETA or any
subsidiary thereof to do any of the foregoing.
Section 2.10 Litigation. Except
(i) with respect to employee benefit or Tax matters or
Environmental Laws, which are addressed exclusively in
Sections 2.11, 2.13 and 2.14 respectively, and (ii) as
has not had and is not reasonably likely to have a XETA Material
Adverse Effect, (a) there is no action, suit or proceeding
before or by any court or Governmental Authority now pending,
or, to the knowledge of XETA, threatened, (1) against XETA,
any of its subsidiaries or the directors or officers of XETA or
any subsidiary (in such capacity), or (2) which seeks to
prevent consummation of the Transactions or which seeks damages
in connection with the Transactions, and (b) no temporary
restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other
order or decree which prevents the consummation of the
Transactions has been issued and remains in effect.
Section 2.11 Employee
Benefit Plans.
(a) As used in this Agreement, Code
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income
Securities Act of 1974, as amended, COBRA
means the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as
amended, Section 4980B of the Code, Title I
Part 6 of ERISA, and XETA ERISA
Affiliate means any trade or business (whether or not
incorporated) which is under common control, or which is treated
as a single employer, with XETA under Section 414(b), (c),
(m) or (o) of the Code.
(b) Section 2.11(b) of the XETA Schedule lists all the
employee benefit plans, as defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA, and all other material employee
compensation and benefit arrangements (whether or not subject to
ERISA) or payroll practices, including, without limitation,
employment agreements, profit sharing, retirement, severance and
retention pay, short term and long term disability paid leave,
vacation pay, consulting or other compensation agreements,
deferred compensation in form of annual bonuses, cash and equity
incentive compensation plans (including stock option, restricted
stock and phantom equity plans and grants), medical insurance
(including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage),
life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, tuition
aid reimbursement, relocation assistance, expatriate benefits,
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retiree medical and life insurance maintained by XETA or any of
its subsidiaries or any XETA ERISA Affiliate, or to which XETA
or any of its subsidiaries or any XETA ERISA Affiliate has
contributed or is obligated to contribute or has or reasonably
could have any liability thereunder (all such plans are referred
to as the XETA Employee Benefit Plans).
(c) None of the XETA Employee Benefit Plans is
(i) covered by Title IV of ERISA, (ii) subject to
the minimum funding requirements of Section 412 of the
Code, (iii) a multiemployer plan as defined in
Section 3(37) of ERISA, (iv) subject to
Section 4063 or 4064 of ERISA or Section 413(c) of the
Code, (v) a multiple employer welfare arrangement as
defined in Section 3(40) of ERISA, or (vi) funded by a
voluntary employees beneficiary association within the
meaning of Code Section 501(c)(9).
(d) Each XETA Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to be
qualified within the meaning of Section 401(a)
of the Code has been the subject of a favorable determination
letter (or, if applicable, advisory or opinion letter) from the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that considers
the Economic Growth & Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of
2001 or has a remaining period of time under applicable Treasury
Regulations or pronouncements in which to apply for such letter
and to make any amendments necessary to obtain a favorable
determination, and to XETAs knowledge, no event has
occurred and no condition exists that would reasonably be
expected to materially adversely affect the qualified status of
any such XETA Employee Benefit Plan.
(e) Each XETA Employee Benefit Plan has been operated and
administered in all material respects in accordance with its
provisions and in compliance with all applicable provisions of
ERISA and the Code. All contributions required to be made to any
XETA Employee Benefit Plan have been made or properly accrued.
Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries nor any party in
interest or disqualified person with respect
to the XETA Employee Benefit Plans has engaged in a
prohibited transaction within the meaning of
Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA.
(f) Except (i) as set forth in Section 2.11(f) of
the XETA Schedule, (ii) with respect to Options, warrants
and Restricted Shares in accordance with Section 1.7(a) and
1.7(b) of this Agreement and (iii) as may be required by
applicable Law, neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement nor the consummation of the Transactions, either alone
or in connection with any other event (whether contingent or
otherwise), will (w) result in any payment (including
without limitation severance, unemployment compensation, bonus
or otherwise) becoming due to any director, officer or employee
of XETA under any XETA Employee Benefit Plan, (x) result in
a payment or benefit becoming due to any director, officer or
employee of the XETA under any plan or otherwise which will be
characterized as an excess parachute payment within
the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code that is
subject to the imposition of an excise Tax under
section 4999 of the Code, (y) increase any benefits
otherwise payable under any XETA Employee Benefit Plan, or
(z) result in the acceleration of the time of payment,
funding or vesting of any benefits under any XETA Employee
Benefit Plan. Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries has any
indemnity or
gross-up
obligation for any Taxes imposed under section 4999 of the
Code.
(g) No actions, suits, disputes or claims (other than
routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course) are pending
or threatened with respect to any XETA Employee Benefit Plan. No
audits, inquiries, reviews, proceedings, claims, or demands are
pending with any Governmental Authority with respect to any XETA
Employee Benefit Plan and to the knowledge of XETA, there are no
facts which could give rise to any material liability in the
event of any such investigation, action, suit, audit, inquiry,
review, proceeding, claim or demand.
(h) XETA has delivered to Parent copies of all documents
and, to the extent applicable, summary plan descriptions of the
XETA Employee Benefit Plans or summary descriptions of any such
XETA Employee Benefit Plan not otherwise in writing, which
documents and descriptions are true and complete in all
respects. XETA has delivered to Parent true and complete copies
of the most recent determination letters and opinion letters and
the Forms 5500 filed in the most recent plan year with
respect to any XETA Employee Benefit Plan, including all
schedules thereto and financial statements with attached
opinions of independent accountants. XETA has delivered to
Parent summaries of material modifications and material
communications distributed within the last year to the
participants of each XETA Employee Benefit Plan. XETA has
delivered to Parent all communications received from or sent to
the Internal Revenue Service, Pension Benefit Guaranty
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Corporation or the Department of Labor within the last year and
any Forms 5330 required to be filed, with respect to a XETA
Employee Benefit Plan.
(i) No XETA Employee Benefit Plan provides for or continues
medical or health benefits, or life insurance or other benefits
(through insurance or otherwise) for any person or any dependent
or beneficiary of any person after such persons retirement
or other termination of employment except as may be required by
COBRA or applicable state law, and there has been no
communication to any person that could reasonably be expected to
promise or guarantee any such benefits.
(j) Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to
any agreement, contract, arrangement or plan that has resulted
or could result, separately or in the aggregate, in the payment
of any amount that will not be fully deductible as a result of
section 162(m) of the Code (or any corresponding provision
of state, local or foreign Tax laws).
(k) Unless otherwise exempt, each nonqualified
deferred compensation plan (as defined in
Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code) with respect to which the
XETA or any of its subsidiaries is a service
recipient (within the meaning of Section 409A of the
Code) has been operated since January 1, 2005, in
compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 409A
of the Code and the treasury regulations and other official
guidance issued thereunder (collectively,
Section 409A), and has been since
January 1, 2009, in documentary compliance with the
applicable provisions of Section 409A. Neither XETA nor any
of its subsidiaries has any indemnity or
gross-up
obligation for any Taxes or interest imposed or accelerated
under Section 409A.
Section 2.12 Properties.
(a) To the knowledge of XETA, XETA and each of its
subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all the
properties and assets reflected in the latest audited
consolidated balance sheet included in the XETA SEC Reports as
being owned by XETA or by any such subsidiary or acquired after
the date thereof that are material to XETAs business on a
consolidated basis (except properties sold or otherwise disposed
of since the date thereof in the ordinary course of business),
free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens.
Permitted Liens means (i) such Liens as
are set forth in Section 2.12(a) of the XETA Schedule,
(ii) mechanics, carriers, workmens,
repairmens or other like Liens arising or incurred in the
ordinary course of business for sums not yet due and payable,
and which do not in the aggregate materially detract from the
value of the property and assets of XETA and its subsidiaries,
(iii) Liens arising under original purchase price
conditional sales contracts and equipment leases with third
parties entered into in the ordinary course of business,
(iv) Liens for Taxes and other governmental charges that
are not due and payable or are being contested in good faith
through appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves
have been made in accordance with GAAP on XETAs most
recent consolidated financial statements contained in the XETA
SEC Reports, (v) recorded easements, covenants,
restrictions, rights of way, zoning, building restrictions and
other similar matters which do not impair the operation of the
business of XETA and any of its subsidiaries as currently
conducted, (vi) landlords or lessors Liens
under leases to which the XETA or a XETA subsidiary is a party,
(vii) non-exclusive licenses and other non-exclusive rights
in Intellectual Property granted in favor of third parties
pursuant to XETA Material Contracts in the ordinary course of
business, and (viii) other imperfections of title or
easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments and other
similar charges and encumbrances, if any, which do not, secure
indebtedness and do not individually or in the aggregate, impair
the continued use and operation of the assets to which they
relate in the conduct of the business of XETA and any of its
subsidiaries as currently conducted.
(b) Section 2.12(b) of the XETA Schedule sets forth
the address and description of each parcel of real property
owned by XETA or any of its subsidiaries (Owned Real
Property). With respect to each such parcel of Owned
Real Property:
(i) XETA or one of its subsidiaries has good and insurable
fee simple title, free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted
Liens;
(ii) except as set forth in Section 2.12(b) of the
XETA Schedule, neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries has
leased or otherwise granted to any person the right to use or
occupy such Owned Real Property or any portion thereof; and
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(iii) there are no outstanding options, rights of first
offer or rights of first refusal to purchase such Owned Real
Property or any portion thereof or interest therein.
(c) Section 2.12(c) of the XETA Schedule sets forth a
true, correct and complete list of all leases, subleases and
other agreements under which XETA or any XETA subsidiary uses or
occupies or has the right to use or occupy, now or in the
future, any real property (collectively, the
Leases). Except as would not, individually or
in the aggregate, have had or reasonably be expected to have a
XETA Material Adverse Effect: (i) each Lease is valid and
binding on XETA and each XETA subsidiary party thereto and, to
the knowledge of XETA, each other party thereto and is in full
force and effect; (ii) there is no breach or default under
any Lease by XETA or any of its subsidiaries or, to the
knowledge of XETA, any other party thereto; (iii) no event
has occurred that with or without the lapse of time or the
giving of notice or both would constitute a breach or default
under any Lease by XETA or any XETA subsidiary or, to the
knowledge of XETA, any other party thereto; and (iv) XETA
or a XETA subsidiary that is either the tenant or licensee named
under the Lease has a good and valid leasehold interest in each
parcel of real property which is subject to a Lease and is in
possession of the properties purported to be leased or licensed
thereunder. The Owned Real Property and the real property
subject to the Leases are referred to collectively as the
Real Property.
(d) To the knowledge of XETA, all buildings, structures,
fixtures, building systems and equipment, and all components
thereof, including the roof, foundation, load-bearing walls and
other structural elements thereof, heating, ventilation, air
conditioning, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other
building systems, environmental control, sewer, storm and waste
water systems, irrigation and other water distribution systems,
parking facilities, fire protection, security and surveillance
systems, and telecommunications, computer, wiring and cable
installations, included in the Owned Real Property (the
Improvements) are in good condition and
repair and sufficient for the operation of XETAs and its
subsidiaries business. To the knowledge of XETA, there are
no structural deficiencies or latent defects affecting any of
the Improvements and there are no facts or conditions affecting
any of the Improvements that would, individually or in the
aggregate, interfere in any respect with the use or occupancy of
the Improvements or any portion thereof in the operation of
XETAs or its subsidiaries business as currently
conducted thereon.
(e) There is no condemnation, expropriation or other
proceeding in eminent domain, pending or, to the knowledge of
XETA, threatened, affecting any parcel of Real Property or any
portion thereof or interest therein. There is no injunction,
decree, order, writ or judgment outstanding, or any claim,
litigation, administrative action, special assessment or similar
proceeding, pending or, to the knowledge of XETA, threatened,
relating to the ownership, lease, use or occupancy of the Real
Property or any portion thereof, or the operation of XETAs
or its subsidiaries business as currently conducted
thereon. The Owned Real Property, and to the knowledge of XETA,
the Real Property subject to Leases are in compliance in all
material respects with all applicable building, zoning,
subdivision, health and safety and other land use laws,
including The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as
amended, and all insurance requirements affecting the Owned Real
Property, and to the knowledge of XETA, the Real Property
subject to Leases, and there is no pending, or to the knowledge
of XETA, contemplated, threatened or anticipated change in the
zoning classification of the Owned Real Property, the Real
Property subject to Leases or any portion thereof that would
prohibit, limit or condition the use or operation of the Real
Property as currently used. All certificates of occupancy,
permits, licenses, franchises, consents, approvals and
authorizations of all Governmental Authorities, boards of fire
underwriters, associations, any quasi-governmental agency, or
any other entity having jurisdiction over the Owned Real
Property that are required or appropriate to use or occupy the
Owned Real Property or operate XETAs or its
subsidiaries business as currently conducted thereon, have
been issued and are in full force and effect and there is no
pending, or to the knowledge of XETA, any contemplated,
threatened or anticipated revocation of the same or any
condition existing which may reasonably be expected to lead to
the potential revocation of the same.
(f) All tangible assets owned or leased by XETA and its
subsidiaries have been maintained in all material respects in
accordance with generally accepted industry practice, are in all
material respects in good operating condition and repair,
ordinary wear and tear excepted, and are adequate for the uses
to which they are being put.
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Section 2.13 Taxes. Except
as has not had and is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a XETA Material Adverse Effect:
(a) XETA, each of its subsidiaries and any affiliated,
combined or unitary group of which any such entity is or was a
member, have timely (taking into account any extensions) filed
all federal and state, local and foreign returns, declarations,
reports, estimates, information returns and statements
(Returns) required to be filed in respect of
any Taxes, such Returns were prepared in accordance with
Applicable Law and are complete and correct in all material
respects, and have timely paid all Taxes shown by such Returns
to be due and payable;
(b) XETA and its subsidiaries have established adequate
reserves in accordance with GAAP for the payment of all Taxes
not yet due and payable with respect to the results of
operations of XETA and its subsidiaries through the date hereof
and the most recent audited financial statements in the XETA SEC
reports reflect an adequate reserve in accordance with GAAP for
all Taxes due and payable with respect to the operations of XETA
and its subsidiaries through the date of such financial
statements. XETA and its subsidiaries have complied with
Applicable Law relating to the payment and withholding of Taxes;
(c) Section 2.13 of the XETA Schedule sets forth the
last taxable period through which the federal income Tax Returns
of XETA and its subsidiaries have been examined by the IRS or
otherwise closed. Except to the extent disclosed on
Section 2.13 of the XETA Schedule and being contested in
good faith, all material deficiencies asserted as a result of
such examinations and any examination by any applicable state or
local taxing authority have been paid, fully settled or
adequately provided for in XETAs most recent audited
financial statements. No material federal, state or local income
or franchise tax audits or other administrative proceedings or
court proceedings are presently pending with regard to any Taxes
for which XETA or any of its subsidiaries would be liable, and
no material deficiency that has not yet been paid for any such
Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed against XETA or
any of its subsidiaries with respect to any period;
(d) Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries has
(i) waived any statute of limitations, which waiver remains
outstanding, nor is any request for any such waiver or consent
pending, or (ii) executed or entered into with the IRS or
any taxing authority (A) any agreement or other document
extending or having the effect of extending the period for
assessment or collection of any Tax for which XETA or any of its
subsidiaries would be liable or (B) a closing agreement
pursuant to Section 7121 of the Code or any similar
provision of state or local income tax law that relates to XETA
or any of its subsidiaries;
(e) Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to,
is bound by or has any obligation under any tax sharing
agreement or similar agreement or arrangement;
(f) Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries has been a
party to any distribution occurring during the previous three
(3) years in which the parties to such distribution treated
the distribution as one to which Section 355 applied;
(g) Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries will be
required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item
of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or
portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of
any: (A) change in method of accounting for a taxable
period ending on or prior to the Closing Date;
(B) intercompany transactions or any excess loss account
described in Treasury Regulations under Section 1502 of the
Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local,
or
non-U.S. income
Tax law); (C) installment sale or open transaction
disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date;
(D) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing
Date; or (E) election under Section 108(i) of the
Code; and
(h) Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries is or has been
a party to any reportable transaction, as defined in
Section 6707A(c)(1) of the Code and Treasury Regulations
1.6011-4(b).
(i) Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries has been a
United States real property holding corporation within the
meaning of Code § 897(c)(2) during the applicable
period specified in Code § 897(c)(1)(A)(ii).
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For purposes of this Agreement, Taxes shall
mean all federal, state, local, foreign and other taxes,
charges, fees, levies, imposts, duties, licenses or other
assessments, together with any interest, penalties, additions to
tax or additional amounts imposed by any taxing authority.
Section 2.14 Environmental
Matters. Except for such matters that have not
had and are not reasonably likely to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a XETA Material Adverse Effect:
(a) XETA and its subsidiaries are in compliance with all
applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations providing for the protection of human health or the
environment including, without limitation, the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980,
42 U.S.C. § 9601, et seq., as amended, the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended,
42 U.S.C. § 6901, et seq., the Clean Air
Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401, et seq., as
amended, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
33 U.S.C. § 1251, et seq., as amended
(collectively, the Environmental Laws);
(b) XETA and each of its subsidiaries has obtained all
permits, licenses, franchise authorities, consents and
approvals, made all filings and maintained all data,
documentation and records necessary for owning and operating its
assets and business as it is presently conducted under all
applicable Environmental Laws, and all such permits, licenses,
franchises, authorities, consents, approvals and filings remain
in full force and effect;
(c) Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries nor to the
knowledge of XETA any other person has disposed of, discharged,
spilled or released any substance such that investigation, clean
up, abatement or remediation would be required under any
applicable Environmental Law;
(d) There are no pending, or to the knowledge of XETA
threatened, claims, demands, actions, administrative
proceedings, lawsuits or investigations against XETA or its
subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws; and
(e) To the knowledge of XETA, there is no
asbestos-containing building materials at any of the Real
Property.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in
this Agreement, XETA makes no representation in this Agreement
regarding protection of human health or the environment
(including, without limitation, any compliance or failure to
comply with, or any actual or contingent liability under, or
claims, demands, actions, proceedings, lawsuits or
investigations with respect to any Environmental Law), except as
set forth in this Section 2.14.
Section 2.15 Intellectual
Property.
(a) Except as have not had and are not reasonably likely to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a XETA Material Adverse
Effect, either XETA or one of its subsidiaries owns, or is
licensed or otherwise possesses adequate rights to use, the
Intellectual Property of XETA. There are no pending or, to the
knowledge of XETA, threatened claims by any person alleging
infringement by XETA or any of its subsidiaries or with regard
to the ownership, validity or use of any Intellectual Property
of XETA. To the knowledge of XETA, the conduct of the business
of XETA and its subsidiaries does not infringe any Intellectual
Property rights of any person. Neither XETA nor any of its
subsidiaries has made any claim of a violation or infringement
by others of its rights to or in connection with the
Intellectual Property of XETA or any of its subsidiaries. To the
knowledge of XETA, upon the consummation of the Transactions,
the Surviving Corporation shall own or have the right to use all
Intellectual Property on the same terms and conditions as XETA
and its subsidiaries enjoyed prior to such transaction, and
where XETA fails to own or have the right to use such
Intellectual Property, such failure is not reasonably likely to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a XETA Material Adverse
Effect.
(b) Section 2.15 of the XETA Schedule constitutes a
true and complete list of all the Intellectual Property owned by
XETA and its subsidiaries that is subject to any issuance,
registration, certificate, application or other filing by, or
with any Governmental Authority or authorized private registrar
(including registered trademarks, registered copyrights, issued
patents, domain name registrations and pending applications for
any
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of the foregoing). To the knowledge of XETA, there exist no
restrictions on the disclosure, use or transfer of the
Intellectual Property of XETA, and the execution of this
Agreement and the consummation of the Merger and of the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not alter,
impair or extinguish any Intellectual Property of XETA in any
material respect.
(c) XETA and its subsidiaries have taken all reasonable
steps in accordance with normal industry practice to maintain
the confidentiality of all Intellectual Property of XETA of a
confidential nature, including trade secrets. To the knowledge
of XETA, none of the Intellectual Property of XETA that is
contingent upon maintaining the confidentiality thereof, has
been disclosed other than to employees, representatives and
agents of XETA
and/or its
subsidiaries all of whom are bound by written confidentiality
agreements or confidentiality obligations contained in licenses
and similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of
business. No claim against XETA or any of its subsidiaries
asserting an ownership interest in any owned Intellectual
Property of XETA has been made or is pending or, to the
knowledge of XETA, threatened by any current or former employee,
consultant or contractor of XETA or any of its subsidiaries.
(d) As used herein, Intellectual
Property means (a) all registered and
unregistered trademarks, trade names, trade dress, service
marks, service names, logos, assumed names in the United States
and all other nations throughout the world, including all
variations, derivations, combinations, registrations and
applications for registration of the foregoing and all goodwill
and other rights associated therewith, (b) registered and
unregistered copyrights in the United States and all other
nationals throughout the world, including all derivative works,
moral rights, renewals, extensions, reversions or restorations
associated with such copyrights, now or hereafter provided by
law, regardless of the medium of fixation or means of
expression, (c) inventions and discoveries, whether or not
patentable, reduced to practice or made the subject of one or
more pending patent applications, (d) patents and patent
applications (including all reissues, divisions, continuations,
continuations-in-part,
extensions and reexaminations thereof) registered or applied for
in the United States and all other nations throughout the world,
national and multinational statutory invention registrations,
and all improvements to the inventions disclosed in each such
registration, patent or patent application, (e) domain
names, internet addresses and other computer identifiers, web
sites and web pages, (f) computer software programs
(including source code, object code, firmware, operating systems
and related documentation), (g) trade secrets, know-how
(whether or not confidential), customer information,
confidential business information and technical information used
in XETAs or its subsidiaries respective businesses
(as the case may be) as currently conducted, (h) all rights
to obtain and rights to apply for patents and to register
trademarks and copyrights, and (i) all rights to sue or
recover and retain damages and costs and attorneys fees
for past, present and future infringement or misappropriation of
any of the foregoing.
Section 2.16 Material
Contracts.
(a) As of the date of this Agreement, except as set forth
on Section 2.16 of the XETA Schedule, and except for
(i) this Agreement, and (ii) the XETA Employee Benefit
Plans, neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to or
bound by any contract (whether written or oral) which is:
(A) a loan, guarantee of indebtedness or credit agreement,
note, bond, mortgage, indenture or other binding commitment
relating to indebtedness, other than (x) trade debt and
advances incurred in the ordinary course of business,
(y) accounts payable and (z) intercompany loans to the
subsidiaries of XETA;
(B) a contract, lease or license pursuant to which XETA or
any of its subsidiaries paid amounts in excess of $250,000
within the 12 month period prior to the date of this
Agreement;
(C) a material consulting agreement;
(D) any contract providing for indemnification by XETA or
any of its subsidiaries that is material to XETA and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than any contract
providing for indemnification of customers or other persons
entered into in the ordinary course of business;
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(E) a contract that purports to limit the right of XETA or
any of its affiliates to engage or compete in any line of
business in which XETA or its subsidiaries is engaged or to
compete with any person or operate in any location;
(F) a contract that creates a partnership, joint venture or
any strategic alliance or similar arrangement that is material
to XETA with respect to any portion of the business of XETA or
its subsidiaries;
(G) a license, franchise, distributorship or other contract
or agreement which relates in whole or in part to any material
Intellectual Property of or used by XETA or its subsidiaries,
but excluding any commercial off the shelf software with retail
value of less than $25,000 per item;
(H) a contract material to XETA with any manufacturer,
supplier or provider of products or services that are resold by
XETA or its subsidiaries or incorporated into any XETA product
that is resold by XETA or its subsidiaries to any third party;
(I) a contract material to XETA providing for the
development of any product, system, software, content,
technology, or Intellectual Property, independently or jointly,
by or for XETA or its subsidiaries, or any contract or agreement
providing for the sale of customized or otherwise
non-commercially available software, technology, products or
services by or to XETA or its subsidiaries;
(J) a contract to which XETA or any subsidiary is a party
providing for future performance by XETA or such subsidiaries in
consideration of amounts previously paid, excluding maintenance
agreements and purchase agreements with customers entered into
in the ordinary course of business;
(K) a contract to provide source code which constitutes any
or part of material XETA Intellectual Property to any third
party for any product or technology;
(L) a contract material to XETA with any distributor,
reseller, original equipment manufacturer, systems integrator,
sales representative, sales agency or manufacturers
representative or otherwise, providing for the distribution or
resale of any XETA product; and
(M) any commitment or agreement to enter into any of the
foregoing.
All contracts of the type described in this Section 2.16(a)
are referred to herein as the XETA Material
Contracts.
(b) Other than as a result of the expiration or termination
of any XETA Material Contract in accordance with its terms and
except as has not had and is not reasonably likely to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a XETA Material Adverse
Effect, (i) each XETA Material Contract is valid and
binding on XETA and any of its subsidiaries that is a party
thereto, as applicable, and in full force and effect, except as
the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent transfer, reorganization and
other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting the
rights or remedies of creditors and by general equitable
principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at
law), and except that any indemnity, contribution and
exoneration provisions contained therein may be limited by
Applicable Law and public policy, (ii) XETA and each of its
subsidiaries has in all material respects performed all
obligations required to be performed by it to date under each
XETA Material Contract and (iii) neither XETA nor any of
its subsidiaries has received written notice of, the existence
of any event or condition which constitutes, or, after notice or
lapse of time or both, will constitute, a material default on
the part of XETA or any of its subsidiaries or their
counterparties under any such XETA Material Contract.
Section 2.17 Information
Supplied. None of the information to be supplied
by XETA specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference
in the Proxy Statement (as defined in Section 5.1(a)) will,
at the date it is first mailed to the holders of Common Shares
or at the time of the XETA Shareholders Meeting (as
defined in Section 5.1(e)), 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. The Proxy Statement will comply in all
material respects with the requirements of the Oklahoma Law and
the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. No
representation or warranty is made by XETA with respect to
statements made or incorporated by reference
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therein based on information supplied by Parent or Sub in
writing specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference
in the Proxy Statement.
Section 2.18 Employment
Matters. Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries
is a party to or otherwise bound by any collective bargaining
agreement or other agreement or understanding with a labor union
or labor organization, nor is any such agreement presently being
negotiated, nor, to the knowledge of XETA, is there, a
representation campaign respecting any of the employees of XETA
or any of its subsidiaries. As of the date of this Agreement,
there is no pending or, to the knowledge of XETA, threatened,
labor strike, dispute, walkout, work stoppage, slow-down or
lockout involving XETA or any or its subsidiaries. Except as set
forth on Section 2.18 of the XETA Schedule, (a) there
is no unfair labor practice charge or complaint pending or, to
the knowledge of XETA, threatened, against XETA or any
subsidiary, (b) there has been no mass layoff, plant
closure, employment loss or other event covered by the Workers
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any
similar Applicable Law within the last year; (c) there are
no administrative charges or court complaints, litigation,
proceedings, investigations (internal or external) or inquiries
against XETA or any subsidiary concerning alleged employment
discrimination, civil rights, affirmative action obligations,
wage and hour violations, occupational health and safety issues,
employment and severance agreements or other employment-related
matters pending or, to the knowledge of XETA, threatened before
the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal or state
agency or court; (d) to the knowledge of XETA, neither XETA
nor its subsidiaries are liable for any arrears of wages or any
tax or penalty in connection withholding from wages and
salaries; and (e) neither XETA nor its subsidiaries are
subject to any consent decree, injunction or other form of court
order relating to any practice relating to labor, employment,
civil rights, discrimination, occupational safety and health,
affirmative action or wage and hour issues.
Section 2.19 Insurance. Section 2.19
of XETA Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of
all material insurance policies issued in favor of XETA or any
of its subsidiaries, or pursuant to which XETA or any such
subsidiary is a named insured or otherwise a beneficiary. XETA
and each of its subsidiaries maintains insurance coverage
adequate and customary in the industry for the operation of
their respective businesses (taking into account the cost and
availability of such insurance). All such insurance policies
are, as of the date of this Agreement, in full force and effect,
all related premiums have been paid to date and XETA is not in
material default with respect thereto, and neither XETA nor any
subsidiary has received any written notice of cancellation with
respect to any such insurance policy. There are no material
claims against XETA or its subsidiaries under any of such
insurance policies.
Section 2.20 Brokers;
Transaction Fees. No broker, finder or investment
banker (other than Stifel, Nicolaus & Company,
Incorporated) is entitled to any advisory, brokerage,
finders or other fee or commission in connection with the
Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of
XETA.
Section 2.21 Takeover
Provisions. Assuming the accuracy of the
representations in Section 3.14, the XETA Board of
Directors has approved this Agreement and taken all other
requisite action, if any, necessary to render the restrictions
on business combinations set forth in
Section 1090.3 of Oklahoma Law inapplicable to this
Agreement and the Transactions.
Section 2.22 Certain
Business Practices. Neither XETA nor any of its
subsidiaries nor (to the knowledge of XETA) any director,
officer, agent or employee of XETA or any of its subsidiaries
(i) have used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts,
entertainment or other expenses relating to political activity
or for the business of XETA or any of its subsidiaries, or
(ii) have directly or indirectly made any bribe or
kickback, illegal political contribution, payment from corporate
funds which was incorrectly recorded on the books and records of
XETA or any of its subsidiaries, unlawful payment from corporate
funds to foreign or domestic government officials or employees
or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns or
violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of
1977.
Section 2.23 Customers
and Suppliers. There exists no actual or, to the
knowledge of XETA, threatened, events, occurrences or facts
which might reasonably be anticipated to result in a
termination, cancellation or material limitation of, or any
material modification or change in, the business relationships
of XETA or any of its subsidiaries with any customers, or group
of customers under common control, pursuant to
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which XETA or such subsidiary received, in the aggregate, at
least $100,000 of revenues during the 12 month period ended
October 31, 2010 or with any supplier to which the Company
paid $100,000 or more during the 12 month period ended
October 31, 2010. There exists no condition or state of
facts or circumstances to the knowledge of XETA involving
customers or suppliers of or to XETA or any subsidiary which is
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
XETA Material Adverse Effect after the consummation of the
Transaction.
Section 2.24 Voting
Agreements. Each of Ronald L. Siegenthaler,
Ozarslan A. Tangun and Greg D. Forrest has executed and
delivered to Parent a voting agreement substantially in the form
attached as Exhibit 2.24 attached hereto.
Section 2.25 Bank
Accounts. Section 2.25 of the XETA Schedule
sets forth a list of the name of each institution in which XETA
or one of its subsidiaries has a bank account, securities
account, safe-deposit box, lockbox account or any other account,
the title and number of such accounts and the names of all
persons authorized to draw thereon or have access thereto.
ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND SUB
Parent and Sub hereby, jointly and severally, represent and
warrant to XETA that, except as otherwise set forth in the
Parent Parties Schedule to this Agreement (the
Parent Schedule) (it being agreed by the
parties that disclosure of any item in any section of the Parent
Schedule shall also be deemed to be disclosed with respect to
any other section of the Parent Schedule to which the relevance
of such item is reasonably apparent on the face of such item as
disclosed):
Section 3.1 Organization
and Qualification; Sub.
(a) Parent is a Delaware corporation duly organized and
validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, and Sub is an Oklahoma corporation duly organized and
validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of
Oklahoma.
(b) Sub is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Parent that
was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the
Transactions. Since the date of its incorporation and prior to
the Effective Time, Sub has not carried, and will not carry, on
any business or conduct any operations other than the execution
of this Agreement, the performance of its obligations hereunder
and matters ancillary thereto. Neither Parent nor Sub owns
(directly or indirectly) any Common Shares or holds any rights
to acquire any Common Shares except pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 3.2 Authority;
Due Authorization; Binding Agreement; Approval.
(a) Each of Parent and Sub has all requisite corporate
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform
its obligations under this Agreement.
(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by Parent and Sub and the consummation by Parent and
Sub of the Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by
all requisite corporate or other business entity action on the
part of each of Parent and Sub (other than, with respect to the
Merger, the filing of appropriate merger documents as required
by Oklahoma Law).
(c) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
each of Parent and Sub and, assuming the due authorization,
execution and delivery hereof by XETA, constitutes a valid and
binding obligation of each of Parent and Sub, enforceable
against each of them in accordance with its terms, except as
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent
transfer, reorganization and other laws of general applicability
relating to or affecting the rights or remedies of creditors and
by general equitable principles (whether considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law).
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Section 3.3 No
Violation; Consents.
(a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent
or Sub does not, and the consummation by Parent or Sub of the
Transactions will not, (i) violate the certificate of
incorporation or bylaws or other comparable governing documents
of Parent or Sub, (ii) constitute a breach or violation of,
or a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or
both, would constitute such a default) under any indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other
agreement or instrument to which Parent, Sub or any of their
subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them or any of their
respective properties are bound or (iii) result in the
creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property of Parent,
Sub or any of their subsidiaries pursuant to the agreements and
instruments referred to in clause (ii), except, in the case of
clause (ii) or (iii), for such conflicts, breaches,
violations, defaults or liens, that have not had and are not
reasonably likely to have, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. The term Parent
Material Adverse Effect means a material adverse
effect on the ability of either Parent or Sub to perform its
obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the Merger or
the Transactions.
(b) Except for (i) compliance with applicable
requirements of the HSR Act and any other Applicable Law
analogous to the HSR Act or otherwise regulating antitrust,
competition or merger control matters in foreign jurisdictions,
if any, (ii) filing or recordation of merger or other
appropriate documents as required by Oklahoma Law or Applicable
Law of other states in which Parent or Sub is qualified to
transact business, (iii) the filing of such reports under
the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this
Agreement, the Merger and the Transactions and (iv) such
other authorizations, consents, approvals or filings the failure
of which to obtain or make have not had and are not reasonably
likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent
Material Adverse Effect, no authorization, consent or approval
of or filing with any Governmental Authority is required to be
obtained or made by Parent or Sub or any ultimate parent entity
or controlling person of Parent for the execution and delivery
by either of them of this Agreement or the consummation by
either of them of the Transactions.
Section 3.4 Proxy
Statement. None of the information with respect
to Parent or Sub that Parent or any of its representatives
furnishes in writing to XETA expressly for use in the Proxy
Statement, will, at the date such Proxy Statement is first
delivered to the holders of the Common Shares or at the time of
the XETA Shareholders 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
made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
representation or warranty is made by Parent or Sub with respect
to statements made or incorporated by reference therein supplied
by XETA or its representatives expressly for inclusion or
incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement.
Section 3.5 Brokers;
Transaction Fees. No broker, finder or investment
banker (other than Stephens Inc.) is entitled to any advisory,
brokerage, finders or other fee or commission in
connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by
or on behalf of Parent or Sub.
Section 3.6 Availability
of Funds. Parent has or will have, and will cause
Sub to have, through the Effective Time, sufficient funds to pay
the aggregate Merger Consideration contemplated by this
Agreement and to consummate the Merger and the other
Transactions, and to perform the other obligations of Parent and
Sub contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 3.7 Litigation. As
of the date of this Agreement, there is no suit, action or
proceeding by or before any Governmental Authority pending or,
to the knowledge of Parent, threatened, against Parent or Sub
challenging or seeking to prohibit the execution, delivery or
performance of this Agreement or any of the Transactions. There
is no other suit, action or proceeding by or before any
Governmental Authority pending or, to the knowledge of Parent,
threatened, to which Parent or any of its subsidiaries is a
party or against any of their properties or assets that would
reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.8 No
Vote of Parent Shareholders. No vote of the
shareholders of Parent or the holders of any other securities of
Parent (equity or otherwise) is required by any Applicable Law,
the certificate of
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incorporation or bylaws or other equivalent organizational
documents of Parent, in order for Parent and Sub to consummate
the Transactions.
Section 3.9
[Intentionally Omitted].
Section 3.10 Solvency. Assuming
satisfaction of the conditions to the obligations of Parent and
Sub to consummate the Merger, immediately after giving effect to
the Transactions (including any financing in connection with the
Transactions), (i) none of the Surviving Corporation or any
of its subsidiaries will have incurred debts beyond its ability
to pay such debts as they mature or become due and the then
present fair salable value of the assets of the Surviving
Corporation and each of its subsidiaries will exceed the amount
that will be required to pay its respective probable liabilities
(including the probable amount of all contingent liabilities)
and its respective debts as they become absolute and matured,
(ii) the assets of the Surviving Corporation and each of
its subsidiaries, in each case at a fair valuation, will exceed
its respective debts (including the probable amount of all
contingent liabilities) and (iii) none of the Surviving
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries will have unreasonably
small capital to carry on its business as presently conducted or
as proposed to be conducted. No transfer of property is being
made by Parent and Sub and no obligation is being incurred in
connection with the Transactions by Parent and Sub with the
intent to hinder, delay or defraud either present or future
creditors of Parent, Sub, XETA or any subsidiary of XETA. For
purposes of this Section 3.10, debts beyond its
ability to pay such debts as they mature or become due and
unreasonably small capital to carry on its business as
conducted or proposed to be conducted means that the
Surviving Corporation and its subsidiaries will not be able to
generate enough cash from operations, asset dispositions or
refinancing, or a combination thereof, to meet its obligations
as they become due.
Section 3.11 Access. Parent
acknowledges that it and its representatives have received
access to such books and records, facilities, equipment,
contracts and other assets of XETA which it and its
representatives have desired or requested to review, and that it
and its representatives have had full opportunity to meet with
the senior management of XETA and to discuss the business and
assets of XETA.
Section 3.12 Other
Agreements or Understandings. Parent has
disclosed to XETA all agreements, arrangements or understandings
(and, with respect to those that are written, Parent has
furnished to the Company correct and complete copies thereof)
between or among Parent, Sub, or any affiliate of Parent, on the
one hand, and any member of the XETA Board of Directors or
management of XETA or any person that to Parents knowledge
owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Shares, on the other
hand.
Section 3.13 Ownership
of Shares. Neither Parent nor Sub is, nor have
either of them during the past three years been, the beneficial
owner (as defined herein) of any Common Shares.
Section 3.14 Not
Interested Shareholder. From the date that is
three years prior to the date of this Agreement, neither Parent
nor Sub, nor any of their respective Affiliates or
Associates, is or has been an interested
shareholder (as such terms are defined in
Section 1090.3 of the Oklahoma Law) of XETA for purposes of
such Section 1090.3.
ARTICLE IV.
CONDUCT
OF BUSINESS PENDING THE EFFECTIVE TIME
Section 4.1 Conduct
of XETA Business. XETA covenants and agrees that,
between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time,
except (i) with the prior written consent of Parent, which
may not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned,
(ii) as specifically contemplated by this Agreement or by
the XETA Schedule, or (iii) as required by Applicable Law:
(a) the respective businesses of XETA and its subsidiaries
shall be conducted in the ordinary course and in a manner
consistent with past practice, in each case in all material
respects; provided that payments by XETA of the
reasonable fees and expenses of its financial advisors and
attorneys engaged in connection with representing or performing
services for XETA in connection with the Transactions shall not
be deemed in any respect to be outside the ordinary course of
business of XETA or otherwise a violation of this
Section 4.1;
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(b) except to the extent required to comply with Applicable
Law, XETA shall not amend or otherwise change its certificate of
incorporation or bylaws;
(c) XETA shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, issue, sell, pledge, dispose of, grant,
encumber, or authorize the issuance, sale, pledge, disposition,
grant or encumbrance of any shares of capital stock of any class
of XETA or any of its subsidiaries, or any options, warrants,
convertible securities or other rights of any kind to acquire
any shares of such capital stock (except in accordance with the
terms of securities outstanding on the date hereof or pursuant
to any exercises of Options or vesting under any existing Stock
Plans);
(d) XETA shall not (A) declare, set aside, make or pay
any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash, stock,
property or otherwise, with respect to any of its capital stock
or (B) reclassify, combine, split or subdivide, or redeem,
purchase or otherwise acquire (except in accordance with the
terms of securities outstanding on the date hereof and except in
connection with the payment of withholding taxes with respect
to, and cashless exercises of, outstanding Options by XETA in
connection with Stock Plans or other XETA Employee Benefit
Plans), directly or indirectly, any of its capital stock;
(e) XETA shall not, and shall not permit its subsidiaries
to, (i) acquire (including, without limitation, by merger,
consolidation or acquisition of stock or assets) any
corporation, partnership or other business organization or any
division thereof or any material amount of assets,
(ii) incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any
debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise as
an accommodation become responsible for, the obligations of any
person (other than XETA or any of its subsidiaries), or make any
loans or advances, except (A) in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice or (B) for
refinancings of existing debt, provided that in the case
of (B), prior written notice is given to Parent, or
(iii) enter into or amend any contract, agreement,
commitment or arrangement with respect to any matter set forth
above in this paragraph (e), or (iv) intentionally subject
any of the properties or assets (whether tangible or intangible)
of the Company or its subsidiaries to any Lien except for
(X) Permitted Liens that are, in the aggregate, not
material, and (Y) Liens that may be incurred under
XETAs existing debt arrangements referred to above in this
paragraph (e);
(f) XETA shall not, and shall not permit its subsidiaries
to, increase the compensation payable to any officers except as
has been disclosed to Parent on or prior to the date of this
Agreement;
(g) XETA shall not make any offers of employment to or
employ any new employees with an annual base compensation in
excess of $90,000, except for replacements for existing
employees hired at an annual base compensation not to exceed the
annual base compensation for the departed employee existing as
of his or her date of departure from XETA;
(h) XETA shall not, and shall not permit its subsidiaries
to, increase the compensation payable to its non-officer
employees except as has been disclosed to Parent on or prior to
the date of this Agreement, or pursuant to existing plans,
policies or contractual arrangements. Further, XETA shall not,
and shall not permit its subsidiaries to, enter into any
employment or severance agreement with or grant any severance or
termination pay to any director, officer or other employee of
XETA or any of its subsidiaries, or, except as required by
Applicable Law, establish, adopt, enter into or amend any
collective bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift,
compensation, stock option, restricted stock, pension,
retirement, deferred compensation, employment, termination,
severance or other plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or
arrangement, including any XETA Employee Benefit Plan, for the
benefit of any current or former director, officer or employee;
(i) XETA shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, make any capital expenditures in any fiscal
quarter exceeding its capital expenditure budget for such fiscal
quarter by more than $150,000, excluding any capital
expenditures (i) to repair or replace equipment necessary
to continue its operations in a manner consistent with such
operations as of the date of this Agreement, (ii) to the
extent covered by insurance proceeds, (iii) to the extent
required on an emergency basis and (iv) in amounts unspent
but allowed in any prior quarter;
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(j) XETA shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, sell or transfer any interest in any Real
Property or any properties or assets having a value in excess of
$25,000 in the aggregate, other than (i) sales of supplies,
surplus or obsolete equipment or (ii) sales of assets in
the ordinary course of business;
(k) XETA shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, enter into any non-compete,
non-solicit or similar agreement that would restrict
the businesses of the Surviving Corporation or its subsidiaries
or their ability to solicit customers or employees following the
Effective Time;
(l) XETA shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, adopt a plan of complete or partial
liquidation, dissolution, merger or consolidation of such entity;
(m) XETA shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, make or rescind any election relating to Taxes
or make any change in any method of accounting, keeping of books
of account or accounting practices or in any method of Tax
accounting, unless required by GAAP (as concurred to by
XETAs auditors) or Applicable Law, provided XETA has first
notified Parent of such change; and
(n) XETA shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, acquire any interest in any Real Property
having a value in excess of $30,000 individually, or $150,000 in
the aggregate, except for renewals of existing leases to Real
Property that are extended or renewed in accordance with their
existing terms at the same rate or the rate specified in the
applicable lease agreement;
(o) XETA shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, enter into any contract with vendors for
services or products (other than purchase orders thereunder),
except for contracts that involve a projected total expenditure
by the Company or its subsidiaries of less than $175,000 over
the term of the contract, provided that such contracts
have a term of less than 5 years and do not include any
purchase take or pay commitment, except for renewals
of existing contracts that are extended or renewed in accordance
with their existing terms at the same rate or the rate specified
in the applicable contract; and
(p) XETA shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries (as applicable) to, agree or commit to do any of
the foregoing.
Section 4.2 Securities
Filings. XETA shall continue to file all reports,
financial statement schedules, registration statements,
definitive proxy statements, and other statements and reports,
including all exhibits to the foregoing documents, required to
be filed by it with the SEC and shall comply with all rules and
regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market from the date hereof
through the Closing Date.
Section 4.3 No
Control of Other Partys Business. Nothing
contained in this Agreement shall give Parent, directly or
indirectly, the right to control or direct XETAs or its
subsidiaries operations prior to the Effective Time. Prior
to the Effective Time, XETA and its subsidiaries shall exercise,
consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
complete control and supervision over their respective
businesses, assets and operations.
ARTICLE V.
ADDITIONAL
AGREEMENTS
Section 5.1 Proxy
Statement; Shareholders Meeting.
(a) As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of
this Agreement, XETA shall prepare and file with the SEC the
proxy statement relating to the XETA Shareholders Meeting
(the Proxy Statement), which Proxy Statement
shall comply in all material respects with the Exchange Act, all
applicable SEC Rules and Applicable Law. The Parent Parties will
cooperate and consult with XETA in the preparation of the Proxy
Statement and will furnish to XETA in writing the information
relating to each of the Parent Parties required to be set forth
in the Proxy Statement by the Exchange Act. XETA shall use its
reasonable best efforts to resolve, and each party agrees to
consult and cooperate with the other parties in resolving, all
SEC comments with respect to the Proxy Statement as promptly as
practicable after receipt thereof and to cause the Proxy
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Statement in definitive form to be cleared by the SEC and
delivered to holders of Common Shares and holders of Options as
promptly as reasonably practicable following filing with the SEC.
(b) If at any time prior to the Effective Time any event
occurs that is required to be set forth in an amendment or
supplement to the Proxy Statement, XETA will promptly inform the
Parent Parties of such occurrence and cooperate with the Parent
Parties in preparing such amendment or supplement to be filed
with the SEC. XETA shall use its reasonable best efforts to
cause such amendment or supplement to be filed as promptly as
possible and, if required, deliver such amendment or supplement
to the holders of the Common Shares and holders of Options.
(c) Each of the Parent Parties and XETA shall ensure that
the information provided by it for inclusion in the Proxy
Statement and each amendment or supplement thereto, at the time
of delivery thereof and at the time of the XETA
Shareholders Meeting, will not contain an untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
(d) XETA will not file the Proxy Statement and any
amendment or supplement thereto with the SEC without providing
the Parent Parties with a reasonable opportunity to review and
comment thereon (which comments shall be given due consideration
by XETA); provided, that in connection with a Change in
the XETA Recommendation made in accordance with
Section 5.3(b), XETA may amend or supplement the Proxy
Statement to effect such a Change in the XETA Recommendation.
(e) XETA, acting through the XETA Board of Directors,
shall, in accordance with Applicable Law and XETAs
certificate of incorporation and bylaws, duly call, give notice
of, convene and hold an annual or special meeting of the holders
of Common Shares (the XETA Shareholders
Meeting) as soon as reasonably practicable following
execution of this Agreement for the purpose of the holders of
Common Shares adopting by requisite vote this Agreement (the
XETA Shareholder Approval). The XETA Board of
Directors shall, subject to Section 5.3(b), recommend the
adoption of this Agreement at the XETA Shareholders
Meeting (the XETA Recommendation), include
such recommendation in the Proxy Statement and use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain the XETA Shareholder Approval,
including the solicitation of proxies.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Agreement, XETA, after consultation with Parent and subject
to the approval of the Parent Parties (which approval shall not
be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), may adjourn
or postpone the XETA Shareholders Meeting if (i) XETA
determines in good faith that additional time is necessary to
ensure that any required supplement or amendment to the Proxy
Statement is properly delivered to the holders of Common Shares,
(ii) as of the time for which the XETA Shareholders
Meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in the Proxy
Statement) there are insufficient Common Shares represented
(either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary
to conduct business at such meeting, or (iii) reasonably
determined by XETA to be required under Applicable Law.
Section 5.2 Access
to Information; Confidentiality.
(a) From the date of this Agreement until the earlier to
occur of the Effective Time or the termination of this
Agreement, subject to the restrictions
and/or
consent obligations of any third-party agreement or Applicable
Law, XETA shall allow the Parent Parties and their officers,
employees, representatives, consultants, attorneys, agents,
lenders, bankers, financial advisors and other advisors
reasonable access during normal business hours, at the Parent
Parties sole risk and expense, to all facilities,
properties, personnel, books and records of XETA and its
subsidiaries, as applicable; provided, that no
investigation pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall affect any
representation or warranty given by XETA hereunder; and
provided, further, that notwithstanding the
provision of information by XETA or investigation by the Parent
Parties, XETA shall not be deemed to make any representation or
warranty except as expressly set forth in this Agreement. The
Parent Parties agree to conduct their investigation in a manner
that does not interfere unreasonably with the operations of XETA
and its subsidiaries or with the prompt and timely discharge of
the duties of XETAs employees. The Parent Parties agree to
indemnify and hold XETA and its subsidiaries harmless from any
and all claims and liabilities, including costs and expenses for
loss, injury to or death of any representative of the Parent
Parties, and any loss, damage to or destruction of any property
owned by XETA or its subsidiaries or others (including claims
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or liabilities for loss of use of any property) to the extent
resulting directly or indirectly from the action or inaction of
any of the Parent Parties representatives during any visit
to the business or property sites of XETA or its subsidiaries
prior to the completion of the Merger, whether pursuant to this
Section 5.2 or otherwise. XETA shall furnish as promptly as
practicable to Parent an unaudited monthly consolidated balance
sheet of XETA and its subsidiaries for the month then ended and
related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and
shareholders equity (which XETA will use reasonable best
efforts to furnish no later than ten business days after the end
of each month). Notwithstanding the foregoing, XETA shall not be
required to provide access to or otherwise disclose information
if such information is subject to, or such access or disclosure
would jeopardize, the attorney-client privilege, work product
doctrine or other applicable privilege concerning legal
proceedings or governmental investigations or which it is
required to keep confidential by reason of contract or agreement
with third parties or by reason of Applicable Law (in which case
the parties will make appropriate substitute disclosure
arrangements, if such arrangements can be made by the parties
using their reasonable best efforts). None of the Parent Parties
or any of their officers, employees, representatives,
consultants, attorneys, agents, lenders, bankers, financial
advisors or other advisors shall conduct any environmental
testing or sampling on any of the business or property sites of
XETA or its subsidiaries prior to the completion of the Merger
without the prior written consent of XETA.
(b) Any information obtained by Parent or Sub or their
respective directors, officers, employees, representatives,
consultants, attorneys, agents, lenders, bankers, financial
advisors and other advisors under this Section 5.2 shall be
subject to the confidentiality and use restrictions contained in
that certain letter agreement between XETA and Parent dated
December 3, 2010 (the Confidentiality
Agreement), as if Sub were made party thereto.
Section 5.3 No
Solicitation.
(a) Neither XETA, its subsidiaries nor any of the officers
and directors of XETA or its subsidiaries shall, and XETA shall
cause its and such subsidiaries employees, agents and
representatives (including any investment bankers, attorneys or
accountants retained by it or any of its subsidiaries) not to,
except as provided in Section 5.3(b) below,
(i) knowingly initiate, solicit, encourage, induce, or take
any action designed to or which could reasonably be expected to
lead to, directly or indirectly, the making of any Acquisition
Proposal (as defined below); (ii) other than informing
persons of the provisions contained in this Section 5.3,
have any discussions with or provide any confidential
information to any person relating to an Acquisition Proposal,
or engage in any negotiations concerning an Acquisition
Proposal, (iii) approve or recommend any Acquisition
Proposal or (iv) approve or recommend, or execute or enter
into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger
agreement, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement or
agree to do any of the foregoing related to any Acquisition
Proposal. Acquisition Proposal, for the
purposes hereof, shall mean any proposal or offer relating to a
merger, share exchange, consolidation, business combination,
recapitalization or similar transaction involving XETA or any of
its subsidiaries, or any purchase or sale of 20% or more of the
consolidated assets (including the stock of its subsidiaries) of
XETA and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or any purchase or
sale of, or tender or exchange offer for, the equity securities
of XETA that, if consummated, would reasonably be expected to
result in any person (or the shareholders of such person)
beneficially owning securities representing 20% or more of
XETAs total voting power (or of the surviving parent
entity in such transaction) or any transaction that is
substantially similar to any of the foregoing with respect to
XETA and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
(b) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to
the contrary, prior to obtaining the XETA Shareholder Approval,
XETA or the XETA Board of Directors may (subject to
Section 5.3(c) below):
(i) engage or participate in negotiations or discussions
with, or provide any information to, any person in response to
an unsolicited bona fide and written Acquisition Proposal if and
only if (A) the XETA Board of Directors concludes in good
faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel and
financial advisors that such person is reasonably capable of
consummating such Acquisition Proposal after taking into account
the legal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of such
Acquisition Proposal, that such Acquisition Proposal constitutes
or reasonably could be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal
and that the taking of such action may be reasonably necessary
in order for the XETA Board of Directors
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to comply with its fiduciary duties to the XETA shareholders
under Applicable Law; and (B) prior to providing any
confidential information to any person in connection with an
Acquisition Proposal by any such person, XETA receives from such
person an executed confidentiality agreement having provisions
that are substantially similar to those of the Confidentiality
Agreement; or
(ii) withdraw, modify, qualify or fail to make (or publicly
propose to withdraw or so modify or qualify) the XETA
Recommendation or approve or recommend (or publicly propose to
approve or recommend) any Acquisition Proposal or letter of
intent, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement or similar
agreement providing for any Acquisition Proposal (a
Change in the XETA Recommendation), if and
only if (A) XETA has received an unsolicited written
Acquisition Proposal which is not withdrawn and the XETA Board
of Directors concludes in good faith after consultation with its
outside legal counsel and financial advisor that such
Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal and
(B) the XETA Board of Directors concludes in good faith
after consultation with its outside legal counsel that, in light
of such Superior Proposal, the Change in XETA Recommendation is
reasonably necessary in order for the XETA Board of Directors to
comply with its fiduciary duties to the XETA shareholders under
Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to
the contrary, disclosure by XETA of any Acquisition Proposal and
the operation of this Agreement with respect thereto shall not
be deemed to be a Change in the XETA Recommendation. Upon
receipt of any unsolicited Acquisition Proposal, XETA will
promptly provide written notice to Parent advising Parent of
such Acquisition Proposal.
Superior Proposal means any bona fide written
Acquisition Proposal that the XETA Board of Directors
determines, in good faith after consultation with its outside
legal counsel and financial advisor, is reasonably capable of
being consummated and would reasonably be expected to, if
consummated, result in a transaction that is more favorable to
the shareholders of XETA from a financial point of view than the
Transactions, taking into account the nature of the
consideration payable and all legal, financial, regulatory, and
similar aspects of, and conditions to, the proposal and the
person making the proposal, and after giving effect to any
adjustments to the terms and provisions of this Agreement
committed to in writing by Parent in response to such
Acquisition Proposal.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, XETA shall not have the
right to take any action to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.1(d)(ii) and the XETA Board of Directors shall
not recommend a Superior Proposal to the XETA shareholders
pursuant to Section 5.3(b), unless prior to any such
termination or recommendation, (i) XETA has provided
written notice to Parent advising Parent that it intends to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(d)(ii) and
take such action with respect to a Superior Proposal, such
notice to specify in reasonable detail the material terms and
conditions of the Superior Proposal then determined to be more
favorable, such notice to be delivered not less than five
(5) full business days prior to the date that such action
is to be taken; (ii) during the five (5) full business
day period following the delivery of such notice (the
Negotiation Period), Parent shall have the
right to propose adjustments to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement and XETA and its advisors shall negotiate in good
faith with Parent concerning such adjustments such that such
Acquisition Proposal would no longer constitute a Superior
Proposal; (iii) following the Negotiation Period, the XETA
Board of Directors determines in good faith, after consultation
with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor, that such
third party proposal remains a Superior Proposal and that the
termination of this Agreement to accept such Superior Proposal
and/or the
recommendation of such Superior Proposal to the XETA
shareholders is reasonably necessary in order for the XETA Board
of Directors to comply with its fiduciary duties to the XETA
shareholders under Applicable Law; and (iv) after the
Negotiation Period, XETA delivers to Parent written notice of
termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 7.1(d)(ii).
(d) XETA agrees that it will, and will cause its officers,
directors and representatives to, immediately cease and cause to
be terminated any activities, discussions or negotiations
existing as of the date of this Agreement with any person (other
than Parent) conducted heretofore with respect to any
Acquisition Proposal.
(e) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prohibit XETA
or the XETA Board of Directors from (i) disclosing to its
shareholders a position contemplated by
Rule 14d-9
or 14e-2(a)
promulgated under the
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Exchange Act or (ii) making any required disclosure to the
shareholders of XETA if, in the good faith judgment of the XETA
Board of Directors, failure to do so would constitute a
violation of Applicable Law.
(f) Any action required to be taken pursuant to
Section 5.3(b), (c), (d) or (e) shall not
constitute a breach of XETAs representations, warranties
or covenants in this Agreement.
Section 5.4 Directors
and Officers Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation and the organizational documents of each
of its subsidiaries shall contain provisions no less favorable
to the persons covered thereby with respect to exculpation,
indemnification and advancement of expenses than are set forth
in the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of XETA as of the
date of this Agreement, which provisions shall not be amended,
repealed or otherwise modified for a period of six years from
the Effective Time in any manner that would affect adversely the
rights thereunder of individuals who at any time from and after
the date of this Agreement and to and including the Effective
Time were directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries or agents
of XETA or any of its subsidiaries in respect of actions or
omissions occurring at or prior to the Effective Time
(including, without limitation, the matters contemplated by this
Agreement).
(b) From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving
Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted under
Applicable Law, indemnify, hold harmless and advance expenses to
each present and former director, officer, employee, fiduciary
and agent of XETA and each of its subsidiaries (collectively,
the Indemnified Parties) against all costs
and expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines,
losses, claims, damages, inquiries, liabilities and settlement
amounts paid in connection with any threatened or actual claim,
action, suit, proceeding or investigation (whether arising
before or after the Effective Time), whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining to
any action or omission in their capacity as a director, officer,
employee, fiduciary or agent (including, without limitation, any
claim arising out of this Agreement or any of the Transactions),
whether occurring before or after the Effective Time, whether
asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time,
for a period of six years after the Effective Time, in each case
to the fullest extent permitted under Applicable Law (and shall
pay any expenses in advance of the final disposition of any such
action or proceeding to each Indemnified Party to the fullest
extent permitted under Applicable Law, upon receipt from the
Indemnified Party to whom expenses are advanced of an
undertaking to repay such advances as required under Applicable
Law). In the event of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding
or investigation, (i) the Indemnified Parties may retain
counsel (including local counsel) satisfactory to them, the
reasonable fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the
Surviving Corporation promptly after statements therefor are
received and (ii) the Surviving Corporation shall use
reasonable best efforts in the vigorous defense of any such
matter; provided, however, that the Surviving
Corporation shall not be liable for any settlement effected
without its written consent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned); and
provided, further, that the Surviving Corporation
shall not be obligated pursuant to this subsection (b) to
pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (plus
appropriate local counsel) for all Indemnified Parties in any
single action unless there is, as determined by counsel to the
Indemnified Parties, under applicable standards of professional
conduct, a conflict or a reasonable likelihood of a conflict on
any significant issue between the positions of any two or more
Indemnified Parties, in which case such additional counsel
(including local counsel) as may be required to avoid any such
conflict or likely conflict may be retained by the Indemnified
Parties at the expense of the Surviving Corporation; and
provided, further, that, in the event that any
claim for indemnification is asserted or made prior to the
Effective Time or within such six-year period, all rights to
indemnification in respect of such claim shall continue until
the final disposition of such claim. The Surviving Corporation
shall pay all reasonable expenses, including attorneys
fees, that may be incurred by any Indemnified Party in enforcing
the indemnity and other obligations provided in this
Section 5.4.
(c) From and for a period of six years after the Effective
Time, the Surviving Corporation shall maintain in effect the
current directors and officers liability insurance
policies maintained by XETA (provided, that the Surviving
Corporation may substitute therefor policies of at least the
same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions that
are no less advantageous to such officers and directors, so long
as such substitution does not result in gaps or lapses in
coverage) with respect to matters occurring prior to the
Effective Time;
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provided, however, that in no event shall the
Surviving Corporation be required to expend pursuant to this
Section 5.4(c) more than an amount per year equal to 300%
of current annual premiums paid by XETA for such insurance and,
in the event the cost of such coverage shall exceed that amount,
the Surviving Corporation shall purchase as much coverage as
possible for such amount.
(d) In the event 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
company or entity of such consolidation or merger or
(ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties
and assets to any person, then, and in each such case, proper
provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of
the Surviving Corporation shall assume the obligations set forth
in this Section 5.4.
(e) In the event that the Surviving Corporation should
fail, at any time from and after the Effective Time, to comply
with any of the foregoing obligations set forth in this
Section 5.4, for any reason, Parent shall be responsible
therefor and hereby agrees to perform such obligations
unconditionally without regard to any defense or other basis for
nonperformance which the Surviving Corporation may have or claim
(except as would be prohibited by Applicable Law), it being the
intention of this subsection (e) that the officers,
directors, employees, fiduciaries and agents of XETA and its
subsidiaries shall be fully indemnified and that the provisions
of this subsection (e) be a primary obligation of Parent
and not merely a guarantee by Parent of the obligations of the
Surviving Corporation.
(f) The obligations of Parent and the Surviving Corporation
under this Section 5.4 shall not be terminated or modified
in such a manner as to adversely affect any director, officer,
employee, fiduciary and agent to whom this Section 5.4
applies without the consent of each affected director, officer,
employee, fiduciary and agent (it being expressly agreed that
the directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries and agents to
whom this Section 5.4 applies shall be third-party
beneficiaries of, and entitled to the rights of third-party
beneficiaries under, this Section 5.4). The rights of each
Indemnified Party hereunder shall be in addition to any other
rights such Indemnified Party may have under the charter or
bylaws of XETA, under Oklahoma Law or otherwise.
Section 5.5 Notification
of Certain Matters; Third-Party Consents; Release of
Liens.
(a) XETA shall give prompt notice to Parent, and Parent
shall give prompt notice to XETA, of (i) the occurrence, or
nonoccurrence, of any event the occurrence, or nonoccurrence, of
which would be likely to cause any representation or warranty
contained in this Agreement to be materially untrue or
inaccurate and (ii) any failure of XETA, Parent or Sub, as
the case may be, to comply with or satisfy in any material
respect any covenant, condition or agreement required to be
complied with or satisfied by it hereunder; provided,
however, that if XETA does not provide a required notice
under this Section 5.5 with respect to any matter that
would not result in a failure of the condition set forth in
Section 6.2(a), such lack of notice shall not result in a
failure of the condition set forth in Section 6.2(b).
(b) XETA shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain
prior to the Closing, and deliver to Parent at or prior to the
Closing, all consents, waivers and approvals under each
contract, agreement or instrument listed or described on
Section 2.5(a) or Section 2.16 of the XETA Schedule
(and any contract, agreement or instrument entered into after
the date of this Agreement that would have been required to be
listed or described on Section 2.5(a), 2.5(b) or 2.16 of
the XETA Schedule, if entered into prior to the date of this
Agreement). Neither XETA nor any of its subsidiaries shall be
required to pay any money to any person in order to obtain such
persons consent, waiver or approval. XETA shall consult
with Parent with respect to actions taken by XETA to obtain
consents, waivers and approvals as contemplated by this
Section 5.5(b).
(c) XETA shall obtain prior to the Closing, and deliver to
Parent at or prior to the Closing, pay-off letters, with wire
transfer instructions, from its lenders and evidence that all
Liens on the assets of XETA as set forth on Section 5.5(c)
of the XETA Schedule, other than Permitted Liens, have been or
will be released as of the Effective Time, including UCC-3
termination statements; provided however, that to the
extent that the refinancing of any indebtedness secured by any
such Liens that is to be provided or arranged by the Parent
Parties or any their affiliates is a condition precedent to the
obtaining or delivery of such instruments or instructions or to
the release of any such Liens, the repayment or refinancing of
such indebtedness has been so provided.
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Section 5.6 Governmental
Filings; Efforts.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
and subject, in the case of XETA, to the fiduciary duties of the
XETA Board of Directors, each of the parties hereto shall
cooperate and 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 under Applicable Law to
consummate the Transactions, including (i) preparing and
filing as promptly as practicable with any Governmental
Authority or other third party all documentation to effect all
necessary filings, notices, petitions, statements,
registrations, submissions of information, applications and
other documents, (ii) obtaining and maintaining all
approvals, consents, registrations, permits, authorizations and
other confirmations required to be obtained from any
Governmental Authority or other third party that are necessary,
proper or advisable to consummate the Transactions and
(iii) vigorously defending or contesting any litigation or
administrative proceeding that would otherwise prevent or
materially restrain or delay the consummation of the
Transactions. In furtherance and not in limitation of the
foregoing, if applicable, Parent (and, as applicable, Sub and
the ultimate parent entity of Parent) and XETA shall
(A) make an appropriate filing of a notification and report
form pursuant to the HSR Act with respect to the Transactions as
promptly as practicable, and in any event within 15 business
days of the date hereof, (B) supply as promptly as
practicable any additional information and documentary material
that may be requested pursuant to the HSR Act and in any event,
substantially comply and certify substantial
compliance with any request for additional information (also
known as a second request) issued pursuant to the
HSR Act within 60 days of such request and (C) take
all other actions necessary to cause the expiration or
termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act
as soon as practicable; provided that XETA shall not,
without the prior written consent of Parent commit to any
divestiture transaction, and Parent shall not be required to
divest or hold separate or otherwise take or commence to take
any action that, in the reasonable discretion of Parent limits
its freedom of action with respect to, or its ability to retain,
XETA or any of its subsidiaries or Parent or any of
Parents subsidiaries or any material portion of assets or
business of XETA, its subsidiaries, Parent or any of
Parents subsidiaries. Parent and Sub shall cause any
ultimate parent entity of Parent (as such term is
defined or used in federal, state or local laws and regulations)
to cooperate fully with the provisions of this Section 5.6.
(b) Each of XETA and Parent (and, as applicable, Sub) shall
promptly notify the other of any communication concerning this
Agreement or the Transactions to that party or its affiliates
from any Governmental Authority and permit the other to review
in advance any proposed communication concerning this Agreement
or the Transactions to any Governmental Authority.
(c) Each of XETA and Parent (and, as applicable, Sub) shall
not participate or agree to participate in any meeting or
discussion with any Governmental Authority in respect of any
filing, investigation or other inquiry concerning this Agreement
or the Transactions unless it consults with the other in advance
and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental Authority,
gives the other party the opportunity to attend and participate
in such meeting or discussion.
(d) Each of XETA and Parent (and, as applicable, Sub) shall
furnish the other party with copies of all correspondence,
filings and communications (and memoranda setting forth the
substance thereof) between it and its affiliates and
representatives on the one hand, and any government or
regulatory authority or members of any such authoritys
staff on the other hand, with respect to this Agreement and the
Transactions.
(e) In furtherance and not in limitation of the covenants
of the parties contained in this Section 5.6, if any
administrative or judicial action or proceeding, including any
proceeding by a private party, is instituted (or threatened to
be instituted) challenging the Merger or any other Transaction,
XETA and Parent (and, as applicable, Sub) shall each cooperate
in all respects with each other and shall use their respective
reasonable best efforts to contest and resist any such action or
proceeding and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned
any decree, judgment, injunction or other order, whether
temporary, preliminary or permanent, that is in effect and that
prohibits, prevents or restricts consummation of the Merger or
any other Transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any
other provision of this Agreement, nothing in this
Section 5.6 shall limit a partys right to terminate
this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(b)(i) or
(ii) so long as such party has, prior to such termination,
complied with its obligations under this Section 5.6.
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Section 5.7 Public
Announcements. On the date of this Agreement,
Parent and XETA shall issue a joint press release with respect
to the execution of this Agreement and the Merger, which press
release shall be reasonably satisfactory to Parent and XETA.
Parent and XETA shall consult with each other before issuing any
other press release or otherwise making any public statements
(including press conferences or conference calls with investors
or analysts) with respect to this Agreement or the Transactions
and shall not issue any such press release or make any such
public statement prior to such consultation, except as may be
required by law or any listing agreement with (or the listing
rules of) a national securities exchange or trading market, in
which case the party required to make the release or
announcement shall use its reasonable best efforts to allow the
other party reasonable time to comment on such release or
announcement in advance of such issuance, it being understood
that the final form and content of any such release or
announcement, to the extent so required, shall be at the final
discretion of the disclosing party. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, (i) Parent and XETA may respond to inquiries
from securities analysts and the news media to the extent
necessary to respond to such inquiries, provided that
such responses are in compliance with applicable securities
laws; and (ii) the party seeking to issue or cause the
publication of any press release or other announcement with
respect to this Agreement or the Merger shall not be required to
provide any such review or comment to the other party in
connection with any disclosure contemplated by Section 5.3.
Section 5.8 Parent
Assurances. Parent agrees to take all action
necessary to cause Sub to perform all of Subs, and
following the Effective Time, cause the Surviving Corporation to
perform all of the Surviving Corporations, agreements,
covenants and obligations under this Agreement and to consummate
the Merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
in this Agreement (including causing the direct shareholders of
Sub to take all action necessary or appropriate to approve,
adopt and consummate the Merger). Parent shall be liable for any
breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of
Sub in this Agreement to the extent that Sub would have been
liable therefor and for any breach of this covenant.
Section 5.9 Employee
Matters.
(a) Parent and XETA agree that all employees of XETA and
its subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time shall
be employed by the Surviving Corporation immediately after the
Effective Time, it being understood that Parent and the
Surviving Corporation shall have no obligations to continue
employing such employees for any length of time thereafter
except as required by Applicable Law or pursuant to the XETA
Employee Benefit Plans or as disclosed in the XETA Annual Report
on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010 (including the
exhibits and schedules thereto) filed with the SEC on
January 25, 2011, as amended by the
Form 10-K/A
thereto filed with the SEC on January 28, 2011, and all
forms, documents, proxy statements, reports, registration
statements and schedules filed with or furnished to the SEC by
XETA on or after January 28, 2011. Parent shall cause the
Surviving Corporation to perform each written severance
agreement or arrangement existing at the Effective Time between
XETA and an employee of XETA. Parent shall deem, and shall cause
the Surviving Corporation to deem, the period of employment with
XETA and its subsidiaries (and with predecessor employers with
respect to which XETA and its subsidiaries shall have granted
service credit) to have been employment and service with Parent
and the Surviving Corporation for all purposes (other than
benefit accrual under a defined benefit pension plan) for all of
Parents and the Surviving Corporations employee
benefit plans, programs, policies or arrangements to the extent
employment or service with Parent or the Surviving Corporation
is recognized under any such plan, program, policy or
arrangement.
(b) Except for the Stock Plans, for one year after the
Effective Time, or such longer period as set forth in any
employment agreement between XETA and an employee of XETA or a
XETA Employee Benefit Plan, Parent will, or will cause the
Surviving Corporation or one of its other affiliates to, provide
to any employee of XETA (for so long as such employee continues
to be employed by the Surviving Corporation), base salary
levels, annual bonus opportunities and employee benefit plans,
programs and arrangements which, as to such employee, are no
less favorable in the aggregate than the base salary levels,
annual bonus opportunities and employee benefit plans, programs
and arrangements provided or made available to similarly
situated employees of Parent. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
employees of XETA shall be enrolled in the tax-qualified
retirement plan designated by Parent as soon as reasonably
practicable following the Effective Time, and XETA shall make
reasonable accommodations to ensure that such employees commence
participation as soon as practicable following the Effective
Time. Under any medical and dental plans covering any employee
or
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former employee of XETA, there shall be waived, and Parent or
the Surviving Corporation shall cause the relevant insurance
carriers and other third parties to waive, all restrictions and
limitations for any medical condition existing as of the
Effective Time of any of such employees and their eligible
dependents for the purpose of any such plans, but only to the
extent that such condition would be covered by the relevant XETA
Employee Benefit Plan and only to the extent of comparable
coverage in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time.
Further, Parent shall offer to each employee of XETA and each of
its subsidiaries coverage under a group health plan which
credits such employee towards the deductibles, copayments and
out-of-pocket maximums imposed under the group medical and
dental plan of Parent or the Surviving Corporation, for the year
during which the Effective Time occurs, with any deductibles,
copayments and out-of-pocket maximums already incurred during
such year under the relevant XETA Employee Benefit Plan.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, prior to the Effective Time, XETA shall terminate any
XETA Employee Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under Code
Section 401(a) or 403(a).
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in
this Section 5.9 shall (i) be treated as an amendment
of any particular employee benefit plan, program, policy or
arrangement, including any XETA Employee Benefit Plan,
(ii) give any third party, including any XETA employee or
former employee or any representative thereof, any right to
enforce the provisions of this Section 5.9 or
(iii) obligate Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of
their affiliates to (1) maintain any particular benefit
plan indefinitely or (2) retain the employment of any
particular employee.
Section 5.10 Rule 16b-3. Prior
to the Effective Time, XETA and the XETA Board of Directors or
committees thereof shall use their reasonable best efforts to
take all actions to cause any dispositions of the Common Shares
(including derivative securities with respect thereto) resulting
from the Transactions by each individual who is subject to the
reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of Exchange Act to
be exempt from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act under
Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act.
Section 5.11 Nasdaq
De-listing. Parent and XETA shall each use its
reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all
actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably
necessary, proper or advisable on its part under Applicable Law
and the rules and policies of Nasdaq (the Nasdaq
Rules) to enable the de-listing by the Surviving
Corporation of the Common Shares from the Nasdaq Global Market
and the deregistration of the Common Shares under the Exchange
Act, as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time.
Section 5.12 Anti-takeover
Laws. XETA shall, to the extent permitted by
Applicable Law, use its reasonable best efforts (i) to take
all actions necessary so that Section 1091.3 of the
Oklahoma Law and any moratorium, control share
acquisition (including
Sections 1145-1155
of the Oklahoma Law), business combination,
fair price or other form of anti-takeover laws or
regulations that may purport to be applicable to the
Transactions, shall not be applicable to the Transactions and
(ii) if any such anti-takeover laws or regulations becomes
applicable to the Transactions, to take all actions necessary so
that the Transactions contemplated may be consummated as
promptly as practicable.
Section 5.13 Director
and Officer Resignations. Unless otherwise
directed by Parent, XETA shall obtain and deliver to Parent a
written letter of resignation from each of the directors and
officers of XETA and from each of the directors and officers of
each subsidiary of XETA that will be effective as of the
Effective Time. XETA and Parent shall cooperate to ensure that
Parents designees have become officers and directors of
the Subsidiaries effective as of the Effective Time.
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ARTICLE VI.
CONDITIONS
TO THE MERGER
Section 6.1 Conditions
to the Obligations of Each Party to Effect the
Merger. The respective obligations of each party
to effect the Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction on or
prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:
(a) this Agreement shall have been adopted by the requisite
affirmative vote of the holders of Common Shares in accordance
with Oklahoma Law and the certificate of incorporation of XETA;
(b) the waiting period, if applicable, to the consummation
of the Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been
earlier terminated; and
(c) no statute, rule or regulation shall have been enacted
or promulgated by any Governmental Authority that prohibits the
consummation of the Merger, and there shall be no order or
injunction of a court of competent jurisdiction in effect
preventing the consummation of the Merger.
Section 6.2 Conditions
to the Obligations of Parent and Sub. The
obligations of Parent and Sub to effect the Merger are also
subject to the satisfaction or waiver by Parent on or prior to
the Closing Date of the following conditions:
(a) without reference to any item disclosed on any form,
document, proxy statements, reports, registration statements and
schedules filed with or furnished to the SEC by XETA on or after
the date hereof (i) the representations and warranties set
forth in Section 2.3 (Capitalization) shall be true and
correct in all respects other than de minimis inaccuracies as of
the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date and
(ii) each of the other representations and warranties of
XETA in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date
of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on
or as of the Closing Date (except to the extent any such
representation or warranty was expressly made as of a specified
date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be
true and correct with respect to such specified date), except
where the failure of any such representations and warranties to
be so true and correct (without giving effect to any
qualification contained therein as to materiality or a XETA
Material Adverse Effect) has not had and is not reasonably
likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a XETA
Material Adverse Effect;
(b) XETA shall have performed in all respects, all of its
covenants set forth in Section 5.5(c) and shall have
performed in all material respects all of its other covenants
required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior
to the Closing Date;
(c) Parent shall have received a certificate signed on
behalf of XETA by an executive officer of XETA to the effect
that the conditions in clauses (a) and (b) above have
been so satisfied;
(d) During the period from the date of this Agreement to
the Closing Date, there shall not have been a XETA Material
Adverse Effect which shall not have been cured; and
(e) The aggregate number of Appraisal Shares shall not
equal 15% or more of the shares of Common Shares as of the
record date for the XETA Shareholders Meeting.
Section 6.3 Conditions
to the Obligations of XETA. The obligations of
XETA to effect the Merger are also subject to the satisfaction
or waiver by XETA on or prior to the Closing Date of the
following conditions:
(a) the representations and warranties of Parent and Sub in
this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date of this
Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on or as of
the Closing Date (except to the extent any such representation
or warranty was expressly made as of a specified date, in which
case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct
with respect to such specified date), except where the failure
of any such representations and warranties to be so true and
correct (without giving effect to any qualification contained
therein as to materiality or Parent Material Adverse Effect) has
not had and is not reasonably likely to have, individually or in
the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect;
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(b) Each of Parent and Sub shall have performed in all
material respects all of their covenants required to be
performed by them under this Agreement at or prior to the
Closing Date; and
(c) XETA shall have received a certificate signed on behalf
of Parent by an executive officer of Parent to the effect that
the conditions in clauses (a) and (b) above have been
so satisfied.
Section 6.4 Frustration
of Closing Conditions. Neither Parent, Sub nor
XETA may rely upon 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 failure was caused by such
partys failure to use its reasonable best efforts to
consummate the Transactions, as required by and subject to
Section 5.6.
ARTICLE VII.
TERMINATION,
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Section 7.1 Termination. This
Agreement may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at
any time prior to the Effective Time, notwithstanding the
adoption of this Agreement by the holders of Common Shares:
(a) by mutual written agreement of Parent, Sub and
XETA; or
(b) by Parent or XETA, if:
(i) the Merger shall not have been consummated on or before
July 31, 2011 (the Outside Date);
provided, however, that neither Parent, on the one
hand, nor XETA, on the other hand, shall be entitled to
terminate this Agreement under this clause (b)(i) if such
partys (or, in the case of Parent, Parents or
Subs) material breach of any of its representations,
warranties or covenants in this Agreement proximately caused the
Merger not to have been consummated on or before such date;
(ii) a court of competent jurisdiction or other
Governmental Authority shall have issued a final, non-appealable
order, decree or ruling permanently restraining, enjoining or
otherwise prohibiting the Merger; provided that the party
seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this clause
(b)(ii) shall have complied in all material respects with its
obligations in Section 5.6; or
(iii) this Agreement shall not have been adopted by the
holders of Common Shares by reason of the failure to obtain the
requisite vote at a XETA Shareholders Meeting; or
(c) by Parent if:
(i) XETA shall have materially breached or materially
failed to perform any of its representations, warranties or
covenants in this Agreement such that the conditions set forth
in Section 6.2(a) or 6.2(b) are not capable of being
satisfied, and such breach or failure to perform shall not have
been cured prior to the earlier of (A) 30 days
following notice of such breach or failure given by Parent to
XETA and (B) the Outside Date; provided that Parent
shall have no right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
clause (C)(i) if Parent or Sub is then in material breach or has
materially failed to perform any of its representations,
warranties or covenants in this Agreement; or
(ii) prior to obtaining the XETA Shareholder Approval, the
XETA Board of Directors shall have effected a Change in the XETA
Recommendation; or
(d) by XETA, if:
(i) Parent or Sub shall have materially breached or
materially failed to perform any of their representations,
warranties or covenants in this Agreement such that the
conditions set forth in Section 6.3(a) or 6.3(b) are not
capable of being satisfied, and such breach or failure to
perform shall not have been cured prior to the earlier of
(A) 30 days following notice of such breach or failure
given by XETA to Parent and (B) the Outside Date;
provided that XETA shall not have the right to terminate
this Agreement pursuant to this clause (d)(i) if XETA is then in
material breach or
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has materially failed to perform any of its representations,
warranties or covenants in this Agreement; or
(ii) prior to obtaining the XETA Shareholder Approval, the
XETA Board of Directors shall have (A) effected or
authorized a Change in the XETA Recommendation pursuant to
Section 5.3(b)(ii) or (B) authorized XETA to enter
into a binding definitive agreement in respect of a Superior
Proposal; provided, however, that such termination
under this clause (d)(ii) shall not be effective until XETA has
made payment to Parent of the XETA Termination Fee pursuant to
Section 7.3(a).
Section 7.2 Effect
of Termination. In the event that the Effective
Time does not occur as a result of any party hereto exercising
its rights to terminate pursuant to this Article VII, then
this Agreement shall be null and void and, except for the
provisions in this Section 7.2 and Sections 5.2(b),
5.7, 5.8, 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9,
8.10, 8.11 or 8.12 or as otherwise expressly provided herein, no
party shall have any rights or obligations under this Agreement,
except that no such termination shall relieve any party from
liability for damages for any willful and material breach of any
agreement or covenant contained herein. In the event the
termination of this Agreement results from the willful and
material breach of any agreement or covenant herein, then the
Parent Parties or XETA, as the case may be, shall be entitled to
all remedies available at law or in equity and shall be entitled
to recover court costs and reasonable attorneys fees in
addition to any other relief to which it may be entitled.
Section 7.3 Fees
and Expenses.
(a) If (x) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
Section 7.1(c)(ii) or 7.1(d)(ii), and if the Change in the
XETA Recommendation that is authorized or effected is in
response to an Acquisition Proposal; (y) this Agreement is
terminated pursuant to Section 7.1(b)(i) or
Section 7.1(b)(iii) and as of the time of termination of
this Agreement, an Acquisition Proposal shall have been made
that has not been rejected by XETA; and (z) this Agreement
is terminated by Parent pursuant to Section 7.1(c)(i)
because XETA has breached or failed to comply to any material
extent with a covenant set forth in Section 5.3, which
breach or failure to comply has not been cured by XETA, then, in
any such event, XETA shall pay Parent an amount equal to
$1,920,000 (the Termination Fee). Such amount
shall be paid in cash by wire transfer in immediately available
funds not later than two business days after the occurrence of
such termination. In no event shall Parent be entitled to
receive more than one payment of the Termination Fee. XETA
acknowledges that (A) the agreements contained in this
Section 7.3(a) are an integral part of the Transactions,
(B) the amount of, and the basis for payment of, the fees
described herein is reasonable and appropriate in all respects,
and (C) without this agreement, Parent would not enter into
this Agreement. Accordingly, if XETA fails to pay in a timely
manner the fees due pursuant to this Section 7.3(a), and,
in order to obtain such payment, Parent makes a claim that
results in a judgment for the amounts set forth in this
Section 7.3(a), XETA shall pay to Parent its reasonable
costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees
and expenses) in connection with such suit, together with
interest on the amount set forth in this Section 7.3(a) at
the prime rate of Commerce Bank, N.A., Kansas City, Missouri, in
effect on the date such payment was required to be made
hereunder, plus 3%. The right to receive the fees contemplated
by this Section 7.3(a) and any interest thereon shall be
the sole monetary remedy of Parent in respect of any termination
of this Agreement; provided, however, that nothing
herein shall prevent Parent from seeking from XETA damages based
on a willful or intentional breach of any of XETAs
representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements
contained in this Agreement as contemplated by Section 7.2.
(b) All costs and expenses incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the Merger shall be paid by the party incurring
such expenses, whether or not the Merger is consummated, except
Parent shall pay the fees incident to the HSR filings (if
applicable) referred to in Section 5.6(a), and XETA and
Parent shall each pay 50% of (i) SEC and other filing fees
incident to the Proxy Statement and (ii) costs and expenses
associated with printing the Proxy Statement.
Section 7.4 Amendment. This
Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto by action taken
by or on behalf of their respective boards of directors at any
time prior to the Effective Time; provided,
however, that after the XETA Shareholder Approval has
been obtained, no amendment shall be made unless the further
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approval by the holders of Common Shares is obtained, if such
approval is required pursuant to Applicable Law. This Agreement
may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by
the parties hereto.
Section 7.5 Waiver. At
any time prior to the Effective Time, the Parent Parties, on one
hand, or XETA, on the other hand, may (i) extend the time
for the performance of any obligation or other act of XETA or
the Parent Parties, respectively, hereto, (ii) waive any
inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of XETA or the
Parent Parties, respectively, contained herein or in any
document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii) waive
compliance with any agreement or condition contained herein
applicable, respectively, to XETA or the Parent Parties. Any
such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an
instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound
thereby.
ARTICLE VIII.
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
Section 8.1 Survival. The
agreements in Articles I and VIII and Sections 5.4,
5.8 and 5.9 of this Agreement shall survive the Merger. Those
provisions set forth in Section 7.2 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement. The remainder of the
representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement or
in any schedule, exhibit, instrument or other document delivered
pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate at the earlier of the
Effective Time or the time of termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1.
Section 8.2 Scope
of Representations and Warranties.
(a) Except as and to the extent expressly set forth in this
Agreement, XETA makes no, and disclaims any, representations or
warranties whatsoever, whether express or implied. XETA
disclaims all liability or responsibility for any other
statement or information made or communicated (orally or in
writing) to Sub, Parent, their affiliates or any shareholder,
officer, director, employee, representative, consultant,
attorney, agent, lender or other advisor of Sub, Parent or their
affiliates (including, but not limited to, any opinion,
information or advice which may have been provided to any such
person by any representative of XETA or any other person or
contained in the files or records of XETA), wherever and however
made, including any documents, projections, forecasts or other
material made available to Parent and its subsidiaries in
certain data rooms or management presentations in
expectation of the Transactions.
(b) In connection with the investigation by Parent of XETA
and its subsidiaries, Parent has received or may receive from
XETA and its subsidiaries certain projections, forward-looking
statements and other forecasts and business plan information.
Parent acknowledges that there are uncertainties inherent in
attempting to make such estimates, projections and other
forecasts and plans, that Parent is familiar with such
uncertainties, that Parent is taking full responsibility for
making its own evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of all
estimates, projections and other forecasts and plans so
furnished to it (including the reasonableness of the assumptions
underlying such estimates, projections, forecasts or plans), and
that, absent fraud or willful misrepresentation, Parent shall
have no claim against anyone with respect thereto. Accordingly,
Parent acknowledges that XETA makes no representation or
warranty with respect to such estimates, projections, forecasts
or plans (including the reasonableness of the assumptions
underlying such estimates, projections, forecasts or plans).
(c) Except as and to the extent expressly set forth in this
Agreement, neither Sub nor Parent makes, and each disclaims, any
representations or warranties whatsoever, whether express or
implied. Each of Sub and Parent disclaims all liability and
responsibility for any other statement or information made or
communicated (orally or in writing) to XETA, its affiliates or
any shareholder, officer, director, employee, representative,
consultant, attorney, agent, lender or other advisor of XETA or
its affiliates (including, but not limited to, any opinion,
information or advice which may have been provided to any such
person by any representative of Sub or Parent or any other
person), wherever and however made, including any documents,
projections, forecasts or other material made available to XETA
and its subsidiaries in certain data rooms or
management presentations in expectation of the Transactions.
A-35
(d) Any representation to the knowledge of a
party or phrases of similar wording shall be limited to matters
within the actual knowledge of the persons listed on
Exhibit 8.2 attached hereto after reasonable inquiry of the
subject matter thereof.
Section 8.3 Notices. All
notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in
person, by facsimile (receipt of which is confirmed), by
registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt
requested) or by express mail through a nationally recognized
overnight courier to the respective parties at the following
addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be
specified in a notice given in accordance with this
Section 8.3):
if to Parent or Sub:
PAETEC Holding Corp.
600 Willowbrook Office Park
Fairport, New York 14450
Attention: General Counsel
Telephone:
(585) 340-2500
Fax:
(585) 340-2563
with a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
1600 Bausch & Lomb Place
Rochester, New York 14604
Attention: Thomas R. Anderson, Esq.
Telephone:
(585) 232-6500
Telecopy:
(585) 232-2152
if to XETA:
XETA Technologies, Inc.
1814 West Tacoma
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012
Attention: Greg Forrest
Telephone:
(918) 664-8200
Telecopy:
(918) 664-6876
with a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:
Barber & Bartz
525 S. Main Street, Suite 800
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
Attention: Ron B. Barber
Telephone:
(918) 559-7755
Telecopy:
(918) 559-7756
Mayer Brown LLP
700 Louisiana Street, Suite 3400
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Marc H. Folladori
Telephone: (713)
238-2696
Telecopy: (713)
238-4696
Section 8.4 Certain
Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) affiliate of a specified person
means a person who directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such specified person;
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(b) a person shall be the beneficial
owner of Common Shares (i) which such person or
any of its affiliates or associates (as such term is defined in
Rule 12b-2
promulgated under the Exchange Act) beneficially owns, directly
or indirectly, (ii) which such person or any of its
affiliates or associates has, directly or indirectly, whether or
not of record, (A) the right to acquire (whether such right
is exercisable immediately or subject only to the passage of
time), pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding
or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights,
warrants or options, or otherwise, or (B) the right to vote
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or
(iii) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly,
by any other persons with whom such person or any of its
affiliates or associates has any agreement, arrangement or
understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or
disposing of any Common Shares;
(c) business day means any day other
than Saturday or Sunday on which banking institutions in Tulsa,
Oklahoma are authorized or required by Applicable Law to be open;
(d) control (including the terms
controlled by and under common
control with) means the possession, directly or
indirectly, or as trustee or executor, of the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management and policies of a person,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee
or executor, by contract or credit arrangement or otherwise;
(e) Governmental Authority means any
United States of America or foreign, federal, state or local
governmental commission, board, body, bureau, committee or other
regulatory authority, agency, including courts and other
judicial bodies, or any self-regulatory body or authority,
including any instrumentality or entity designed to act for or
on behalf of the foregoing;
(f) person means an individual,
corporation, partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, person
(including, without limitation, a person as defined
in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), trust,
association or entity or government, political subdivision,
agency or instrumentality of a government;
(g) reasonable best efforts means a
partys efforts in accordance with reasonable commercial
practice and without incurrence of unreasonable expense; and
(h) subsidiary or
subsidiaries of XETA, the Surviving
Corporation, Parent or any other person means an affiliate
controlled by such person, directly or indirectly, through one
or more intermediaries.
Section 8.5 Severability. If
any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid,
illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law, or
public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this
Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so
long as the economic or legal substance of the Transactions is
not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon
such determination that any term or other provision is invalid,
illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto 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
mutually acceptable manner in order that the Transactions are
consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent
possible. If any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to
be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only
so broad as is enforceable.
Section 8.6 Entire
Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement, the XETA
Schedule, the Parent Schedule and the Exhibits hereto,
constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect
to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements
and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or
any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except
that the Confidentiality Agreement shall remain in full force
and effect. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests or obligations set forth herein shall be assigned by
any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other
parties hereto and any purported assignment without such consent
shall be void (except that Parent and Sub may assign all or any
of their rights and obligations hereunder to any direct or
indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Parent; provided
however, that no such assignment shall relieve either Parent
or Sub of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not
perform such obligations).
Section 8.7 Parties
in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and
nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or
shall confer upon
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any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature
whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, other than the
right of such party on behalf of its security holders to pursue
damages in the event of the other partys willful breach of
this Agreement, and other than Sections 5.4 and 5.9 and,
from and after the Effective Time, Sections 1.6 and 1.7
(all of which are intended to be for the benefit of the persons
covered thereby and may be enforced by such persons).
Section 8.8 Specific
Performance. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any provision
of this Agreement was not performed in accordance with its
specific terms or was otherwise breached. It is accordingly
agreed that the parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction
or injunctions as appropriate relief in order 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. No party
shall object to the other parties right to specific
performance as a remedy for breach of this Agreement.
Section 8.9 Governing
Law; Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement shall
be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of
the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to
be performed in that State, without giving effect to any choice
or conflict of law provisions or rule (whether of the State of
Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the
application of laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the
State of Delaware; provided however that provisions that
are required pursuant to the internal laws of the State of
Oklahoma to be governed by the laws of the State of Oklahoma
(including those relating to the procedures regarding the Merger
and the fiduciary duties of the XETA Board of Directors) shall
be governed by the applicable laws of the State of Oklahoma. All
actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this
Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any
federal court sitting in Delaware or if such court declines to
accept jurisdiction, the state courts located in Delaware, and
each of XETA, Parent and Sub hereby irrevocably and
unconditionally (i) consents to submit to the jurisdiction
of such courts for any litigation arising out of or relating to
this Agreement and the Transactions (and agrees not to commence
any litigation relating thereto except in such court),
(ii) waives any objection to the laying of venue of any
such litigation in such courts and (iii) agrees not to
plead or claim that such litigation brought therein has been
brought in any inconvenient forum. Each party irrevocably
consents to the service of process outside the territorial
jurisdiction of the courts referred to in this Section 8.9
in any such action or proceeding by mailing copies thereof by
registered United States mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested, to its address as specified in or pursuant to
Section 8.3 hereof. However, the foregoing shall not limit
the right of a party to effect service of process on the other
party by any other legally available method.
Section 8.10 Waiver
of Jury Trial. TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY
APPLICABLE LAW THAT CANNOT BE WAIVED, EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES,
AND COVENANTS THAT IT WILL NOT ASSERT (WHETHER AS PLAINTIFF,
DEFENDANT OR OTHERWISE), ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY FORUM
IN RESPECT OF ANY ISSUE, CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF
ACTION ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART, UNDER, RELATED TO, BASED ON
OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER
HEREOF, WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING AND WHETHER
SOUNDING IN TORT OR CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE. ANY PARTY HERETO MAY
FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 8.10
WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF EACH SUCH
PARTY TO THE WAIVER OF ITS RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
Section 8.11 Headings. The
descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included
for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any
way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Section 8.12 Interpretation.
(a) When a reference is made in this Agreement to Articles,
Sections, Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be to an
Article or Section of or Exhibit or Schedule to this Agreement
unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings
contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and
shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement. Whenever the words include,
includes or including are used in this
Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words
without limitation. The words hereby,
herein, hereof or hereunder,
and similar terms are to be
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deemed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any
specific section. The inclusion of any information in the XETA
Schedule shall not be deemed an admission or acknowledgment by
XETA, solely by virtue of the inclusion of such information
therein, that such information is required to be included
therein or material to XETA or any of its subsidiaries. The
disclosure of information in the XETA Schedule as an exception
to, or for purposes of, a representation, warranty or covenant
in this Agreement shall be deemed to be disclosed with respect
to any other section of the XETA Schedule to which the relevance
of such item is reasonably apparent on the face of such item as
disclosed. The specification of any dollar amount in the
representations and warranties or otherwise in this Agreement or
in the XETA Schedule is not intended and shall not be deemed to
be an admission or acknowledgment of the materiality of such
amounts or items, nor shall the same be used in any dispute or
controversy between the parties to determine whether any
obligation, item or matter (whether or not described herein or
included in any schedule) is or is not material for purposes of
this Agreement.
(b) The phrase the date of this Agreement,
date hereof and terms of similar import, unless the
context otherwise requires, shall be deemed to refer to
February 8, 2011.
(c) Any statute, rule or regulation defined or referred to
herein means such statute, rule or regulation as from time to
time amended, modified or supplemented, including by succession
of comparable successor statutes, rules and regulations and
references to all attachments thereto and instruments
incorporated therein.
(d) The parties have participated jointly in negotiating
and drafting this Agreement. In the event that 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.
Section 8.13 Incorporation
of Exhibits. The exhibits attached hereto and
referred to herein are hereby incorporated herein and made a
part hereof for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
Section 8.14 Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by
the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of
which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of
which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Sub and XETA have caused this
Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by
their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.
PAETEC HOLDING CORP.
Name: Keith M. Wilson
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Title:
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Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
|
HERA CORPORATION
Name: Keith M. Wilson
XETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Name: Greg D. Forrest
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Title:
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Chief Executive Officer and President
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[Signature
Page Agreement and Plan of Merger]
A-40
Exhibit 1.2
CERTIFICATE
OF MERGER
MERGING
HERA
CORPORATION
WITH AND
INTO
XETA
TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
XETA Technologies, Inc., a corporation organized and existing
under and by virtue of the Oklahoma General Corporation Act (the
Act), does hereby certify:
FIRST: That the name and state of
incorporation of each of the constituent corporations are:
(a) XETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC., an Oklahoma corporation (the
Company); and
(b) Hera Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation.
SECOND: That an agreement and plan of merger
has been approved, adopted, certified, executed and acknowledged
by each of the constituent corporations in accordance with the
requirements of Sections 1007 and 1081 of the Act.
THIRD: That the name of the surviving
corporation is XETA Technologies, Inc.
FOURTH: That the restated certificate of
incorporation of the Company, which shall be the surviving
corporation, shall be amended and restated to read in its
entirety as set forth on Exhibit A hereto, and as so
amended shall be the amended and restated certificate of
incorporation of the surviving corporation until thereafter
amended in accordance with the Act.
FIFTH: That the executed agreement and plan of
merger is on file at the principal place of business of the
surviving corporation at 1814 West Tacoma, Broken Arrow,
Oklahoma 74012.
SIXTH: That a copy of the agreement and plan
of merger shall be furnished by the surviving corporation, on
request and without cost, to any shareholder of either
constituent corporation.
SEVENTH: That the effective time of the merger
shall be the time of filing of this Certificate.
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
AA-1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, XETA Technologies, Inc. has caused this
Certificate to be signed by its authorized officer as of
the day
of ,
2011.
XETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
ATTEST:
AA-2
Exhibit 2.24
Form of
Voting Agreement
VOTING
AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT (this Agreement), dated as of
February 8, 2011 among PAETEC Holding Corp., a Delaware
corporation (Parent), and the individual or
entity listed on Schedule 1.01 hereto
(Shareholder).
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, Parent, XETA Technologies, Inc., an Oklahoma
corporation (XETA), and Hera Corporation, an
Oklahoma corporation (Sub), are entering into
an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended or modified from
time to time, the Merger Agreement) pursuant
to which Sub will be merged with and into XETA, with XETA
continuing as the surviving corporation and an indirect
wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Parent;
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Shareholder is a beneficial
owner of the shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share,
of XETA (XETAs shares of common stock are hereinafter
referred to as the Shares) or has the right
to vote those Shares set forth opposite his or its name under
the heading Existing Shares on Schedule 1.01
(all such shares, except as noted on Schedule 1.01, being
referred to as Shareholders Existing
Shares); and
WHEREAS, in order to induce Parent and Sub to enter into the
Merger Agreement, Shareholder has agreed to enter into this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
VOTING
AGREEMENT
Section 1.1 Voting
Agreement. Until the termination of this
Agreement in accordance with Section 5.04:
(a) Shareholder hereby agrees that at any meeting (whether
annual or special and whether or not adjourned or postponed) of
XETAs shareholders, however called, or in connection with
any written consent of XETAs shareholders, Shareholder
shall vote (or cause to be voted) or deliver a consent (or cause
a consent to be delivered) with respect to
(x) Shareholders Existing Shares and (y) all
Shares of which Shareholder acquires beneficial ownership during
the term of this Agreement (such Shares referred to in the
foregoing clauses (x) and (y) being referred to as
Shareholders Covered Shares) to the
fullest extent:
(i) in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement;
(ii) without limitation of the preceding clause (i), in
favor of any proposal to adjourn or postpone any meeting of the
shareholders of XETA at which the matters described in the
preceding clause (i) are submitted for the consideration
and vote of the shareholders of XETA to a later date if there
are not sufficient votes for approval of such matters on the
date on which the meeting is held; and
(iii) against any (A) Acquisition Proposal,
(B) reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation or
winding-up
of XETA or any other extraordinary transaction involving XETA or
(C) corporate action requiring the approval of XETAs
shareholders, the consummation of which would frustrate the
purposes, prevent, postpone or delay, or adversely affect the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement.
(b) Shareholder agrees to take all steps reasonably
necessary such that all of his or its Covered Shares are counted
as present for purposes of any quorum requirement at any duly
called meeting of the shareholders of XETA (or any adjournment
or postponement thereof).
AB-1
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Shareholder shall remain
free to vote (or execute consents or proxies with respect to)
the Covered Shares with respect to any matter not covered by
this Section 1.01 in any manner that Shareholder deems
appropriate, provided that such vote (or execution of consents
or proxies with respect thereto) would not reasonably be
expected to frustrate the purposes, prevent, postpone or delay,
or adversely affect the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
For purposes of this Agreement, beneficial
ownership of any security by any Person means
beneficial ownership of such security as determined
pursuant to
Rule 13d-3
under the 1934 Act, including all securities as to which
such Person has the right to acquire, without regard to the
60-day
period set forth in such rule. The terms beneficially
owned and beneficial owner shall
have correlative meanings.
Section 1.2 Revocation
of Proxies. Shareholder hereby revokes (or causes
to be revoked) any and all previous voting proxies granted with
respect to the voting of any of his or its Covered Shares.
ARTICLE II.
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF SHAREHOLDER
Shareholder represents and warrants to Parent that:
Section 2.1 Organization. Shareholder,
if it is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company,
trust or other entity, is duly organized and validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
organization.
Section 2.2 Authorization. If
Shareholder is not an individual, the execution, delivery and
performance by Shareholder of this Agreement and the
consummation by Shareholder of the transactions contemplated
hereby are within the powers of Shareholder and have been duly
authorized by all necessary action. If Shareholder is an
individual, he has full legal capacity, right and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform his
obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes a valid and
binding Agreement of Shareholder (subject to applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization,
moratorium and other laws affecting creditors rights
generally and general principles of equity).
Section 2.3 Non-Contravention. The
execution, delivery and performance by Shareholder of this
Agreement do not and will not (i) if Shareholder is not an
individual, violate the certificate of formation, agreement of
limited partnership, certificate of incorporation or similar
organizational documents of Shareholder, (ii) violate any
Applicable Law to which Shareholder is subject,
(iii) require any consent or other action by any Person
under, constitute a default under, or give rise to any right of
termination, cancellation or acceleration or to a loss of any
benefit to which Shareholder is entitled under any provision of
any agreement or other instrument binding on Shareholder and
(iv) result in the imposition of any Lien on any Covered
Shares.
Section 2.4 Ownership
of Shares. As of the date hereof, Shareholder is
the beneficial owner of or has the unilateral right to vote
Shareholders Existing Shares, free and clear of any Lien
and any other limitation or restriction (including any
restriction on the right to vote or otherwise dispose of any
such Existing Shares) other than those created by this Agreement
and except as set forth on Schedule 1.01. None of
Shareholders Existing Shares is, and at no time during the
term of this Agreement will Shareholders Existing Shares
and the Shares that Shareholder acquires beneficial ownership of
during the term of this Agreement be, subject to any voting
trust or other agreement or arrangement with respect to the
voting of such Shares, other than this Agreement. Shareholder
has, and at all times during the term of this Agreement will
have, with respect to Shareholders Covered Shares the sole
power, directly or indirectly, to vote such Covered Shares and
agree to all matters set forth in this Agreement.
Section 2.5 Total
Shares. As of the date hereof, except as set
forth on Schedule 1.01, Shareholders Covered Shares
constitute all of the Shares beneficially owned by Shareholder
or with respect to which the Shareholder has the right to vote.
AB-2
Section 2.6 Finders
Fees. No investment banker, broker, finder or
other intermediary is entitled to a fee or commission from
Parent or XETA in respect of this Agreement based upon any
arrangement or agreement made by or, to the knowledge of
Shareholder, on behalf of Shareholder.
Section 2.7 Opportunity
to Review; Reliance. Shareholder has had the
opportunity to review this Agreement and the Merger Agreement
with counsel of his or its own choosing. Shareholder understands
and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger
Agreement in reliance upon Shareholders execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement. Shareholder
understands and acknowledges that the Merger Agreement governs
the terms of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
thereby.
ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT
Parent represents and warrants to Shareholder:
Section 3.1 Corporation
Authorization. The execution, delivery and
performance by Parent of this Agreement and the consummation by
Parent of the transactions contemplated hereby are within the
corporate powers of Parent and have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action. This Agreement constitutes a valid
and binding agreement of Parent.
ARTICLE IV.
COVENANTS OF
SHAREHOLDER
Shareholder hereby covenants and agrees that:
Section 4.1 No
Proxies for or Encumbrances on Covered
Shares. Except pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or the Merger Agreement, Shareholder shall not,
without the prior written consent of Parent, directly or
indirectly (except, if Shareholder is an individual, as a result
of the death of Shareholder), (a) grant any proxies or
enter into any voting trust or other agreement or arrangement
with respect to the voting of any Covered Shares, (b) sell,
assign, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of, or enter
into any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding
with respect to the direct or indirect sale, assignment,
transfer, encumbrance or other disposition of, any Covered
Shares during the term of this Agreement, or (c) attempt to
execute any statutory appraisal, dissenters or other similar
rights they may have. Shareholder shall not seek or solicit any
such sale, assignment, transfer, encumbrance or other
disposition or any such contract, option or other arrangement or
understanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the preceding
sentence shall not prohibit a transfer of Covered Shares by a
Shareholder: (A) if Shareholder is an individual, to any
member of Shareholders immediate family, or to a trust or
foundation established for the benefit of Shareholder
and/or for
the benefit of one or more members of Shareholders
immediate family or established for charitable purposes, or upon
the death of Shareholder, or (B) if Shareholder is a
partnership, limited liability company or trust, to one or more
partners or members of Shareholder or to an affiliated
corporation under common control with Shareholder or to any
trustee or beneficiary of the trust, provided that any Transfer
permitted pursuant to (A) or (B) above shall be
permitted only if, as a precondition to such transfer, the
transferee of such Covered Shares agrees in writing with Parent
and Sub to be bound by the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
Section 4.2 Other
Offers. Shareholder shall not knowingly
(i) take any action to solicit or initiate any Acquisition
Proposal or (ii) engage in negotiations with, or disclose
any nonpublic information relating to XETA or any of its
Subsidiaries or afford access to the properties, books or
records of XETA or any of its Subsidiaries to, any Person that
Shareholder knows is considering making, or has made, an
Acquisition Proposal or has agreed to endorse an Acquisition
Proposal.
AB-3
ARTICLE V.
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 5.1 Notices. All
notices, requests and other communications to any party
hereunder shall be in writing (including facsimile transmission)
and shall be given,
if to Parent:
PAETEC Holding Corp.
600 Willowbrook Office Park
Fairport, New York 14450
Attention: General Counsel
Telephone: (585)
(585) 340-2500
Fax:
(585) 340-2563
with a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
1600 Bausch & Lomb Place
Rochester, New York 14604
Attention: Thomas R. Anderson, Esq
Telephone:
(585) 232-6500
Telecopy:
(585) 232-2152
if to a Shareholder, to Shareholder with a copy to its counsel
at their respective addresses, facsimile numbers set forth on
the applicable signature page hereof, or to such other address
or facsimile number as such party may hereafter specify for the
purpose by notice to the other parties hereto. All such notices,
requests and other communications shall be deemed received on
the date of receipt by the recipient thereof if received prior
to 5:00 p.m. on a business day in the place of receipt.
Otherwise, any such notice, request or communication shall be
deemed to have been received on the next succeeding business day
in the place of receipt.
Section 5.2 Other
Definitional and Interpretative Provisions.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, the obligations, representations, warranties and
covenants of any party hereto are several (with respect to
itself) and not joint and several, and in no event shall any
party hereto have any liability for the obligations,
representations, warranties or covenants of any other party
hereto. The words hereof, herein and
hereunder and words of like import used in this
Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to
any particular provision of this Agreement. The captions herein
are included for convenience of reference only and shall be
ignored in the construction or interpretation hereof. References
to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules are to Articles,
Sections, Exhibits and Schedules of this Agreement unless
otherwise specified. All Exhibits and Schedules annexed hereto
or referred to herein are hereby incorporated in and made a part
of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein. Any
capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not otherwise
defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such term in
the Merger Agreement. Any capitalized terms used in any Exhibit
or Schedule but not otherwise defined therein, shall have the
meaning as defined in this Agreement. Any singular term in this
Agreement shall be deemed to include the plural, and any plural
term the singular. Whenever the words include,
includes or including are used in this
Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words
without limitation, whether or not they are in fact
followed by those words or words of like import.
Writing, written and comparable terms
refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words
(including electronic media) in a visible form. References to
any agreement or contract are to that agreement or contract as
amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in
accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. References to any
Person include the successors and permitted assigns of that
Person. References from or through any date mean, unless
otherwise specified, from and including or through and
including, respectively.
(b) In this Agreement, the Shareholder of any Covered
Shares held in trust shall be deemed to be the relevant trust
and/or the
trustees thereof acting in their capacities as such trustees, in
each case as the context
AB-4
may require to be most protective of Parent, including for
purposes of such trustees representations and warranties
as to the proper organization of the trust, their power and
authority as trustees and the non-contravention of the
trusts governing instruments.
Section 5.3 Further
Assurances. Shareholder, to the extent reasonably
requested by Parent, will each execute and deliver, or cause to
be executed and delivered, all further documents and instruments
and use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to
actions, all actions necessary to comply with its obligations
under this Agreement.
Section 5.4 Amendments;
Termination. Any provision of this Agreement may
be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver
is in writing and is signed, in the case of an amendment, by
each party to this Agreement or in the case of a waiver, by the
party against whom the waiver is to be effective. This Agreement
shall terminate and be of no further force or effect whatsoever
as of the earliest of (a) the Effective Time or
(b) the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance
with its terms.
Section 5.5 Documentation
and Information. Shareholder (a) consents to
and authorizes the publication and disclosure by Parent of
Shareholders identity and holding of Covered Shares, the
nature of Shareholders commitments, arrangements and
understandings under this Agreement (including, for the
avoidance of doubt, the disclosure of this Agreement) and any
other information, in each case, that Parent reasonably
determines is required to be disclosed by Applicable Law in any
press release, any Current Report on
Form 8-K,
any statement on Schedule 13D, the Proxy Statement, any
other disclosure document in connection with the Merger
Agreement and any filings with or notices to Governmental
Authorities in connection with the Merger Agreement and
(b) agrees promptly to give to Parent any information it
may reasonably request for the preparation of any such
documents. Parent (i) consents to and authorizes the
publication and disclosure by Shareholder of Parents
identity, the nature of Parents and Shareholders
commitments, arrangements and understandings under this
Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the disclosure
of this Agreement) and any other information, in each case, that
Shareholder reasonably determines is required to be disclosed by
Applicable Law in any statement on Schedule 13D or 13G (or
amendments thereto) and any other filings with or notices to
Governmental Authorities and (ii) agrees promptly to give
to Shareholder any information it may reasonably request for the
preparation of any such documents. Each party hereto agrees to
promptly notify the other parties of any required corrections
with respect to any information supplied by such party
specifically for use in any such document, if and to the extent
that any such information shall have become false or misleading
in any material respect.
Section 5.6 Expenses. All
costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement
shall be paid by the party incurring such cost or expense.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a party that is successful in any
action brought against the other for any breach of this
Agreement shall, in addition to any other damages awarded to it
in such action, will also receive all reasonable expenses
incurred by that party in connection with such action, including
without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees.
Section 5.7 Shareholder
Capacity. No person executing this Agreement who
is or becomes during the term hereof a director or officer of
XETA makes any agreement or understanding herein in his or her
capacity as a director or officer. Shareholder signs solely in
its capacity as the beneficial owner of or person with the right
to vote Covered Shares and nothing in this Agreement shall limit
or affect any actions required to be taken by such individual
solely in his or her capacity as an officer or director of XETA
to fulfill such persons fiduciary obligations under
Applicable Law based on the advice of legal counsel, including
any vote that such individual may make as a director of XETA
with respect to any matter presented to the XETA Board of
Directors. Parent agrees that no such action taken in such
individuals capacity as an officer of XETA or as a member
of the XETA Board of Directors; provided, however, that no such
actions will be deemed to waive or supersede any obligations of
Shareholder under this Agreement in his or its capacity as a
shareholder of XETA. This Section 5.07 shall survive any
termination of this Agreement.
Section 5.8 Successors
and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided
that no party may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of
its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the
consent of the other parties hereto. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Parent may assign this Agreement to any Person to
AB-5
whom it assigns the Merger Agreement, but no such assignment
shall relieve Parent of any of its obligations hereunder.
Section 5.9 Governing
Law; Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement shall
be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of
the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to
be performed in that State, without giving effect to any choice
or conflict of law provisions or rule (whether of the State of
Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the
application of laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the
State of Delaware; provided however that provisions that are
required pursuant to the internal laws of the State of Oklahoma
to be governed by the laws of the State of Oklahoma shall be
governed by the applicable laws of the State of Oklahoma. All
actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this
Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any
federal court sitting in Delaware or if such court declines to
accept jurisdiction, the state courts located in Delaware, and
each of Shareholder and Parent hereby irrevocably and
unconditionally (i) consents to submit to the jurisdiction
of such courts for any litigation arising out of or relating to
this Agreement and the Transactions (and agrees not to commence
any litigation relating thereto except in such court),
(ii) waives any objection to the laying of venue of any
such litigation in such courts and (iii) agrees not to
plead or claim that such litigation brought therein has been
brought in any inconvenient forum. Each party irrevocably
consents to the service of process outside the territorial
jurisdiction of the courts referred to in this Section 5.09
in any such action or proceeding by mailing copies thereof by
registered United States mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested, to its address as specified in or pursuant to
Section 5.01 hereof. However, the foregoing shall not limit
the right of a party to effect service of process on the other
party by any other legally available method
Section 5.10 Counterparts;
Effectiveness. This Agreement may be signed in
any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original,
with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto
were upon the same instrument. This Agreement shall become
effective when each party hereto shall have received
counterparts hereof signed by all of the other parties hereto.
Until and unless each party has received a counterpart hereof
signed by the other party hereto, this Agreement shall have no
effect and no party shall have any right or obligation hereunder
(whether by virtue of any other oral or written agreement or
other communication).
Section 5.11 Severability. If
any term, provision or covenant of this Agreement is held by a
court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be
invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms,
provisions and covenants of this Agreement shall remain in full
force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or
invalidated.
Section 5.12 Specific
Performance. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of
this Agreement is not performed in accordance with the terms
hereof and that the parties shall be entitled to specific
performance of the terms hereof in addition to any other remedy
to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
Section 5.13 No
Ownership Interest. All rights, ownership and
economic benefits of and relating to the Covered Shares shall
remain vested in and belong to Shareholder, and Parent shall
have no authority to exercise any power or authority to direct
Shareholder in the voting of any of the Covered Shares, except
as otherwise specifically provided herein, or in the performance
of Shareholders duties or responsibilities as a
shareholder of XETA.
Section 5.14 Survival
of Representations and Warranties. The
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained
herein shall not survive the termination of this Agreement.
Section 5.15 Capitalized
Terms. Capitalized terms used but not defined
herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the
Merger Agreement.
[Remainder
of page intentionally left blank]
AB-6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above
written.
PAETEC Holding Corp.
Name: Keith M. Wilson
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Title:
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Executive Vice President and Chief
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Financial Officer
[Name of Shareholder]
Address for notices:
[Signature
Page Voting Agreement]
AB-7
Schedule 1.01
to Voting Agreement
AB-8
Exhibit 8.2
Persons
Deemed to Have Knowledge
Parent
and Sub
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Arunas A. Chesonis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer
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Keith M. Wilson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
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XETA
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Greg Forrest, Chief Executive Officer and President
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Robert Wagner, Chief Financial Officer
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Paul Comeau, Chief Operating Officer
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Donald E. Reigel, Chief Sales Officer
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Mike Carney, Director of Corporate Strategy and Development
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Cindy Earnest, Director of Human Resources
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AC-1
Annex B
FAIRNESS
OPINION FROM STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY,
INCORPORATED
February 8, 2011
Board of Directors
XETA Technologies, Inc.
1814 W. Tacoma Street
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
Gentlemen:
We understand that XETA Technologies, Inc., an Oklahoma
corporation (Seller), PAETEC Holding Corp, a
Delaware corporation (Buyer), and Hera Corporation,
an Oklahoma corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of Buyer (Acquisition Sub), propose to enter into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 8, 2011 (the
Merger Agreement), pursuant to which Acquisition Sub
will be merged with and into Seller, with Seller as the
surviving entity (the Merger). Pursuant to the
Merger, as more fully described in the Merger Agreement and as
further described to us by management of Seller, we understand
that each outstanding share of the common stock, $0.001 par
value per share (Seller Common Stock), of Seller
will be converted into the right to receive $5.50 in cash (the
Consideration). The terms and conditions of the
Merger are set forth in more detail in the Merger Agreement.
You have asked for our opinion as investment bankers as to
whether the Consideration to be received by the holders of
Seller Common Stock pursuant to the Merger is fair to such
holders, from a financial point of view, as of the date hereof.
In connection with our opinion, we have, among other things:
(i) reviewed certain publicly available financial and other
data with respect to Seller, including the consolidated
financial statements for recent years and interim periods to
October 31, 2010 and certain other relevant financial and
operating data relating to Seller made available to us from
published sources and from the internal records of Seller;
(ii) reviewed the financial terms and conditions of the
Merger Agreement as set forth in the draft thereof, dated as of
February 8, 2011, furnished to us; (iii) reviewed
certain publicly available information concerning the trading
of, and the trading market for, Seller Common Stock;
(iv) compared Seller from a financial point of view with
certain other companies broadly in the advanced communications
industry and in particular the VAR and Technology Distribution
industry which we deemed to be relevant; (v) considered the
financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of selected
recent business combinations of companies broadly in the
advanced communications industry and in particular the VAR and
Technology Distribution industry which we deemed to be
comparable, in whole or in part, to the Merger;
(vi) reviewed and discussed with representatives of the
management of Seller certain information of a business and
financial nature regarding Seller, furnished to us by them with
your consent, including financial forecasts and related
assumptions of Seller that you have directed us to utilize for
purposes of our analysis; (vii) made inquiries regarding
and discussed the Merger and the Merger Agreement and other
matters related thereto with Sellers counsel; and
(viii) performed such other analyses and examinations as we
have deemed appropriate.
In connection with our review, we have not assumed any
obligation to independently verify, and have not independently
verified, the foregoing information and have relied on it being
accurate and complete in all material respects. With respect to
the financial forecasts for Seller provided to us by its
management, upon
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Sellers advice and with your consent, we have assumed for
purposes of our opinion that the forecasts have been reasonably
prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of Sellers management at the time
of preparation as to the future financial performance of Seller
and that such forecasts provide a reasonable basis upon which we
can form our opinion. Such forecasts and projections were not
prepared with the expectation of public disclosure. All such
projected financial information is based on numerous variables
and assumptions that are inherently uncertain, including,
without limitation, factors related to general economic, market
and competitive conditions. Accordingly, actual results could
vary significantly from those set forth in such projected
financial information. We have further relied upon the
assurances by Seller that it is unaware of any facts that would
make any information provided by or on behalf of it incomplete
or misleading. We have also assumed that there have been no
material changes in Sellers financial condition, results
of operations, business or prospects since the date of the
financial statements contained in Sellers Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the period ended October 31, 2010. We have relied on,
without assuming any obligation to independently verify, the
accuracy and completeness of all advice of counsel and
independent accountants to Seller as to all legal, financial
reporting, tax, accounting and regulatory matters with respect
to Seller the Merger and the Merger Agreement, including,
without limitation, the legal status and financial reporting of
litigation involving Seller. We have assumed that the Merger
will be consummated in a manner that complies in all respects
with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the Securities Act), the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and all other applicable
federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, and that all
governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals
necessary for the consummation of the Merger will be obtained
without any adverse effect on the expected benefits of the
Merger in any way meaningful to our analysis. In addition, we
have not assumed responsibility for making, and have not made,
an independent evaluation, appraisal or physical inspection of
any of the assets or liabilities (including any contingent,
derivative or other off-balance-sheet assets or liabilities) of
Seller, nor have we been furnished with any such evaluations or
appraisals. Finally, our opinion is based on economic, monetary
and market and other conditions as in effect on, and the
information made available to us as of, the date hereof.
Accordingly, although subsequent developments may affect this
opinion, we have not assumed any obligation to update, revise or
reaffirm this opinion.
We have further assumed with your consent that the Merger will
be consummated in accordance with the terms described in the
draft Merger Agreement referred to above, without any waiver,
modification or amendment of any terms or conditions thereof,
the effect of which would be in any way meaningful in our
analysis.
We have acted as financial advisor to Seller in connection with
the Merger and will receive a fee for our services, including
rendering this opinion, a significant portion of which is
contingent upon the consummation of the Merger, and Seller has
agreed to reimburse our expenses arising, and indemnify us
against certain liabilities that may arise, out of our
engagement. In the ordinary course of our business, we may
actively trade the equity, debt or other securities of Seller
and Buyer for our own account and for the accounts of customers
and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position
in such securities. We may provide investment banking services
to Buyer and its affiliates in the future for which we would
expect to receive compensation.
Based upon the foregoing and in reliance thereon, it is our
opinion, as investment bankers, that the Consideration to be
received by the holders of Seller Common Stock pursuant to the
Merger is fair to such holders, from a financial point of view,
as of the date hereof.
This opinion has been approved by the fairness committee of
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated. It is
directed to, and for the benefit of, the Board of Directors of
Seller (in their capacities as such) in its consideration of the
Merger and is not a recommendation to any shareholder as to how
such shareholder should vote with respect to the Merger or any
other matter, or whether such shareholder should enter into any
voting, support or shareholders agreement in connection
with the Merger or exercise any dissenters or appraisal
rights that may be available to such shareholder. Further, this
opinion addresses only the fairness from a financial point of
view, as of the date hereof, to the holders of Seller Common
Stock of the Consideration to be paid by Buyer, and does not
address the relative merits of the Merger and any alternatives
to the Merger, Sellers or Sellers Board of
Directors underlying decision to proceed with or effect
the Merger, or any other aspect of the Merger. Moreover, it does
not address the fairness of the amount or nature
B-2
of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the
officers, directors or employees of Seller, or class of such
persons, in connection with the Merger, whether relative to the
Consideration or otherwise. We are not expressing any opinion as
to the impact of the Merger on the solvency or ability of Seller
or Buyer or the ability of Seller or Buyer to pay their
respective obligations when they come due. This opinion may not
be used or referred to, in whole or in part, by Seller, or
quoted or disclosed to, in whole or in part, any person in any
manner, without our prior written consent, which consent is
hereby given to the inclusion of this opinion in any proxy
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in
connection with the Merger, provided that this opinion is
reproduced in full and any description or reference to us or our
opinion or any summary of our opinion or presentation is in form
and substance reasonably acceptable to us and our legal counsel.
In furnishing this opinion, we do not admit that we are experts
within the meaning of the term experts as used in
the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, nor do we admit that this opinion constitutes a
report or valuation within the meaning of Section 11 of the
Securities Act.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
B-3
Annex C
OKLAHOMA
APPRAISAL RIGHTS STATUTE
Oklahoma General Corporation Act §18-1091. Appraisal
rights.
A. Any shareholder of a corporation of this state who holds
shares of stock on the date of the making of a demand pursuant
to the provisions of subsection D of this section with respect
to the shares, who continuously holds the shares through the
effective date of the merger or consolidation, who has otherwise
complied with the provisions of subsection D of this section and
who has neither voted in favor of the merger or consolidation
nor consented thereto in writing pursuant to the provisions of
Section 1073 of this title shall be entitled to an
appraisal by the district court of the fair value of the shares
of stock under the circumstances described in subsections B and
C of this section. As used in this section, the word
shareholder means a holder of record of stock in a
stock corporation and also a member of record of a nonstock
corporation; the words stock and share
mean and include what is ordinarily meant by those words and
also membership or membership interest of a member of a nonstock
corporation; and depository receipt means an
instrument issued by a depository representing an interest in
one or more shares, or fractions thereof, solely of stock of a
corporation, which stock is deposited with the depository. The
provisions of this subsection shall be effective only with
respect to mergers or consolidations consummated pursuant to an
agreement of merger or consolidation entered into after
November 1, 1988.
B. 1. Except as otherwise provided for in this
subsection, appraisal rights shall be available for the shares
of any class or series of stock of a constituent corporation in
a merger or consolidation, or of the acquired corporation in a
share acquisition, to be effected pursuant to the provisions of
Section 1081, other than a merger effected pursuant to
subsection G of Section 1081, and Section 1082, 1086,
1087, 1090.1 or 1090.2 of this title.
2. a. No appraisal rights under this section shall be
available for the shares of any class or series of stock which
stock, or depository receipts in respect thereof, at the record
date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive
notice of and to vote at the meeting of shareholders to act upon
the agreement of merger or consolidation, were either:
(1) listed on a national securities exchange or designated
as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation
system by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.; or
(2) held of record by more than two thousand holders.
No appraisal rights shall be available for any shares of stock
of the constituent corporation surviving a merger if the merger
did not require for its approval the vote of the shareholders of
the surviving corporation as provided in subsection G of
Section 1081 of this title.
b. In addition, no appraisal rights shall be available for
any shares of stock, or depository receipts in respect thereof,
of the constituent corporation surviving a merger if the merger
did not require for its approval the vote of the shareholders of
the surviving corporation as provided for in subsection F of
Section 1081 of this title.
3. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2 of
this subsection, appraisal rights provided for in this section
shall be available for the shares of any class or series of
stock of a constituent corporation if the holders thereof are
required by the terms of an agreement of merger or consolidation
pursuant to the provisions of Section 1081, 1082, 1086,
1087, 1090.1 or 1090.2 of this title to accept for the stock
anything except:
a. shares of stock of the corporation surviving or
resulting from the merger or consolidation or depository
receipts thereof, or
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b. shares of stock of any other corporation, or depository
receipts in respect thereof, which shares of stock or depository
receipts at the effective date of the merger or consolidation
will be either listed on a national securities exchange or
designated as a national market system security on an
interdealer quotation system by the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or held of record by more than two
thousand holders, or
c. cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional
depository receipts described in subparagraphs a and b of this
paragraph, or
d. any combination of the shares of stock, depository
receipts, and cash in lieu of the fractional shares or
depository receipts described in subparagraphs a, b, and c of
this paragraph.
4. In the event all of the stock of a subsidiary Oklahoma
corporation party to a merger effected pursuant to the
provisions of Section 1083 of this title is not owned by
the parent corporation immediately prior to the merger,
appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of the
subsidiary Oklahoma corporation.
C. Any corporation may provide in its certificate of
incorporation that appraisal rights under this section shall be
available for the shares of any class or series of its stock as
a result of an amendment to its certificate of incorporation,
any merger or consolidation in which the corporation is a
constituent corporation or the sale of all or substantially all
of the assets of the corporation. If the certificate of
incorporation contains such a provision, the procedures of this
section, including those set forth in subsections D and E of
this section, shall apply as nearly as is practicable.
D. Appraisal rights shall be perfected as follows:
1. If a proposed merger or consolidation for which
appraisal rights are provided under this section is to be
submitted for approval at a meeting of shareholders, the
corporation, not less than twenty (20) days prior to the
meeting, shall notify each of its shareholders entitled to
appraisal rights that appraisal rights are available for any or
all of the shares of the constituent corporations, and shall
include in the notice a copy of this section. Each shareholder
electing to demand the appraisal of the shares of the
shareholder shall deliver to the corporation, before the taking
of the vote on the merger or consolidation, a written demand for
appraisal of the shares of the shareholder. The demand will be
sufficient if it reasonably informs the corporation of the
identity of the shareholder and that the shareholder intends
thereby to demand the appraisal of the shares of the
shareholder. A proxy or vote against the merger or consolidation
shall not constitute such a demand. A shareholder electing to
take such action must do so by a separate written demand as
herein provided. Within ten (10) days after the effective
date of the merger or consolidation, the surviving or resulting
corporation shall notify each shareholder of each constituent
corporation who has complied with the provisions of this
subsection and has not voted in favor of or consented to the
merger or consolidation as of the date that the merger or
consolidation has become effective; or
2. If the merger or consolidation is approved pursuant to
the provisions of Section 1073 or 1083 of this title,
either a constituent corporation before the effective date of
the merger or consolidation or the surviving or resulting
corporation within ten (10) days thereafter shall notify
each of the holders of any class or series of stock of the
constituent corporation who are entitled to appraisal rights of
the approval of the merger or consolidation and that appraisal
rights are available for any or all shares of such class or
series of stock of the constituent corporation, and shall
include in the notice a copy of this section. The notice may,
and, if given on or after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, shall, also notify the shareholders of the
effective date of the merger or consolidation. Any shareholder
entitled to appraisal rights may, within twenty (20) days
after the date of mailing of the notice, demand in writing from
the surviving or resulting corporation the appraisal of the
holders shares. The demand will be sufficient if it
reasonably informs the corporation of the identity of the
shareholder and that the shareholder intends to demand the
appraisal of the holders shares. If the notice does not
notify shareholders of the effective date of the merger or
consolidation either:
a. each constituent corporation shall send a second notice
before the effective date of the merger or consolidation
notifying each of the holders of any class or series of stock of
the
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constituent corporation that are entitled to appraisal rights of
the effective date of the merger or consolidation, or
b. the surviving or resulting corporation shall send a
second notice to all holders on or within ten (10) days
after the effective date of the merger or consolidation;
provided, however, that if the second notice is sent more than
twenty (20) days following the mailing of the first notice,
the second notice need only be sent to each shareholder who is
entitled to appraisal rights and who has demanded appraisal of
the holders shares in accordance with this subsection. An
affidavit of the secretary or assistant secretary or of the
transfer agent of the corporation that is required to give
either notice that the notice has been given shall, in the
absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated
therein. For purposes of determining the shareholders entitled
to receive either notice, each constituent corporation may fix,
in advance, a record date that shall be not more than ten
(10) days prior to the date the notice is given; provided,
if the notice is given on or after the effective date of the
merger or consolidation, the record date shall be the effective
date. If no record date is fixed and the notice is given prior
to the effective date, the record date shall be the close of
business on the day next preceding the day on which the notice
is given.
E. Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the
effective date of the merger or consolidation, the surviving or
resulting corporation or any shareholder who has complied with
the provisions of subsections A and D of this section and who is
otherwise entitled to appraisal rights, may file a petition in
district court demanding a determination of the value of the
stock of all such shareholders; provided, however, at any time
within sixty (60) days after the effective date of the
merger or consolidation, any shareholder shall have the right to
withdraw the demand of the shareholder for appraisal and to
accept the terms offered upon the merger or consolidation.
Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the effective
date of the merger or consolidation, any shareholder who has
complied with the requirements of subsections A and D of this
section, upon written request, shall be entitled to receive from
the corporation surviving the merger or resulting from the
consolidation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of
shares not voted in favor of the merger or consolidation and
with respect to which demands for appraisal have been received
and the aggregate number of holders of the shares. The written
statement shall be mailed to the shareholder within ten
(10) days after the shareholders written request for
a statement is received by the surviving or resulting
corporation or within ten (10) days after expiration of the
period for delivery of demands for appraisal pursuant to the
provisions of subsection D of this section, whichever is later.
F. Upon the filing of any such petition by a shareholder,
service of a copy thereof shall be made upon the surviving or
resulting corporation, which, within twenty (20) days after
service, shall file, in the office of the court clerk of the
district court in which the petition was filed, a duly verified
list containing the names and addresses of all shareholders who
have demanded payment for their shares and with whom agreements
regarding the value of their shares have not been reached by the
surviving or resulting corporation. If the petition shall be
filed by the surviving or resulting corporation, the petition
shall be accompanied by such duly verified list. The court
clerk, if so ordered by the court, shall give notice of the time
and place fixed for the hearing on the petition by registered or
certified mail to the surviving or resulting corporation and to
the shareholders shown on the list at the addresses therein
stated. Notice shall also be given by one or more publications
at least one (1) week before the day of the hearing, in a
newspaper of general circulation published in the City of
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or other publication as the court deems
advisable. The forms of the notices by mail and by publication
shall be approved by the court, and the costs thereof shall be
borne by the surviving or resulting corporation.
G. At the hearing on the petition, the court shall
determine the shareholders who have complied with the provisions
of this section and who have become entitled to appraisal
rights. The court may require the shareholders who have demanded
an appraisal of their shares and who hold stock represented by
certificates to submit their certificates of stock to the court
clerk for notation thereon of the pendency of the appraisal
proceedings; and if any shareholder fails to comply with this
direction, the court may dismiss the proceedings as to that
shareholder.
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H. After determining the shareholders entitled to an
appraisal, the court shall appraise the shares, determining
their fair value exclusive of any element of value arising from
the accomplishment or expectation of the merger or
consolidation, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to
be paid upon the amount determined to be the fair value. In
determining the fair value, the court shall take into account
all relevant factors. In determining the fair rate of interest,
the court may consider all relevant factors, including the rate
of interest which the surviving or resulting corporation would
have to pay to borrow money during the pendency of the
proceeding. Upon application by the surviving or resulting
corporation or by any shareholder entitled to participate in the
appraisal proceeding, the court may, in its discretion, permit
discovery or other pretrial proceedings and may proceed to trial
upon the appraisal prior to the final determination of the
shareholder entitled to an appraisal. Any shareholder whose name
appears on the list filed by the surviving or resulting
corporation pursuant to the provisions of subsection F of this
section and who has submitted the certificates of stock of the
shareholder to the court clerk, if required, may participate
fully in all proceedings until it is finally determined that the
shareholder is not entitled to appraisal rights pursuant to the
provisions of this section.
I. The court shall direct the payment of the fair value of
the shares, together with interest, if any, by the surviving or
resulting corporation to the shareholders entitled thereto.
Interest may be simple or compound, as the court may direct.
Payment shall be made to each shareholder, in the case of
holders of uncertificated stock immediately, and in the case of
holders of shares represented by certificates upon the surrender
to the corporation of the certificates representing the stock.
The courts decree may be enforced as other decrees in the
district court may be enforced, whether the surviving or
resulting corporation be a corporation of this state or of any
other state.
J. The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the
court and taxed upon the parties as the court deems equitable in
the circumstances. Upon application of a shareholder, the court
may order all or a portion of the expenses incurred by any
shareholder in connection with the appraisal proceeding,
including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees
and the fees and expenses of experts, to be charged pro rata
against the value of all of the shares entitled to an appraisal.
K. From and after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, no shareholder who has demanded appraisal rights
as provided for in subsection D of this section shall be
entitled to vote the stock for any purpose or to receive payment
of dividends or other distributions on the stock, except
dividends or other distributions payable to shareholders of
record at a date which is prior to the effective date of the
merger or consolidation; provided, however, that if no petition
for an appraisal shall be filed within the time provided for in
subsection E of this section, or if the shareholder shall
deliver to the surviving or resulting corporation a written
withdrawal of the shareholders demand for an appraisal and
an acceptance of the merger or consolidation, either within
sixty (60) days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation as provided for in subsection E of this section or
thereafter with the written approval of the corporation, then
the right of the shareholder to an appraisal shall cease;
provided further, no appraisal proceeding in the district court
shall be dismissed as to any shareholder without the approval of
the court, and approval may be conditioned upon terms as the
court deems just.
L. The shares of the surviving or resulting corporation
into which the shares of any objecting shareholders would have
been converted had they assented to the merger or consolidation
shall have the status of authorized and unissued shares of the
surviving or resulting corporation.
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XETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
c/o COMPUTERSHARE, INC.
ATTN: Dennis Sneyers
2 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60602
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VOTE BY INTERNET www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting
instructions and for electronic delivery
of information up until 11:59 P.M.
Eastern time the day before the cut-off
date or meeting date. Have your proxy
card in hand when you access the web
site and follow the instructions to
obtain your records and to create an
electronic voting instruction form.
VOTE BY PHONE 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit
your voting instructions up until 11:59
P.M. Eastern time the day before the
cut-off date or meeting date. Have your
proxy card in hand when you call and
then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and
return it in the postage-paid envelope
we have provided or return it to Vote
Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes
Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
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KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS |
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. |
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DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY |
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The Board of Directors recommends you |
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vote FOR proposals 1 and 2. |
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For
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Against
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Abstain |
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1. |
To approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 8, 2011, as it may be amended from time to time,
by and among Xeta Technologies, Inc., PAETEC Holding Corp. and Hera Corporation. |
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2. |
To approve an adjournment or postponement of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate to solicit additional proxies
for the adoption of the merger agreement.
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NOTE: In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the special
meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting. The shares represented by this proxy, when properly
executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder(s). If no direction is made, this proxy will
be voted FOR Proposals 1 and 2. |
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For address change/comments, mark here.
(see reverse for instructions)
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Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as
attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full
title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must
sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or
partnership name, by authorized officer.
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SHARES CUSIP # SEQUENCE |
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Signature (PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX) |
Date |
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JOB # |
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Signature (Joint Owners) |
Date |
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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
If you do not vote by internet or phone, please sign and date this proxy card and return it promptly in the
enclosed postage-paid envelope, or otherwise to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge,
51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
NOTE: Participants in the XETA Technologies Stock Fund under the XETA Technologies, Inc. 401(k) plan
must vote their interest in the Fund by mail only. In order to vote your interest in the Fund, please follow
the voting instructions you receive directly from Bank of Oklahoma, the 401(k) plan trustee.
Important
Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special
Meeting: The Notice &
Proxy Statement is/are available at www.proxyvote.com.
XETA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Special Meeting of Shareholders
May 26, 2011 10:00 AM
This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors
The shareholder(s) hereby appoint(s) Ronald L. Siegenthaler and Robert
B. Wagner, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his
substitute, to represent the shareholder(s) and to vote as specified on the
reverse side all shares of common stock of XETA Technologies, Inc. held of
record by the shareholder(s) as of April 5, 2011 at the special meeting of
shareholders of XETA Technologies, Inc. to be held on May 26, 2011 at 10:00
am, Central time, at the offices of XETA Technologies, Inc. and at any
postponement or adjustment thereof, upon the matters listed on the reverse
side all as more fully described in the proxy statement for the special
meeting (receipt of which the shareholder(s) hereby acknowledge(s)), and in
the discretion of the proxies, on any other matters as may properly come
before the meeting. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the
manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be
voted FOR Proposals 1 and 2. Any and all proxies heretofore given are
revoked.
Participants in the XETA Technologies Stock Fund under the XETA
Technologies, Inc. 401(k) plan may submit voting instructions to the plan
trustee by mail only. Voting instructions from plan participants must be
received no later than 5:00 p.m., Central time on May 25, 2011. If a
participants voting instructions are not received by 5:00 p.m., Central
time on May 25, 2011 or if such participant signs and returns his or her
proxy card without instructions marked in the boxes, the plan trustee will
vote the participants interest in the shares of common stock in the same
proportion as other shares of XETA common stock held in the XETA
Technologies Stock Fund under the XETA Technologies, Inc. 401(k) plan for
which the plan trustee received timely instructions.
Address change/comments:
(If you noted any Address Changes and/or Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)
Continued and to be signed on reverse side