SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of
The Securities and Exchange Act of 1934
DATE OF REPORT:
April 30, 2012
(Date of Earliest Event Reported)
MASSACHUSETTS
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
1-9047 | 04-2870273 | |
(Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.
Office Address: 2036 Washington Street, Hanover Massachusetts 02339
Mailing Address: 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
NOT APPLICABLE
(Former Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
781-878-6100
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
X | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
ITEM 1.01 | ENTRY INTO A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT |
On April 30, 2012, Independent Bank Corp., a Massachusetts corporation (Independent) (NASDAQ: INDB), and Rockland Trust Company, a Massachusetts-chartered trust company and wholly owned subsidiary of Independent (Rockland Trust), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with Central Bancorp, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (Bancorp) (NASDAQ: CEBK), and Central Co-operative Bank, a Massachusetts-chartered co-operative bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Bancorp (the Bank). The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Bancorp will merge with and into Independent (the Merger), with Independent being the surviving corporation. The Merger also contemplates that the Bank will merge into Rockland Trust.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each share of Bancorp common stock, other than shares held by Independent, will convert at the effective time of the Merger into the right to receive either (i) $32.00 in cash or (ii) such number of shares of Independent common stock as determined by the exchange ratio provided for in the Merger Agreement, all as more fully set forth in the Merger Agreement and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein. The Merger Agreement provides that 40% of the aggregate merger consideration must consist of cash and 60% of the aggregate merger consideration must consist of shares of Independent common stock. Each holder of a vested or unvested option to purchase Bancorp common stock will receive, upon consummation of the transaction, a cash payment in settlement of the Bancorp options.
Consummation of the Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, (i) approval of the transaction by Bancorps shareholders, (ii) the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and consents, (iii) the absence of any governmental restraint, (iv) the effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-4, (v) subject to certain exceptions, the accuracy of representations and warranties of each party, (vi) the performance in all material respects by each party of its obligations under the Merger Agreement and (vii) the delivery of customary opinions from counsel to Independent and counsel to Bancorp to the effect that the receipt of stock merger consideration by Bancorp shareholders will be a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes, subject to the exceptions provided therein.
The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both Independent and Bancorp, and further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, Bancorp will reimburse Independent up to $750,000 for its reasonably documented fees and expenses and pay Independent a termination fee of $2.2 million; provided however, that any amounts paid in reimbursement will be credited against the termination fee payable. Currently, the merger is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012.
The Merger Agreement contains usual and customary representations and warranties that the parties to the Merger Agreement made to each other as of specific dates. The assertions embodied in those representations and warranties were made solely for purposes of the Merger Agreement between the parties, and may be subject to important qualifications and limitations agreed to by the parties in connection with negotiating the terms of the Merger Agreement. Moreover, the representations and warranties are subject to a contractual standard of materiality that may be different from what may be viewed as material to shareholders, and the representations and warranties may have been used for the purpose of allocating risk between the parties rather than establishing matters as facts. Independent and Bancorp have additionally made customary covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among others, covenants (a) not to take any action, or fail to take any action, that is reasonably likely to (i) result in any of the conditions to the Merger not being satisfied or (ii) impede each partys ability to consummate the Merger, and (b) to cause a Bancorp shareholder meeting to be held to consider approval of the Merger and/or certain transactions contemplated thereby. In addition, Bancorp made certain covenants to conduct its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice between the execution of the Merger Agreement and consummation of the Merger and for Bancorps Board of Directors to, subject to certain exceptions, recommend adoption and approval by its shareholders of the Merger Agreement.
The Merger Agreement contemplates that, effective as of and contingent upon the occurrence of the Merger, Independent and Rockland Trust will each increase by one the number of directors on its Board of Directors. John J. Morrissey, a current director of the Bancorp and the Bank, shall be elected to fill such vacancies.
The foregoing summary of the Merger Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the definitive agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Form 8-K and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The Merger Agreement has been included to provide investors and security holders with information regarding its terms. It is not intended to provide any other factual information about Independent or any of the other parties thereto. Investors should read the Merger Agreement together with the other information concerning Independent and Bancorp that each company publicly files in reports and statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
ITEM 7.01 | REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE |
Attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto is a copy of a transcript of an analyst presentation that was given on May 1, 2012. The information contained in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed for the purpose of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements contained in this filing that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act), notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified. In addition, certain statements may be contained in the future filings of Independent with the Securities Exchange Commission, in press releases and in oral and written statements made by or with the approval of Independent that are not statements of historical fact and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) statements about the benefits of the Merger, including future financial and operating results, cost savings, enhanced revenues and accretion to reported earnings that may be realized from the Merger; (ii) statements of plans, objectives and expectations of management or the Boards of Directors; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as believes, anticipates, expects, intends, targeted, continue, remain, will, should, may and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that the businesses involved in the Merger will not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; (ii) expected revenue synergies and cost savings from the Merger may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; (iii) revenues following the Merger may be lower than expected; (iv) deposit attrition, operating costs, customer loss and business disruption following the merger, including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, may be greater than expected; (v) the ability to obtain governmental approvals of the Merger on the proposed terms and schedule; (vi) local, regional, national and international economic conditions and the impact they may have on the parties to the Merger and their customers; (vii) changes in interest rates, spreads on earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and interest rate sensitivity; (viii) prepayment speeds, loan originations and credit losses; (ix) sources of liquidity; (x) shares of common stock outstanding and common stock price volatility; (xi) fair value of and number of stock-based compensation awards to be issued in future periods; (xii) legislation affecting the financial services industry as a whole, and/or the parties and their subsidiaries individually or collectively; (xiii) regulatory supervision and oversight, including required capital levels; (xiv) increasing price and product/service competition by competitors, including new entrants; (xv) rapid technological developments and changes; (xvi) the parties ability to continue to introduce competitive new products and services on a timely, cost-effective basis; (xvii) the mix of products/services; (xiii) containing costs and expenses; (xix) governmental and public policy changes; (xx) protection and validity of intellectual property rights; (xxi) reliance on large customers; (xxii) technological, implementation and cost/financial risks in large, multi-year contracts; (xxiii) the outcome of pending and future litigation and governmental proceedings; (xxiv) continued availability of financing; (xxv) financial resources in the
amounts, at the times and on the terms required to support the parties future businesses; and (xxvi) material differences in the actual financial results of merger and acquisition activities compared with expectations, including the full realization of anticipated cost savings and revenue enhancements. Additional factors that could cause Independents results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Independents Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the proposed transaction or other matters and attributable to the parties or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements referenced above. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. The parties undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Additional Information:
In connection with the Merger, Independent will file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a Proxy Statement of Bancorp and a Prospectus of Independent, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. Shareholders are urged to read the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus regarding the Merger when it becomes available and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they will contain important information. You will be able to obtain a free copy of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Independent and Central Bancorp at the SECs Internet site ( http://www.sec.gov ). You will also be able to obtain these documents for Independent, free of charge, at http://www.rocklandtrust.com under the tab Investor Relations and then under the heading SEC Filings. Copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the SEC filings that will be incorporated by reference in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus can also be obtained, free of charge, by directing a request to Investor Relations, Independent Bank Corp., 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370, (781) 982-6858.
ITEM 9.01 | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS |
(a) | Not applicable |
(b) | Not applicable |
(c) | Not applicable |
(d) | Exhibits |
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
2.1 | Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Independent Bank Corp., Rockland Trust Company, Central Bancorp, Inc. and Central Co-operative Bank, dated as of April 30, 2012* | |
99.1 | Transcript of Analyst Presentation |
* | The registrant has omitted schedules and similar attachments to the subject agreement pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The registrant will furnish a copy of any omitted schedule or similar attachment to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned and hereunto duly authorized.
INDEPENDENT BANK CORP. | ||||||
DATE: May 3, 2012 | BY: | /s/Edward H. Seksay | ||||
EDWARD H. SEKSAY GENERAL COUNSEL |
Exhibit 2.1
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
DATED AS OF APRIL 30, 2012
BY AND AMONG
INDEPENDENT BANK CORP.,
ROCKLAND TRUST COMPANY,
CENTRAL BANCORP, INC.,
AND
CENTRAL CO-OPERATIVE BANK
Table of Contents
Page | ||||
ARTICLE I THE MERGER |
2 | |||
Section 1.01 The Merger |
2 | |||
Section 1.02 Articles of Organization and Bylaws |
2 | |||
Section 1.03 Directors and Officers of Surviving Entity |
2 | |||
Section 1.04 Effective Time; Closing. |
2 | |||
Section 1.05 Tax Consequences |
2 | |||
Section 1.06 Additional Actions |
2 | |||
ARTICLE II MERGER CONSIDERATION; EXCHANGE PROCEDURES |
3 | |||
Section 2.01 Merger Consideration |
3 | |||
Section 2.02 Rights as Shareholders; Stock Transfers |
3 | |||
Section 2.03 Fractional Shares |
4 | |||
Section 2.04 Election Procedures. |
4 | |||
Section 2.05 Exchange Procedures. |
6 | |||
Section 2.06 Anti-Dilution Provisions |
8 | |||
Section 2.07 Options and Restricted Stock. |
9 | |||
Section 2.08 Company Preferred Stock. |
9 | |||
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY |
10 | |||
Section 3.01 Making of Representations and Warranties. |
10 | |||
Section 3.02 Organization, Standing and Authority. |
10 | |||
Section 3.03 Capital Stock |
11 | |||
Section 3.04 Subsidiaries. |
12 | |||
Section 3.05 Corporate Power; Minute Books |
12 | |||
Section 3.06 Corporate Authority. |
12 | |||
Section 3.07 Regulatory Approvals; No Defaults. |
13 | |||
Section 3.08 SEC Documents; Other Reports; Internal Controls. |
14 | |||
Section 3.09 Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities. |
15 | |||
Section 3.10 Absence of Certain Changes or Events |
16 | |||
Section 3.11 Legal Proceedings. |
17 | |||
Section 3.12 Compliance With Laws. |
17 | |||
Section 3.13 Material Contracts; Defaults. |
18 | |||
Section 3.14 Agreements with Regulatory Agencies |
18 | |||
Section 3.15 Brokers |
19 | |||
Section 3.16 Employee Benefit Plans. |
19 | |||
Section 3.17 Labor Matters |
21 | |||
Section 3.18 Environmental Matters. |
22 | |||
Section 3.19 Tax Matters. |
23 | |||
Section 3.20 Investment Securities |
25 | |||
Section 3.21 Derivative Transactions. |
25 | |||
Section 3.22 Regulatory Capitalization |
26 | |||
Section 3.23 Loans; Nonperforming and Classified Assets. |
26 | |||
Section 3.24 Allowance for Loan Losses |
27 | |||
Section 3.25 Trust Business; Administration of Fiduciary Accounts |
27 | |||
Section 3.26 Investment Management and Related Activities |
27 |
i
Section 3.27 Repurchase Agreements |
28 | |||
Section 3.28 Deposit Insurance |
28 | |||
Section 3.29 CRA, Anti-money Laundering and Customer Information Security |
28 | |||
Section 3.30 Transactions with Affiliates |
28 | |||
Section 3.31 Tangible Properties and Assets. |
28 | |||
Section 3.32 Intellectual Property |
29 | |||
Section 3.33 Insurance. |
29 | |||
Section 3.34 Antitakeover Provisions |
30 | |||
Section 3.35 Fairness Opinion |
30 | |||
Section 3.36 Proxy Statement-Prospectus |
30 | |||
Section 3.37 Transaction Costs. |
30 | |||
Section 3.38 Shareholder Rights Agreement |
30 | |||
Section 3.39 Disclosure |
30 | |||
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER |
31 | |||
Section 4.01 Making of Representations and Warranties. |
31 | |||
Section 4.02 Organization, Standing and Authority |
31 | |||
Section 4.03 Capital Stock |
32 | |||
Section 4.04 Corporate Power; Minute Books |
32 | |||
Section 4.05 Corporate Authority. |
32 | |||
Section 4.06 SEC Documents; Other Reports; Internal Controls. |
32 | |||
Section 4.07 Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities. |
34 | |||
Section 4.08 Regulatory Approvals; No Defaults. |
35 | |||
Section 4.09 Agreements with Regulatory Agencies |
35 | |||
Section 4.10 Absence of Certain Changes or Events |
36 | |||
Section 4.11 Compliance with Laws. |
36 | |||
Section 4.12 Proxy Statement-Prospectus Information; Registration Statement |
36 | |||
Section 4.13 Legal Proceedings. |
37 | |||
Section 4.14 Brokers |
37 | |||
Section 4.15 Employee Benefit Plans. |
37 | |||
Section 4.16 Labor Matters |
38 | |||
Section 4.17 Tax Matters. |
38 | |||
Section 4.18 Loans: Nonperforming and Classified Assets. |
39 | |||
Section 4.19 CRA and Anti-Money Laundering |
39 | |||
Section 4.20 Regulatory Capitalization |
40 | |||
Section 4.21 Administration of Trust and Fiduciary Accounts |
40 | |||
Section 4.22 Environmental Matters |
40 | |||
Section 4.23 No Financing |
40 | |||
Section 4.24 Disclosure |
40 | |||
ARTICLE V COVENANTS |
41 | |||
Section 5.01 Covenants of Company |
41 | |||
Section 5.02 Covenants of Buyer. |
46 | |||
Section 5.03 Commercially Reasonable Efforts |
46 | |||
Section 5.04 Shareholder Approval. |
46 | |||
Section 5.05 Registration Statement; Proxy Statement-Prospectus; Nasdaq Listing. |
47 | |||
Section 5.06 Regulatory Filings; Consents. |
48 | |||
Section 5.07 Publicity |
49 | |||
Section 5.08 Access; Information. |
50 |
ii
Section 5.09 No Solicitation by Company. |
50 | |||
Section 5.10 Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance. |
52 | |||
Section 5.11 Employees; Benefit Plans. |
54 | |||
Section 5.12 Notification of Certain Changes |
56 | |||
Section 5.13 Current Information |
56 | |||
Section 5.14 Board Packages |
56 | |||
Section 5.15 Transition; Informational Systems Conversion |
56 | |||
Section 5.16 Access to Customers and Suppliers |
57 | |||
Section 5.17 Environmental Assessments. |
57 | |||
Section 5.18 Certain Litigation |
57 | |||
Section 5.19 Stock Exchange De-listing |
57 | |||
Section 5.20 Director Resignations |
58 | |||
Section 5.21 Coordination of Dividends |
58 | |||
Section 5.22 Representation on Buyer Board. |
58 | |||
Section 5.23 Coordination. |
58 | |||
Section 5.24 Bank Merger |
59 | |||
Section 5.25 Transactional Expenses. |
59 | |||
Section 5.26 Section 16(a) |
60 | |||
Section 5.27 Small Business Lending Fund Redemption |
60 | |||
Section 5.28 Assumption by Buyer of Certain Obligations |
60 | |||
ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER |
60 | |||
Section 6.01 Conditions to Obligations of the Parties to Effect the Merger |
60 | |||
Section 6.02 Conditions to Obligations of Company |
61 | |||
Section 6.03 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer |
62 | |||
Section 6.04 Frustration of Closing Conditions |
62 | |||
ARTICLE VII TERMINATION |
63 | |||
Section 7.01 Termination |
63 | |||
Section 7.02 Termination Fee; Reimbursement. |
65 | |||
Section 7.03 Effect of Termination |
67 | |||
ARTICLE VIII DEFINITIONS |
66 | |||
Section 8.01 Definitions |
67 | |||
ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS |
67 | |||
Section 9.01 Survival |
67 | |||
Section 9.02 Waiver; Amendment |
76 | |||
Section 9.03 Governing Law; Waiver. |
76 | |||
Section 9.04 Expenses |
76 | |||
Section 9.05 Notices |
76 | |||
Section 9.06 Entire Understanding; No Third Party Beneficiaries |
77 | |||
Section 9.07 Severability |
78 | |||
Section 9.08 Enforcement of the Agreement |
78 | |||
Section 9.09 Interpretation |
78 | |||
Section 9.10 Assignment |
78 | |||
Section 9.11 Counterparts |
78 |
iii
EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES
Exhibit A | Form of Voting Agreement | |
Exhibit B | Form of Settlement Agreement Doherty | |
Exhibit C | Form of Settlement Agreement Morrissey | |
Exhibit D | Form of Settlement Agreement Feeley | |
Exhibit E | Form of Settlement Agreement Greenbaum | |
Exhibit F | Form of Non-Competition Agreement | |
Exhibit G | Form of Consulting and Non-Competition Agreement |
iv
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this Agreement) is dated as of April 30, 2012, by and among Independent Bank Corp., a Massachusetts corporation (Buyer), Rockland Trust Company, a Massachusetts-chartered trust company and wholly owned subsidiary of Buyer (Buyer Bank), Central Bancorp, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (Company), and Central Co-operative Bank, a Massachusetts-chartered co-operative bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Company (Company Bank).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the board of directors of Buyer and the board of directors of Company have each (i) determined that this Agreement and the business combination and related transactions contemplated hereby are in the best interests of their respective entities and shareholders; (ii) determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby are consistent with and in furtherance of their respective business strategies; and (iii) approved this Agreement;
WHEREAS, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (i) Company will merge with and into the Buyer, with Buyer as the surviving entity (the Merger), and (ii) Company Bank will merge with and into Buyer Bank, with Buyer Bank as the surviving entity (the Bank Merger);
WHEREAS, as a material inducement to Buyer to enter into this Agreement, each of the directors of Company has entered into a voting agreement with Buyer dated as of the date hereof (a Voting Agreement), substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, pursuant to which each such director has agreed, among other things, to vote all shares of Company Common Stock (as defined herein) owned by such person in favor of the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in such agreement;
WHEREAS, as a material inducement to Buyer to enter into this Agreement, certain officers of the Company and Company Bank have entered into settlement agreements with each of Buyer, Buyer Bank, Company and Company Bank dated as of the date hereof (each a Settlement Agreement), substantially in the forms attached hereto as Exhibit B, Exhibit C, Exhibit D and Exhibit E, regarding termination of employment as of the Effective Time (as defined herein) and satisfaction of certain payments and other obligations to such officers;
WHEREAS, the parties desire to make certain representations, warranties and agreements in connection with the transactions described in this Agreement and to prescribe certain conditions thereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
Section 1.01 The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time, Company shall merge with and into Buyer in accordance with the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act and the requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Bank Incorporation. Upon consummation of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Company shall cease and Buyer shall survive and continue to exist as a corporation incorporated under the General Laws of Massachusetts (Buyer, as the surviving entity in the Merger, sometimes being referred to herein as the Surviving Entity).
Section 1.02 Articles of Organization and Bylaws. The Articles of Organization and Bylaws of the Surviving Entity upon consummation of the Merger shall be the Articles of Organization and Bylaws of Buyer as in effect immediately prior to consummation of the Merger.
Section 1.03 Directors and Officers of Surviving Entity. The directors of the Surviving Entity immediately after the Merger shall be the directors of Buyer in office immediately prior to the Effective Time, plus the Company Board Representative as set forth in Section 5.22. The executive officers of the Surviving Entity immediately after the Merger shall be the executive officers of Buyer immediately prior to the Merger. Each of the directors and executive officers of the Surviving Entity immediately after the Merger shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified or otherwise in accordance with the Articles of Organization and Bylaws of the Surviving Entity.
Section 1.04 Effective Time; Closing.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Buyer and Company will make all such filings as may be required to consummate the Merger by applicable laws and regulations. The Merger shall become effective as set forth in the articles of merger related to the Merger (the Articles of Merger) that shall be filed with the Massachusetts Secretary of State on the Closing Date. The Effective Time of the Merger shall be the date and time when the Merger becomes effective as set forth in the Articles of Merger.
(b) A closing (the Closing) shall take place immediately prior to the Effective Time at the offices of Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP, Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110, or such other place or on such other date as the parties may mutually agree upon (such date, the Closing Date). At the Closing, there shall be delivered to Buyer and Company the certificates and other documents required to be delivered under Article VI hereof.
Section 1.05 Tax Consequences. It is intended that the Merger shall qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code, and that the Agreement shall constitute a plan of reorganization for purposes of Sections 354 and 361 of the Code.
Section 1.06 Additional Actions. If, at any time after the Effective Time, Buyer shall consider or be advised that any further deeds, documents, assignments or assurances in law or any other acts are necessary or desirable to (i) vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise,
2
in Buyer its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of Company or any Company Subsidiary, or (ii) otherwise carry out the purposes of this Agreement, Company and its officers and directors shall be deemed to have granted to Buyer an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and deliver, in such official corporate capacities, all such deeds, assignments or assurances in law or any other acts as are necessary or desirable to (a) vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in Buyer its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of Company or (b) otherwise carry out the purposes of this Agreement, and the officers and directors of the Buyer are authorized in the name of Company or otherwise to take any and all such action.
ARTICLE II
MERGER CONSIDERATION; EXCHANGE PROCEDURES
Section 2.01 Merger Consideration. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time, automatically by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Buyer, Company or any shareholder of Company:
(a) Each share of Buyer Common Stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain outstanding following the Effective Time and shall be unchanged by the Merger.
(b) Each share of Company Common Stock owned directly by Buyer (other than shares in trust accounts, managed accounts and the like for the benefit of customers or shares held in satisfaction of a debt previously contracted) immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled and retired at the Effective Time without any conversion thereof, and no payment shall be made with respect thereto.
(c) Each share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than treasury stock and shares described in Section 2.01(b)(ii) above) shall become and be converted into, as provided in and subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the right to receive at the election of the holder thereof subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2.04 either: (i) $32.00 in cash (the Cash Consideration); or (ii) shares of Buyer Common Stock based on the Exchange Ratio (the Stock Consideration). The Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the Merger Consideration.
Section 2.02 Rights as Shareholders; Stock Transfers. All shares of Company Common Stock, when converted as provided in Section 2.01(c), shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each Certificate previously evidencing such shares shall thereafter represent only the right to receive for each such share of Company Common Stock, the Merger Consideration and any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Buyer Common Stock in accordance with this Article II and the right to receive any unpaid dividend with respect to the Company Common Stock with a record date that is prior to the Effective Time. At the Effective Time, holders of Company Common Stock shall cease to be, and shall have no rights as, shareholders of the Company, other than the right to receive the Merger Consideration and cash in lieu of fractional shares of Buyer Common Stock as provided under this
3
Article II and the right to receive any unpaid dividend with respect to the Company Common Stock with a record date that is prior to the Effective Time. After the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer books of Company of shares of Company Common Stock, other than transfers of Company Common Stock that have occurred prior to the Effective Time.
Section 2.03 Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, no fractional shares of Buyer Common Stock and no certificates or scrip therefor, or other evidence of ownership thereof, will be issued in the Merger. In lieu thereof, Buyer shall pay to each holder of a fractional share of Buyer Common Stock an amount of cash (without interest) determined by multiplying the fractional share interest to which such holder would otherwise be entitled by the volume-weighted average trading price of a share of Buyer Common Stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq), as reported by Bloomberg L.P. for the five (5) consecutive trading days ending on the fifth trading day immediately preceding the Closing Date, rounded to the nearest whole cent.
Section 2.04 Election Procedures.
(a) An election form and other appropriate and customary transmittal materials (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of such Certificates to a bank or trust company designated by Buyer and reasonably satisfactory to Company (the Exchange Agent)) in such form as Company and Buyer shall mutually agree (the Election Form), shall be mailed no more than forty (40) and no less than twenty (20) Business Days prior to the anticipated Election Deadline (the Mailing Date) to each holder of record of Company Common Stock. Each Election Form shall permit the holder of record of Company Common Stock (or in the case of nominee record holders, the beneficial owner through proper instructions and documentation) to (i) elect to receive the Cash Consideration for all or a portion of such holders shares (a Cash Election), (ii) elect to receive the Stock Consideration for all or a portion of such holders shares (a Stock Election), or (iii) make no election with respect to the receipt of the Cash Consideration or the Stock Consideration (a Non-Election); sixty percent (60%) of the total number of shares of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, excluding any Treasury Stock (the Stock Conversion Number), shall be converted into the Stock Consideration and forty percent (40%) of such shares of Company Common Stock shall be converted into the Cash Consideration. A record holder acting in different capacities or acting on behalf of other Persons in any way will be entitled to submit an Election Form for each capacity in which such record holder so acts with respect to each Person for which it so acts. Shares of Company Common Stock as to which a Cash Election has been made are referred to herein as Cash Election Shares. Shares of Company Common Stock as to which a Stock Election has been made are referred to herein as Stock Election Shares. Shares of Company Common Stock as to which no election has been made (or as to which an Election Form is not properly completed and returned in a timely fashion) are referred to herein as Non-Election Shares. The aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock with respect to which a Stock Election has been made is referred to herein as the Stock Election Number.
(b) To be effective, a properly completed Election Form shall be submitted to the Exchange Agent on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on a date no later than the 5th
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Business Day prior to the Closing Date to be mutually agreed upon by the parties (which date shall be publicly announced by Buyer as soon as practicable prior to such date) (the Election Deadline), accompanied by the Certificates as to which such Election Form is being made or by an appropriate guarantee of delivery of such Certificates, as set forth in the Election Form, from a member of any registered national securities exchange or a commercial bank or trust company in the United States (provided that such Certificates are in fact delivered to the Exchange Agent by the time required in such guarantee of delivery; failure to deliver shares of Company Common Stock covered by such guarantee of delivery within the time set forth on such guarantee shall be deemed to invalidate any otherwise properly made election, unless otherwise determined by Buyer, in its sole discretion). For shares of Company Common Stock held in book entry form, Buyer shall establish procedures for delivery of such shares, which procedures shall be reasonably acceptable to Company. If a holder of Company Common Stock either (i) does not submit a properly completed Election Form in a timely fashion or (ii) revokes the holders Election Form prior to the Election Deadline (without later submitting a properly completed Election Form prior to the Election Deadline), the shares of Company Common Stock held by such holder shall be designated Non-Election Shares. In addition, all Election Forms shall automatically be revoked, and all Certificates returned, if the Exchange Agent is notified in writing by Buyer and Company that this Agreement has been terminated. Subject to the terms of this Agreement and of the Election Form, the Exchange Agent shall have reasonable discretion to determine whether any election, revocation or change has been properly or timely made and to disregard immaterial defects in any Election Form, and any good faith decisions of the Exchange Agent regarding such matters shall be binding and conclusive. Neither Buyer nor the Exchange Agent shall be under any obligation to notify any Person of any defect in an Election Form.
(c) The allocation among the holders of shares of Company Common Stock of rights to receive the Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration will be made as follows:
(i) If the Stock Election Number exceeds the Stock Conversion Number, then all Cash Election Shares and all Non-Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration, and, subject to Section 2.03 hereof, each holder of Stock Election Shares will be entitled to receive the Stock Consideration in respect of that number of Stock Election Shares held by such holder equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the number of Stock Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the Stock Conversion Number and the denominator of which is the Stock Election Number, with the remaining number of such holders Stock Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration;
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(ii) If the Stock Election Number is less than the Stock Conversion Number (the amount by which the Stock Conversion Number exceeds the Stock Election Number being referred to herein as the Shortfall Number), then all Stock Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration and the Non-Election Shares and the Cash Election Shares shall be treated in the following manner:
(A) if the Shortfall Number is less than or equal to the number of Non-Election Shares, then all Cash Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration and, subject to Section 2.03 hereof, each holder of Non-Election Shares shall receive the Stock Consideration in respect of that number of Non-Election Shares held by such holder equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the number of Non-Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the Shortfall Number and the denominator of which is the total number of Non-Election Shares, with the remaining number of such holders Non-Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration; or
(B) if the Shortfall Number exceeds the number of Non-Election Shares, then all Non-Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration, and, subject to Section 2.03 hereof, each holder of Cash Election Shares shall receive the Stock Consideration in respect of that number of Cash Election Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the number of Cash Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount by which (1) the Shortfall Number exceeds (2) the total number of Non-Election Shares and the denominator of which is the total number of Cash Election Shares, with the remaining number of such holders Cash Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration.
(d) It is intended that the Merger and the Bank Merger shall together constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and that this Agreement shall constitute a plan of reorganization as that term is used in Sections 354 and 361 of the Code. From and after the date of this Agreement and until the Closing, each party hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code. If the tax opinions referred to in Section 6.01(e) cannot be rendered (as reasonably determined by Choate, Hall & Stewart and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, respectively) as a result of the Merger potentially failing to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code, then Buyer may, in its sole discretion, increase the number of shares of Company Common Stock entitled to receive the Stock Consideration by the minimum amount necessary to enable such tax opinions to be rendered.
Section 2.05 Exchange Procedures.
(a) On or before the Closing Date, for the benefit of the holders of Certificates, (i) Buyer shall cause to be delivered to the Exchange Agent, for exchange in accordance with this Article II, certificates representing the shares of Buyer Common Stock issuable pursuant to this Article II (New Certificates) and (ii) Buyer shall deliver, or shall cause to be delivered, to the Exchange Agent an estimated amount of cash to be paid in lieu of fractional shares of Buyer Common Stock (such cash and New Certificates, being hereinafter referred to as the Exchange Fund).
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(b) As promptly as practicable, but in any event no later than five (5) Business Days following the Effective Time, and provided that Company has delivered, or caused to be delivered, to the Exchange Agent all information that is necessary for the Exchange Agent to perform its obligations as specified herein, the Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record of a Certificate or Certificates who has not previously surrendered such Certificate or Certificates with an Election Form, a form of letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent) and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for the Merger Consideration as provided for in this Agreement. Upon proper surrender of a Certificate for exchange and cancellation to the Exchange Agent, together with a properly completed letter of transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor, as applicable, (i) a New Certificate representing that number of shares of Buyer Common Stock (if any) to which such former holder of Company Common Stock shall have become entitled pursuant to this Agreement, (ii) a check representing that amount of cash (if any) to which such former holder of Company Common Stock shall have become entitled pursuant to this Agreement and/or (iii) a check representing the amount of cash (if any) payable in lieu of a fractional share of Buyer Common Stock which such former holder has the right to receive in respect of the Certificate surrendered pursuant to this Agreement, and the Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 2.05(b), each Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender the Merger Consideration as provided for in this Agreement and any unpaid dividends and distributions thereon as provided in paragraph (c) of this Section 2.05. No interest shall be paid or accrued on any cash constituting Merger Consideration (including any cash in lieu of fractional shares) and any unpaid dividends and distributions payable to holders of Certificates. For shares of Company Common stock held in book entry form, Buyer shall establish procedures for delivery of such shares, which procedures shall be reasonably acceptable to Company.
(c) No dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time with respect to Buyer Common Stock shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate until the holder thereof shall surrender such Certificate in accordance with this Section 2.05. After the surrender of a Certificate in accordance with this Section 2.05, the record holder thereof shall be entitled to receive any such dividends or other distributions, without any interest thereon, which theretofore had become payable with respect to shares of Buyer Common Stock represented by such Certificate. None of Buyer, Company or the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any Person in respect of any shares of Company Common Stock (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) or cash from the Exchange Fund delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
(d) The Exchange Agent and Buyer, as the case may be, shall not be obligated to deliver cash and/or a New Certificate or New Certificates representing shares of Buyer Common Stock to which a holder of Company Common Stock would otherwise be entitled as a result of the Merger until such holder surrenders the Certificate or Certificates representing the
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shares of Company Common Stock for exchange as provided in this Section 2.05, or, an appropriate affidavit of loss and indemnity agreement and/or a bond in such amount as may be required in each case by Buyer (but not more than the amount required under Buyers contract with its transfer agent). If any New Certificates evidencing shares of Buyer Common Stock are to be issued in a name other than that in which the Certificate evidencing Company Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it shall be a condition of the issuance thereof that the Certificate so surrendered shall be properly endorsed or accompanied by an executed form of assignment separate from the Certificate and otherwise in proper form for transfer, and that the Person requesting such exchange pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer or other tax required by reason of the issuance of a New Certificate for shares of Buyer Common Stock in any name other than that of the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered or otherwise establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not payable.
(e) Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains unclaimed by the shareholders of Company for six (6) months after the Effective Time (as well as any interest or proceeds from any investment thereof) shall be delivered by the Exchange Agent to Buyer. Any shareholders of Company who have not theretofore complied with Section 2.05(b) shall thereafter look only to the Surviving Entity for the Merger Consideration deliverable in respect of each share of Company Common Stock such shareholder holds as determined pursuant to this Agreement, in each case without any interest thereon. If outstanding Certificates for shares of Company Common Stock are not surrendered or the payment for them is not claimed prior to the date on which such shares of Buyer Common Stock or cash would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any governmental unit or agency, the unclaimed items shall, to the extent permitted by abandoned property and any other applicable law, become the property of Buyer (and to the extent not in its possession shall be delivered to it), free and clear of all claims or interest of any Person previously entitled to such property. Neither the Exchange Agent nor any party to this Agreement shall be liable to any holder of shares of Company Common Stock represented by any Certificate for any consideration paid to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar laws. Buyer and the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to rely upon the stock transfer books of Company to establish the identity of those Persons entitled to receive the Merger Consideration specified in this Agreement, which books shall be conclusive with respect thereto. In the event of a dispute with respect to ownership of any shares of Company Common Stock represented by any Certificate, Buyer and the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to tender to the custody of any court of competent jurisdiction any Merger Consideration represented by such Certificate and file legal proceedings interpleading all parties to such dispute, and will thereafter be relieved with respect to any claims thereto.
(f) Buyer (through the Exchange Agent, if applicable) shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any amounts otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of shares of Company Common Stock such amounts as Buyer is required to deduct and withhold under applicable law. Any amounts so deducted and withheld shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of Company Common Stock in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by Buyer.
Section 2.06 Anti-Dilution Provisions. In the event Buyer changes (or establishes a record date for changing) the number of, or provides for the exchange of, shares of Buyer
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Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time as a result of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reclassification, or similar transaction with respect to the outstanding Buyer Common Stock, the Exchange Ratio shall be proportionately and appropriately adjusted; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, no such adjustment shall be made with regard to the Buyer Common Stock if (i) Buyer issues additional shares of Buyer Common Stock and receives consideration for such shares in a bona fide third party transaction or (ii) Buyer issues employee or director stock grants or similar equity awards in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.
Section 2.07 Options and Restricted Stock.
(a) Each option to purchase Company Common Stock (collectively, the Options) granted under Companys 1999 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (each, a Company Equity Plan, and, collectively, the Company Equity Plans), whether vested or unvested, which is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and which has not been exercised or canceled prior thereto shall, at the Effective Time, fully vest (to the extent not vested) and be canceled and, on the Closing Date, Company or Company Bank shall pay to the holder thereof cash in an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Company Common Stock provided for in such Option and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Cash Consideration over the exercise price per share of Company Common Stock provided for in such Option, which cash payment shall be made without interest and shall be net of all applicable withholding taxes. Prior to the Closing Date, Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the written acknowledgment of each holder of a then-outstanding Option with respect to the termination of the Option and the payment for such Option in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.07. At the Effective Time, the Company Equity Plans shall terminate and the provisions in any other plan, program or arrangement providing for the issuance or grant of any other interest in respect of the capital stock of Company shall be of no further force and effect.
(b) All unvested shares of restricted Company Common Stock awarded under the applicable Company Equity Plan shall automatically vest in full according to the terms governing such award as of the Effective Time, to the extent not previously forfeited. At the Effective Time, the Company Equity Plans shall terminate and the provisions in any other plan, program or arrangement providing for the issuance or grant of any other interest in respect of the capital stock of Company shall be of no further force and effect.
Section 2.08 Company Preferred Stock. In accordance with and subject to the requirements set forth in Section 5.27 of this Agreement, at or prior to the Effective Time, Company shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to redeem all of the outstanding shares of Company Preferred Stock issued in connection with Companys participation in the U.S. Treasurys Small Business Lending Fund (the SBLF Shares) in accordance with the terms of any securities purchase and/or such other agreements required to be entered into by and between the Company and the U.S. Treasury in order to effect such redemption.
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ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF COMPANY
Section 3.01 Making of Representations and Warranties.
(a) On or prior to the date hereof, Company has delivered to Buyer a schedule (the Company Disclosure Schedule) setting forth, among other things, items the disclosure of which is necessary or appropriate either in response to an express disclosure requirement contained in a provision hereof or as an exception to one or more representations or warranties contained in Article III or to one or more of its covenants contained in Article V; provided, however, that the mere inclusion of an item in the Company Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by a party that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that, absent such inclusion in the Company Disclosure Schedule, such item is or would be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Company.
(b) Except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule, Company and Company Bank hereby represent and warrant, jointly and severally, to Buyer that the statements contained in this Article III are correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be correct as of the Closing Date (as though made on and as of the Closing Date), except as to any representation or warranty which specifically speaks as of an earlier date (including without limitation representations made as of the date hereof), which only need be correct as of such earlier date. No representation or warranty of Company contained in this Article III shall be deemed untrue or incorrect, and Company shall not be deemed to have breached a representation or warranty, as a consequence of the existence of any fact, circumstance or event unless such fact, circumstance or event, individually or taken together with all other facts, circumstances or events inconsistent with any section of this Article III, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Company, disregarding for the purposes of this Section 3.01(b) any materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualification contained in any representation or warranty; provided, however, that the foregoing standard shall not apply to the representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.02, 3.03, 3.04(a), 3.04(b), 3.05(a), 3.06, 3.08, 3.10, 3.15, 3.16(f), 3.16(g) and 3.16(h) which shall be deemed untrue, incorrect and breached if they are not true and correct in all material respects.
Section 3.02 Organization, Standing and Authority.
(a) Company is a Massachusetts corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and is duly registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Company has full corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted. Company is duly licensed or qualified to do business in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and each other foreign jurisdiction where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification.
(b) Company Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered non-member co-operative bank duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Massachusetts.
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Company Banks deposits are insured by the FDIC in the manner and to the full extent provided by applicable law, and all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid by Company Bank when due. Company Bank is a member in good standing of FHLB.
Section 3.03 Capital Stock. The authorized capital stock of Company consists of 5,000,000 shares of Company Preferred Stock and 15,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock. As of the date of this agreement, there were (i) 10,000 shares of Company Preferred Stock outstanding, (ii) 1,690,951 shares of Company Common Stock outstanding, (iii) 15,929 shares of unvested restricted stock, (iv) no shares held by Company Subsidiaries, and (v) 73,589 shares reserved for future issuance pursuant to outstanding Options granted under the Company Equity Plans. The outstanding shares of Company Common Stock have been duly authorized and are validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. Company Disclosure Schedule 3.03 sets forth the name of each holder of an unvested award of restricted stock or outstanding Option granted under the Company Equity Plans, identifying the nature of the award; as to Options, the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to each Option, the grant, vesting and expiration dates and the exercise price relating the Options held; and for restricted stock awards, the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to each award, and the grant and vesting dates. There are no options, warrants or other similar rights, convertible or exchangeable securities, phantom stock rights, stock appreciation rights, stock based performance units, agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which Company is a party, whether or not in writing, of any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock or other securities of Company or any of Companys Subsidiaries or obligating Company or any of Companys Subsidiaries to issue (whether upon conversion, exchange or otherwise) or sell any share of capital stock of, or other equity interests in or other securities of, Company or any of Companys Subsidiaries other than those listed in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.03. All shares of Company Common Stock subject to issuance as set forth in this Section 3.03 or Company Disclosure Schedule 3.03 shall, upon issuance on the terms and conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. There are no obligations, contingent or otherwise, of Company or any of Companys Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Company Common Stock or capital stock of any of Companys Subsidiaries or any other securities of Company or any of Companys Subsidiaries or to provide funds to or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any such Subsidiary or any other entity. All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of Companys Subsidiaries are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to preemptive rights, and all such shares are owned by Company or another Subsidiary of Company free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges, taking actions, agreements, limitations in Companys voting rights, charges or other encumbrances of any nature whatsoever, except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.03. Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.03, neither the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any trust capital securities or other similar securities outstanding.
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Section 3.04 Subsidiaries.
(a) (i) Company Disclosure Schedule 3.04 sets forth a complete and accurate list of all of Companys Subsidiaries, including the jurisdiction of organization of each such Subsidiary, (ii) except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.04, Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding equity securities of each Subsidiary, (iii) no equity securities of any of Companys Subsidiaries are or may become required to be issued (other than to Company) by reason of any contractual right or otherwise, (iv) there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which any of such Subsidiaries is or may be bound to sell or otherwise transfer any of its equity securities (other than to Company or a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Company), (v) there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements relating to Companys rights to vote or to dispose of such securities and (vi) all of the equity securities of each such Subsidiary held by Company, directly or indirectly, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, are not subject to preemptive or similar rights and are owned by Company free and clear of all Liens.
(b) Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.04 or Company Disclosure Schedule 3.19, Company does not own (other than in a bona fide fiduciary capacity or in satisfaction of a debt previously contracted) beneficially, directly or indirectly, any equity securities or similar interests of any Person, or any interest in a partnership or joint venture of any kind.
(c) Each of Companys Subsidiaries has been duly organized and qualified and is in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in the jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified. A complete and accurate list of all such jurisdictions is set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.04.
Section 3.05 Corporate Power; Minute Books
(a) Company and each of its Subsidiaries has the corporate power and authority to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and to own all its properties and assets; and each of Company and Company Bank has the corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, subject to receipt of all necessary approvals of Governmental Authorities and the approval of Companys shareholders of this Agreement.
(b) The minute books of Company and each of its Subsidiaries contain true, complete and accurate records of all corporate actions taken by shareholders of Company and each of its Subsidiaries and the Board of the Directors of Company (including committees of Companys board of directors) and each of its Subsidiaries.
Section 3.06 Corporate Authority. Subject only to the approval of this Agreement by the holders of at least a two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote on the Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (Requisite Company Shareholder Approval), this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby have been authorized by all necessary corporate action of Company and Companys board of directors on or prior to the date hereof. Companys board of directors has directed that this Agreement be submitted to Companys shareholders for approval at a meeting of such shareholders and, except
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for the receipt of the Requisite Company Shareholder Approval in accordance with the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act, Companys Articles of Organization and Bylaws, no other vote of the shareholders of Company is required by law, the Articles of Organization of Company, the Bylaws of Company or otherwise to approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Company and Company Bank each has duly executed and delivered this Agreement and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Buyer and Buyer Bank, this Agreement is a valid and legally binding obligation of Company and Company Bank, enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights or by general equity principles).
Section 3.07 Regulatory Approvals; No Defaults.
(a) Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.07(a), no consents or approvals of, or waivers by, or filings or registrations with, any Governmental Authority or with any third party are required to be made or obtained by Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by Company of this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (i) filings of applications or notices with, and consents, approvals or waivers by the FRB, the FDIC, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, the Massachusetts Board of Bank Incorporation and the Share Insurance Fund of the Co-operative Central Bank of Massachusetts; (ii) the Requisite Company Shareholder Approval, (iii) the approval of the Plan of Bank Merger by a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Banks common stock; and (iv) the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each consent, approval or waiver by the FRB, the FDIC, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, the Massachusetts Board of Bank Incorporation and the Share Insurance Fund of the Co-operative Central Bank of Massachusetts as referred to in clause (i) hereof is a Regulatory Approval. As of the date hereof, Company is not aware of any reason why the approvals set forth above and referred to in Section 6.01(b) will not be received in a timely manner.
(b) Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.07(b), subject to receipt, or the making, of the consents, approvals, waivers and filings referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph, and the expiration of related waiting periods, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Company and Company Bank, as applicable, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not (i) constitute a breach or violation of, or a default under, the Articles of Organization or Bylaws (or similar governing documents) of Company or Company Bank, (ii) violate any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction applicable to Company or Company Bank, or any of its properties or assets, or (iii) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Company or Company Bank under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Company or Company Bank is a party, or by which it or any of its properties or assets may be bound or affected.
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Section 3.08 SEC Documents; Other Reports; Internal Controls.
(a) Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.08(a), Company has filed all required reports, forms, schedules, registration statements and other documents with the SEC since March 31, 2008 (the Company Reports) and has paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith. As of their respective dates of filing with the SEC (or, if amended or superseded by a subsequent filing prior to the date hereof, as of the date of such subsequent filing), the Company Reports complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable to such Company Reports, and none of the Company Reports when filed with the SEC, and if amended prior to the date hereof, as of the date of such amendment, 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. Company has made available to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of all written correspondence between the SEC and the Company and any of its Subsidiaries occurring since April 1, 2008 and prior to the date of this Agreement. There are no outstanding comments from or unresolved issues raised by the SEC with respect to any of the Company Reports. None of the Companys Subsidiaries is required to file periodic reports with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(b) Except set forth in Company Disclosure 3.08(b), Company and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, forms, schedules, registrations, statements and other documents, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to file since March 31, 2008 with any Governmental Authority (other than the Company Reports) and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith. Other than (i) as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.09(b) and (ii) normal examinations conducted by a Governmental Authority in the regular course of the business of Company and its Subsidiaries, no Governmental Authority has notified Company that it has initiated any proceeding or, to the knowledge of Company, threatened an investigation into the business or operations of Company or any of its Subsidiaries since March 31, 2008. There is no material unresolved violation or exception by any Governmental Authority with respect to any report, form, schedule, registration, statement or other document filed by, or relating to any examinations by any such Governmental Authority of, Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(c) Company has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to the Companys auditors and the audit committee of Companys board of directors and in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.08(c) (i) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect in any material respect Companys ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Companys internal controls over financial reporting.
(d) The records, systems, controls, data and information of Company and its Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic,
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mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of Company or its Subsidiaries or accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom), except for any non-exclusive ownership and non-direct control that would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the system of internal accounting controls described in the following sentence. Company and its Subsidiaries have devised and maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
(e) Company has designed, implemented and maintained disclosure controls and procedures (within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries is made known to the management of Company by others within those entities as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications required by the Exchange Act with respect to the Company Reports.
(f) Since March 31, 2008, (x) neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of Company, any director, officer, employee, auditor, accountant or representative of Company or any of its Subsidiaries has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or oral, regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that Company or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices, and (y) no attorney representing Company or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has reported evidence of a material violation of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by Company or any of its officers, directors, employees or agents to the board of directors of Company or any committee thereof or to any director or officer of Company.
Section 3.09 Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities.
(a) The financial statements of Company (including any related notes and schedules thereto) included in the Company Reports complied as to form, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC (or, if amended or superseded by a subsequent filing prior to the date hereof, as of the date of such subsequent filing), in all material respects, with all applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto (except, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by the rules of the SEC), have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be disclosed therein), and fairly present, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Company and its Subsidiaries and the consolidated results of operations, changes in stockholders equity and cash flows of such companies as of the dates and for the periods shown. The books and records of Company and its Subsidiaries have been, and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions.
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(b) Except for (i) those liabilities that are fully reflected or reserved for in the consolidated financial statements of Company included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC or (ii) liabilities incurred since March 31, 2011 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any material liability of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute, accrued or contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due), and there is no existing condition, situation or set of circumstances that could reasonably be expected to result in such a liability, other than pursuant to or as contemplated by this Agreement, that, either alone or when combined with all other liabilities of a type not described in clause (i) or (ii), has had, or would be reasonably expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Company.
Section 3.10 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as disclosed in the Company Reports filed prior to the date hereof or in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.10, or as otherwise expressly permitted or expressly contemplated by this Agreement, since March 31, 2011 (the Company Balance Sheet Date), there has not been (i) any change or development in the business, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, cash flows or properties of Company or any of its Subsidiaries which has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Company, and to the Knowledge of Company, no fact or condition exists which is reasonably likely to cause a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Company in the future, (ii) any change by Company or any of its Subsidiaries in its accounting methods, principles or practices, other than changes required by applicable law or GAAP or regulatory accounting as concurred in by Companys independent accountants, (iii) any entry by Company or any of its Subsidiaries into any contract or commitment of (A) more than $100,000 or (B) $50,000 per annum with a term of more than one year, other than loans and loan commitments in the ordinary course of business, (iv) any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or distribution in respect of any capital stock of Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of any of its securities, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (v) any increase in or establishment of any bonus, insurance, severance, deferred compensation, pension, retirement, profit sharing, stock option (including, without limitation, the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, or restricted stock awards), stock purchase or other employee benefit plan, or any other increase in the compensation payable or to become payable to any directors, officers or employees of Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than normal salary adjustments to employees made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices), or any grant of severance or termination pay, or any contract or arrangement entered into to make or grant any severance or termination pay, any payment of any bonus, or the taking of any action not in the ordinary course of business with respect to the compensation or employment of directors, officers or employees of Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (vi) any material election made by Company or any of its Subsidiaries for federal or state income tax purposes, (vii) any material change in the credit policies or procedures of Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the effect of which was or is to make any such policy or procedure less restrictive in any respect, (viii) any material acquisition or disposition of any assets or properties, or any contract for any such acquisition or disposition entered into other than loans and loan commitments, or (ix) any material lease of real or personal property entered into, other than in connection with foreclosed property or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.
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Section 3.11 Legal Proceedings.
(a) Other than as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.11, there are no civil, criminal, administrative or regulatory actions, suits, demand letters, demands for indemnification, claims, hearings, notices of violation, arbitrations, investigations, orders to show cause, market conduct examinations, notices of non-compliance or other proceedings of any nature pending or, to Companys Knowledge, threatened against Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(b) Neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any, nor are there any pending or, to Companys Knowledge, threatened, civil, criminal, administrative or regulatory actions, suits, demand letters, claims, hearings, notices of violation, arbitrations, investigations, orders to show cause, market conduct examinations, notices of non-compliance or other proceedings of any nature against Company or any of its Subsidiaries in which, to Companys Knowledge, there is a reasonable probability of any material recovery against or other Material Adverse Effect with respect to Company or which challenges the validity or propriety of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) There is no injunction, order, judgment or decree imposed upon Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or the assets of Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been advised of, or is aware of, the threat of any such action.
Section 3.12 Compliance With Laws.
(a) Other than as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.12, Company and each of its Subsidiaries is and since March 31, 2008 has been in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders or decrees applicable thereto or to the employees conducting such businesses, including, without limitation, any applicable Law, including without limitation, all Laws related to data protection or privacy, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and any other Law relating to discriminatory lending, financing or leasing practices, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act;
(b) Company and each of its Subsidiaries has all permits, licenses, authorizations, orders and approvals of, and have made all filings, applications and registrations with, all Governmental Authorities that are required in order to permit it to own or lease their properties and to conduct their business as presently conducted; all such permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders and approvals are in full force and effect and, to Companys Knowledge, no suspension or cancellation of any of them is threatened; and
(c) Other than as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.12, neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received, since March 31, 2008, notification or communication from any Governmental Authority (i) asserting that it is not in compliance with any of the statutes, regulations or ordinances which such Governmental Authority enforces or (ii) threatening to revoke any license, franchise, permit or governmental authorization (nor, to Companys Knowledge, do any grounds for any of the foregoing exist).
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Section 3.13 Material Contracts; Defaults.
(a) Except as disclosed in the Company Reports filed prior to the date hereof or in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.13, neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, bound by or subject to any agreement, contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral) (i) with respect to the employment of any directors, officers, employees or consultants, (ii) which would entitle any present or former director, officer, employee or agent of Company or any of its Subsidiaries to indemnification from Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) the benefits of which will be increased, or the vesting of benefits of which will be accelerated, by the occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or the value of any of the benefits of which will be calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) which grants any right of first refusal, right of first offer or similar right with respect to any material assets or properties of Company and or Subsidiaries; (v) which provides for payments to be made by Company or any of its Subsidiaries upon a change in control thereof; (vi) which provides for the lease of personal property having a value in excess of $25,000 individually or $100,000 in the aggregate; (vii) which relates to capital expenditures and involves future payments in excess of $10,000 individually or $50,000 in the aggregate; (viii) which relates to the disposition or acquisition of assets or any interest in any business enterprise outside the ordinary course of Companys business; (ix) which is not terminable on sixty (60) days or less notice and involving the payment of more than $25,000 per annum; or (x) which materially restricts the conduct of any business by Company of any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, Material Contracts). Company has previously made available to Buyer true, complete and correct copies of each such document.
(b) Neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under any contract, agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease, insurance policy or other instrument to which it is a party, by which its assets, business, or operations may be bound or affected, or under which it or its assets, business, or operations receives benefits, and there has not occurred any event that, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both, would constitute such a default. No power of attorney or similar authorization given directly or indirectly by Company is currently outstanding.
Section 3.14 Agreements with Regulatory Agencies. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any cease-and-desist or other order issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is a recipient of any extraordinary supervisory letter from, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has adopted any board resolutions at the request of (each, whether or not set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.14, a Company Regulatory Agreement) any Governmental Authority that restricts, or by its terms will in the future restrict, the conduct of its business or that in any manner relates to its capital adequacy, its credit or risk management policies, its dividend policies, its management, its business or its operations, nor has the Company or any of its Subsidiaries been advised by any Governmental Authority that it is considering issuing or requesting (or is considering the appropriateness of
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issuing or requesting) any Company Regulatory Agreement. To the Knowledge of the Company, there are no investigations relating to any material regulatory matters pending before any Governmental Authority with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
Section 3.15 Brokers. Neither Company nor any of its officers or directors has employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any brokers fees, commissions or finders fees in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except that Company has engaged, and will pay a fee or commission to, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. in accordance with the terms of a letter agreement between Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. and Company, a true, complete and correct copy of which has been previously delivered by Company to Buyer.
Section 3.16 Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) All benefit and compensation plans, contracts, policies or arrangements (i) covering current or former employees of Company or any of its Subsidiaries (the Company Employees), (ii) covering current or former directors of Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) with respect to which the Company or any subsidiary has or may have any liability or contingent liability (including liability arising from affiliation under Section 414 of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA) including, but not limited to, employee benefit plans within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, and deferred compensation, stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation rights, stock based, incentive and bonus plans (the Company Benefit Plans), are identified and described in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.16(a). True and complete copies of all Company Benefit Plans including, but not limited to, any trust instruments and insurance contracts forming a part of any Company Benefit Plans and all amendments thereto, Internal Revenue Service Form 5500 (for the three most recently completed plan years) and the most recent IRS determination letters with respect thereto, have been made available to Buyer.
(b) All Company Benefit Plans are in substantial compliance in form and operation with all applicable Laws, including ERISA and the Code. Each Company Benefit Plan which is an employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (a Company Pension Plan) and which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code, has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS, and Company is not aware of any circumstance that could reasonably be expected to result in revocation of any such favorable determination letter or the loss of the qualification of such Company Pension Plan under Section 401(a) of the Code. There is no pending or, to Companys Knowledge, threatened litigation relating to the Company Benefit Plans. Neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in a transaction with respect to any Company Benefit Plan or Company Pension Plan that, assuming the taxable period of such transaction expired as of the date hereof, could subject Company or any of its Subsidiaries to a tax or penalty imposed by either Section 4975 of the Code or Section 502(i) of ERISA.
(c) No liability under Subtitle C or D of Title IV of ERISA has been or is expected to be incurred by Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any ongoing, frozen or terminated single employer plan, within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA, currently or formerly maintained by Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any entity which is
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considered one employer with Company or any of its Subsidiaries under Section 4001 of ERISA or Section 414 of the Code (an ERISA Affiliate). None of Company or any ERISA Affiliate has contributed to (or been obligated to contribute to) a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA at any time during the six-year period ending on the Closing Date, and neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred, and does not expect to incur, any withdrawal liability with respect to a multiemployer plan under Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA (regardless of whether based on contributions of an ERISA Affiliate). No notice of a reportable event, within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA for which the 30-day reporting requirement has not been waived, has been required to be filed for any Company Pension Plan or by any ERISA Affiliate within the 12-month period ending on the date hereof or will be required to be filed in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(d) All contributions required to be made with respect to all Company Benefit Plans have been timely made or have been reflected on the financial statements of Company. No Company Pension Plan or single-employer plan of an ERISA Affiliate has an accumulated funding deficiency (whether or not waived) within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA and no ERISA Affiliate has an outstanding funding waiver.
(e) Other than as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.16(e), neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any obligations for retiree health and life benefits under any Company Benefit Plan, other than coverage as may be required under Section 4980B of the Code or Part 6 of Title I of ERISA, or under the continuation of coverage provisions of the laws of any state or locality. All Company Benefit Plans that are group health plans have been operated in compliance with the group health plan continuation requirements of Section 4980B of the Code and Sections 601-609 of ERISA and with the certification of prior coverage and other requirements of Sections 701-702 and 711-713 of ERISA. Company may amend or terminate any such Company Benefit Plan at any time without incurring any liability thereunder.
(f) Other than as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.16(f) or as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the execution of this Agreement, shareholder approval of this Agreement or consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (i) entitle any Company Employee to severance pay or any increase in severance pay upon any termination of employment after the date hereof, (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting or trigger any payment or funding (through a grantor trust or otherwise) of compensation or benefits under, increase the amount payable or trigger any other material obligation pursuant to, any of the Company Benefit Plans, (iii) result in any breach or violation of, or a default under, any of the Company Benefit Plans, (iv) result in any payment that would be a parachute payment to a disqualified individual as those terms are defined in Section 280G of the Code, without regard to whether such payment is reasonable compensation for personal services performed or to be performed in the future, (v) limit or restrict the right of Company or Company Bank or, after the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries, to merge, amend or terminate any of the Company Benefit Plans, or (vi) result in payments under any of the Company Benefit Plans which would not be deductible under Section 162(m) or Section 280G of the Code.
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(g) Each Company Benefit Plan that is a deferred compensation plan is in compliance with Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. All elections made with respect to compensation deferred under an arrangement subject to Section 409A of the Code have been made in accordance with the requirements of Section 409(a)(4) of the Code, to the extent applicable. Neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has taken any action, or has failed to take any action, that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in the interest and tax penalties specified in Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code being owed by any participant in a Company Benefit Plan or (ii) has agreed to reimburse or indemnify any participant in a Company Benefit Plan for any of the interest and the penalties specified in Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code that may be currently due or triggered in the future.
(h) Other than those amounts listed in Exhibits B, C, D, E, F and G of this Agreement, Company Disclosure Schedule 3.16(h) contains a schedule showing the present value of the monetary amounts payable as of the date specified in such schedule, whether individually or in the aggregate (including good faith estimates of all amounts not subject to precise quantification as of the date of this Agreement, such as tax indemnification payments in respect of income or excise taxes), under any employment, change-in-control, severance or similar contract, plan or arrangement with or which covers any present or former director, officer or employee of Company or any of its Subsidiaries who may be entitled to any such amount and identifying the types and estimated amounts of the in-kind benefits due under any Company Benefit Plans (other than a plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code) for each such person, specifying the assumptions in such schedule and providing estimates of other required contributions to any trusts for any related fees or expenses.
(i) Each Option (A) was granted in compliance with all applicable Laws and all of the terms and conditions of the applicable plan pursuant to which it was issued, (B) has an exercise price per share equal to or greater than the fair market value of a share of Company Common Stock on the date of such grant (as determined pursuant to one of the applicable Company Equity Plans), (C) has a grant date identical to the date on which the Companys board of directors or compensation committee actually awarded it, and (D) qualifies for the tax and accounting treatment afforded to such award in the Companys tax returns and the Companys financial statements, respectively.
(j) To Companys Knowledge, Company and its Subsidiaries have correctly classified all individuals who directly or indirectly perform services for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for purposes of each Company Benefit Plan, ERISA, the Code, unemployment compensation laws, workers compensation laws and all other applicable Laws.
Section 3.17 Labor Matters. Neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement or understanding with a labor union or labor organization, nor is there any proceeding pending or, to Companys Knowledge threatened, asserting that Company or any of its Subsidiaries has committed an unfair labor practice (within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act, as amended) or seeking to compel Company or any of its Subsidiaries to bargain with any labor organization as to wages or conditions of employment, nor is there any strike or other labor dispute involving it pending or, to Companys Knowledge, threatened, nor is Company aware of any activity involving its employees seeking to certify a collective bargaining unit or engaging in other organizational activity.
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Section 3.18 Environmental Matters.
(a) Other than as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.18, to Companys Knowledge, no real property (including buildings or other structures) currently or formerly owned or operated by Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any predecessor, or any property in which Company or any of its Subsidiaries holds a security interest, Lien or a fiduciary or management role (Company Loan Property), has been contaminated with, or has had any release of, any Hazardous Substance in a manner that violates Environmental Law or requires reporting, investigation, remediation or monitoring under Environmental Law.
(b) Except as disclosed on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.18, to Companys Knowledge, Company and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance with applicable Environmental Law.
(c) To Companys Knowledge, neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries could be deemed the owner or operator of, or to have participated in the management of, any Company Loan Property which has been contaminated with, or has had any release of, any Hazardous Substance in a manner that violates Environmental Law or requires reporting, investigation, remediation or monitoring under Environmental Law.
(d) To Companys Knowledge, neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any predecessor has any liability under Environmental Law arising from the presence, release or disposal of any Hazardous Substance on any real property currently or formerly owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any predecessor, or any Company Loan Property, or any other location.
(e) Neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received (i) any written notice, demand letter, or claim alleging any violation of, or liability under, any Environmental Law or (ii) any written request for information reasonably indicating an investigation or other inquiry by any Government Authority concerning a possible violation of, or liability under, any Environmental Law.
(f) No Lien or encumbrance has been imposed on property owned by the Company or on any Company Loan Property in connection with any liability or potential liability arising from or related to Environmental Law and to Companys Knowledge there is no action, proceeding, writ, injunction or claim pending or threatened which could result in the imposition or any such Lien or encumbrance.
(g) Neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is, or has been, subject to any order, decree or injunction relating to a violation of or allegation of liability under any Environmental Law.
(h) Except as disclosed on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.18, to Companys Knowledge, there are no circumstances or conditions (including the presence of asbestos,
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underground storage tanks, lead products, polychlorinated biphenyls, prior manufacturing operations, dry-cleaning, or automotive services) involving Company, any of its Subsidiaries, any predecessor. any currently or formerly owned or operated property, or any Company Loan Property, that could reasonably be expected pursuant to applicable Environmental Law to (i) result in any claim, liability or investigation against Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) result in any restriction on the ownership, use, or transfer of any property, or (iii) adversely affect the value of any Company Loan Property.
(i) Company has delivered to Buyer copies of all environmental reports, studies, sampling data, correspondence, filings and other information in its possession or reasonably available to it relating to environmental conditions at or on any real property (including buildings or other structures) currently or formerly owned or operated by Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any Company Loan Property. Company Disclosure Schedule 3.18 includes a list of environmental reports and other information provided.
(j) There is no litigation pending or, to the Knowledge of Company, threatened against Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of Company, affecting any property now or formerly owned or used by Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any predecessor or any Company Loan Property, before any court, or Governmental Authority (i) for alleged noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with any Environmental Law or (ii) relating to the presence or release into the environment of any Hazardous Substance, whether or not occurring at, on or involving a Company Loan Property.
(k) Except as disclosed on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.18, to Companys Knowledge, there are no underground storage tanks on, in or under any property currently owned or operated by Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Company Loan Property and, to the Knowledge of Company, no underground storage tank has been closed or removed from any Company Loan Property except in compliance with Environmental Law.
Section 3.19 Tax Matters.
(a) Company and each of its Subsidiaries has filed all Tax Returns that it was required to file under applicable laws and regulations, other than Tax Returns that are not yet due or for which a request for extension was filed consistent with requirements of applicable law or regulation. All such Tax Returns were correct and complete in all material respects and have been prepared in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.19, Taxes due and owing by Company or any of its Subsidiaries (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid other than Taxes that have been reserved or accrued on the balance sheet of Company and which Company is contesting in good faith. Company is not the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return, and, except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.19, neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries currently has any open tax years. No claim has ever been made by an authority in a jurisdiction where Company does not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction. There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Taxes not yet due and payable) upon any of the assets of Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
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(b) Company has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with any amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, shareholder, or other third party.
(c) No foreign, federal, state, or local tax audits or administrative or judicial Tax proceedings are being conducted or to the Knowledge of Company are pending with respect to Company. Other than with respect to audits that have already been completed and resolved, Company has not received from any foreign, federal, state, or local taxing authority (including jurisdictions where Company has not filed Tax Returns) any (i) notice indicating an intent to open an audit or other review, (ii) request for information related to Tax matters, or (iii) notice of deficiency or proposed adjustment for any amount of Tax proposed, asserted, or assessed by any taxing authority against Company.
(d) Company has made available to Buyer true and complete copies of the United States federal, state, local, and foreign income Tax Returns filed with respect to Company for taxable periods ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Company has delivered to Buyer correct and complete copies of all examination reports, and statements of deficiencies assessed against or agreed to by Company filed for the years ended March 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Company has timely and properly taken such actions in response to and in compliance with notices Company has received from the IRS in respect of information reporting and backup and nonresident withholding as are required by law.
(e) Company has not waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.
(f) Company has not been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Code Section 897(c)(2) during the applicable period specified in Code Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii). Company has disclosed on its federal income Tax Returns all positions taken therein that could give rise to a substantial understatement of federal income Tax within the meaning of Code Section 6662. Company is not a party to or bound by any Tax allocation or sharing agreement (other than an unwritten agreement with Company Bank and its subsidiaries). Company (i) has not been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other than a group the common parent of which was Company), and (ii) has no liability for the Taxes of any individual, bank, corporation, partnership, association, joint stock company, business trust, limited liability company, or unincorporated organization (other than Company) under Reg. Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local, or foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise.
(g) The unpaid Taxes of Company (i) did not, as of the end of the most recent period covered by the Company Reports filed on or prior to the date hereof, exceed the reserve for Tax liability (which reserve is distinct and different from any reserve for deferred Taxes established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) set forth on the face of the financial statements included in the Company Reports filed on or prior to the date hereof (rather than in any notes thereto), and (ii) do not exceed that reserve as adjusted for the passage of time in accordance with the past custom and practice of Company in filing its Tax Returns. Since the end of the most recent period covered by the Company Reports filed prior to the date hereof, Company has not incurred any liability for Taxes arising from extraordinary gains or losses, as that term is used in GAAP, outside the ordinary course of business consistent with past custom and practice.
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(h) Company shall not 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: (i) change in method of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date; (ii) closing agreement as described in Code Section 7121 (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date; (iii) intercompany transactions or any excess loss account described in Treasury Regulations under Code Section 1502 (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax law); (iv) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date; or (v) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date.
(i) Company has not distributed stock of another Person or had its stock distributed by another Person in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 or Section 361 of the Code.
Section 3.20 Investment Securities. Company Disclosure Schedule 3.20 sets forth as of March 31, 2012 the investment securities, mortgage backed securities and securities held for sale of Company, as well as, with respect to such securities, descriptions thereof, CUSIP numbers, book values, fair values and coupon rates. Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.20, neither Company nor any of its Affiliates owns in excess of 5% of the outstanding equity of any savings bank, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, credit union, bank or bank holding company, insurance company, mortgage or loan broker or any other financial institution.
Section 3.21 Derivative Transactions.
(a) All Derivative Transactions entered into by Company or any of its Subsidiaries or for the account of any of its customers were entered into in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and regulatory policies of any Governmental Authority, and in accordance with the investment, securities, commodities, risk management and other policies, practices and procedures employed by Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and were entered into with counterparties believed at the time to be financially responsible and able to understand (either alone or in consultation with its advisers) and to bear the risks of such Derivative Transactions. Company and each of its Subsidiaries have duly performed all of their obligations under the Derivative Transactions to the extent that such obligations to perform have accrued, and, to the Knowledge of Company, there are no breaches, violations or defaults or allegations or assertions of such by any party thereunder.
(b) Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.21, no Derivative Transaction, were it to be a Loan held by Company, would be classified as Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, Loss, Classified, Criticized, Credit Risk Assets, Concerned Loans, Watch List or words of similar import. Each such Derivative Transaction is listed on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.21, and the financial position of Company under or with respect to each has been reflected in the books and records of Company in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and no open exposure of Company with respect to any such instrument (or with respect to multiple instruments with respect to any single counterparty) exceeds $25,000.
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Section 3.22 Regulatory Capitalization. Company Bank is well-capitalized, as such term is defined in the rules and regulations promulgated by the FDIC. Company is well-capitalized as such term is defined in the rules and regulations promulgated by the FRB.
Section 3.23 Loans; Nonperforming and Classified Assets.
(a) Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.23, as of the date hereof, neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any written or oral loan, loan agreement, note or borrowing arrangement (including, without limitation, leases, credit enhancements, commitments, guarantees and interest-bearing assets) (collectively, Loans), under the terms of which the obligor was, as of March 31, 2012, over sixty (60) days delinquent in payment of principal or interest. Company Disclosure Schedule 3.23 identifies (x) each Loan that as of March 31, 2012 was classified as Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, Loss, Classified, Criticized, Credit Risk Assets, Concerned Loans, Watch List or words of similar import by Company, Company Bank or any bank examiner, together with the principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on each such Loan and the identity of the borrower thereunder, and (y) each asset of Company that as of March 31, 2012 was classified as other real estate owned (OREO) and the book value thereof as of the date of this Agreement. Set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.23 is a true and correct copy of the Companys Policy Exception Report as of March 31, 2012.
(b) Each Loan held in the Company Banks loan portfolio (Company Loan) (i) is evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be, (ii) to the extent secured, has been secured by valid Liens which have been perfected and (iii) to the Knowledge of Company, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named therein, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles.
(c) All currently outstanding Company Loans were solicited, originated and, currently exist in material compliance with all applicable requirements of Law and Company Banks lending policies at the time of origination of such Company Loans, and the loan documents with respect to each such Company Loan are complete and correct. There are no oral modifications or amendments or additional agreements related to the Company Loans that are not reflected in the written records of Company Bank. Other than loans pledged to the FHLB or the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, all such Company Loans are owned by Company Bank free and clear of any Liens. No claims of defense as to the enforcement of any Company Loan have been asserted in writing against Company Bank for which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination, and each of Company and Company Bank is aware of no acts or omissions which would give rise to any claim or right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or defense for which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination to Company Bank. Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.23, none of the Company Loans are presently serviced by third parties, and there is no obligation which could result in any Loan becoming subject to any third party servicing.
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(d) Neither Company nor Company Bank is a party to any agreement or arrangement with (or otherwise obligated to) any Person which obligates Company to repurchase from any such Person any Loan or other asset of Company or Company Bank, unless there is material breach of a representation or covenant by the Company or its Subsidiaries.
Section 3.24 Allowance for Loan Losses. The Companys allowance for loan losses as reflected in Companys audited balance sheet at March 31, 2011 was, and the allowance shown on the balance sheets in Company Reports for periods ending after such date, in the opinion of management, was as of the dates thereof, in compliance with the Companys existing methodology for determining the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses as well as the standards established by applicable Governmental Authority, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and GAAP.
Section 3.25 Trust Business; Administration of Fiduciary Accounts. Company and Company Bank do not engage in any trust business, nor does either administer or maintain accounts for which either acts as fiduciary (other than individual retirement accounts, Keogh accounts and health savings accounts), including, but not limited to, accounts for which either serves as a trustee, agent, custodian, personal representative, guardian, conservator or investment advisor.
Section 3.26 Investment Management and Related Activities. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.26, none of Company, any of its Subsidiaries or Companys or its Subsidiaries directors, officers or employees is required to be registered, licensed or authorized under the laws or regulations issued by any Governmental Authority as an investment adviser, a broker or dealer, an insurance agency or company, a commodity trading adviser, a commodity pool operator, a futures commission merchant, an introducing broker, a registered representative or associated person, investment adviser, representative or solicitor, a counseling officer, an insurance agent, a sales person or in any similar capacity with a Governmental Authority.
Section 3.27 Repurchase Agreements. With respect to all agreements pursuant to which Company or any of its Subsidiaries has purchased securities subject to an agreement to resell, if any, Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, has a valid, perfected first lien or security interest in the government securities or other collateral securing the repurchase agreement, and the value of such collateral equals or exceeds the amount of the debt secured thereby.
Section 3.28 Deposit Insurance. The deposits of Company Bank are insured by the FDIC in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to the full extent permitted by law, and has paid all premiums and assessments and filed all reports required by the FDIA. No proceedings for the revocation or termination of such deposit insurance are pending or, to the Knowledge of Company, threatened.
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Section 3.29 CRA, Anti-money Laundering and Customer Information Security. Neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement with any individual or group regarding Community Reinvestment Act matters and Company is not aware of, and none of Company and its Subsidiaries has been advised of, or has any reason to believe (because of the Company Banks Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data for the year ended March 31, 2011, filed with the FDIC, or otherwise) that any facts or circumstances exist, which would cause Company Bank: (i) to be deemed not to be in satisfactory compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, or to be assigned a rating for Community Reinvestment Act purposes by federal or state bank regulators of lower than satisfactory; or (ii) to be deemed to be operating in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations (31 C.F.R. Part 103), the USA PATRIOT Act, any order issued with respect to anti-money laundering by the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, or any other applicable anti-money laundering statute, rule or regulation; or (iii) to be deemed not to be in satisfactory compliance with the applicable privacy of customer information requirements contained in any federal and state privacy laws and regulations, including, without limitation, in Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 and regulations promulgated thereunder, as well as the provisions of the information security program adopted by Company Bank pursuant to 12 C.F.R. Part 364. Furthermore, the board of directors of Company Bank has adopted and Company Bank has implemented an anti-money laundering program that contains adequate and appropriate customer identification verification procedures that has not been deemed ineffective by any Governmental Authority and that meets the requirements of Sections 352 and 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act.
Section 3.30 Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.30, there are no outstanding amounts payable to or receivable from, or advances by Company or any of its Subsidiaries to, and neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is otherwise a creditor or debtor to, any director, Executive Officer, five percent or greater shareholder or other Affiliate of Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or to the Knowledge of Company, any person, corporation or enterprise controlling, controlled by or under common control with any of the foregoing, other than part of the normal and customary terms of such persons employment or service as a director with Company or any of its Subsidiaries and other than deposits held by Company Bank in the ordinary course of business. Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.30, neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any transaction or agreement with any of its respective directors, Executive Officers or other Affiliates. All agreements between Company and any of its Affiliates comply, to the extent applicable, with Regulation W of the FRB.
Section 3.31 Tangible Properties and Assets.
(a) Company Disclosure Schedule 3.31 sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all real property owned by Company and each of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.31, and except for properties and assets disposed of in the ordinary course of business or as permitted by this Agreement, Company or its Subsidiary has good, valid and marketable title to, valid leasehold interests in or otherwise legally enforceable rights to use all of the real property, personal property and other assets (tangible or intangible), used, occupied and operated or held for use by it in connection with its business as presently
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conducted in each case, free and clear of any Lien, except for (i) statutory Liens for amounts not yet delinquent and (ii) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business or imperfections of title, easements and encumbrances, if any, that, individually and in the aggregate, are not material in character, amount or extent, and do not materially detract from the value and do not materially interfere with the present use, occupancy or operation of any material asset.
(b) Company Disclosure Schedule 3.31 sets forth a true, correct and complete schedule of all leases, subleases, licenses and other agreements under which Company uses or occupies or has the right to use or occupy, now or in the future, real property (the Leases). Each of the Leases is valid, binding and in full force and effect and neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received a written notice of, and otherwise has no Knowledge of any, default or termination with respect to any Lease. There has not occurred any event and no condition exists that would constitute a termination event or a material breach by Company or any of its Subsidiaries of, or material default by Company or any of its Subsidiaries in, the performance of any covenant, agreement or condition contained in any Lease, and to Companys Knowledge, no lessor under a Lease is in material breach or default in the performance of any material covenant, agreement or condition contained in such Lease. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.31, there is no pending or, to Companys Knowledge, threatened legal, administrative, arbitral or other proceeding, claim, action or governmental or regulatory investigation of any nature with respect to the real property that Company or any of its Subsidiaries uses or occupies or has the right to use or occupy, now or in the future, including without limitation a pending or threatened taking of any of such real property by eminent domain. Company and each of its Subsidiaries has paid all rents and other charges to the extent due under the Leases.
Section 3.32 Intellectual Property. Company Disclosure Schedule 3.32 sets forth a true, complete and correct list of all Company Intellectual Property. Company or its Subsidiaries owns or has a valid license to use all Company Intellectual Property, free and clear of all Liens, royalty or other payment obligations (except for royalties or payments with respect to off-the- shelf Software at standard commercial rates). The Company Intellectual Property constitutes all of the Intellectual Property necessary to carry on the business of Company as currently conducted. The Company Intellectual Property owned by Company, and to the Knowledge of Company, all other Company Intellectual Property, is valid and enforceable and has not been cancelled, forfeited, expired or abandoned, and neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice challenging the validity or enforceability of Company Intellectual Property. To the Knowledge of Company, the conduct of the business of Company or any of its Subsidiaries does not violate, misappropriate or infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any third party. The consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in the loss or impairment of the right of Company or any of its Subsidiaries to own or use any of Company Intellectual Property.
Section 3.33 Insurance.
(a) Company Disclosure Schedule 3.33 identifies all of the material insurance policies, binders, or bonds currently maintained by Company and its Subsidiaries, other than credit-life policies (the Insurance Policies), including the insurer, policy numbers, amount of coverage, effective and termination dates and any pending claims thereunder involving more than
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$25,000. Company and each of its Subsidiaries is insured with reputable insurers against such risks and in such amounts as the management of Company reasonably has determined to be prudent in accordance with industry practices. All the Insurance Policies are in full force and effect, and neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in material default thereunder and all claims thereunder have been filed in due and timely fashion.
(b) Company Disclosure Schedule 3.33 sets forth a true, correct and complete description of all bank owned life insurance (BOLI) owned by Company or its Subsidiaries, including the value of BOLI as of the end of the month prior to the date hereof. The value of such BOLI is and has been fairly and accurately reflected in the Company Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP.
Section 3.34 Antitakeover Provisions. No control share acquisition, business combination moratorium, fair price or other form of antitakeover statute or regulation is applicable to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 3.35 Fairness Opinion. The board of directors of Company has received the written opinion of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. to the effect that as of the date hereof the Merger Consideration is fair to the holders of Company Common Stock from a financial point of view.
Section 3.36 Proxy Statement-Prospectus. As of the date of the Proxy Statement- Prospectus and the date of the Company Meeting to which such Proxy Statement-Prospectus relates, none of the information supplied or to be supplied by Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement-Prospectus will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that information as of a later date shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date.
Section 3.37 Transaction Costs. Company Disclosure Schedule 3.37 sets forth attorneys fees, investment banking fees, accounting fees and other costs or fees that Company and its Subsidiaries have accrued through March 31, 2012, and to Companys Knowledge as of the most reasonable practicable date, a reasonable good faith estimate of such costs and fees that Company and its Subsidiaries expect to pay to retained representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 3.38 Shareholder Rights Agreement. The board of directors of Company has taken action, which has not been modified or rescinded as of the date hereof, to acknowledge and authorize the expiration of the Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2011, by and between Company and Registrar and Transfer Company, as Right Agent, as amended and restated (the Rights Agreement), as of the close of business on October 24, 2011, in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement.
Section 3.39 Disclosure. The representations and warranties contained in this Article III, when considered as a whole, do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements and information contained in this Article III not misleading.
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ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
Section 4.01 Making of Representations and Warranties.
(a) On or prior to the date hereof, Buyer has delivered to Company a schedule (the Buyer Disclosure Schedule) setting forth, among other things, items the disclosure of which is necessary or appropriate either in response to an express disclosure requirement contained in a provision hereof or as an exception to one or more representations or warranties contained in this Article IV or to one or more of its covenants contained in Article V; provided, however, that the mere inclusion of an item in the Buyer Disclosure Schedule as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission by a party that such item represents a material exception or fact, event or circumstance or that, absent such inclusion in the Buyer Disclosure Schedule, such item is or would be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Buyer.
(b) Except as set forth in the Buyer Disclosure Schedule, Buyer and Buyer Bank hereby represent and warrant, jointly and severally, to Company that the statements contained in this Article IV are correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be correct as of the Closing Date (as though made then and as though the Closing Date were substituted for the date of this Agreement throughout this Article IV), except as to any representation or warranty which specifically relates to an earlier date, which only need be correct as of such earlier date. No representation or warranty of Buyer contained in this Article IV shall be deemed untrue or incorrect, and Buyer shall not be deemed to have breached a representation or warranty, as a consequence of the existence of any fact, circumstance or event unless such fact, circumstance or event, individually or taken together with all other facts, circumstances or events inconsistent with any section of this Article IV, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Buyer, disregarding for the purposes of this Section 4.01(b) any materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualification contained in any representation or warranty; provided, however, that the foregoing standard shall not apply to the representations and warranties contained in Sections 4.02, 4.04(a), 4.05 and 4.12, which shall be deemed untrue, incorrect and breached if they are not true and correct in all material respects.
Section 4.02 Organization, Standing and Authority. Buyer is a Massachusetts corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and is duly registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Buyer has full corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted. Buyer is duly licensed or qualified to do business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and foreign jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification. Buyer Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered bank and trust company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Buyer Banks deposits are insured by the FDIC in the manner and to the full extent provided by applicable law, and all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid by Buyer Bank when due. Buyer Bank is a member in good standing of the FHLB.
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Section 4.03 Capital Stock. The authorized capital stock of Buyer consists solely of (a) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which no shares are outstanding and (b) 75,000,000 shares of Buyer Common Stock, of which (i) 21,620,896 shares are outstanding as of the date hereof, and (ii) no shares are held by Buyer Subsidiaries, and (iii) 938,291 shares are reserved for future issuance pursuant to outstanding options granted under the Buyer Benefit Plans. The outstanding shares of Buyer Common Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. There are no options, warrants or other similar rights, convertible or exchangeable securities, phantom stock rights, stock appreciation rights, stock based performance units, agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which Buyer is a party, whether or not in writing, of any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock or other securities of Buyer or any of Buyers Subsidiaries or obligating Buyer or any of Buyers Subsidiaries to issue (whether upon conversion, exchange or otherwise) or sell any share of capital stock of, or other equity interests in or other securities of, Buyer or any of Buyers Subsidiaries, except for (i) shares of Buyer Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Buyer Benefits Plans and (ii) by virtue of this Agreement. The shares of Buyer Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement, when issued in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and will not be subject to preemptive rights.
Section 4.04 Corporate Power; Minute Books.
(a) Buyer and Buyer Bank have the corporate power and authority to carry on their business as it is now being conducted and to own all their properties and assets; and Buyer and Buyer Bank has the corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, subject to receipt of all necessary approvals of Governmental Authorities.
(b) The minute books of Buyer and Buyer Bank contain true, complete and accurate records of all corporate actions taken by the shareholders of Buyer and the board of directors of Buyer (including committees of the Buyers board of directors).
Section 4.05 Corporate Authority. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby have been authorized by all necessary corporate action of Buyer and Buyer Bank on or prior to the date hereof. No vote of the shareholders of Buyer is required by law, the Articles of Organization of Buyer, the Bylaws of Buyer or otherwise to approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Buyer and Buyer Bank has duly executed and delivered this Agreement and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Company and Company Bank, this Agreement is a valid and legally binding obligation of Buyer and Buyer Bank, enforceable in accordance with its terms (except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights or by general equity principles).
Section 4.06 SEC Documents; Other Reports; Internal Controls.
(a) Buyer has filed all required reports, forms, schedules, registration statements and other documents with the SEC since December 31, 2008 (the Buyer Reports) and
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has paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith. As of their respective dates of filing with the SEC (or, if amended or superseded by a subsequent filing prior to the date hereof, as of the date of such subsequent filing), the Buyer Reports complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable to such Buyer Reports, and none of the Buyer Reports when filed with the SEC, and if amended prior to the date hereof, as of the date of such amendment, 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. There are no outstanding comments from or unresolved issues raised by the SEC, as applicable, with respect to any of the Buyer Reports. The Company has made available to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of all written correspondence between the SEC and the Company and any of its Subsidiaries occurring since December 31, 2009 and prior to the date of this Agreement. None of Buyers Subsidiaries is required to file periodic reports with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(b) Buyer and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed all reports, schedules, forms, registrations, statements and other documents, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to file since December 31, 2008 with any Governmental Authority (other than Buyer Reports) and have paid all fees and assessments due and payable in connection therewith. Except for as set forth in the Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.06(b) and except for normal examinations conducted by a Governmental Authority in the regular course of the business of Buyer and its Subsidiaries, no Governmental Authority has notified Buyer that it has initiated any proceeding or, to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened an investigation into the business or operations of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries since December 31, 2007 which would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Buyer. There is no material unresolved violation or exception by any Governmental Authority with respect to any report, form, schedule, registration, statement or other document filed by, or relating to any examinations by any such Governmental Authority of, Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries which would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Buyer.
(c) Buyer has disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to Buyers auditors and the audit committee of Buyers board of directors and in the Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.06(c) (i) any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect in any material respect Buyers ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Buyers internal controls over financial reporting.
(d) The records, systems, controls, data and information of Buyer and its Subsidiaries are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of Buyer or its Subsidiaries or accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom), except for any non-exclusive ownership and non-direct control that would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the system of internal
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accounting controls described in the following sentence. Buyer and its Subsidiaries have devised and maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
(e) Buyer has designed, implemented and maintained disclosure controls and procedures (within the meaning of Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) to ensure that material information relating to Buyer and its Subsidiaries is made known to the management of Buyer by others within those entities as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the certifications required by the Exchange Act with respect to the Buyer Reports.
(f) Since December 31, 2008, (x) neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of Buyer, any director, officer, employee, auditor, accountant or representative of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries has received or otherwise had or obtained knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim, whether written or oral, regarding the accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices, and (y) no attorney representing Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries, has reported evidence of a material violation of securities laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by Buyer or any of its officers, directors, employees or agents to the board of directors of Buyer or any committee thereof or to any director or officer of Buyer.
Section 4.07 Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities.
(a) The financial statements of Buyer (including any related notes and schedules thereto) included in the Buyer Reports complied as to form, as of their respective dates of filing with the SEC (or, if amended or superseded by a subsequent filing prior to the date hereof, as of the date of such subsequent filing), in all material respects, with all applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto (except, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by the rules of the SEC), have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be disclosed therein), and fairly present, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Buyer and its Subsidiaries and the consolidated results of operations, changes in stockholders equity and cash flows of such companies as of the dates and for the periods shown. The books and records of Buyer and its Subsidiaries have been, and are being, maintained in all material respects in accordance with GAAP and any other applicable legal and accounting requirements and reflect only actual transactions.
(b) Except for (i) those liabilities that are fully reflected or reserved for in the consolidated financial statements of Buyer included in its Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC or (ii) liabilities incurred since December 31, 2011 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any liability of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute,
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accrued or contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due), and there is no existing condition, situation or set of circumstances that could reasonably be expected to result in such a liability that, either alone or when combined with all other liabilities of a type not described in clause (i) or (ii), has had, or would be reasonably expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Buyer.
Section 4.08 Regulatory Approvals; No Defaults.
(a) No consents or approvals of, or waivers by, or filings or registrations with, any Governmental Authority or with any third party are required to be made or obtained by Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by Buyer of this Agreement, or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (i) filings of applications or notices with, and consents, approvals or waivers by, the FRB, the FDIC, the Massachusetts Board of Bank Incorporation, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks; (ii) the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement with the SEC; (iii) the approval of the listing on Nasdaq of the Buyer Common Stock to be issued in the Merger and (iv) the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As of the date hereof, Buyer is not aware of any reason why the approvals set forth above will not be received in a timely manner and will not include a Burdensome Condition as defined in Section 5.06.
(b) Subject to receipt, or the making, of the consents, approvals, waivers and filings referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph and expiration of the related waiting periods, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Buyer, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not (i) constitute a breach or violation of, or a default under, the charter or bylaws (or similar governing documents) of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, (ii) violate any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction applicable to Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective properties or assets or (iii) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any provision of or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of or a right of termination or cancellation under, accelerate the performance required by, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the respective properties or assets of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates under, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates is a party, or by which they or any of their respective properties or assets may be bound or affected.
Section 4.09 Agreements with Regulatory Agencies. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on Buyer, neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any cease-and-desist or other order issued by, or is a party to any written agreement, consent agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is a recipient of any extraordinary supervisory letter from, or is subject to any order or directive by, or has adopted any board resolutions at the request of (each, whether or not set forth in the Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.09, Buyer Regulatory Agreement), any Governmental Authority that
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restricts the conduct of its business or that in any manner relates to its capital adequacy, its credit or risk management policies, its dividend policy, its management, its business or its operations, nor has Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries been advised by any Governmental Authority that it is considering issuing or requesting (or is considering the appropriateness of issuing or requesting) any Buyer Regulatory Agreement. To the Knowledge of Buyer, there are no investigations relating to any material regulatory matters pending before any Governmental Authority with respect to Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries.
Section 4.10 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as reflected in Buyers audited balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 or in the Buyer Reports, since December 31, 2011, there has been no change or development or combination of changes or developments which, individually or in the aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Buyer or its Subsidiaries, and to the Knowledge of Buyer, no fact or condition exists which is reasonably likely to cause a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Buyer in the future.
Section 4.11 Compliance with Laws.
(a) Buyer and each of its Subsidiaries is and since December 31, 2008 has been in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders or decrees applicable thereto or to the employees conducting such businesses, including, without limitation, any applicable Law, including without limitation, all Laws related to data protection or privacy, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and any other Law relating to discriminatory lending, financing or leasing practices, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act;
(b) Buyer and each of its Subsidiaries has all permits, licenses, authorizations, orders and approvals of, and have made all filings, applications and registrations with, all Governmental Authorities that are required in order to permit it to own or lease their properties and to conduct their business as presently conducted; all such permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders and approvals are in full force and effect and, to Buyers Knowledge, no suspension or cancellation of any of them is threatened; and
(c) Other than as set forth in Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.11, neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries has received, since December 31, 2008, notification or communication from any Governmental Authority (i) asserting that it is not in compliance with any of the statutes, regulations or ordinances which such Governmental Authority enforces or (ii) threatening to revoke any license, franchise, permit or governmental authorization (nor, to Buyers Knowledge, do any grounds for any of the foregoing exist).
Section 4.12 Proxy Statement-Prospectus Information; Registration Statement. As of the date of the Proxy Statement-Prospectus and the date of the Company Meeting to which such Proxy Statement-Prospectus relates, none of the information supplied or to be supplied by Buyer for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement-Prospectus and the registration statement on Form S-4 (the Registration Statement) prepared pursuant to will contain any untrue
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statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that that information as of a later date shall be deemed to modify information as of an earlier date.
Section 4.13 Legal Proceedings.
(a) Other than as set forth in Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.13, there are no civil, criminal, administrative or regulatory actions, suits, demand letters, demands for indemnification, claims, hearings, notices of violation, arbitrations, investigations, orders to show cause, market conduct examinations, notices of non-compliance or other proceedings of any nature pending or, to Buyers Knowledge, threatened against Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries.
(b) Neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any, nor are there any pending or, to Buyers Knowledge, threatened, civil, criminal, administrative or regulatory actions, suits, demand letters, claims, hearings, notices of violation, arbitrations, investigations, orders to show cause, market conduct examinations, notices of non-compliance or other proceedings of any nature against Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries in which, to Buyers Knowledge, there is a reasonable probability of any material recovery against or other Material Adverse Effect with respect to Buyer or which challenges the validity or propriety of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) There is no injunction, order, judgment or decree imposed upon Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries, or the assets of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries, and neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries has been advised of, or is aware of, the threat of any such action.
Section 4.14 Brokers. None of Buyer, Buyer Bank or any of their officers or trustees has employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for any brokers fees, commissions or finders fees in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except that Buyer has engaged, and will pay a fee or commission to, Sandler ONeill & Partners, L.P. in accordance with the terms of a letter agreement between Sandler ONeill & Partners, L.P. and Buyer.
Section 4.15 Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) All benefit and compensation plans, contracts, policies or arrangements covering current or former employees of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries and current or former directors of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries including, but not limited to, employee benefit plans within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, and deferred compensation, stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation rights, stock based, incentive and bonus plans (the Buyer Benefit Plans), including, but not limited to, any trust instruments and insurance contracts forming a part of any Buyer Benefit Plans and all amendments thereto, have been made available to Company.
(b) All Buyer Benefit Plans are in substantial compliance in form and operation with all applicable Laws, including, without limitation, ERISA and the Code.
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Section 4.16 Labor Matters. Neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement or understanding with a labor union or labor organization, nor is there any proceeding pending or, to Buyers Knowledge threatened, asserting that Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries has committed an unfair labor practice (within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act, as amended) or seeking to compel Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries to bargain with any labor organization as to wages or conditions of employment, nor is there any strike or other labor dispute involving it pending or, to Buyers Knowledge, threatened, nor is Buyer aware of any activity involving its employees seeking to certify a collective bargaining unit or engaging in other organizational activity.
Section 4.17 Tax Matters.
(a) Buyer and each of its Subsidiaries has filed all Tax Returns that it was required to file under applicable laws and regulations, other than Tax Returns that are not yet due or for which a request for extension was filed consistent with requirements of applicable law or regulation. All such Tax Returns were correct and complete in all material respects and have been prepared in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. All Taxes due and owing by Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries (whether or not shown on any Tax Return) have been paid other than Taxes that have been reserved or accrued on the balance sheet of Buyer and which Buyer is contesting in good faith. Buyer is not the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return, and neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries currently has any open tax years. No claim has ever been made by an authority in a jurisdiction where Buyer does not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction. There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Taxes not yet due and payable) upon any of the assets of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries.
(b) Buyer has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in connection with any amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor, creditor, shareholder, or other third party.
(c) Except as set forth on Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.17(c), no foreign, federal, state, or local tax audits or administrative or judicial Tax proceedings are being conducted or to the Knowledge of Buyer are pending with respect to Buyer. Buyer has not received from any foreign, federal, state, or local taxing authority (including jurisdictions where Buyer has not filed Tax Returns) any (i) notice indicating an intent to open an audit or other review, (ii) request for information related to Tax matters, or (iii) notice of deficiency or proposed adjustment for any amount of Tax proposed, asserted, or assessed by any taxing authority against Buyer.
(d) Buyer has not waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency.
(e) The unpaid Taxes of Buyer (i) did not, as of the end of the most recent period covered by the Buyer Reports filed on or prior to the date hereof, exceed the reserve for Tax liability (which reserve is distinct and different from any reserve for deferred Taxes established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax income) set forth on the face of the financial statements included in the Buyer Reports filed on or prior to the date hereof (rather than in any notes thereto), and (ii) do not exceed that reserve as adjusted for the passage of time
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through the Closing Date in accordance with the past custom and practice of Buyer in filing its Tax Returns. Since the end of the most recent period covered by the Buyer Reports filed prior to the date hereof, Buyer has not incurred any liability for Taxes arising from extraordinary gains or losses, as that term is used in GAAP, outside the ordinary course of business consistent with past custom and practice.
Section 4.18 Loans: Nonperforming and Classified Assets.
(a) Except as set forth in Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.18, as of the date hereof, neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to (i) any Loans under the terms of which the obligor was, as of March 31, 2012, over sixty (60) days delinquent in payment of principal or interest or in default of any other material provision, or (ii) Loan with any director, Executive Officer or five percent or greater shareholder of Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries, or to the Knowledge of Buyer, any person, corporation or enterprise controlling, controlled by or under common control with any of the foregoing. Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.18 identifies (x) each Loan that as of March 31, 2012 was classified as Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, Loss, Classified, Criticized, Credit Risk Assets, Concerned Loans, Watch List or words of similar import by Buyer, Buyer Bank or any bank examiner, together with the principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on each such Loan and the identity of the borrower thereunder, and (y) each asset of Buyer that as of March 31, 2012 was classified as OREO and the book value thereof as of the date of this Agreement.
(b) Each Loan (i) is evidenced by notes, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness that are true, genuine and what they purport to be, (ii) to the extent secured, has been secured by valid Liens which have been perfected and (iii) to the Knowledge of Buyer, is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor named therein, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles.
Section 4.19 CRA and Anti-Money Laundering. Neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement with any individual or group regarding Community Reinvestment Act matters and Buyer is not aware of, and none of Buyer and its Subsidiaries has been advised of, or has any reason to believe (because of the Buyer Banks Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the FDIC, or otherwise) that any facts or circumstances exist, which would cause Buyer Bank: (i) to be deemed not to be in satisfactory compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, or to be assigned a rating for Community Reinvestment Act purposes by federal or state bank regulators of lower than satisfactory; or (ii) to be deemed to be operating in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations (31 C.F.R. Part 103), the USA PATRIOT Act, any order issued with respect to anti-money laundering by the U.S. Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, or any other applicable anti-money laundering statute. Furthermore, the board of directors of Buyer Bank has adopted and Buyer Bank has implemented an anti-money laundering program that contains adequate and appropriate customer identification verification procedures that has not been deemed ineffective by any Governmental Authority and that meets the requirements of Sections 352 and 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act.
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Section 4.20 Regulatory Capitalization. Buyer Bank is, and will be upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, well-capitalized, as such term is defined in the rules and regulations promulgated by the FDIC. Buyer is, and will be upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, well-capitalized as such term is defined in the rules and regulations promulgated by the FRB.
Section 4.21 Administration of Trust and Fiduciary Accounts. Buyer has properly administered all accounts for which it acts as a fiduciary or agent, including but not limited to accounts for which it serves as a trustee, agent, custodian, personal representative, guardian, conservator or investment advisor, in accordance with the terms of the governing documents and applicable state and federal law and regulation and common law, and Buyer has not received any unresolved customer demands, complaints or other communications (whether written or oral) asserting facts or circumstances that would, if true, constitute a breach of trust with respect to any such fiduciary or agency account.
Section 4.22 Environmental Matters.
(a) Other than as set forth in Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.22, to Buyers Knowledge, no real property (including buildings or other structures) currently or formerly owned or operated by Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries has been contaminated with, or has had any release of, any Hazardous Substance in a manner that violates Environmental Law.
(b) Except as disclosed on Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.22, to Buyers Knowledge, Buyer and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance with applicable Environmental Law.
(c) Neither Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries has received (i) any written notice, demand letter, or claim alleging any violation of, or liability under, any Environmental Law or (ii) to Buyers Knowledge, any written request for information reasonably indicating an investigation or other inquiry by any Government Authority concerning a possible violation of, or liability under, any Environmental Law.
(d) Except as disclosed on Buyer Disclosure Schedule 4.22, to Buyers Knowledge, there are no circumstances or conditions (including the presence of asbestos, underground storage tanks, lead products, polychlorinated biphenyls, prior manufacturing operations, dry-cleaning, or automotive services) involving Buyer, any of its Subsidiaries, or any currently or formerly owned or operated property, that could reasonably be expected pursuant to applicable Environmental Law to (i) result in any claim, liability or investigation against Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) result in any restriction on the ownership, use, or transfer of any property.
Section 4.23 No Financing. Buyer has and will have as of the Effective Time, without having to resort to external sources, sufficient capital to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 4.24 Disclosure. The representations and warranties contained in this Article IV, when considered as a whole, do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements and information contained in this Article IV not misleading.
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ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
Section 5.01 Covenants of Company. During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the Effective Time, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or with the prior written consent of Buyer, Company shall carry on its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and consistent with prudent banking practice and in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations. Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) preserve its business organization intact, (ii) keep available to itself and Buyer the present services of the current officers and employees of Company and its Subsidiaries and (iii) preserve for itself and Buyer the goodwill of the customers of Company and others with whom business relationships exist. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule or as otherwise expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or consented to in writing by Buyer, neither Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall:
(a) Stock. Other than pursuant to stock options or stock-based awards outstanding as of the date hereof and listed on the Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) issue, sell or otherwise permit to become outstanding, or authorize the creation of, any additional shares of its stock, any Rights, or any securities (including units of beneficial ownership interest in any partnership or limited liability company), (ii) enter into any agreement with respect to the foregoing, (iii) accelerate the vesting of any existing Rights, or (iv) change (or establish a record date for changing) the number of, or provide for the exchange of, shares of its stock, any securities (including units of beneficial ownership interest in any partnership or limited liability company) convertible into or exchangeable for any additional shares of stock, any Rights issued and outstanding prior to the Effective Time as a result of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reclassification, or similar transaction with respect to its outstanding stock or any other such securities.
(b) Dividends; Other Distributions. Declare, set aside or pay any dividends on or make other distributions (whether in cash or otherwise) in respect of any of its capital stock, except (x) dividends by Subsidiaries of Company to such Subsidiarys parent or another Subsidiary of Company and (y) the regular quarterly dividends on Company Common Stock in the amount of no more than $0.05 per share of Company Common Stock.
(c) Compensation; Employment Agreements, Etc. Enter into or amend or renew any employment, consulting, severance or similar agreements or arrangements with any director, officer or employee of Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or grant any salary or wage increase or increase any employee benefit or pay any incentive or bonus payments, except (i) normal increases in compensation to employees in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and pursuant to polices currently in effect, provided that such increases shall not result in an annual adjustment in total compensation of more than 4% for any individual or 3% in
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the aggregate for all employees of the Company other than as disclosed on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(c), (ii) as may be required by law, (iii) to satisfy contractual obligations existing as of the date hereof and disclosed on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(c), if any, (iv) bonus payments in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and pursuant to policies currently in effect, provided that such payments shall not exceed the aggregate amount set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(c) and shall not be paid to any individual for whom such payment would be an excess parachute payment as defined in Section 280G of the Code.
(d) Hiring; Promotions. (i) Hire any person as an employee of Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except for at-will employees at an annual rate of salary not to exceed $50,000 to fill vacancies that may arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) promote any employee, except to satisfy contractual obligations existing as of the date hereof and set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(d), if any.
(e) Benefit Plans. Enter into, establish, adopt, amend, modify or terminate (except (i) as may be required by or to make consistent with applicable law, subject to the provision of prior written notice to and consultation with respect thereto with Buyer, or (ii) to satisfy contractual obligations existing as of the date hereof and set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(e)), any Company Benefit Plan or other pension, retirement, stock option, stock purchase, savings, profit sharing, deferred compensation, consulting, bonus, group insurance or other employee benefit, incentive or welfare contract, plan or arrangement, or any trust agreement (or similar arrangement) related thereto, in respect of any current or former director, officer or employee of Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(f) Transactions with Affiliates. Except pursuant to agreements or arrangements in effect on the date hereof and set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(f), pay, loan or advance any amount to, or sell, transfer or lease any properties or assets (real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible) to, or enter into any agreement or arrangement with, any of its officers or directors or any of their immediate family members or any affiliates or associates (as such terms are defined under the Exchange Act) of any of its officers or directors other than compensation or business expense reimbursement in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.
(g) Dispositions. Sell, transfer, mortgage, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of or discontinue any of its assets, deposits, business or properties, other real estate owned, or cancel or release any indebtedness owed to Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(h) Acquisitions. Acquire (other than by way of foreclosures or acquisitions of control in a bona fide fiduciary capacity or in satisfaction of debts previously contracted in good faith, in each case in the ordinary and usual course of business consistent with past practice) all or any portion of the assets, business, deposits or properties of any other entity.
(i) Capital Expenditures. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(i), make any capital expenditures other than capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in amounts not exceeding $50,000 in the aggregate, unless such capital expenditure is consented to in writing by Buyer acting through its Chief Financial Officer or his designee(s).
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(j) Governing Documents. Amend Companys Articles of Organization or Bylaws or any equivalent documents of Companys Subsidiaries.
(k) Accounting Methods. Implement or adopt any change in its accounting principles, practices or methods, other than as may be required by applicable laws or regulations or GAAP.
(l) Contracts. Except as set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(l), enter into, amend, modify or terminate any Material Contract, Lease or Insurance Policy.
(m) Claims. Enter into any settlement or similar agreement with respect to any action, suit, proceeding, order or investigation to which Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or becomes a party after the date of this Agreement, which settlement or agreement involves payment by Company or any of its Subsidiaries of an amount which exceeds $25,000 individually or $50,000 in the aggregate and/or would impose any material restriction on the business of Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(n) Banking Operations. Enter into any new material line of business; change in any material respect its lending, investment, underwriting, risk and asset liability management and other banking and operating policies, except as required by applicable law, regulation or policies imposed by any Governmental Authority; or file any application or make any contract or commitment with respect to branching or site location or branching or site relocation.
(o) Derivative Transactions. Enter into any Derivative Transaction.
(p) Indebtedness. Incur, modify, extend or renegotiate any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than deposits, FHLB borrowings or federal funds purchased, in each case in the ordinary course of business consistent with recent past practice) or assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for the obligations of any other Person.
(q) Investment Securities. Acquire (other than (i) by way of foreclosures or acquisitions in a bona fide fiduciary capacity or (ii) in satisfaction of debts previously contracted in good faith), sell or otherwise dispose of any debt security or equity investment, unless such acquisition, sale or disposal is consented to in writing by Buyer acting through its Chief Financial Officer or his designee(s) (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
(r) Deposits. Make any changes to deposit pricing that are not consented to in writing by Buyer acting through its Chief Financial Officer or his designee(s) (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
(s) Loans.
(i) Except for commercial loans approved and/or committed as of the date hereof that are listed on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(s), make or renew any commercial loan, commercial loan commitment, commercial letter of credit or other extension of commercial credit, unless any such commercial loan, commercial loan
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commitment, commercial letter of credit or other extension of commercial credit has been credit approved by Company Bank in accordance with the pricing and credit underwriting guidelines of Buyer Bank or, if more than $1,000,000, is consented to in writing by Buyer acting through its Chief Financial Officer or his designee(s) (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
(ii) Except for residential loans approved and/or committed as of the date hereof that are listed on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(s), make or renew any residential loan or residential loan commitment, unless any such residential loan or residential loan commitment has a loan-to-value ratio that is compliance with Company Banks current policies and procedures and is priced for conforming residential loans at an interest rate that is no less than the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey rate plus 0.125% and is priced for jumbo residential loans at an interest rate that is no less than the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey rate plus 0.50% or, if more than $1,000,000, is consented to in writing by Buyer acting through its Chief Financial Officer or his designee(s) (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
(iii) Except for home equity or consumer loans approved and/or committed as of the date hereof that are listed on Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(s), make or renew any home equity loan or home equity loan commitment in excess of $100,000 or make or renew any other consumer loan or consumer loan commitment in excess of $10,000, unless any such loan is made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with Company Banks current policies and procedures and recent past practice, unless any such loan is consented to in writing by Buyer acting through its Chief Financial Officer or his designee(s) (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
(iv) Renegotiate, increase, extend or modify any loan, loan commitment, letter of credit or other extension of credit, unless such renegotiation, increase, extension or modification is consented to in writing by Buyer acting through its Chief Financial Officer or his designee(s) (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
(t) Investments in Real Estate. Make any investment or commitment to invest in real estate or in any real estate development project other than by way of foreclosure or deed in lieu thereof.
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(u) Taxes.
(i) Make or change any material Tax election, file any material amended Tax Return, enter into any material closing agreement, settle or compromise any material liability with respect to Taxes, agree to any material adjustment of any Tax attribute, file any claim for a material refund of Taxes, or consent to any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any material Tax claim or assessment, provided, that, for purposes of this subsection (u), material shall mean affecting or relating to $50,000 or more of taxable income.
(ii) Knowingly take any action that would prevent or impede the Merger or the Bank Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
(v) Compliance with Agreements. Commit any act or omission which constitutes a material breach or default by Company under any agreement with any Governmental Authority or under any Material Contract, Lease or other material agreement or material license to which it is a party or by which it or its properties is bound or under which it or its assets, business, or operations receives benefits.
(w) Environmental Assessments. Foreclose on or take a deed or title to any real estate other than single-family residential properties without first conducting an ASTM 1527-05 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of the property that satisfies the requirements of the all appropriate inquiries standard of CERCLA §101(35)(Phase I Assessment), 42 U.S.C. §9601(35) and evaluates the possibility of Hazardous Substances in indoor air and building materials, or foreclose on or take a deed or title to any real estate other than single-family residential properties if such environmental assessment indicates the presence of Hazardous Substances or other materials regulated under Environmental Laws.
(x) Adverse Actions. Take any action or fail to take, or adopt any resolutions of its board of directors in support of, any action that is intended or is reasonably likely to result in (i) any of its representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect at any time at or prior to the Effective Time, (ii) any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VI not being satisfied or (iii) a material violation of any provision of this Agreement, except, in each case, as may be required by applicable law or regulation.
(y) Common Stock Purchase. Directly or indirectly repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of its capital stock.
(z) Commitments. Enter into any contract with respect to, or otherwise agree or commit to do, any of the foregoing.
(aa) Facilities. Except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule 5.01(aa) or as required by Law, make application for the opening, relocation or closing of any, or open, relocate or close any, branch office, loan production or servicing facility or automated banking facility.
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(bb) Loan Workouts. Compromise, resolve, or otherwise workout any delinquent or troubled loan unless any such loan workout is done in the ordinary course of business, consistent with Company Banks current policies and procedures and recent past practice, and approved by Company Banks Workout Committee.
Section 5.02 Covenants of Buyer.
(a) Affirmative Covenants. From the date hereof until the Effective Time, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, Buyer will carry on its business consistent with prudent banking practices and in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations.
(b) Negative Covenants. From the date hereof until the Effective Time, except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement, without the prior written consent of Company, Buyer will not, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries not to:
(i) Adverse Actions. Take any action or fail to take any action that is intended or is reasonably likely to result in (A) a delay in the consummation of the Merger or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (B) any impediment to Buyers ability to consummate the Merger or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (C) any of its representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being or becoming untrue in any material respect at any time at or prior to the Effective Time, (D) any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VI not being satisfied, or (E) a material violation of any provision of this Agreement except, in each case, as may be required by applicable law or regulation, or
(ii) Commitments. Enter into any contract with respect to, or otherwise agree or commit to do, any of the foregoing.
Section 5.03 Commercially Reasonable Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties to the Agreement agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts in good faith 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 laws, so as to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as practicable, including the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article VI hereof, and shall cooperate fully with the other parties hereto to that end.
Section 5.04 Shareholder Approval. Company agrees to take, in accordance with applicable law, the rules of the FINRA, the Articles of Organization of Company and the Bylaws of Company, all action necessary to convene a special meeting of its shareholders to consider and vote upon the approval of this Agreement and any other matters required to be approved by Companys shareholders in order to permit consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any adjournment or postponement, the Company Meeting) and, subject to Section 5.09, shall take all lawful action to solicit such approval by such shareholders. Company agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to convene the Company Meeting within forty-five (45) days following the time when the Registration Statement becomes effective. Except with the prior approval of Buyer, no other matters shall be submitted for the approval of Company shareholders
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at the Company Meeting. The board of directors of Company shall at all times prior to and during the Company Meeting recommend approval of this Agreement by the shareholders of Company and shall not withhold, withdraw, amend or modify such recommendation in any manner adverse to Buyer or take any other action or make any other public statement inconsistent with such recommendation, except as and to the extent expressly permitted by Section 5.09 (a Change in Recommendation). In the event that there is present at such meeting, in person or by proxy, sufficient favorable voting power to secure the Requisite Company Shareholder Approval, Company will not adjourn or postpone the Company Meeting unless Company is advised by counsel that failure to do so would result in a breach of the U.S. federal securities laws or fiduciary duties of Companys board of directors. Company shall keep Buyer updated with respect to the proxy solicitation results in connection with the Company Meeting as reasonably required by Buyer.
Section 5.05 Registration Statement; Proxy Statement-Prospectus; Nasdaq Listing; Deposit of Cash Consideration.
(a) Buyer and Company agree to cooperate in the preparation of the Registration Statement to be filed by Buyer with the SEC in connection with the issuance of the Buyer Common Stock in the Merger (including the Proxy Statement-Prospectus and all related documents). Each of Buyer and Company agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to be declared effective by the SEC as promptly as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof. Buyer also agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any necessary state securities law or blue sky permits and approvals required to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company agrees to cooperate with Buyer and Buyers counsel and accountants in requesting and obtaining appropriate opinions, consents and letters from the financial advisor and Companys independent auditors in connection with the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement-Prospectus. After the Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act, Company, at its own expense, shall promptly mail or cause to be mailed the Proxy Statement-Prospectus to its shareholders.
(b) Buyer will advise Company, promptly after Buyer receives notice thereof, of the time when the Registration Statement has become effective or any supplement or amendment has been filed, of the issuance of any stop order or the suspension of the qualification of Buyer Common Stock for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the SEC for the amendment or supplement of the Registration Statement or for additional information.
(c) The Proxy Statement-Prospectus and the Registration Statement shall comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Each party will notify the other party promptly upon the receipt of any comments (whether written or oral) from the SEC or its staff and of any request by the SEC or its staff or any government officials for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement-Prospectus, or for any other filing or for additional information and will supply the other party with copies of all correspondence between such party or any of its representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC, or its staff or any other government officials, on the other hand, with respect to the Registration Statement, the Proxy
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Statement-Prospectus, the Merger or any other filing. If at any time prior to the Company Meeting there shall occur any event that should be disclosed in an amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus or the Registration Statement, Company and Buyer shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to promptly prepare, file with the SEC (if required under applicable Law) and mail to Company shareholders such amendment or supplement.
(d) Buyer will provide Company and its counsel with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the Registration Statement and all responses to requests for additional information by and replies to comments of the SEC prior to filing such with, or sending such to, the SEC, and will provide Company and its counsel with a copy of all such filings made with the SEC. Buyer will provide Company and its counsel with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the Proxy Statement-Prospectus and all responses to requests for additional information by and replies to comments of the SEC prior to filing such with, or sending such to, the SEC, and will provide Company and its counsel with a copy of all such filings made with the SEC.
(e) Buyer agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to list, prior to the Effective Date, on Nasdaq the shares of Buyer Common Stock to be issued in connection with the Merger.
(f) Buyer shall deposit with the Exchange Agent the aggregate amount of the Cash Consideration prior to the Closing Date.
Section 5.06 Regulatory Filings; Consents.
(a) Each of Buyer and Company and their respective Subsidiaries shall cooperate and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts (i) to prepare all documentation (including the Proxy Statement-Prospectus), to effect all filings, to obtain all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and Governmental Authorities necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Regulatory Approvals and all other consents and approvals of a Governmental Authority required to consummate the Merger in the manner contemplated herein, (ii) to comply with the terms and conditions of such permits, consents, approvals and authorizations and (iii) to cause the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated as expeditiously as practicable (including by avoiding or setting aside any preliminary or permanent injunction or other order of any United States federal or state court of competent jurisdiction or any other Governmental Authority); provided, however, that in no event shall Buyer be required to agree to any prohibition, limitation, or other requirement which would prohibit or materially limit the ownership or operation by Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or by Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries, of all or any material portion of the business or assets of Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Buyer or its Subsidiaries, or compel Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries to dispose of all or any material portion of the business or assets of Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries (together, the Burdensome Conditions). Buyer and Company will furnish each other and each others counsel with all information concerning themselves, their Subsidiaries, directors, trustees, officers and shareholders and such other matters as may be necessary or advisable in connection with the Proxy Statement-Prospectus and any application,
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petition or any other statement or application made by or on behalf of Buyer or Company to any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each party hereto shall have the right to review and approve in advance all characterizations of the information relating to such party and any of its Subsidiaries that appear in any filing made in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with any Governmental Authority. In addition, Buyer and Company shall each furnish to the other for review a copy of each such filing made in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with any Governmental Authority prior to its filing.
(b) Company will notify Buyer promptly and shall promptly furnish Buyer with copies of notices or other communications received by Company or any of its Subsidiaries of (i) any communication from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person (or another Person) is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and the response thereto from Company, its Subsidiaries or its representatives), (ii) subject to applicable Laws and the instructions of any Governmental Authority, any communication from any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and the response thereto from Company, its Subsidiaries or its representatives) and (iii) any legal actions threatened or commenced against or otherwise affecting Company or any of its Subsidiaries that are related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and the response thereto from Company, its Subsidiaries or its representatives). With respect to any of the foregoing, Company will consult with Buyer and its representatives so as to permit Company and Buyer and their respective representatives to cooperate to take appropriate measures to avoid or mitigate any adverse consequences that may result from any of the foregoing.
(c) Buyer will notify Company promptly and shall promptly furnish Company with copies of notices or other communications received by Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries of (i) any communication from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person (or other Person) is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and the response thereto from Buyer or its representatives), (ii) subject to applicable Laws and the instructions of any Governmental Authority, any communication from any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and the response thereto from Buyer or its representatives), and (iii) any legal actions threatened or commenced against or otherwise affecting Company or any of its Subsidiaries that are related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (and the response thereto from Company, its Subsidiaries or its representatives).
Section 5.07 Publicity. Buyer and Company shall consult with each other before issuing any press release with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not issue any such press release or make any such public statement without the prior consent of the other party, which shall not be unreasonably delayed or withheld; provided, however, that a party may, without the prior consent of the other party (but after such consultation, to the extent practicable in the circumstances), issue such press release or make such public statements as may upon the advice of outside counsel be required by law. Without limiting the reach of the preceding sentence, Buyer and Company shall (i) cooperate to develop all public announcement materials; and (ii) make appropriate management available at presentations related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as reasonably requested by the other. In
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addition, Company and its Subsidiaries shall coordinate with Buyer regarding all communications with customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, and the community in general related to the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 5.08 Access; Information.
(a) Company and Buyer agree that upon reasonable notice and subject to applicable laws relating to the exchange of information, each shall afford the other party and its officers, employees, counsel, accountants and other authorized representatives such access during normal business hours throughout the period prior to the Effective Time to its books, records (including, without limitation, Tax Returns and work papers of independent auditors), properties and personnel and to such other information relating to it as the other party may reasonably request and, during such period, shall furnish promptly to the other party all information concerning its business, properties and personnel as the other party may reasonably request. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to provide access to or to disclose information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights of its customers, jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of the entity in possession or control of such information or contravene any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree, fiduciary duty or binding agreement entered into prior to the date of this Agreement. The parties will make appropriate and reasonable substitute disclosure arrangements under circumstances in which the restrictions of the preceding sentence apply.
(b) No investigation by a party hereto or its representatives shall be deemed to modify or waive any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of the other party set forth in this Agreement, or the conditions to the respective obligations of Buyer and Company to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 5.09 No Solicitation by Company.
(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries shall immediately cease, and Company and its Subsidiaries shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each of their respective representatives to immediately cease, any discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted prior to the date hereof with respect to an Acquisition Proposal. Except as permitted by this Section 5.09, after the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Company and its directors, executive officers and Subsidiaries shall not, and Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each of its and its Subsidiaries representatives not to, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate or encourage any inquiry with respect to, or the making of, any proposal that constitutes or could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal, (ii) participate in any negotiations regarding an Acquisition Proposal with, or furnish any nonpublic information relating to a Acquisition Proposal to, any Person that has made or, to the Knowledge of Company, is considering making an Acquisition Proposal, or (iii) engage in discussions regarding an Acquisition Proposal with any Person that has made, or, to Companys Knowledge, is considering making, an Acquisition Proposal, except to notify such Person of the existence of the provisions of this Section 5.09.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.09(a), if, prior to the time Requisite Company Shareholder Approval is obtained, Company receives a written and unsolicited Acquisition
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Proposal that the board of directors of Company determines in good faith (after consultation with its financial advisors and outside counsel) constitutes or could reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal, Company may take the following actions: (1) furnish nonpublic information with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries to the Person making such Acquisition Proposal, but only if (A) prior to so furnishing such information, Company has entered into a customary confidentiality agreement with such Person on terms no less favorable to Company than that certain letter agreement, dated as of March 1, 2012, by and between Company and Buyer, and (B) all such information has previously been provided to Buyer or is provided to Buyer prior to or contemporaneously with the time it is provided to the Person making such Superior Proposal or such Persons representatives, and (2) engage or participate in any discussions or negotiations with such Person with respect to the Superior Proposal. Company promptly (and in any event within 48 hours) shall advise Buyer orally and in writing of the receipt of (i) any proposal that constitutes or could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal and the material terms of such proposal (including the identity of the party making such proposal and, if applicable, copies of any documents or correspondence evidencing such proposal), and (ii) any request for information relating to Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than requests for information not reasonably expected to be related to an Acquisition Proposal. Company shall, thereafter, keep Buyer reasonably informed on a reasonably current basis of the status of any such Acquisition Proposal (including any material change to the terms thereof).
(c) Except as provided in Section 5.09(d), the board of directors of Company shall not (i) withhold, withdraw or modify (or publicly propose to withhold, withdraw or modify), in a manner adverse to Buyer, its recommendation referred to in Section 5.04, or (ii) approve or recommend (or publicly propose to approve or recommend ) any Acquisition Proposal. Except as provided in Section 5.09(d), Company shall not, and its board of directors shall not allow Company to, and Company shall not allow any of Companys Subsidiaries to, enter into any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, acquisition agreement, merger agreement or other agreement (except for customary confidentiality agreements permitted under Section 5.09(b)) relating to any Superior Proposal.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the board of directors of Company may, prior to the time the Requisite Company Shareholder Approval is obtained, in response to a Superior Proposal which did not result from a breach of Section 5.09(a) or (b), (i) make a Change in Recommendation and/or (ii) terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01 (and concurrently with such termination cause the Company to enter into an acquisition agreement with respect to the Superior Proposal), in each case of clauses (i) or (ii), if the board of directors of Company has determined in good faith, after consulting with its outside counsel, that the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with the directors fiduciary duties under applicable Law; provided that the board of directors may not take any such action in connection with an Acquisition Proposal unless (1) the board of directors has determined that such Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal, (2) prior to terminating this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(g), Company provides prior written notice to Buyer at least four Business Days in advance (the Notice Period) of its intention to take such action, which notice shall specify all material terms and conditions of such Superior Proposal (including the identity of the party making such Superior Proposal and copies of any documents or correspondence evidencing such Superior Proposal), and any material modifications to any of the foregoing, (3) during the
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Notice Period Company shall, and shall cause its financial advisors and outside counsel to, negotiate with Buyer in good faith should Buyer propose to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement so that such Superior Proposal ceases to constitute (in the good faith judgment of Companys board of directors) a Superior Proposal and (4) such Superior Proposal continues to constitute (in the good faith judgment of Companys board of directors) a Superior Proposal after taking into account any such amendments that Buyer shall have agreed to make prior to the end of the Notice Period.
(e) Nothing contained in this Section 5.09 shall prohibit Company from (i) complying with its disclosure obligations under U.S. federal or state law with regard to an Acquisition Proposal, including Rule 14a-9, 14d-9 or 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or making any disclosure to Companys shareholders if, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, Company determines that such disclosure would be required under applicable Law; provided, however, that any such disclosure relating to an Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed to be a Change in Recommendation unless it is limited to a stop, look and listen communication or the Companys board of directors reaffirms the recommendation referred to in Section 5.04(a) in such disclosure and does not recommend that Company shareholders tender their shares, or (ii) informing any Person of the existence of the provisions contained in this Section 5.09.
Section 5.10 Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, Buyer (the Indemnifying Party) shall indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director and officer of Company, as applicable, determined as of the Effective Time (the Indemnified Parties) against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities and amounts paid in settlement incurred after the Effective Time in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, based in whole or in part, or arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to (i) the fact that he or she was a director or officer of Company or is or was serving at the request of Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective predecessors, as a director, officer, employee, trustee or other agent of any other organization or in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan of Company, or (ii) any matters arising in connection with or related to the negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, to the fullest extent to which such Indemnified Parties would be entitled to be indemnified or have the right to advancement of expenses under the Articles of Organization and Bylaws of Company as in effect on the date of this Agreement as though such Articles of Organization and Bylaws continue to remain in effect after the Effective Time and as permitted by applicable Law. Buyers obligations under this Section 5.10(a) shall continue in full force and effect for a period of six years from the Effective Time; provided, however, that all rights to indemnification in respect of any claim asserted or made within such period shall continue until the final disposition of such claim.
(b) Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under this Section 5.10, upon learning of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, shall promptly notify the Indemnifying Party, but the failure to so notify shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party
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of any liability it may have to such Indemnified Party if such failure does not actually prejudice the Indemnifying Party. In the event of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation (whether arising before or after the Effective Time), (i) the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense thereof and the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable to such Indemnified Parties for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Parties in connection with the defense thereof, except that if the Indemnifying Party elects not to assume such defense or counsel for the Indemnified Parties advises that there are issues which raise conflicts of interest between the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Parties, the Indemnified Parties may retain counsel which is reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnifying Party, and the Indemnifying Party shall pay, promptly as statements therefor are received, the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties (which may not exceed one firm in any jurisdiction), (ii) the Indemnified Parties will cooperate in the defense of any such matter, (iii) the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement effected without its prior written consent and (iv) the Indemnifying Party shall have no obligation hereunder in the event that a federal or state banking agency or a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that indemnification of an Indemnified Party in the manner contemplated hereby is prohibited by applicable laws and regulations.
(c) Prior to the Effective Time, Company shall and if Company is unable to, Buyer shall cause the Surviving Entity as of the Effective Time to obtain and fully pay the premium for the extension of the Companys existing directors and officers insurance policies, in each case for a claims reporting or discovery period of at least six (6) years from and after the Effective Time from an insurance carrier with the same or better credit rating as Companys current insurance carrier with respect to directors and officers liability insurance (D&O Insurance) with terms, conditions, retentions and limits of liability that are at least as favorable to the Indemnified Parties as Companys existing policies with respect to any actual or alleged error, misstatement, misleading statement, act, omission, neglect, breach of duty or any matter claimed against a director or officer of Company or any of its Subsidiaries by reason of him or her serving in such capacity that existed or occurred at or prior to the Effective Time (including in connection with this Agreement or the transactions or actions contemplated hereby); provided, however, that in no event shall Company expend, or Buyer or the Surviving Entity be required to expend, for such tail policy a premium amount in excess of an amount (the Maximum D&O Tail Premium) equal to (x) 200% of the annual premiums paid by Company for D&O Insurance in effect as of the date of this Agreement less (y) the premium credit, if any, to which Company is entitled on account of the Merger under the D&O Insurance in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time; provided further, that if the cost of such a tail policy exceeds the Maximum D&O Tail Premium, Company, Buyer or the Surviving Entity shall obtain a tail policy with the greatest coverage available for a cost not exceeding Maximum D&O Tail Premium.
(d) If Buyer or any of its successors or assigns shall consolidate with or merge into any other entity and shall not be the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger or shall transfer all or substantially all of its assets to any other entity, then and in each case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Buyer shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 5.10.
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Section 5.11 Employees; Benefit Plans.
(a) All Company Employees to whom Buyer in its sole discretion offers employment at or prior to the Effective Time shall be retained after the Effective Time as employees of Buyer Bank so long as such Company Employees accept the terms and conditions of employment specified by Buyer; provided, that continued retention by Buyer Bank of such employees subsequent to the Merger shall be subject to Buyer Banks normal and customary employment procedures and practices, including customary background screening and evaluation procedures, and satisfactory employment performance. In addition, Company and Company Bank agree, upon Buyers reasonable request, to facilitate discussions between Buyer and Company Employees regarding employment, consulting or other arrangements to be effective prior to or following the Merger. Any interaction between Buyer and Companys employees shall be coordinated by Company.
(b) Company Employees (other than those who are parties to an employment, change of control or other type of agreement which provides for severance) as of the date of the Agreement who remain employed by Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the Effective Time and whose employment is terminated by Buyer (absent termination for cause as determined by the employer) within one year after the Effective Time shall receive severance pay equal to two weeks of base weekly pay for each completed year of employment service commencing with any such employees most recent hire date with Company or any of its Subsidiaries and ending with such employees termination date with Buyer, with a maximum payment equal to 26 weeks of base pay. Such severance pay will be made at regular payroll intervals. Such severance payments will be in lieu of any severance pay plans that may be in effect at Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time.
(c) Following the Closing Date, Buyer may choose to maintain any or all of Company Benefit Plans in its sole discretion, subject to the last sentence of this Section 5.11(c) and to Section 5(d). However, for any Company Benefit Plan terminated for which there is a comparable Buyer Benefit Plan of general applicability, Company Employees shall be entitled to participate in such Buyer Benefit Plan to the same extent as similarly-situated employees of Buyer or Buyer Bank (it being understood that inclusion of Company Employees in the Buyer Benefit Plans may occur, if at all, at different times with respect to different plans).
(d) If employees of Company or any of its Subsidiaries become eligible to participate in a medical, dental or health plan of Buyer or Buyer Bank upon termination of such plan of Company or any of its Subsidiaries, Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each such plan to (i) waive any preexisting condition limitations to the extent such conditions are covered under the applicable medical, health or dental plans of Buyer or Buyer Bank, (ii) provide full credit under such plans for any deductible, co-payment and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the employees and their beneficiaries during the portion of the calendar year prior to such participation and (iii) waive any waiting period limitation or evidence of insurability requirement which would otherwise be applicable to such employee on or after the Effective Time, in each case to the extent such employee had satisfied any similar limitation or requirement under an analogous Plan prior to the Effective Time for the plan year in which the Effective Time occurs.
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(e) Buyer shall honor, and the Surviving Entity shall continue to be obligated to perform, in accordance with their terms, all vested benefit obligations to, and contractual rights of, current and former employees and directors of the Company existing as of the Effective Time, as well as all employment, severance, deferred compensation, retirement or change-in-control agreements, plans or policies of the Company, but only if such obligations, rights, agreements, plans or policies are set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule. Buyer acknowledges that the consummation of the Merger will constitute a change-in-control of the Company for purposes of any benefit plans, agreements and arrangements of the Company. Nothing herein shall limit the ability of Buyer or Buyer Bank to amend or terminate any of the Company Benefit Plans or Buyer Benefit Plans in accordance with their terms at any time, subject to vested rights of employees and directors that may not be terminated pursuant to the terms of such Company Benefit Plans.
(f) Subject to the occurrence of the Effective Time, the tax-qualified employee stock ownership plan of the Company (the ESOP) shall be terminated immediately prior to and effective as of the Effective Time (all shares held by the ESOP shall be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration). Any outstanding ESOP indebtedness shall be repaid from unallocated ESOP assets and the balance of the unallocated shares and any other assets remaining unallocated shall be allocated and distributed to ESOP participants (subject to the receipt of a favorable determination letter from the IRS as provided for below), as provided for in the ESOP unless otherwise required by applicable law. Prior to the Effective Time, Company, and following the Effective Time, Buyer shall use their commercially reasonable efforts in good faith to obtain such favorable determination letter (including, but not limited to, making such changes to the ESOP and the proposed allocations as may be requested by the IRS as a condition to its issuance of a favorable determination letter). Company and following the Effective Time, Buyer, will adopt such amendments to the ESOP as may be reasonably required by the IRS as a condition to granting such favorable determination letter on termination. Neither Company, nor following the Effective Time, Buyer shall make any distribution from the ESOP to any Company Employees who continue employment with Buyer, except as may be required by applicable law, until receipt of such favorable determination letter. In the case of a conflict between the terms of this Section 5.11(f) and the terms of the ESOP, the terms of the ESOP shall control; however, in the event of any such conflict, Company before the Merger, and Buyer after the Merger, shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the ESOP to be amended to conform to the requirements of this Section 5.11(f).
(g) Nothing in this Section 5.11, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any other Person any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Section 5.11. Without limiting the foregoing, no provision of this Section 5.11 will create any third party beneficiary rights in any current or former employee, director or consultant of Company or its Subsidiaries in respect of continued employment (or resumed employment) or any other matter. Nothing in this Section 5.11 is intended (i) to amend Company Benefit Plan or any Buyer Benefit Plan, (ii) interfere with Buyers or the Surviving Entitys right from and after the Closing Date to amend or terminate any Company Benefit Plan or Buyer Benefit Plan or (iii) interfere with Buyers or the Surviving Entitys right from and after the Effective Time to terminate the employment or provision of services by any director, employee, independent contractor or consultant.
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Section 5.12 Notification of Certain Changes. Buyer and Company shall promptly advise the other party of any change or event having, or which could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect with respect to it or which it believes would, or which could reasonably be expected to, cause or constitute a material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained herein. From time to time prior to the Effective Time (and on the date prior to the Closing Date), Buyer and Company will supplement or amend their respective Disclosure Schedules delivered in connection with the execution of this Agreement to reflect any matter which, if existing, occurring or known at the date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in such Disclosure Schedule or which is necessary to correct any information in such Disclosure Schedule which has been rendered materially inaccurate thereby. No supplement or amendment to the Buyer or Company Disclosure Schedule shall have any effect for the purpose of determining satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.02(a) or 6.03(a) hereof, as the case may be, or compliance by Buyer or Company with the respective covenants and agreements of such parties set forth herein.
Section 5.13 Current Information. During the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, each of Company and Buyer will cause one or more of its designated representatives to confer on a regular and frequent basis (not less than weekly) with representatives of the other party and to report the general status of the ongoing operations of Company and its Subsidiaries and Buyer and its Subsidiaries, respectively. Without limiting the foregoing, Company and Buyer agree to provide to the other (i) a copy of each report filed by Company or any of its Subsidiaries with a Governmental Authority within one (1) Business Day following the filing thereof, and (ii) a consolidated balance sheet and a consolidated statement of operations, without related notes, within twenty-five (25) days after the end of each month, prepared in accordance with Companys and Buyers respective current financial reporting practices.
Section 5.14 Board Packages. Company shall distribute a copy of any Company or Company Bank Board package, including the agenda and any draft minutes, to Buyer at the same time and in the same manner in which it distributes a copy of such package to the board of directors of Company or Company Bank, as the case may be; provided, however, that Company shall not be required to copy Buyer on any documents that disclose confidential discussions of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or any third party proposal to acquire control of Company or any other matter that Companys board of directors has been advised of by counsel that such distribution to Buyer may violate a confidentiality obligation or fiduciary duty or any law or regulation, or may result in a waiver of the Companys attorney-client privilege.
Section 5.15 Transition; Informational Systems Conversion. From and after the date hereof, Buyer and Company shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to facilitate the integration of Company with the business of Buyer following consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and shall meet on a regular basis to discuss and plan for the conversion of the data processing and related electronic informational systems of Company and each of its Subsidiaries (the Informational Systems Conversion) to those used by Buyer, which planning shall include, but not be limited to, (a) discussion of third-party service provider arrangements of Company and each of its Subsidiaries; (b) non-renewal, after the Effective Time, of personal property leases and software licenses used by of Company and each of its Subsidiaries in
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connection with the systems operations; (c) retention of outside consultants and additional employees to assist with the conversion; (d) outsourcing, as appropriate after the Effective Time, of proprietary or self-provided system services; and (e) any other actions necessary and appropriate to facilitate the conversion, as soon as practicable following the Effective Time. Buyer shall promptly reimburse Company for any reasonable out-of-pocket fees, expenses or charges that Company may incur as a result of taking, at the request of Buyer, any action to facilitate the Informational Systems Conversion.
Section 5.16 Access to Customers and Suppliers. From and after the date hereof, Company shall, upon Buyers reasonable request, introduce Buyer and its representatives to customers and suppliers of Company and its Subsidiaries for the purpose of facilitating the integration of Company and its business into that of the Buyer. Any interaction between Buyer and Companys customers and suppliers shall be coordinated by Company. Company shall have the right to participate in any discussions between Buyer and Companys customers and suppliers.
Section 5.17 Environmental Assessments.
(a) Company shall cooperate with and grant access to an environmental consulting firm selected and paid for by Buyer and reasonably acceptable to Company, during normal business hours (and at such other times as may be agreed), to any property set forth on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.31 for the purpose of conducting (i) Phase I Assessments (which also may include an evaluation of asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead based paint, lead in drinking water, mold and radon); (ii) Phase II Environmental Assessments, including subsurface investigation of soil, soil vapor, and groundwater; (iii) surveys and sampling of indoor air and building materials for the presence of radon, asbestos containing materials, mold, microbial matter, polychlorinated biphenyls, and other Hazardous Substances.
(b) To the extent requested by the Buyer, each environmental assessment shall include an estimate by the environmental consulting firm preparing such environmental assessment of the costs of investigation, monitoring, personal injury, property damage, clean up, remediation, penalties, fines or other liabilities, as the case may be, relating to the potential environmental condition(s) or recognized environmental condition(s) or other conditions which are the subject of the environmental assessment.
Section 5.18 Certain Litigation. In the event that any shareholder litigation related to this Agreement or the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement is brought, or, to Companys Knowledge, threatened, against Company and/or the members of the board of directors of Company prior to the Effective Time, Company shall give Buyer the opportunity to participate in the defense or settlement of such litigation, and no such settlement shall be agreed to without Buyers prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld). Company shall promptly notify Buyer of any such stockholder litigation brought, or threatened, against Company and/or members of the board of directors of Company and keep Buyer reasonably informed with respect to the status thereof.
Section 5.19 Stock Exchange De-listing. Prior to the Closing Date, Company shall cooperate with Buyer and use commercially reasonable 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
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under applicable Laws and rules and policies of Nasdaq and the other exchanges on which the common stock of Company is listed to enable the de-listing by the Surviving Entity of the Company Common Stock from Nasdaq and the other exchanges on which the Company Common Stock is listed and the deregistration of the Company Common Stock under the Exchange Act as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, and in any event no more than ten (10) days after the Closing Date.
Section 5.20 Director Resignations. Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to Buyer resignations of all the directors of its Subsidiaries (other than Company Bank) to be effective as of the Effective Time.
Section 5.21 Coordination of Dividends. After the date of this Agreement, each of Buyer and Company shall coordinate with the other the payment of dividends with respect to the Buyer Common Stock and Company Common Stock and the record dates and payment dates relating thereto, it being the intention of the parties that holders of Company Common Stock shall not receive two dividends, or fail to receive one dividend, for any single calendar quarter with respect to their shares of Company Common Stock or any share of Buyer Common Stock that any such holder receives in exchange for such shares of Company Common Stock in the Merger.
Section 5.22 Representation on Buyer Board. Prior to the Closing, the board of directors of Buyer and the board of directors of Buyer Bank shall each increase by one (1) the number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors Buyer and Buyer Bank, respectively, effective as of and contingent upon the occurrence of the Effective Time, and the Board of Directors of Buyer and Buyer Bank shall duly elect John J. Morrissey (the Company Board Representative) to fill such vacancies and thereby become a director of Buyer and Buyer Bank, effective as of and contingent upon the occurrence of the Effective Time. The Company Board Representative shall cooperate with Buyers customary background screening and evaluation procedures with respect to director independence.
Section 5.23 Coordination.
(a) Company and Company Bank shall take any actions Buyer may reasonably request prior to the Effective Time to facilitate the consolidation of the operations of Company Bank with Buyer Bank, including without limitation actions to discontinue the Quick Rate Certificate of Deposit, limit wholesale funding to overnight Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston borrowings and discontinue advertising residential mortgage rates at market leader pricing on BankRate.com. Without limiting the foregoing, senior officers of Company and Buyer shall meet from time to time as Company may reasonably request, and in any event not less frequently than monthly, to review the financial and operational affairs of Company and Company Bank, and Company shall give due consideration to Buyers input on such matters, with the understanding that, notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, neither Buyer nor Buyer Bank shall under any circumstance be permitted to exercise control of Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Time. Company and Company Bank shall permit representatives of Buyer Bank to be onsite at Company Bank to facilitate consolidation of operations and assist with any other coordination efforts as necessary.
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(b) Upon Buyers reasonable request, prior to the Effective Time and consistent with GAAP, the rules and regulations of the SEC and applicable banking laws and regulations, (i) each of Company and its Subsidiaries shall modify or change its loan, OREO, accrual, reserve, tax, litigation and real estate valuation policies and practices (including loan classifications and levels of reserves) so as to be applied on a basis that is consistent with that of Buyer, (ii) Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause Company Bank to divest itself of such investment securities and loans as are identified by Buyer in writing from time to time prior to the Closing Date, and (iii) Company shall make such accruals under the Company Benefit Plans as Buyer may reasonably request to reflect the benefits payable under such Company Benefit Plans upon the completion of the Merger. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such modifications, changes or divestitures of the type described in this Section 5.23(b) need be made prior to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.01(a) and 6.01(b).
(c) Company and Company Bank shall, consistent with GAAP and regulatory accounting principles, use their commercially reasonable efforts to implement at Buyers request internal control procedures which are consistent with Buyers and Buyer Banks current internal control procedures to allow Buyer to fulfill its reporting requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, provided, however, that no such modifications, changes or divestitures need be made prior to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.01(a) and 6.01(b).
(d) No accrual or reserve or change in policy or procedure made by Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 5.23 shall constitute or be deemed to be a breach, violation of or failure to satisfy any representation, warranty, covenant, agreement, condition or other provision of this Agreement or otherwise be considered in determining whether any such breach, violation or failure to satisfy shall have occurred. The recording of any such adjustment shall not be deemed to imply any misstatement of previously furnished financial statements or information and shall not be construed as concurrence of Company or its management with any such adjustments.
(e) Subject to Section 5.23(b), Buyer and Company shall cooperate (i) to minimize any potential adverse impact to the Buyer under FASB Statement No. 141R, and (ii) to maximize potential benefits to the Buyer and its Subsidiaries under Code Section 382 in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in each case consistent with GAAP, the rules and regulations of the SEC and applicable banking laws and regulations.
Section 5.24 Bank Merger. Buyer and Company agree to take all action necessary and appropriate, including causing the entering into of an appropriate Plan of Bank Merger, to cause Company Bank to merge with Buyer Bank in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and the terms of the Plan of Bank Merger at such time, if any, as determined by Buyer.
Section 5.25 Transactional Expenses. The Company has provided in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.37 a reasonable good faith estimate of costs and fees that Company and its Subsidiaries expect to pay to retained representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, Company Expenses). Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the aggregate amount of all Company Expense to not to
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materially exceed the total expenses disclosed in Company Disclosure Schedule 3.37. Company shall promptly notify Buyer if or when it determines that it expects to materially exceed its budget. Company shall not incur investment banking fees in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement other than those expressly provided for in the letter agreement between Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. and Company.
Section 5.26 Section 16(a). Prior to the Effective Time, Buyer shall, as applicable, take all such steps as may be required to cause any acquisitions of Buyer Common Stock resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by each individual who may be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to Buyer to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Company agrees to promptly furnish Buyer with all requisite information necessary for Buyer to take the actions contemplated by this Section 5.25.
Section 5.27 Small Business Lending Fund Redemption. Each of Buyer and Company and their respective Subsidiaries shall cooperate and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to prepare all documentation, to effect all filings, to obtain all permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and Governmental Authorities necessary to redeem the SBLF Shares as of or prior to the Effective Time.
Section 5.28 Assumption by Buyer of Certain Obligations. At or before the Closing, Buyer shall deliver agreements or supplemental indentures as required and in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company, as of the Effective Time, in order to assume expressly the due and punctual performance and observance of each and every covenant, agreement and condition (insofar as such covenant, agreement or condition is to be performed and observed by the Company) of the indentures, trust agreements and guarantee agreements entered into by the Company, each as more specifically identified on Company Disclosure Schedule 3.03.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER
Section 6.01 Conditions to Obligations of the Parties to Effect the Merger. The respective obligations of Buyer and Company to consummate the Merger are subject to the fulfillment or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, written waiver by the parties hereto prior to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:
(a) Shareholder Vote. This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall have received the Requisite Company Shareholder Approval at the Company Meeting.
(b) Regulatory Approvals; No Burdensome Condition. All Regulatory Approvals required to consummate the Merger in the manner contemplated herein shall have been obtained and shall remain in full force and effect and all statutory waiting periods in respect thereof shall have expired or been terminated. None of such regulatory approvals shall impose any term, condition or restriction upon Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries that Buyer reasonably determines is a Burdensome Condition.
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(c) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No judgment, order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be in effect. No statute, rule, regulation, order, injunction or decree shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or enforced by any Governmental Authority that prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(d) Effective Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall have become effective and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or threatened by the SEC or any other Governmental Authority.
(e) Tax Opinions Relating to the Merger. Company and Buyer, respectively, shall have received opinions from Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, respectively, each dated as of the Closing Date, in substance and form reasonably satisfactory to Company and Buyer to the effect that, on the basis of the facts, representations and assumptions set forth in such opinion, the Merger and Bank Merger, considered together as a single integrated transaction, will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In rendering their opinions, Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP may require and rely upon representations contained in certificates of officers of each of Company and Buyer.
Section 6.02 Conditions to Obligations of Company. The obligations of Company to consummate the Merger also are subject to the fulfillment or written waiver by Company prior to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of Buyer set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, in any case subject to the standard set forth in Section 4.01. Company shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of Buyer by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Buyer to such effect.
(b) Performance of Obligations of Buyer. Buyer shall have performed and complied with all of its obligations under this Agreement in all material respects at or prior to the Closing Date, and Company shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of Buyer by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Buyer to such effect.
(c) Other Actions. Buyer shall have furnished Company with such certificates of their respective officers or others and such other documents to evidence fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.01 and 6.02 as Company may reasonably request.
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Section 6.03 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer. The obligations of Buyer to consummate the Merger also are subject to the fulfillment or written waiver by Buyer prior to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:
(a) Company Common Stock. Notwithstanding the standard set forth in Section 3.01, the number of shares of Company Common Stock outstanding as of the Closing Date of this Agreement shall not exceed 1,690,951, except to the extent increased as a result of the exercise, after the date of this Agreement, of one or more stock options listed on the Company Disclosure Schedule, provided such options are exercised in accordance with the terms existing as of the date of this Agreement and disclosed on the Company Disclosure Schedule.
(b) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of Company set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date, in any case subject to the standard set forth in Section 3.01. Buyer shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of Company by the Chief Executive Officer of Company to such effect.
(c) Performance of Obligations of Company. Company shall have performed and complied with all of its obligations under this Agreement in all material respects at or prior to the Closing Date, and Buyer shall have received a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of Company by the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Company to such effect.
(d) Plan of Bank Merger. The Plan of Bank Merger shall have been executed and delivered concurrently with Companys execution and delivery of this Agreement.
(e) Consulting and Non-Competition Agreements. Company shall have delivered to Buyer (i) a non-competition and non-solicitation agreement in the form set forth on Exhibit F from John D. Doherty and (ii) a consulting, non-competition and non-solicitation agreement in the form set forth on Exhibit G from William P. Morrissey.
(f) Other Actions. Company shall have furnished Buyer with such certificates of its officers or others and such other documents to evidence fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.01 and 6.03 as Buyer may reasonably request.
Section 6.04 Frustration of Closing Conditions. Neither Buyer nor Company may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in Section 6.01, 6.02 or 6.03, as the case may be, to be satisfied if such failure was caused by such partys failure to use commercially reasonable efforts to consummate any of the transactions contemplated hereby, as required by and subject to Section 5.03.
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ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
Section 7.01 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated, and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned:
(a) Mutual Consent. At any time prior to the Effective Time, by the mutual consent of Buyer and Company if the board of directors of Buyer and the board of directors of Company each so determines by vote of a majority of the members of its entire Board.
(b) No Regulatory Approval. By Buyer or Company, if its board of directors so determines by a vote of a majority of the members of its entire Board, in the event any Regulatory Approval required for consummation of the transactions contemplated this Agreement shall have been denied by final, nonappealable action by such Governmental Authority or an application therefor shall have been permanently withdrawn at the request of a Governmental Authority.
(c) No Shareholder Approval. By either Buyer or Company (provided in the case of Company that it shall not be in material breach of any of its obligations under Section 5.04(a)), if the Requisite Company Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at a duly held meeting of such shareholders or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
(d) Breach of Representations and Warranties. By either Buyer or Company (provided that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein in a manner that would entitle the other party not to consummate the agreement) if there shall have been a material breach of any of the representations or warranties set forth in this Agreement by the other party (subject to the standard set forth in Sections 3.01 and 4.01, respectively), which breach is not cured prior to the earlier of (i) thirty (30) days following written notice to the party committing such breach from the other party hereto or (ii) two (2) Business Days prior to the Termination Date, or which breach, by its nature, cannot be cured prior to the Closing.
(e) Breach of Covenants. By either Buyer or Company (provided that the terminating party is not then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained herein in a manner that would entitle the other party not to consummate the agreement) if there shall have been a material breach of any of the covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement on the part of the other party, which breach shall not have been cured prior to the earlier of (i) thirty (30) days following written notice to the party committing such breach from the other party hereto or (ii) two (2) Business Days prior to the Termination Date, or which breach, by its nature, cannot be cured prior to the Closing.
(f) Delay. It being understood that the parties shall use good faith efforts to submit regulatory filings in a timely manner and to take such other commercially reasonable actions to facilitate a closing on or before December 31, 2012, by either Buyer or Company if the Merger shall not have been consummated on or before March 31, 2013 (the Termination Date), unless the failure of the Closing to occur by such date shall be due to a material breach of this Agreement by the party seeking to terminate this Agreement.
(g) Superior Proposal. By Company if at any time after the date of this Agreement and prior to obtaining the Requisite Company Shareholder Approval, Company receives an Acquisition Proposal; provided, however, that Company shall not terminate this Agreement pursuant to the foregoing clause unless:
(i) Company shall have complied in all material respects with Section 5.09 of this Agreement, including the conclusion by the board of directors of Company in good faith that such Acquisition Proposal is a Superior Proposal;
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(ii) Company concurrently pays the Termination Fee payable pursuant to Section 7.02; and
(iii) the board of directors of Company concurrently approves, and Company concurrently enters into, a definitive agreement with respect to such Superior Proposal.
(h) Failure to Recommend; Third-Party Acquisition Transaction; Etc. At any time prior to the Company Meeting, by Buyer if (i) Company shall have materially breached its obligations under Section 5.09, (ii) the board of directors of Company shall have failed to make its recommendation referred to in Section 5.04(a) or withdrawn such recommendation or modified or changed such recommendation in a manner adverse in any respect to the interests of Buyer, whether or not permitted by Section 5.09, (iii) the board of directors of Company shall have recommended, proposed, or publicly announced its intention to recommend or propose, to engage in an Acquisition Transaction with any Person other than Buyer or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of Buyer, whether or not permitted by Section 5.09, or (iv) Company shall have materially breached its obligations under Section 5.04 by failing to call, give notice of, convene and hold the Company Meeting in accordance with Section 5.04.
(i) Price of the Buyer Common Stock. By the Company, if the board of directors of the Company so determines by the vote of a majority of its members, in the event that, as of the Determination Date, both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) the Average Determination Price shall be less than 80% of the Buyer Starting Price; and
(ii) (A) the number obtained by dividing the Average Determination Price by the Buyer Starting Price (such number, the Buyer Ratio) is less than (B) the number obtained by dividing the Final Index Price by the Initial Index Price and subtracting 0.20 from such quotient (such number, the Index Ratio).
If the Company elects to exercise its termination right pursuant to this Section 7.01(i), it shall give written notice to Buyer not later than the end of the third Business Day next following the Determination Date. During the five Business Day period commencing with its receipt of such notice, Buyer may, at its option, increase the Exchange Ratio to a number equal to the lesser of (x) a quotient (rounded to the nearest one-ten-thousandth), the numerator of which is equal to the product of the Exchange Ratio (as then in effect) and the Index Ratio, and the denominator of which is equal to the Buyer Ratio, or (y) a quotient (rounded to the nearest one-ten-thousandth), the numerator of which is the product of the Exchange Ratio (as then in effect), the Buyer Starting Price and 0.80, and the denominator of which is the Average Determination Price. If Buyer makes an election contemplated by the preceding sentence within such five Business Day period, it shall give prompt written notice to the Company of such election and the revised Exchange Ratio, whereupon no termination shall have occurred pursuant to this Section
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7.01(i) and this Agreement shall remain in effect in accordance with its terms (except as the Exchange Ratio shall have been so modified), and any references in this Agreement to Exchange Ratio shall thereafter be deemed to refer to the Exchange Ratio as adjusted pursuant to this Section 7.01(i).
If the outstanding shares of Buyer Common Stock or any company belonging to the Index shall be changed into a different number of shares by reason of any stock dividend, reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or similar transaction between the date of the Agreement and the Determination Date, the prices for the common stock of such company will be appropriately adjusted.
For purposes of this Section 7.01(i), the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
Buyer Starting Price shall mean the average, rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a cent, of the volume-weighted average trading price of a share of Buyer Common Stock on the Nasdaq, as reported by Bloomberg L.P., for the ten trading day period ending on the day immediately preceding the date hereof.
Average Determination Price of the Buyer Common Stock shall mean the average, rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a cent, of the volume-weighted average trading price of a share of Buyer Common Stock on the Nasdaq, as reported by Bloomberg L.P., for the twenty trading day period ending on the trading date immediately preceding the Determination Date.
Determination Date means the date on which the last required approval of a Governmental Entity is obtained with respect to the Merger, with regard to any requisite waiting period.
Final Index Price means the average, rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a cent, of the volume-weighted average trading price of the Index, as reported on Bloomberg L.P., for the same trading days used in calculating the Average Determination Price.
Index means the Nasdaq Bank Stock Index or, if such Index is not available, such substitute or similar index as substantially replicates the Nasdaq Bank Stock Index.
Initial Index Price means the average, rounded to the nearest one-tenth of a cent, of the volume-weighted average trading price of the Index, as reported on Bloomberg L.P., for the same trading days used in calculating the Buyer Starting Price.
Section 7.02 Termination Fee; Reimbursement.
(a) In recognition of the efforts, expenses and other opportunities foregone by Buyer while structuring and pursuing the Merger, Company shall pay to Buyer by wire transfer of immediately available funds a termination fee equal to $2,200,000 (the Termination Fee) in the event Company terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(g), in which case Company shall pay the Termination Fee at or prior to the time of such termination.
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(b) In the event that (A) (i) an Acquisition Proposal, whether or not conditional, shall have been publicly announced after the date hereof (or any Person shall have, after the date hereof, publicly announced an intention, whether or not conditional, to make an Acquisition Proposal) or (ii) the board of directors of Company has made a Change in Recommendation (or publicly proposed to make a Change in Recommendation), prior to or on the date of the Company Meeting (including any adjournment or postponement at which the vote on the Merger is held), (B) this Agreement is thereafter terminated by either Buyer or Company pursuant to Section 7.01(c) or Section 7.01(f) or by Buyer pursuant to Section 7.01(d), Section 7.01(e) as a result of Companys willful breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants hereunder, or 7.01(h), and (C) within 12 months following the date of such termination, Company enters into a definitive agreement with respect to any Acquisition Transaction, the board of directors of Company recommends any Acquisition Transaction or Company consummates any Acquisition Transaction (whether or not such Acquisition Transaction resulted from or was related to the Acquisition Proposal referred to in the foregoing clause (A)(i), if applicable), then Company shall pay Buyer the Termination Fee, less the Buyer Reimbursement Amount, which amount shall be payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds on or prior to the earlier of Company entering into a definitive agreement for or consummating such Acquisition Transaction.
(c) In the event that this Agreement is terminated by Buyer under the provisions referred to in clause (B) of Section 7.02(b) and a circumstance referred to in clause (A)(i) or (A)(ii) of Section 7.02(b) shall have occurred prior to such termination but the Termination Fee has not been paid and is not payable because the circumstances referred to in clause (C) of Section 7.02(b) shall not have occurred, then Company shall pay at Buyers direction as promptly as possible (but in any event within three (3) Business Days) following receipt of an invoice therefor up to $750,000 of Buyers and its Subsidiaries reasonably documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) actually incurred by Buyer and its Subsidiaries prior to the termination of this Agreement proximately in connection with the negotiation, execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Buyer and Buyer Bank (the Buyer Reimbursement Amount).
(d) Company and Buyer each agree that the agreements contained in this Section 7.02 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that, without these agreements, Buyer would not enter into this Agreement; accordingly, if Company fails promptly to pay any amounts due under this Section 7.02 and, in order to obtain such payment, Buyer commences a suit that results in a judgment against Company for such amounts, Company shall pay interest on such amounts from the date payment of such amounts were due to the date of actual payment at the rate of interest equal to the sum of (x) the rate of interest published from time to time in The Wall Street Journal, Eastern Edition (or any successor publication thereto), designated therein as the prime rate on the date such payment was due, plus 200 basis points, together with the costs and expenses of Buyer (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) in connection with such suit.
(e) Exclusivity of Remedy. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, if the Company pays or causes to be paid to Buyer or to Buyer Bank the Termination Fee, neither the Company nor Company Bank (or any successor in interest of Company or Company Bank) will have any further obligations or liabilities to Buyer or Buyer Bank with respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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Section 7.03 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Article VII, no party to this Agreement shall have any liability or further obligation to any other party hereunder other than as set forth in Section 7.02, provided however that except as set forth in Section 7.02(e), termination will not relieve a breaching party from liability for any willful breach of any covenant, agreement, representation or warranty of this Agreement giving rise to such termination.
ARTICLE VIII
DEFINITIONS
Section 8.01 Definitions. The following terms are used in this Agreement with the meanings set forth below:
Acquisition Proposal means any proposal or offer after the date hereof with respect to any Acquisition Transaction or any public announcement by any Person (which shall include any regulatory application or notice) of a proposal, plan or intention with respect to any Acquisition Transaction.
Acquisition Transaction means any of the following (other than the transactions contemplated hereby) involving Company: (a) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination or other similar transaction; (b) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition of assets that constitute a substantial portion of the assets of Company in a single transaction or series of transactions; or (c) any tender offer or exchange offer for 20% or more of the outstanding shares of its capital stock or the filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act, in connection therewith.
Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person. As used in this definition, control (including, with its correlative meanings, controlled by and under common control with) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Agreement means this Agreement (including exhibits), as amended or modified from time to time in accordance with Section 9.02.
Articles of Merger has the meaning set forth in Section 1.04(a).
Average Determination Price has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(i).
Bank Merger has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Bank Secrecy Act means the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended.
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BOLI has the meaning set forth in Section 3.33(b).
Burdensome Conditions has the meaning set forth in Section 5.06(a).
Business Day means Monday through Friday of each week, except a legal holiday recognized as such by the U.S. government or any day on which banking institutions in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts are authorized or obligated to close.
Buyer has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
Buyer Bank has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
Buyer Benefit Plans has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15(a).
Buyer Common Stock means the common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of Buyer.
Buyer Disclosure Schedule has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(a).
Buyer Ratio has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(i).
Buyer Reimbursement Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02(c).
Buyer Regulatory Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 4.09.
Buyer Reports has the meaning set forth in Section 4.06(a).
Buyer Starting Price has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(i).
Cash Consideration has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(c).
Cash Election has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Cash Election Shares has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Certificate means any certificate which immediately prior to the Effective Time represents shares of Company Common Stock.
Change in Recommendation has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04.
Closing and Closing Date have the meanings set forth in Section 1.04(b).
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Community Reinvestment Act means the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended.
Company has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
Company Balance Sheet Date has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10.
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Company Bank has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.
Company Benefit Plans has the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(a).
Company Board Representative has the meaning set forth in Section 5.22.
Company Common Stock means the common stock, $1.00 par value per share, of Company.
Company Disclosure Schedule has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).
Company Employees has the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(a).
Company Equity Plans has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(a).
Company Expenses has the meaning set forth in Section 5.25.
Company Intellectual Property means the Intellectual Property used in or held for use in the conduct of the business of Company and its Subsidiaries.
Company Loan has the meaning set forth in Section 3.23(b).
Company Loan Property has the meaning set forth in Section 3.18(a).
Company Meeting has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04.
Company Pension Plan has the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(b).
Company Preferred Stock means the Series B Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value per share, of Company.
Company Regulatory Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14.
Company Reports has the meaning set forth in Section 3.08(a).
D&O Insurance has the meaning set forth in Section 5.10(c).
Derivative Transaction means any swap transactions, option, warrant, forward purchase or sale transactions, futures transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions or collar transactions relating to one or more currencies, commodities, bonds, equity securities, loans, interest rates, catastrophe events, weather-related events, credit-related events or conditions or any indexes, or any other similar transactions (including any option with respect to any of these transactions) or combination of any of these transactions, including collateralized mortgage obligations or other similar instruments or any debt or equity instruments evidencing or embedding any such types of transactions, and any related credit support, collateral or other similar arrangements related to such transactions.
Determination Date has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(i).
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Dodd-Frank Act means the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Effective Time has the meaning set forth in Section 1.04(a).
Election Deadline has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(b).
Election Form has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Environmental Law means any federal, state or local law, regulation, order, decree, permit, authorization, opinion or agency requirement relating to: (a) pollution, the protection or restoration of the indoor or outdoor environment, human health and safety, or natural resources, (b) the handling, use, presence, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance, or (c) any injury or threat of injury to persons or property in connection with any Hazardous Substance. The term Environmental Law includes, but is not limited to, the following statutes, as amended, any successor thereto, and any regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and any state or local statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations and the like addressing similar issues: (a) the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 6901, et seq.; the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 7401, et seq.; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. § 1251, et seq.; the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. § 2601, et seq.; the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1101, et seq.; the Safe Drinking Water Act; 42 U.S.C. § 300f, et seq.; the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651, et seq.; (b) common law that may impose liability (including without limitation strict liability) or obligations for injuries or damages due to the presence of or exposure to any Hazardous Substance.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act means the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, as amended.
ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
ERISA Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(c).
ESOP has the meaning set forth in Section 5.11(e).
Exchange Act has the meaning set forth in Section 3.08(a).
Exchange Agent means such exchange agent as may be designated by Buyer and reasonably acceptable to Company to act as agent for purposes of conducting the exchange procedures described in Section 2.04 (which shall be Buyers transfer agent).
Exchange Fund has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(b).
Exchange Ratio means:
| if the Average Determination Price is more than $26.94 and less than $30.38, then the Exchange Ratio shall be equal to the quotient (rounded to the nearest one-thousandth) obtained by dividing $32.00 by the Average Determination Price; and |
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| if the Average Determination Price is equal to or less than $26.94, then the Exchange Ratio shall be equal to 1.1878; and |
| if the Average Determination Price is equal to or higher than $30.38, then the Exchange Ratio shall be equal to 1.0533. |
For illustrative purposes only:
| if the Average Determination Price is $28.66, then the Exchange Ratio shall be equal to 1.1165; and |
| if the Average Determination Price is $26.00, then the Exchange Ratio shall be equal to 1.1878; and |
| if the Average Determination Price is $32.00, then the Exchange Ratio shall be equal to 1.0533. |
Executive Officer means each officer of Company or Buyer, as applicable, who files reports with the SEC pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
FDIA has the meaning set forth in Section 3.28.
Fair Housing Act means the Fair Housing Act, as amended.
FDIC means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
FHLB means the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.
Final Index Price has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(i).
FINRA means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
FRB means the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
GAAP means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Governmental Authority means any federal, state or local court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality.
Hazardous Substance means any and all substances (whether solid, liquid or gas) defined, listed, or otherwise regulated as pollutants, hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, hazardous materials, extremely hazardous wastes, flammable or explosive materials, radioactive materials or words of similar meaning or regulatory effect under any present or future Environmental Law or that may have a negative impact on human health or the environment,
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including but not limited to petroleum and petroleum products, asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead, radon, radioactive materials, flammables and explosives, mold, mycotoxins, microbial matter and airborne pathogens (naturally occurring or otherwise). Hazardous Substance does not include substances of kinds and in amounts ordinarily and customarily used or stored for the purposes of cleaning or other maintenance or operations.
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act means Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, as amended.
Indemnified Parties and Indemnifying Party have the meanings set forth in Section 5.10(a).
Index has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(i).
Initial Index Price has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(i).
Informational Systems Conversion has the meaning set forth in Section 5.15.
Insurance Policies has the meaning set forth in Section 3.33(a).
Intellectual Property means (a) trademarks, service marks, trade names, Internet domain names, designs, logos, slogans, and general intangibles of like nature, together with all goodwill, registrations and applications related to the foregoing; (b) patents and industrial designs (including any continuations, divisionals, continuations-in-part, renewals, reissues, and applications for any of the foregoing); (c) copyrights (including any registrations and applications for any of the foregoing); (d) Software; and (e) technology, trade secrets and other confidential information, know-how, proprietary processes, formulae, algorithms, models, and methodologies.
IRS means the Internal Revenue Service.
Knowledge of any Person (including references to such Person being aware of a particular matter) as used with respect to Company and its Subsidiaries means those facts that are actually known, after reasonable inquiry, by the Executive Officers of Company and the directors of Company and Company Bank, and as used with respect to Buyer and its Subsidiaries means those facts that are actually known, after reasonable inquiry, by the Executive Officers of Buyer and the directors of Buyer. Without limiting the scope of the immediately preceding sentence, the term Knowledge includes any fact, matter or circumstance set forth in any written notice received by Company from any Governmental Authority.
Law means any statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority that is applicable to the referenced Person.
Leases has the meaning set forth in Section 3.31(b).
Liens means any charge, mortgage, pledge, security interest, restriction, claim, lien or encumbrance, conditional and installment sale agreement, charge or other claim of third parties of any kind.
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Loans has the meaning set forth in Section 3.23(a).
Mailing Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Material Adverse Effect means (a) with respect to any Person, any effect that is material and adverse to the financial position, results of operations or business of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or which would materially impair the ability of such Person to perform its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise materially impairs the ability of such Person to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include the impact of (i) changes in banking and similar laws of general applicability or interpretations thereof by Governmental Authorities, (ii) changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting requirements applicable to banks or bank holding companies generally, (iii) any modifications or changes to Company valuation policies and practices in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby or restructuring charges taken in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, in each case in accordance with GAAP and with Buyers prior written consent, (iv) changes after the date of this Agreement in general economic or capital market conditions affecting financial institutions or their market prices generally and not disproportionately affecting Company or Buyer, including, but not limited to, changes in levels of interest rates generally, (v) the effects of compliance with this Agreement on the operating performance of Company or Buyer, including the expenses incurred by Company or Buyer in negotiating, documenting, effecting and consummating the transactions contemplated by this agreement, (vi) the effects of any action or omission taken by Company with the prior consent of Buyer, and vice versa, or as otherwise expressly permitted or contemplated by this Agreement; (vii) the impact of the Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby on relationships with customers or employees (including the loss of personnel subsequent to the date of this Agreement); and (viii) the public disclosure of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
Material Contracts has the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(a).
Maximum D&O Tail Premium has the meaning set forth in Section 5.10(c).
Merger has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Merger Consideration has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(c).
Nasdaq has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.
New Certificates has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Non-Election has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Non-Election Shares has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Notice Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.09(d).
Options has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(a).
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OREO has the meaning set forth in Section 3.23(a).
Person means any individual, bank, corporation, partnership, association, joint-stock company, business trust, limited liability company, unincorporated organization or other organization or firm of any kind or nature.
Phase I Assessment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.01(w).
Phase II Assessment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.17(a).
Plan of Bank Merger means the agreement and plan of merger to be entered into between Buyer Bank and Company Bank providing for the merger of Company Bank and Buyer Bank.
Proxy Statement-Prospectus means the proxy statement and prospectus and other proxy solicitation materials constituting a part thereof, together with any amendments and supplements thereto, to be delivered to holders of Company Common Stock in connection with the solicitation of their approval of this Agreement.
Registration Statement has the meaning set forth in Section 4.12.
Regulatory Approval has the meaning set forth in Section 3.07(a).
Requisite Company Shareholder Approval has the meaning set forth in Section 3.06.
Rights means, with respect to any Person, warrants, options, rights, convertible securities and other arrangements or commitments which obligate the Person to issue or dispose of any of its capital stock or other ownership interests.
Rights Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 3.38.
SBLF Shares has the meaning set forth in Section 2.08.
SEC means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities Act has the meaning set forth in Section 3.08(a).
Settlement Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Software means computer programs, whether in source code or object code form (including any and all software implementation of algorithms, models and methodologies), databases and compilations (including any and all data and collections of data), and all documentation (including user manuals and training materials) related to the foregoing.
Stock Consideration has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(c).
Stock Conversion Number has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
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Stock Election has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Stock Election Number has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Stock Election Shares has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Subsidiary means, with respect to any party, any corporation or other entity of which a majority of the capital stock or other ownership interest having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such party. Any reference in this Agreement to a Company subsidiary means, unless the context otherwise requires, any current or former Subsidiary of Company.
Superior Proposal means any bona fide written Acquisition Proposal with respect to more than 50% of the combined voting power of the shares of Company Common Stock then outstanding or all or substantially all of the assets of Company that is (a) on terms which the board of directors of Company determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisor, to be more favorable from a financial point of view to Companys shareholders than the transactions contemplated hereby, (b) that constitutes a transaction that, in the good faith judgment of the board of directors of Company, is reasonably likely to be consummated on the terms set forth, taking into account all legal, financial, regulatory and other aspects of such proposal, and (c) for which financing, to the extent required, is then committed pursuant to a written commitment letter.
Surviving Entity shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.01.
Tax and Taxes mean all federal, state, local or foreign income, gross income, gains, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, goods and services, capital, production, transfer, franchise, windfall profits, license, withholding, payroll, employment, disability, employer health, excise, estimated, severance, stamp, occupation, property, environmental, custom duties, unemployment or other taxes of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest, additions or penalties thereto and any interest in respect of such interest and penalties.
Tax Returns means any return, declaration or other report (including elections, declarations, schedules, estimates and information returns) with respect to any Taxes.
Termination Date has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(f).
Termination Fee has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02(a).
The date hereof or the date of this Agreement shall mean April 30, 2012.
USA PATRIOT Act means the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Voting Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
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ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.01 Survival. No representations, warranties, agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time (other than agreements or covenants contained herein that by their express terms are to be performed after the Effective Time) or the termination of this Agreement if this Agreement is terminated prior to the Effective Time (other than Section 9.01 hereof, which shall survive any such termination). Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, no representations, warranties, agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to be terminated or extinguished so as to deprive a party hereto or any of its affiliates of any defense at law or in equity which otherwise would be available against the claims of any Person, including without limitation any shareholder or former shareholder.
Section 9.02 Waiver; Amendment. Prior to the Effective Time, any provision of this Agreement may be (a) waived by the party benefited by the provision or (b) amended or modified at any time, by an agreement in writing among the parties hereto executed in the same manner as this Agreement, except that after the Company Meeting no amendment shall be made which by law requires further approval by the shareholders of Buyer or Company without obtaining such approval.
Section 9.03 Governing Law; Waiver.
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard for conflict of law provisions.
(b) Each party acknowledges and agrees that any controversy which may arise under this Agreement is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues, and therefore each such party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right such party may have to a trial by jury in respect of any litigation directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to this agreement, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each party certifies and acknowledges that (i) no representative, agent or attorney of any other party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waiver, (ii) each party understands and has considered the implications of this waiver, (iii) each party makes this waiver voluntarily, and (iv) each party has been induced to enter into this agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this Section 9.03.
Section 9.04 Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.02, each party hereto will bear all expenses incurred by it in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including fees and expenses of its own financial consultants, accountants and counsel, provided that nothing contained herein shall limit either partys rights to recover any liabilities or damages arising out of the other partys willful breach of any provision of this Agreement.
Section 9.05 Notices. All notices, requests and other communications hereunder to a party shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if personally delivered, mailed by registered
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or certified mail (return receipt requested), by properly addressed electronic mail delivery, or sent by reputable courier service to such party at its address set forth below or such other address as such party may specify by notice to the parties hereto. All notices shall be deemed effective upon delivery.
If to Buyer:
Independent Bank Corp.
288 Union Street
Rockland, Massachusetts 02370
Attention: Edward H. Seksay, General Counsel
Fax: (508) 732-7783
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Attention: James A. McDaniel, Esq.
Fax: (617) 248-4000
If to Company:
Central Bancorp, Inc.
399 Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144
Attention: John D. Doherty, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Fax: (617) 629-4247
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
607 14th Street, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005-2018
Attention: Victor L. Cangelosi, Esq., Harry K. Kantarian, Esq., Edward G. Olifer, Esq.
Fax: (202) 585-0904
Section 9.06 Entire Understanding; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement represents the entire understanding of the parties hereto and thereto with reference to the transactions contemplated hereby, and this Agreement supersedes any and all other oral or written agreements heretofore made. Except for the Indemnified Parties rights under Section 5.10, which are expressly intended to be for the irrevocable benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party and his or her heirs and representatives, Buyer and Company hereby agree that their respective representations, warranties and covenants set forth herein are solely for the benefit of the other party hereto, in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement, and this Agreement is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any Person (including any person or
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Employees who might be affected by Section 5.11), other than the parties hereto, any rights or remedies hereunder, including, the right to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein. The representations and warranties in this Agreement are the product of negotiations among the parties hereto and are for the sole benefit of the parties hereto. Any inaccuracies in such representations and warranties are subject to waiver by the parties hereto in accordance with Section 9.02 without notice or liability to any other Person. In some instances, the representations and warranties in this Agreement may represent an allocation among the parties hereto of risks associated with particular matters regardless of the knowledge of any of the parties hereto. Consequently, Persons other than the parties hereto may not rely upon the representations and warranties in this Agreement as characterizations of actual facts or circumstances as of the date of this Agreement or as of any other date.
Section 9.07 Severability. In the event that any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Agreement and the parties shall use their reasonable efforts to substitute a valid, legal and enforceable provision which, insofar as practical, implements the purposes and intents of this Agreement.
Section 9.08 Enforcement of the Agreement. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
Section 9.09 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to sections, exhibits or schedules, such reference shall be to a 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 are not part 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.
Section 9.10 Assignment. No party may assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the other party. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
Section 9.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other party, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart. Signatures delivered by facsimile or by electronic data file shall have the same effect as originals.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed in counterparts by their duly authorized officers, all as of the day and year first above written.
INDEPENDENT BANK CORP. | ||
By: |
/s/ Christopher Oddleifson |
Name: |
Christopher Oddleifson | |
Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
ROCKLAND TRUST COMPANY | ||
By: |
/s/ Christopher Oddleifson |
Name: |
Christopher Oddleifson | |
Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ John D. Doherty |
Name: | John D. Doherty | |
Title: | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
CENTRAL CO-OPERATIVE BANK | ||
By: |
/s/ John D. Doherty |
Name: |
John D. Doherty | |
Title: |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
Signature Page of Agreement and Plan of Merger
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF VOTING AGREEMENT
[ See attached ]
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VOTING AGREEMENT
This VOTING AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is dated as of April , 2012, by and between the undersigned holder (Shareholder) of Company Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Central Bancorp, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (Company), and Independent Bank Corp., a Massachusetts corporation (Buyer). All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Merger Agreement (defined below).
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Buyer, Buyer Bank, Company and Company Bank are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may be subsequently amended or modified, the Merger Agreement), pursuant to which Company shall merge with and into Buyer and, in connection therewith, each outstanding share of Company Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration;
WHEREAS, Shareholder beneficially owns and has sole or shared voting power with respect to the number of shares of Company Common Stock identified on Exhibit A hereto (such shares, together with all shares of Company Common Stock subsequently acquired by Shareholder during the term of this Agreement, including through the exercise of any stock option or other equity award, warrant or similar instrument, being referred to as the Shares), and holds stock options or other rights to acquire the number of shares of Company Common Stock identified on Exhibit A hereto; and
WHEREAS, it is a material inducement to the willingness of Buyer to enter into the Merger Agreement that Shareholder execute and deliver this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of, and as a material inducement to, Buyer entering into the Merger Agreement and proceeding with the transactions contemplated thereby, and in consideration of the expenses incurred and to be incurred by Buyer in connection therewith, Shareholder and Buyer agree as follows:
Section 1. Agreement to Vote Shares. Shareholder agrees that, while this Agreement is in effect, at any meeting of shareholders of Company, however called, or at any adjournment thereof, or in any other circumstances in which Shareholder is entitled to vote, consent or give any other approval, except as otherwise agreed to in writing in advance by Buyer, Shareholder shall:
(a) | appear at each such meeting or otherwise cause the Shares to be counted as present thereat for purposes of calculating a quorum; and |
(b) | vote (or cause to be voted), in person or by proxy, all the Shares that are beneficially owned by Shareholder or as to which Shareholder has, directly or indirectly, the right to vote or direct the voting, (i) in favor of adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (including any amendments or modifications of the terms thereof adopted in accordance with the terms thereof); (ii) against any action or agreement that would result in a breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other |
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obligation or agreement of Company contained in the Merger Agreement or of Shareholder contained in this Agreement; and (iii) against any Acquisition Proposal or any other action, agreement or transaction that is intended, or could reasonably be expected, to impede, interfere or be inconsistent with, delay, postpone, discourage or materially and adversely affect consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or of this Agreement. |
Shareholder further agrees not to vote or execute any written consent to rescind or amend in any manner any prior vote or written consent, as a shareholder of Company, to approve or adopt the Merger Agreement unless the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.
Section 2. No Transfers While this Agreement is in effect, Shareholder agrees not to, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise dispose of, or enter into any contract option, commitment or other arrangement or understanding with respect to the sale, transfer, pledge, assignment or other disposition of, any of the Shares, except the following transfers shall be permitted: (a) transfers by will or operation of law, in which case this Agreement shall bind the transferee, (b) transfers pursuant to any pledge agreement, subject to the pledgee agreeing in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, (c) transfers in connection with estate and tax planning purposes, including transfers to relatives, trusts and charitable organizations, subject to the transferee agreeing in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, and (d) such transfers as Buyer may otherwise permit in its sole discretion. Any transfer or other disposition in violation of the terms of this Section 2 shall be null and void.
Section 3. Representations and Warranties of Shareholder. Shareholder represents and warrants to and agrees with Buyer as follows:
(a) | Shareholder has all requisite capacity and authority to enter into and perform his, her or its obligations under this Agreement. |
(b) | This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Shareholder, and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by Buyer, constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of Shareholder enforceable against Shareholder in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors rights and to general equity principles. |
(c) | The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Shareholder does not, and the performance by Shareholder of his, her or its obligations hereunder and the consummation by Shareholder of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, violate or conflict with, or constitute a default under, any agreement, instrument, contract or other obligation or any order, arbitration award, judgment or decree to which Shareholder is a party or by which Shareholder is bound, or any statute, rule or regulation to which Shareholder is subject or, in the event that Shareholder is a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity, any charter, bylaw or other organizational document of Shareholder. |
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(d) | Shareholder is the record and beneficial owner of, or is the trustee that is the record holder of, and whose beneficiaries are the beneficial owners of, and has good title to all of the Shares and options set forth on Exhibit A hereto, and the Shares and options are so owned free and clear of any liens, security interests, charges or other encumbrances except as otherwise described on Exhibit A hereto. Shareholder does not own, of record or beneficially, any shares of capital stock of Company other than the Shares (other than shares of capital stock subject to stock options over which Shareholder will have no voting rights until the exercise of such stock options). The Shares do not include shares over which Shareholder exercises control in a fiduciary capacity and no representation by Shareholder is made thereby pursuant to the terms hereof. Shareholder has the right to vote the Shares, and none of the Shares is subject to any voting trust or other agreement, arrangement or restriction with respect to the voting of the Shares, except as contemplated by this Agreement. |
Section 4. Irrevocable Proxy. Subject to the last sentence of this Section 4, by execution of this Agreement, Shareholder does hereby appoint Buyer with full power of substitution and resubstitution, as Shareholders true and lawful attorney and irrevocable proxy, to the full extent of Shareholders rights with respect to the Shares, to vote, if Shareholder is unable to perform his, her or its obligations under this Agreement, each of such Shares that Shareholder shall be entitled to so vote with respect to the matters set forth in Section 1 hereof at any meeting of the shareholders of Company, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, and in connection with any action of the shareholders of Company taken by written consent. Shareholder intends this proxy to be irrevocable and coupled with an interest hereafter until the termination of this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 7 hereof and hereby revokes any proxy previously granted by Shareholder with respect to the Shares. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this irrevocable proxy shall automatically terminate upon the termination of this Agreement.
Section 5. No Solicitation. Except as otherwise expressly permitted under Section 5.09 of the Merger Agreement, from and after the date hereof until the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7 hereof, Shareholder, in his, her or its capacity as a shareholder of Company, shall not, nor shall such Shareholder authorize any partner, officer, director, advisor or representative of, such Shareholder or any of his, her or its affiliates to (and, to the extent applicable to Shareholder, such Shareholder shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prohibit any of his, her or its representatives or affiliates to), (a) initiate, solicit, induce or knowingly encourage, or knowingly take any action to facilitate the making of, any inquiry, offer or proposal which constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal, (b) participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding any Acquisition Proposal, or furnish, or otherwise afford access, to any person (other than Buyer) any information or data with respect to Company or otherwise relating to an Acquisition Proposal, (c) enter into any agreement, agreement in principle, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or similar arrangement with respect to an Acquisition Proposal, (d) solicit proxies or become a participant in a solicitation (as such terms are defined in Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act) with respect to an Acquisition Proposal (other than the Merger Agreement) or otherwise encourage or assist any party in taking or planning any action that would compete with, restrain or otherwise serve to interfere with or inhibit the timely consummation of the Merger in
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accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, (e) initiate a shareholders vote or action by consent of Companys shareholders with respect to an Acquisition Proposal, or (f) except by reason of this Agreement, become a member of a group (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) with respect to any voting securities of Company that takes any action in support of an Acquisition Proposal (other than the Merger Agreement).
Section 6. Specific Performance; Remedies; Attorneys Fees. Shareholder acknowledges that it is a condition to the willingness of Buyer to enter into the Merger Agreement that Shareholder execute and deliver this Agreement and that it will be impossible to measure in money the damage to Buyer if Shareholder fails to comply with the obligations imposed by this Agreement and that, in the event of any such failure, Buyer will not have an adequate remedy at law or in equity. Accordingly, Shareholder agrees that injunctive relief or other equitable remedy is the appropriate remedy for any such failure and will not oppose the granting of such relief on the basis that Buyer has an adequate remedy at law. Shareholder further agrees that Shareholder will not seek, and agrees to waive any requirement for, the securing or posting of a bond in connection with Buyers seeking or obtaining such equitable relief. In addition, after discussing the matter with Shareholder, Buyer shall have the right to inform any third party that Buyer reasonably believes to be, or to be contemplating, participating with Shareholder or receiving from Shareholder assistance in violation of this Agreement, of the terms of this Agreement and of the rights of Buyer hereunder, and that participation by any such persons with Shareholder in activities in violation of Shareholders agreement with Buyer set forth in this Agreement may give rise to claims by Buyer against such third party.
Section 7. Term of Agreement; Termination. The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement by the written consent of the parties hereto, and shall be automatically terminated in the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms; provided, however, that the transfer restrictions in Section 2 hereof shall be automatically terminated upon the receipt of the Requisite Company Shareholder Approval. Upon such termination, no party shall have any further obligations or liabilities hereunder; provided, however, such termination shall not relieve any party from liability for any willful breach of this Agreement prior to such termination.
Section 8. Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and contains the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be amended, supplemented or modified, and no provisions hereof may be modified or waived, except by an instrument in writing signed by each party hereto. No waiver of any provisions hereof by either party shall be deemed a waiver of any other provision hereof by any such party, nor shall any such waiver be deemed a continuing waiver of any provision hereof by such party.
Section 10. Severability. In the event that any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Agreement and the parties shall use their reasonable efforts to substitute a valid, legal and enforceable provision which, insofar as practical, implements the purposes and intents of this Agreement.
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Section 11. Capacity as Shareholder. This Agreement shall apply to Shareholder solely in his or her capacity as a shareholder of Company and it shall not apply in any manner to Shareholder in his or her capacity as a director, officer or employee of Company or in any other capacity. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to apply to, or limit in any manner, the obligations of Shareholder to comply with his or her fiduciary duties as a director of Company.
Section 12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard for conflict of law provisions.
Section 13. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THE ACTIONS OF THE PARTIES IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 13.
Section 14. Waiver of Appraisal Rights; Further Assurances. Provided that the Merger is consummated in compliance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, that the consideration offered pursuant to the Merger is not less than that specified in the Merger Agreement executed on or about the date hereof, and that this Agreement has not been terminated in accordance with its terms, to the extent permitted by applicable law, Shareholder hereby waives any rights of appraisal or rights to dissent from the Merger or demand fair value for its Shares in connection with the Merger, in each case, that Shareholder may have under applicable law. From time to time, prior to the termination of this Agreement, at the Buyers request and without further consideration, Shareholder shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take all such further action as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to effect the actions and consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Shareholder further agrees not to, prior to the termination of this Agreement, commence or participate in, and to take all actions necessary to opt out of any class in any class action with respect to, any claim, derivative or otherwise, against Buyer, Buyer Bank, Company, Company Bank or any of their respective successors relating to the negotiation, execution or delivery of this Agreement or the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Merger.
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Section 15. Disclosure. Shareholder hereby authorizes Company and Buyer to publish and disclose in any announcement or disclosure required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and in the Proxy Statement such Shareholders identity and ownership of the Shares and the nature of Shareholders obligations under this Agreement.
(remainder of page intentionally left blank)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first written above.
INDEPENDENT BANK CORP. | ||
By: |
|
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
SHAREHOLDER | ||
| ||
Name: |
EXHIBIT A
Shareholder |
Shares | Options | ||
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Exhibit 99.1
Corrected Transcript Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB)
CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
OTHER PARTICIPANTS
Damon P. DelMonte
Analyst, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
Mac McEver Hodgson
Analyst, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
Travis Lan
Analyst, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc.
Bryce W. Rowe
Analyst, Robert W. Baird & Co. Equity Capital Markets
Operator: Good morning and welcome to the Independent Bank Corp Conference Call and Webcast on the Acquisition of Central Bancorp Inc. All participants will be in listen only mode. [Operator Instructions]
This call may contain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Independent Bank Corp. Actual results may be different. Independent Bank Corp. cautions you against unduly relying upon any forward-looking statements and disclaims any intent to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events or otherwise. After todays presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. [Operator Instructions] Please note this event is being recorded.
I would now like to turn the conference call over to Christopher Oddleifson. Please go ahead.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
Good morning, and thank you. And thank you for joining us this morning to talk about our latest exciting chapter in the Rockland Trust story. As always, Im joined on the call by Denis Sheahan, our Chief Financial Officer. And were actually delighted to announce this morning, our agreement to acquire Central Bancorp of Somerville, Massachusetts. Now this is a homerun transaction for us in which the economics of the deal are very good, and a strategic fit thats simply terrific.
Denis and I will be speaking to the presentation slides that accompany todays announcement on our website, so Ill be referring to slide numbers as we go through.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB)
Corrected Transcript
Acquisition of Central Bancorp Inc by Independent Bank Corp Call 01May2012
And the first slide Id like to talk to is slide 3, the strategic rationale slide, lets start there. The rationale is pretty straight forward; theres not a lot of complication here. First of all, the financial benefits are really quite compelling. Denis will take you through the details, but Id like to emphasis a couple of things upfront.
First of all, its highly accretive to earnings using reasonable very reasonable assumptions. It generates a very attractive IRR, 15.4%. And it leaves us still and this is very important with a solid capital position and were very sensitive to the issue of tangible book dilution, and feel that the earn back period is really, really modest here.
The other major driving force is geography. In your package in the next page is a picture, and this picture says a thousand words, but the deal gives us a much more meaningful business a much more meaningful position in a really highly coveted market adjacent to Boston.
Our Middlesex County presents us a really great combination of superb demographics, robust business activity and population density. In fact, it ranks number one in New England in terms of population, and the third highest in terms of household income, and interestingly its the tenth largest MSA in the entire United States. This is a very logical market extension for us in the areas west and north of Boston, and it really complements our existing footprint really, really well, which currently covers Southeastern Massachusetts including Boston, Providence and the Cape Cod corridors. I think a really important point here is that were very confident of our ability to successfully export Rockland Trust, operating model into this market.
We can leverage our platform and our operational capability to achieve efficiencies and we can bring a full array of our deeper product set to Centrals customer space. We also like the competitive prospects here, our position between the much larger banks and the smaller community banks. Now nimble enough to continue taking business away from the big guys while being able to offer a broader products and depths of service in the smaller players.
Now lets go to page, slide four, and for those of you who are not familiar with Central Bancorp, slide four provides a good snapshot. This institution was founded in 1915. Its just eight years younger than Rockland, and its headquartered in Somerville, immediately to the north of Boston, has 10 branches, which are shown on the map here, are nicely arrayed to our Middlesex County, and juxtapose to our existing four branches in the County.
Its a profitable franchise with solid loan and deposit customers, and Ive know John Doherty, their CEO; and other Central principals for a number of years, which gives me even greater confidence in bringing our two companies together.
At about $500 million in asset size compared to our $5 billion in size, the integration will be quite manageable, you may recall we recently integrated Slades Ferry Bank and Benjamin Franklin those integrations went very, very, very well. So we have the skilled folks on the team, who did those, and we expect this one to go very smoothly.
The financial profile is also shown on this page and I wont go through these details, because Denis will be covering that in a moment.
Lets go to slide five. This set of one simple slide, visibly demonstrates the attractiveness of the Central markets. As you can see, median household income is significantly higher than the average of the state, as well as our footprint. And population density is notably higher, given Middlesex Countys top ranking on that dimension, and now about two-thirds of the states population will be contained in the counties of our combined footprint. Now, so to reiterate so far, this is a move thats gained all about gaining greater access to a terrific banking market.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB)
Corrected Transcript
Acquisition of Central Bancorp Inc by Independent Bank Corp Call 01May2012
Now lets move to slide six, now our individual business managers are quite excited about the prospects of expanding our presence into this market.
In my mind, this is a real upside to the transaction and so is of tremendous longterm value. As those of you, whove followed us over the years, commercial banking has been a major growth engine of ours, consistently generating strong loan growth. We recently completed the build out of this business, that has increased its depth and breadth and including, as you may recall, lending limit of over $70 million, so thats our house limit, a full suite of cash management products, C&I lending expertise, asset-based lending. These are all capabilities well bring into the market, working with our Central colleagues. Well be able to hit the ground running in that market.
Our retail franchise has consistently won high marks for customer loyalty and satisfaction, which really will serve us well regarding deposit retention and new household acquisition, something thats very important to us. And in fact something, many of you may not know is that J.D. Powers announced just two weeks ago that Rockland Trust ranked as the number one bank in New England in customer satisfaction. Were also going to be able to bring our innovative mobile banking and home equity products to Centrals customers.
Investment management, as you know, for those of you whove followed us, is another priority business of ours and this is a really natural fit given the demographics of this market. Weve been growing very, very well here; in fact were nearly at $2 billion of assets under management and we have a nice blend of branch base and regional investment centers to reach our targeted base. So this is another great opportunity for us.
In general, Id say, were bringing a lot of business momentum to this combination as demonstrated by our strong loan and core deposit growth, our customer acquisition trends and our aggressive marketing efforts. And I think there is no question that Rocklands value propositions and Rockland brand are getting real traction with customers in our marketplace. And working closely with Central Banks capable staff, we expect to extend our momentum into these markets.
So in that spirit, we are really going to work proactively to complete this transaction and move on to achieving its potential. And now Denis will take us through some more of these details. Denis?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
Thank you, Chris, and good morning everyone. I think you will find this acquisition presents excellent financial returns. Central Bancorp is approximately 10% of our size and operates in a contiguous market, and due to its size, its challenged to operate efficiently with an 89% efficiency ratio. The near-term returns are driven by the concrete synergies associated with essentially bolting on Central to our existing, highly leveragable infrastructure. Longer-term returns will be driven by our ability to grow the franchise by capitalizing on the market opportunity as discussed by Chris. This is a good economic as well as strategic deal for our shareholders.
On slide 7, slide 7 shows two pie charts of Centrals deposit base and loan portfolio. The loan portfolio amounts to a little over $420 million and is dominated by in-market 1-4 family loans. Of the $237 million in 1-4 family loans, over 70% were originated since 2009 and our due diligence confirms the strength of the loan to value ratios in the portfolio. The rest of the loan portfolio is in commercial real estate and multifamily lending, a portfolio that has intentionally shrunk from 58% of loans at the end of 2008 to 41% of loans at the end of 2011. The C&I sector is very much underpenetrated and presents solid prospects for future growth.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB)
Corrected Transcript
Acquisition of Central Bancorp Inc by Independent Bank Corp Call 01May2012
We plan to expand our commercial banking activities in this market and see great opportunity for longterm disciplined growth. The deposit portfolio amounts to $333 million, demand deposits represents 13% of the total and over time we see opportunity to get that closer to our 26% mix.
We expect to gradually become less dependent on time deposits and focus on core relationship based deposit acquisition. The upside here is tremendous. Moving average branch deposit levels to the average for Middlesex County would represent a doubling of the existing branch deposit level. We very much look forward to working with our colleagues at Central to introduce our broader capabilities in retail banking, cash management, and government banking to achieve these goals.
Ill now turn to slide eight. An indepth due diligence has been completed. Due to the contiguous nature of the bank and the capacity of our operating platform, cost saves are material. We performed a thorough loan due diligence, partnering with a respected third party in Chaston & Associates, and gained significant penetrations of commercial loan exposure, 85%, the watch list 100%, and a 30% sampling of 1-4 family loans.
We rescored the consumer loan portfolio and are comfortable with the results of the rescore, in addition to the LTVs of both the commercial and 1-4 family loan portfolio.
Nonperforming loans on a percentage basis are higher than the INDB rate at 1.88%, or 2.75% when including TDRs, yet in the absolute are very manageable at $9.8 million, or $14 million when including TDRs.
Underscoring the quality of the portfolio, Centrals loan net charge-offs were less than 20 basis points annually in the period 2008 through 2011, with the exception of 2009 where they peaked at 55 basis points.
As you can imagine, we have reviewed each and every nonaccrual loan, TDR and watch list loan and feel good about the credit mark assumed in our modeling. We have taken a conservative approach in our analysis. This is not an area in which we skimp in our evaluation. We know that is an expectation of our shareholders.
On slide nine, Ill discuss the key terms of the acquisition. The consideration is a 60:40 stock cash mix priced at $32 per share for Central Bancorps stock amounting to an aggregate transaction value of $54.8 million using an INDB stock price basis of $28.66.
The stock is subject to an exchange ratio whereby each share of Central Bancorp that is exchanged for stock will be exchanged for 1.1165 shares of INDB stock, subject to a stock collar within a 12% range. If INDB stock price prior to the last regulatory approval is equal to or less than $26.94, the exchange ratio will be equal to 1.1878. If equal to a greater than $30.37, the exchange ratio will be equal to 1.0533. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and the approval of Central Bancorp shareholders and we expect to close in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Slide 10, discusses the pricing, this slide reflects the comparison to recent pricing multiples for deals in New England. We believe the price to tangible book value pricing at 1.65 times for a leverage 6.28% tangible common equity ratio, as that of Centrals compares well to the peer groups 1.84 times price to tangible multiple for its substantially less leverage 10.01% tangible common ratio of the median seller.
The core deposit premium is in line, and the price to earnings ratio at 47 times is reflective of a company that has an 89% efficiency ratio. When adjusted to include projected cost saves, the ratio drops to a solid 9.7 times. This is a great deal, and we have been very disciplined.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB)
Corrected Transcript
Acquisition of Central Bancorp Inc by Independent Bank Corp Call 01May2012
On slide 11, we will discuss the key financial assumptions. We estimate cost savings of 41% of the Central Bancorp base. Is this aggressive? We dont think so. For example, in our Slades Ferry Bancorp acquisition, we announced 40% cost saves, and achieved 50%. This is a highly contiguous franchise, and while there is no branch overlap, there were synergies at the executive team level, there is an ESOP and other forms of stock compensation in place, which will not remain, as well as the customary synergies in technology and other contracts.
Assuming a fourth quarter 2012 close, the majority or approximately 75% of these synergies will be realized in 2013. Were assuming $15 million pretax in onetime merger-related expenses. Of that amount, $3 million is dedicated to facilities refurbishment, which will take place shortly following the close. The remainder is associated with vendor contract terminations, professional fees and management contract severance.
Core deposit intangible is estimated at 1.5% and the gross loan mark is assumed at a conservative 2.7% of loans well above their loss experience. In addition, Central Bancorp is a participant in the treasury small business lending fund in the amount of $10 million. Our assumption is we will pay off that item at the time of closing.
The anticipated results are on slide 12. We expect strong EPS accretion of 7% in 2013 followed by 7% to 8% thereafter, as measured against analyst estimates. Weve been very conservative in the growth assumed in loans and deposits, and so we feel these estimates are readily achievable. The internal rate of return is a solid 15.4%.
Tangible book value dilution is a manageable 5.8% and will be earned back in less than 5 years using the conservative measure. What I mean by conservative is we project out our tangible book value on a standalone basis and 4.75 years is the length of time it takes us to get to that projected, standalone tangible book value as a combined entity.
The pro forma capital ratios at announcement are very respectable. The regulatory ratios of leverage Tier 1 risk based and total risk based are each at or above the 8%, 10%, and 12% threshold levels. Tangible common equity drops to 6.5% (or 6.8% on an adjusted basis), a level we are very comfortable with. We were at this level just 15 months ago. We do not feel constrained by capital, and have significant ongoing capital accretions with strong earnings. We do not plan to raise capital either associated with this transaction or for any other reason.
In conclusion, on slide 13; we feel good about the prospect of building out our franchise in Middlesex County, one of the demographically most attractive counties in New England with a low risk, highly accretive acquisition. We know this market; we know this bank and look forward to bringing our business model to these markets. We believe we present a unique offering to the businesses and consumers in this marketplace.
In the depth of the recession, when many other banks pulled back in our market, we were there to fill the void. We have the scale and complexity to handle the vast majority of depository and lending needs of customers in the marketplace. Weve been recognized as the best place to work, the most trustworthy company, and the number one ranked bank in New England for customer service.
To our shareholders, we believe this is an effective use of your capital. This opportunity is low risk, represents strong earnings accretion and an attractive internal rate of return.
Finally, we have done this before. Since 2007, we acquired two banks in arguably worse times, in the middle of a recession, and those have both gone well. We understand how to perform due diligence, how to manage the complexities of the new merger and acquisition accounting, how to plan, prepare, and execute a successful integration effort and conversion and how to meet and exceed the goals we establish. We know we can do the same again.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB) Corrected Transcript
Thank you. Well now open the call for questions.
Operator: We will now begin the question and answer session. [Operator Instruction] The first question comes from Damon DelMonte of KBW.
Damon P. DelMonte
Analyst, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
Q
Hi, good morning, guys. How are you?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Good morning, Damon.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Good morning.
Damon P. DelMonte
Analyst, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
Q
Denis, I missed some of what you were saying, when you were talking about the cost savings. Could you just kind of recap what you are saying there please?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Sure. What I discussed Damon was we estimate that cost savings will be in the region of 41% and we expect to achieve, assuming that the transaction closes in the fourth quarter of this year that the about 75% of those will be realized in 2013.
Damon P. DelMonte
Analyst, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
Q
Okay. And are you targeting you said assuming a close in the fourth quarter, so should we be expecting an end of fourth quarter closing just from a modeling perspective?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Yes.
Damon P. DelMonte
Analyst, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
Q
Okay.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB) Corrected Transcript
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Yeah, that would make sense. That is our hope. That is what were aiming for. Well aggressively work towards that target and we think its achievable.
Damon P. DelMonte
Analyst, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
Q
Okay.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Yeah, on the cost saves Damon, I want to reiterate what Denis said that there are synergies at the executive team level. And executive team of course is where a lot of compensation is. There is an ESOP, other forms of stock compensation in place that will not remain and of course theres a lot of synergies in technology and other contracts.
Damon P. DelMonte
Analyst, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
Q
So some of those savings will be will kind of come through like the onetime charges though as well? Like the ESOP for example, would you kind of terminate that and absorb that cost through a onetime charge and then that gives you kind of a run rate expense saves?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Well, there isnt really a onetime charge. The ESOP, there is an ongoing expense associated with the ESOP and that will following a change in control, the ESOP essentially winds down and there will be no cost associated with the ESOP going into 2013. We dont have an ESOP. We wont be carrying forward the Central Bancorp ESOP. That gets essentially wound down as part of the transaction.
Damon P. DelMonte
Analyst, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
Q
Got you, okay. And then also is there any type of provision thats put in the merger agreement that would preclude you from having to take any loans that may go delinquent or nonperforming between now and the end of the year?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
No, there is not.
Damon P. DelMonte
Analyst, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.
Q
There is not, okay. Okay, thats all I have for now. Thank you very much.
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Thank you.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB) Corrected Transcript
Operator: And the next question comes from Mac Hodgson of SunTrust Robinson Humphrey.
Mac McEver Hodgson
Analyst, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
Q
Hey, good morning, congratulations on the transaction.
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Thank you, Mac.
Mac McEver Hodgson
Analyst, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
Q
Couple of questions, the just for modeling purposes, the $6.6 million of savings is that, the 41%, is that off of the 2011 run rate or a 4Q run rate for Central?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Thats off of the 2011 run rate.
Mac McEver Hodgson
Analyst, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
Q
2011. Okay, great. I think, what else, so the cash portion of the deal plus paying off the SBLF, do you have funds at the holding company to fund that or do you plan on getting dividend from the bank?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
We have funds at the holding company to manage that, the cash component yes.
Mac McEver Hodgson
Analyst, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
Q
Okay. And as you mentioned that either asset quality is a little worse than you guys not terrible by any means, where did they run into credit problems generally on the commercial real estate side?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Yes, I mean I think its roughly $10 million and nonperformers about $7 million is in the commercial category and its spread across mixed use property, industrial, retail, apartments and offices. Theres only two credits in the nonaccrual category that are over $1 million. So but that yes, that is the area largely where they ran into some modest issues.
Mac McEver Hodgson
Analyst, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
Q
Okay, great. And the Street consensus that youre using for 2013 for the 7%, is that $2.29? I just want to be sure, Im using the same.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB) Corrected Transcript
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Yes.
Mac McEver Hodgson
Analyst, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
Q
Okay.
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
That again, we have not provided an estimate for 2013, but Street consensus is $2.29.
Mac McEver Hodgson
Analyst, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
Q
Okay. And then I guess, should we assume this takes you all out of the M&A market for a while until this deal is closed and integrated?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Well, we certainly want to focus on as you said, getting this closed and integrated. I think its fair to say, were not going to be, not that we do anyway actively looking for another transaction, but our focus is going to be on capitalizing on the opportunity with Central and in that marketplace.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
We think this is just a huge opportunity for us. These are markets, you may recall us speaking a couple of years ago of a study we did where we identified a number of markets that wed like to get into.
Knowing we couldnt go, we should have to wait till locations were available, and we kept our eye
open. This transaction gets us into a number of those markets. We think theres a lot of growth potential to focus on here. We wouldnt ideally we would not want to dilute our focus by doing another M&A transaction. The idea of integrating this, spending a year sort of getting this really up to speed into the sort of momentum wed like.
Having said that however, if sort of another great opportunity comes along, I mean were not looking for it, we wouldnt sort of out of hand say, forget about it, I mean, wed consider it. But our number one priority clearly is to make this a very successful as successful as our Slades and Ben Franklin acquisitions.
Mac McEver Hodgson
Analyst, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
Q
Okay, great. Thanks.
Operator: And the next question comes from Travis Lan, who is calling on behalf of Collyn Gilbert, Stifel, Nicolaus.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB) Corrected Transcript
Travis Lan
Analyst, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc.
Q
Thanks. Good morning, gentlemen.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Good morning.
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Good morning.
Travis Lan
Analyst, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc.
Q
Central appears to have a fairly large balance of borrowings for bank of their size, you have the mark that youll take on the borrowings?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Yeah. Its about $9 million.
Travis Lan
Analyst, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc.
Q
$9 million, okay.
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Projected, yeah.
Travis Lan
Analyst, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc.
Q
Okay. And have you baked in, or considered, or is there the potential to kind of restructure or prepay any of those borrowings post the close?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Yeah. I mean thats certainly something were evaluating. I mean, clearly the balance sheet is a little outsized loan-to-deposit, so its something were definitely considering. We have not made a determination at that yet. And if that would happen, it would happen post close.
Travis Lan
Analyst, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc.
Q
Got you. And do you have any plans to consolidate any of these acquired branches or are they all going to continue to operate as is?
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB) Corrected Transcript
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
No, we have no overlaps, so theyll all continue to operate.
Travis Lan
Analyst, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc.
Q
Okay. And then finally, if you could, give us some background on how the deal came together? I know, Chris, you said that youve know the executives at Central for some time but did this happen fairly quickly or have you been discussing this combination for a while and then just kind of the time was right?
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
This is a competitive bid deal. While Ive known the principals for quite some time, this is a disciplined process on their side. They commenced it officially and we joined the bid, where we were, from what we understand, one of the number of folks who were in the process.
Travis Lan
Analyst, Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc.
Q
Okay, I appreciate it. Thank you.
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Okay.
Operator: [Operator Instructions]. The next question comes from Bryce Rowe of Robert W. Baird.
Bryce W. Rowe
Analyst, Robert W. Baird & Co. Equity Capital Markets
Q
Thanks, good morning.
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Good morning, Bryce.
Bryce W. Rowe
Analyst, Robert W. Baird & Co. Equity Capital Markets
Q
Denis, to follow up on Travis questions about the borrowings there. Whats the duration of the FHLB advances?
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Can you give us some moment, Bryce, well look at up.
Bryce W. Rowe
Analyst, Robert W. Baird & Co. Equity Capital Markets
Q
Okay. That was my only question. Thank you.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB) Corrected Transcript
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Okay. Bear with us a moment.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
We want to go to our next question, while were looking this up.
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Sure. There are other questions.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Yeah, operator, if theres another question, well go to the next and well come back to this one.
Operator: Im showing no further questions.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Oh, good. Now, well, lets all well all wait a moment and well find out the answer. And.
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Yeah, about 6.5 years. Yeah, 6.3 years, Bryce.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
A
Great. Operator, are there any more questions?
Operator: There are no further questions.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
Well, thank you very much everybody. We look forward to talking to you on our second quarter earnings call. In the meantime, were going to get to work to make this super successful. Thank you very much.
Denis K. Sheahan
Chief Financial Officer, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
Thank you.
Chris Oddleifson
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts)
Bye.
Independent Bank Corp. (Massachusetts) (INDB) Corrected Transcript
Operator: The conference is now concluded. Thank you for attending todays presentation. You may now disconnect.
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