UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 21, 2008
BUNGE LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Bermuda |
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001-16625 |
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98-0231912 |
(State or other jurisdiction |
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Commission File Number |
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(IRS Employer |
of incorporation) |
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Identification No.) |
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50 Main Street |
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White Plains, New York |
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10606 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip code) |
(914) 684-2800
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
N.A.
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o 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 June 21, 2008, Bunge Limited (Bunge) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization (the Merger Agreement) with Corn Products International, Inc. (Corn Products) and Bleecker Acquisition Corp., a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Bunge (Merger Sub).
The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into Corn Products, with Corn Products as the surviving corporation of the merger (the Merger). As a result of the Merger, Corn Products will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Bunge. Each outstanding share of Corn Products common stock will be converted into the right to receive a fraction of a validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Bunge common share equal to the quotient (the Exchange Ratio) determined by dividing $56.00 by the Bunge Share Value (calculated as set forth below) and rounding to the nearest ten-thousandth of a share, except that if the Bunge Share Value is equal to or greater than $133.10, the Exchange Ratio will be 0.4207, and if the Bunge Share Value is equal to or less than $108.90, the Exchange Ratio will be 0.5142. The amount of the Bunge Share Value will equal the volume weighted average of the per share daily closing prices of a Bunge common share on the New York Stock Exchange, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, for the fifteen consecutive trading days ending on and including the second trading day prior to the date on which Corn Products stockholder meeting to adopt the Merger Agreement is held. Corn Products stock options and other equity awards will generally convert upon consummation of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder into stock options and equity awards with respect to Bunge common shares, appropriately adjusted to reflect the Exchange Ratio.
Under the Merger Agreement, upon completion of the Merger, Samuel S. Scott III, Chairman, President and Chief Executive of Corn Products, will join Bunges board of directors.
The Merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, Corn Products stockholders are not expected to recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes on the exchange of shares of Corn Products common stock for Bunge common shares in the Merger, except with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional common shares of Bunge.
Bunge and Corn Products have made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among others (i) Corn Products has agreed not to solicit alternative transactions or, subject to certain exceptions, enter into discussions concerning, or provide confidential information in connection with, any alternative transaction, (ii) Corn Products has agreed, subject to certain exceptions, that Corn Products board of directors will recommend that Corn Products stockholders vote in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement and (iii) Bunge has agreed, subject to certain exceptions, that Bunges board of directors will recommend that Bunge shareholders approve the issuance of Bunge common shares to Corn Products stockholders in the Merger.
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The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both Bunge and Corn Products, and further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement, (i) under certain circumstances, Corn Products may be obligated to pay Bunge a termination fee of $110 million and, in certain circumstances, pay Bunges transaction expenses up to $10 million (the amount of any such expenses paid to be credited against the termination fee if the termination fee subsequently becomes payable), and (ii) Bunge may be obligated to pay Corn Products, under certain circumstances, Corn Products transaction expenses up to $10 million.
Consummation of the Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including (i) requisite approvals of Bunge shareholders and Corn Products stockholders, (ii) expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and under certain foreign competition laws, (iii) delivery of customary opinions from counsel to Bunge and Corn Products that the Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (iv) the absence of certain legal impediments to the consummation of the Merger and (v) subject to certain exceptions, the accuracy of the representations and warranties and compliance with the covenants of each party.
The foregoing summary of the Merger Agreement, and the transactions contemplated thereby, does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Merger Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 2.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
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 Bunge, Corn Products or Merger Sub. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Merger Agreement were made only for purposes of that agreement and as of specific dates, were solely for the benefit of the parties to the Merger Agreement, may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties, including being qualified by confidential disclosures made for the purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts, and may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties that differ from those applicable to investors. Investors are not third-party beneficiaries under the Merger Agreement and should not rely on the representations, warranties and covenants or any descriptions thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of Bunge, Corn Products or Merger Sub or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations and warranties may change after the date of the Merger Agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in Bunges public disclosures.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure
On June 23, 2008, Bunge issued a press release updating its earnings guidance for the full year ending December 31, 2008. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. The attached Exhibit 99.1 is furnished in its entirety pursuant to this Item 7.01.
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Item 8.01 Other Events
On June 23, 2008, Bunge issued a joint press release with Corn Products announcing the execution of the Merger Agreement. A copy of the joint press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. |
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Description |
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2.1 |
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Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of June 21, 2008, among Bunge Limited, Bleecker Acquisition Corp. and Corn Products International, Inc. |
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99.1 |
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Press Release |
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99.2 |
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Press Release |
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: June 23, 2008
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BUNGE LIMITED |
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By: |
/s/ Carla L. Heiss |
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Name: Carla L. Heiss |
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Title: Assistant General Counsel and |
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. |
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Description |
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2.1 |
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Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of June 21, 2008, among Bunge Limited, Bleecker Acquisition Corp. and Corn Products International, Inc. |
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99.1 |
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Press Release |
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99.2 |
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Press Release |
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EXHIBIT 2.1
EXECUTION COPY
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION
among
BUNGE LIMITED,
BLEECKER ACQUISITION CORP.
and
CORN PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Dated as of June 21, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I |
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DEFINITIONS |
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SECTION 1.01. Definitions |
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1 |
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ARTICLE II |
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THE MERGER |
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SECTION 2.01. The Merger |
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SECTION 2.02. Effective Time; Closing |
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SECTION 2.03. Effect of the Merger |
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SECTION 2.04. Conversion of Securities |
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SECTION 2.05. Company Stock Options |
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SECTION 2.06. Stock Awards |
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SECTION 2.07. Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws |
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SECTION 2.08. Directors and Officers |
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ARTICLE III |
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DELIVERY OF PARENT COMMON SHARES |
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SECTION 3.01. Exchange of Certificates |
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SECTION 3.02. Stock Transfer Books |
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SECTION 3.03. No Appraisal Rights |
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ARTICLE IV |
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY |
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SECTION 4.01. Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries |
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SECTION 4.02. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws |
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SECTION 4.03. Capitalization |
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SECTION 4.04. Authority Relative to This Agreement |
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SECTION 4.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents |
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SECTION 4.06. Permits; Compliance |
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SECTION 4.07. SEC Filings; Financial Statements |
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SECTION 4.08. Absence of Certain Changes or Events |
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SECTION 4.09. Absence of Litigation |
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SECTION 4.10. Employee Benefit Plans |
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SECTION 4.11. Labor and Employment Matters |
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SECTION 4.12. Real Property; Title to Assets |
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SECTION 4.13. Intellectual Property |
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SECTION 4.14. Taxes |
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SECTION 4.15. Environmental Matters |
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SECTION 4.16. No Stockholder Rights Plan |
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SECTION 4.17. Material Contracts |
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SECTION 4.18. Insurance |
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SECTION 4.19. Board Approval; Vote Required |
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SECTION 4.20. Opinions of Financial Advisors |
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SECTION 4.21. Brokers |
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ARTICLE V |
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB |
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SECTION 5.01. Corporate Organization |
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SECTION 5.02. Organizational Documents |
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SECTION 5.03. Capitalization |
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SECTION 5.04. Authority Relative to This Agreement |
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SECTION 5.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents |
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SECTION 5.06. Compliance |
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SECTION 5.07. SEC Filings; Financial Statements |
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SECTION 5.08. Absence of Certain Changes or Events |
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SECTION 5.09. Taxes |
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SECTION 5.10. Environmental Matters |
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SECTION 5.11. Board Approval; Vote Required |
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SECTION 5.12. Operations of Merger Sub |
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SECTION 5.13. Availability of Funds |
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SECTION 5.14. Opinions of Financial Advisors |
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SECTION 5.15. Brokers |
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ARTICLE VI |
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CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER |
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SECTION 6.01. Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger |
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SECTION 6.02. Conduct of Business by Parent Pending the Merger |
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ARTICLE VII |
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ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS |
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SECTION 7.01. Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement |
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SECTION 7.02. Company Stockholder Meeting |
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SECTION 7.03. Parent Shareholder Meeting |
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SECTION 7.04. Access to Information; Confidentiality |
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SECTION 7.05. No Solicitation of Transactions |
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SECTION 7.06. Employee Benefits Matters |
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SECTION 7.07. Directors and Officers Indemnification and Insurance |
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SECTION 7.08. Parent Board Representative |
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SECTION 7.09. Notification of Certain Matters |
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SECTION 7.10. Further Action; Reasonable Best Efforts |
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SECTION 7.11. Tax Free Merger |
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SECTION 7.12. Transfer Taxes |
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SECTION 7.13. Merger Sub |
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SECTION 7.14. Letters of Accountants |
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SECTION 7.15. NYSE Listing |
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SECTION 7.16. Subsequent Financial Statements |
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SECTION 7.17. Public Announcements |
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SECTION 7.18. Assistance with Parent Financing |
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ARTICLE VIII |
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CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER |
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SECTION 8.01. Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party |
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SECTION 8.02. Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub |
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SECTION 8.03. Conditions to the Obligations of the Company |
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ARTICLE IX |
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TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER |
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SECTION 9.01. Termination |
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SECTION 9.02. Effect of Termination |
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SECTION 9.03. Payment of Certain Fees and Expenses |
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SECTION 9.04. Amendment |
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SECTION 9.05. Waiver |
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ARTICLE X |
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GENERAL PROVISIONS |
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SECTION 10.01. Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements |
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SECTION 10.02. Notices |
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SECTION 10.03. Severability |
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SECTION 10.04. Entire Agreement; Assignment |
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SECTION 10.05. Parties in Interest |
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SECTION 10.06. Interpretation |
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SECTION 10.07. Specific Performance |
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SECTION 10.08. Governing Law; Jurisdiction |
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SECTION 10.09. Headings |
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SECTION 10.10. Counterparts |
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SECTION 10.11. Waiver of Jury Trial |
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit A |
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Form of Parent Tax Representation Letter |
Exhibit B |
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Form of Company Tax Representation Letter |
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION, dated as of June 21, 2008 (this Agreement), among BUNGE LIMITED, an exempted limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda (Parent), BLEECKER ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (Merger Sub), and CORN PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the Company).
WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL), Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the Merger);
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the Company Board) has (i) determined that the Merger is in the best interests of, the Company and its stockholders, (ii) approved, and declared it advisable to enter into, this Agreement, and (iii) resolved to recommend that this Agreement be adopted by the stockholders of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Merger Sub has approved, and declared it advisable to enter into, this Agreement;
WHEREAS, (i) the Board of Directors of Parent (the Parent Board) has approved this Agreement, (ii) immediately following the execution of this Agreement, Parent shall adopt, as the sole stockholder of Merger Sub, this Agreement, and (iii) the Parent Board has approved, and resolved to recommend to the shareholders of Parent the approval of, the issuance (the Parent Share Issuance) of common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of Parent (Parent Common Shares) to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Merger; and
WHEREAS, for United States federal income tax purposes, the Merger is intended to qualify as a reorganization under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and this Agreement shall constitute a plan of reorganization.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this Agreement:
affiliate of a specified person means a person who, at the time of determination, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person.
business day means any day on which the principal offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C. are open to accept filings, or, in the case of determining a date when
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any payment is due, any day on which banks are not required or authorized to close in The City of New York.
Company Disclosure Schedule means the Companys disclosure schedule delivered by the Company to Parent and Merger Sub concurrently with the delivery of this Agreement.
Company Material Adverse Effect means any event, circumstance, change or effect that, individually or in the aggregate with all other events, circumstances, changes and effects (a) is or is reasonably likely to be materially adverse to the business, financial condition, assets, liabilities or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, however, that to the extent any event, circumstance, change or effect is caused by or results from any of the following, it shall not be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) changes in general economic conditions or changes in financial markets in general to the extent such changes would not reasonably be expected to have a materially disproportionate impact (relative to other participants in the industries in which the Company and the Subsidiaries operate) on the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) general changes in the industries in which the Company and the Subsidiaries operate to the extent such changes would not reasonably be expected to have a materially disproportionate impact (relative to other participants in the industries in which the Company and the Subsidiaries operate) on the Company and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (iii) changes resulting from the entry into or the public announcement of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or the performance of obligations under this Agreement, (iv) failure of the Company to meet any internal or public projections, forecasts or estimates of revenues or earnings for any period ending on or after the date hereof (it being understood that the facts or occurrences giving rise to or contributing to the occurrence of any such failure may be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, a Company Material Adverse Effect), (v) any change in any applicable law, rule or regulation or GAAP or interpretation thereof after the date hereof, and (vi) the commencement, occurrence or continuation of any war, armed hostilities or acts of terrorism involving or affecting the United States of America or any part thereof; or (b) would prevent or materially delay consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise prevent or materially delay the Company from performing its obligations under this Agreement.
Company Material Subsidiary means a subsidiary of the Company that is material to the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Company Stockholder Approval means the adoption of this Agreement at the Company Stockholder Meeting by holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares in accordance with the DGCL and the Companys certificate of incorporation and bylaws.
control (including the terms controlled by, controlling and under common control with) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause
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the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Environmental Law means any United States federal, state or local or non-United States law relating to (i) releases or threatened releases of Hazardous Substances or materials containing Hazardous Substances; (ii) the manufacture, handling, transport, use, treatment, storage or disposal of Hazardous Substances or materials containing Hazardous Substances; or (iii) pollution or protection of the environment, health, safety or natural resources.
Hazardous Substances means (i) those substances defined in or regulated under the following United States federal statutes and their state counterparts, as each is in effect on the date hereof, and all regulations promulgated thereunder: the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Clean Air Act; (ii) petroleum and petroleum products, including crude oil and any fractions thereof; (iii) natural gas, synthetic gas, and any mixtures thereof; (iv) polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos and radon; and (v) any substance, material or waste regulated by any Governmental Authority pursuant to any Environmental Law.
Intellectual Property means intellectual property or similar proprietary rights of any kind, including any and all: (i) United States, non-United States and international patents, patent applications and statutory invention registrations, (ii) trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names, corporate names and other source identifiers, and registrations and applications for registration thereof, and the goodwill associated with any of the foregoing, (iii) copyrightable works, copyrights, and registrations and applications for registration thereof, (iv) confidential and proprietary information, including trade secrets and know-how, and (v) Internet domain names.
NYSE means the New York Stock Exchange.
Parent Disclosure Schedule means Parents disclosure schedule delivered by Parent to the Company concurrently with the delivery of this Agreement.
Parent Material Adverse Effect means any event, circumstance, change or effect that, individually or in the aggregate with all other events, circumstances, changes and effects (a) is or is reasonably likely to be materially adverse to the business, financial condition, assets, liabilities or results of operations of Parent and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, however, that to the extent any event, circumstance, change or effect is caused by or results from any of the following, it shall not be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Parent Material Adverse Effect: (i) changes in general economic conditions or changes in financial markets in general to the extent such changes would not reasonably be expected to have a materially disproportionate impact (relative to other participants in the industries in which Parent and its subsidiaries operate) on Parent and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) general changes in the
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industries in which Parent and its subsidiaries operate to the extent such changes would not reasonably be expected to have a materially disproportionate impact (relative to other participants in the industries in which Parent and its subsidiaries operate) on Parent and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (iii) failure of Parent to meet any internal or public projections, forecasts or estimates of revenues or earnings for any period ending on or after the date hereof (it being understood that the facts or occurrences giving rise to or contributing to the occurrence of any such failure may be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, a Parent Material Adverse Effect), (iv) any change in any applicable law, rule or regulation or GAAP or interpretation thereof after the date hereof, and (v) the commencement, occurrence or continuation of any war, armed hostilities or acts of terrorism involving or affecting the United States of America or any part thereof; or (b) would prevent or materially delay consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise prevent or materially delay Parent and Merger Sub from performing their obligations under this Agreement.
Parent Share Value means an amount equal to the volume weighted average of the per share daily closing prices of a Parent Common Share on the NYSE, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, for the fifteen consecutive trading days ending on and including the second trading day prior to the date on which the Company Stockholder Meeting is held.
Parent Shareholder Approval means the approval of the Parent Share Issuance at the Parent Shareholder Meeting by a majority of votes cast in accordance with Parents memorandum of association and bye-laws; provided, that the total vote cast on the proposal to approve the Parent Share Issuance represents over 50% in interest of all Parent Common Shares.
Parent Significant Subsidiary means a subsidiary of Parent that would constitute a significant subsidiary of Parent within the meaning of Rule 1.02(w) of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the SEC.
person means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, syndicate, person (including a person as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), trust, association or entity or government, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of a government.
Qualifying Confidentiality Agreement means an executed agreement with provisions requiring any person receiving nonpublic information with respect to the Company to keep such information confidential, which provisions to keep such information confidential are no less restrictive in the aggregate to such person than the Confidentiality Agreement is to Parent, its affiliates, and their respective personnel and representatives (it being understood that such agreement with such person need not have comparable standstill provisions); provided, that no such confidentiality agreement shall conflict with any rights of Parent or Merger Sub or obligations of the Company and the Subsidiaries under this Agreement.
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subsidiary or subsidiaries of the Company, the Surviving Corporation, Parent or any other person means an affiliate controlled by such person, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries.
Tax Returns means any return, declaration, report, election, claim for refund or information return or other statement or form filed or required to be filed with any Governmental Authority relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto or any amendment thereof.
Taxes means any and all (a) taxes, fees, levies, duties, tariffs, imposts and other charges of any kind (together with any and all interest, penalties, additions to tax and additional amounts imposed with respect thereto) imposed by any Governmental Authority, including: taxes or other charges on or with respect to income, franchise, windfall or other profits, gross receipts, property, sales, use, capital stock, payroll, employment, social security, workers compensation, unemployment compensation or net worth; taxes or other charges in the nature of excise, withholding, ad valorem, stamp, transfer, value-added or gains taxes; license, registration and documentation fees; and customers duties, tariffs and similar charges, and (b) liability for the payment of any Tax of another person (i) as a result of being a member of a consolidated, combined, unitary or affiliated group that includes any other person, or (ii) by reason of transferee or successor liability imposed by law.
Defined Term |
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Location of Definition |
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Acquisition Proposal |
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§ 7.05(f) |
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Action |
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§ 4.09 |
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Adjustment |
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§ 3.01(f) |
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Agreement |
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Preamble |
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AIP |
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§ 7.06(h) |
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Blue Sky Application |
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§ 7.18(b) |
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Blue Sky Laws |
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§ 4.05(b) |
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Certificate of Merger |
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§ 2.02 |
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Certificates |
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§ 3.01(b) |
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Change in Company Recommendation |
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§ 7.01(b) |
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Change in Parent Recommendation |
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§ 7.01(c) |
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Closing |
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§ 2.02 |
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Code |
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Recitals |
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Company |
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Preamble |
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Company Balance Sheet |
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§ 4.07(c) |
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Company Board |
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Recitals |
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Company Common Stock |
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§ 2.04(a) |
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Company Environmental Permits |
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§ 4.15 |
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Company Filed SEC Report |
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§ 4.07(a) |
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Company Licensed Intellectual Property |
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§ 4.13 |
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Defined Term |
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Location of Definition |
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Company Material Contracts |
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§ 4.17(a) |
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Company Owned Intellectual Property |
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§ 4.13 |
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Company Performance Share Award |
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§ 2.06(b) |
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Company Plans |
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§ 4.10(a) |
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Company Permitted Liens |
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§ 4.12(a) |
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Company Permits |
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§ 4.06 |
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Company Preferred Stock |
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§ 4.03(a) |
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Company Property |
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§ 4.12(a) |
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Company Recommendation |
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§ 7.01(b) |
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Company Representatives |
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§ 7.05(a) |
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Company Restricted Stock Award |
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§ 2.06(a) |
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Company SEC Reports |
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§ 4.07(a) |
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Company Stock Awards |
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§ 4.03(a) |
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Company Stock Option Plan |
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§ 2.05(a) |
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Company Stock Options |
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§ 2.05(a) |
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Company Stockholder Meeting |
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§ 7.01(a) |
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Confidentiality Agreement |
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§ 7.04(b) |
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D&O Insurance |
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§ 7.07(b) |
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DGCL |
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Recitals |
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Effective Time |
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§ 2.02 |
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ERISA |
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§ 4.10(a) |
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Exchange Act |
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§ 4.07(a) |
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Exchange Agent |
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§ 3.01(a) |
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Exchange Fund |
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§ 3.01(a) |
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Exchange Ratio |
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§ 2.04(a) |
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Executive Benefit Trust |
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§ 7.06(f) |
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Expenses |
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§ 9.03(a) |
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Financing |
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§ 7.18(a) |
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GAAP |
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§ 4.07(b) |
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Governmental Authority |
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§ 4.05(b) |
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HSR Act |
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§ 4.05(b) |
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Indemnified Person |
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§ 7.07(d) |
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IRS |
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§ 4.10(b) |
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Joint Proxy Statement |
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§ 7.01(a) |
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knowledge of the Company |
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§ 10.06 |
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knowledge of Parent |
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§ 10.06 |
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Law |
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§ 4.05(a) |
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Liens |
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§ 4.12(a) |
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Merger |
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Recitals |
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Merger Sub |
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Preamble |
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Merger Sub Common Stock |
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§ 2.04(c) |
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Multiemployer Plan |
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§ 4.10(d) |
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Multiple Employer Plan |
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§ 4.10(d) |
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Non-U.S. Benefit Plan |
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§ 4.10(k) |
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Defined Term |
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Location of Definition |
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Notice of Superior Proposal |
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§ 7.05(d)(i) |
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Notice Period |
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§ 7.05(d)(i) |
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Order |
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§ 8.01(d) |
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Parent |
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Preamble |
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Parent Board |
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Recitals |
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Parent Common Shares |
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Recitals |
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Parent Environmental Permits |
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§ 5.10 |
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Parent Filed SEC Report |
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§ 5.07(a) |
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Parent Preference Shares |
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§ 5.03(a) |
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Parent Recommendation |
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§ 7.01(c) |
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Parent SEC Reports |
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§ 5.07(a) |
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Parent Share Issuance |
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Recitals |
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Parent Shareholder Meeting |
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§ 7.01(a) |
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Per Share Merger Consideration |
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§ 2.04(a) |
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Registration Statement |
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§ 7.01(a) |
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Retiree Plan |
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§ 7.06(i) |
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SEC |
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§ 4.07(a) |
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Securities Act |
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§ 4.07(a) |
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Shares |
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§ 2.04(a) |
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Subsidiary |
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§ 4.01(a) |
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Substitute Option |
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§ 2.05(a) |
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Superior Proposal |
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§ 7.05(g) |
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Surviving Corporation |
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§ 2.01 |
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Termination Date |
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§ 9.01(b)(i) |
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Termination Fee |
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§ 9.03(b) |
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Transfer Taxes |
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§ 7.12 |
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SECTION 2.02. Effective Time; Closing. As promptly as practicable after the satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver of the conditions set forth in Article VIII, the parties hereto shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a certificate of merger or certificate of ownership and merger (the Certificate of Merger) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in such form as is required by, and executed in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the DGCL (the date and time of such filing of the Certificate of Merger (or such later time as may be agreed by each of the parties hereto and specified in the Certificate of Merger) being the Effective Time). Immediately prior to such filing of the Certificate of
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Merger, a closing of the Merger (the Closing) shall be held at the offices of Shearman & Sterling LLP, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, or such other place as the parties shall agree, for the purpose of confirming the satisfaction or waiver, as the case may be, of the conditions set forth in Article VIII.
SECTION 2.03. Effect of the Merger. The effect of the Merger at and following the Effective Time shall be as provided in the applicable provisions of the DGCL and this Agreement.
SECTION 2.04. Conversion of Securities. (a) Conversion of Company Common Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company, each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (Company Common Stock) (all shares of Company Common Stock being collectively, the Shares) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than Shares to be canceled or converted, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 2.04(b)) shall be converted into the right to receive a fraction of a validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable Parent Common Share (the Per Share Merger Consideration) equal to the quotient (the Exchange Ratio) determined by dividing $56.00 by the Parent Share Value and rounding to the nearest ten-thousandth of a share; provided, that (x) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or greater than $133.10, the Exchange Ratio shall equal 0.4207, and (y) if the Parent Share Value is equal to or less than $108.90, the Exchange Ratio shall equal 0.5142.
SECTION 2.05. Company Stock Options. (a) All options (the Company Stock Options) outstanding, whether or not exercisable and whether or not vested, at the Effective Time under the Company Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, supplemented or modified (the Company Stock Option Plan), shall accelerate and remain outstanding following the Effective
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Time. From and after the Effective Time, all references to the Company in the Company Stock Option Plan and the applicable stock option agreements issued thereunder shall be deemed to refer to Parent, which shall assume the Company Stock Option Plan as of the Effective Time by virtue of this Agreement and without any further action. Each Company Stock Option assumed by Parent (each, a Substitute Option) shall be fully vested and exercisable upon the same terms and conditions as under the Company Stock Option Plan and the applicable option agreement issued thereunder, except that (A) each such Substitute Option shall be exercisable for, and represent the right to acquire, that whole number of Parent Common Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole share) equal to the number of Shares subject to such Company Stock Option multiplied by the Exchange Ratio; and (B) the option price per Parent Common Share shall be an amount equal to the option price per Share subject to such Company Stock Option in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by the Exchange Ratio (the option price per share, as so determined, being rounded upward to the nearest full cent). Such Substitute Option shall otherwise be subject to the same terms and conditions as such Company Stock Option.
SECTION 2.06. Stock Awards. (a) Restricted Stock. At the Effective Time, any Shares or stock unit awards outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time that are unvested or are subject to a repurchase option, risk of forfeiture or other condition under the Company Stock Option Plan or any applicable restricted stock purchase agreement or other
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agreement with the Company (other than Company Performance Share Awards) (each, a Company Restricted Stock Award) shall be exchanged for Parent Common Shares pursuant to Section 2.04 that shall be fully vested and no longer subject to restriction or other condition to which the applicable Company Restricted Stock Award was subject immediately prior to the Effective Time.
SECTION 2.07. Certificate of Incorporation; Bylaws. (a) At the Effective Time and subject to Section 7.07(a), the certificate of incorporation of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation (except that the name of the Surviving Corporation shall be Corn Products International, Inc.) until thereafter amended as provided by Law and such certificate of incorporation.
SECTION 2.08. Directors and Officers. At the Effective Time, the directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial directors of the Surviving Corporation, each such director to hold office in accordance with the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, and the officers of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, subject to the applicable provisions of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, be the initial officers of the Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified or until the earlier of their death, resignation or removal.
SECTION 3.01. Exchange of Certificates. (a) Exchange Agent. From and after the Effective Time, Parent shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with BNY Mellon Shareowner Services or another bank or trust company selected by Parent and reasonably acceptable to the Company (the Exchange Agent), for the benefit of the holders of Shares,
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(i) for exchange in accordance with this Article III through the Exchange Agent, certificates representing the Parent Common Shares issuable to holders of Shares in the Merger pursuant to Section 2.04 as of the Effective Time, (ii) immediately available funds, from time to time as required to make payments in lieu of any fractional shares pursuant to Section 3.01(e) and (iii) any cash or other consideration from time to time as required for any dividends or other distributions pursuant to Section 3.01(c) (such cash and certificates for Parent Common Shares, together with any dividends or distributions with respect thereto, being hereinafter referred to as the Exchange Fund). The Exchange Agent shall, pursuant to irrevocable instructions, deliver the Parent Common Shares contemplated to be issued pursuant to Section 2.04, dividends or other distributions contemplated to be delivered pursuant to Section 3.01(c) and the cash in lieu of fractional shares contemplated to be paid pursuant to Section 3.01(e) out of the Exchange Fund. Except as contemplated by Section 3.01(g) hereof, the Exchange Fund shall not be used for any other purpose.
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SECTION 3.02. Stock Transfer Books. At the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed and there shall be no further registration of transfers of Shares thereafter on the records of the Company. From and after the Effective Time, the holders of Certificates representing Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights with respect to such Shares, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or by Law. On or after the Effective Time, any Certificates presented to the Exchange Agent or Parent for any reason shall be canceled and converted in accordance with the terms of this Article III.
SECTION 3.03. No Appraisal Rights. In accordance with Section 262 of the DGCL, no appraisal rights shall be available to holders of Shares in connection with the Merger.
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As an inducement to Parent and Merger Sub to enter into this Agreement, except (i) as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule (with specific reference to the particular section or subsection of this Agreement to which the information set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule relates; provided, that any information set forth in one section or subsection of the Company Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to apply to each other section or subsection thereof to which its relevance is reasonably apparent); and (ii) as disclosed in the Company SEC Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Company since December 31, 2006 and prior to the date hereof (other than disclosures in the Risk Factors sections thereof or any disclosures included in such filings that are cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature; provided, that in no event shall any disclosure contained in any such Company SEC Report be deemed to be an exception to any representation or warranty contained in Section 4.03(a) or Section 4.05(b), and it being understood that any matter set forth in the Company SEC Reports shall be deemed to qualify any representation or warranty in this Article IV only to the extent that the description of such matter in the Company SEC Reports would be reasonably inferred to be a qualification with respect to such representation and warranty), the Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub as follows:
SECTION 4.01. Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. (a) Each of the Company and each subsidiary of the Company (each, a Subsidiary) is a legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions where such concept is applicable) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has the requisite corporate or similar power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure of any Subsidiary to be so organized, existing or in good standing or to have such power, authority and governmental approvals would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company and each Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions where such concept is applicable), in each jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary or desirable, except for such failures to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Section 4.01(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth all of the Subsidiaries of the Company in existence as of the date hereof (other than Subsidiaries with immaterial amounts of assets, operations or liabilities), together with the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of each such Subsidiary and the percentage of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of each such Subsidiary owned by the Company and its other Subsidiaries. There are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or register under any securities Law, any Shares or any capital stock of any Subsidiary or to provide funds to, or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in, any Subsidiary.
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SECTION 4.02. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. The Company has heretofore furnished to Parent a complete and correct copy of the certificate of incorporation and the bylaws or equivalent organizational documents, each as amended to date, of the Company and each of the Company Material Subsidiaries listed in Section 4.02 of the Company Disclosure Schedule. Such certificates of incorporation, bylaws or equivalent organizational documents are in full force and effect. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation of any of the provisions of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or equivalent organizational documents.
SECTION 4.03. Capitalization. (a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 200,000,000 Shares, and (ii) 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (Company Preferred Stock). As of June 19, 2008, (i) 74,325,043 Shares were issued and outstanding (not including Shares held in the treasury of the Company), all of which are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, (ii) 994,731 Shares were held in the treasury of the Company, (iii) no Shares are held by the Subsidiaries, (iv) 4,386,270 Shares were reserved for future issuance pursuant to outstanding Company Stock Options, Company Restricted Stock Awards, Company Performance Share Awards and other purchase rights (the Company Stock Awards) granted pursuant to the Company Stock Option Plan, and (v) no shares of Company Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. Except as set forth in this Section 4.03, there are no options, warrants, convertible debt or other convertible instruments or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued capital stock of the Company or obligating the Company to issue or sell any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the Company.
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SECTION 4.04. Authority Relative to This Agreement. The Company has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and, subject to receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (other than, with respect to the Merger, obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval and the filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL). This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent and Merger Sub, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and by general equitable principles. The Company Board has approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and such approvals are sufficient so that the restrictions on business combinations set forth in Section 203(a) of the DGCL shall not apply to the Merger or any of the transactions contemplated hereby. To the knowledge of the Company, no other state takeover statute is applicable to the Company with respect to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 4.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents. (a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company does not, and the performance of this Agreement by the Company will not, (i) conflict with or violate the certificate of incorporation or bylaws or any equivalent organizational documents, each as amended to date, of the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 4.05(b) have been obtained, that all filings and obligations described in Section 4.05(b) have been made and that the Company Stockholder Approval has been obtained, conflict with or violate any United States or non-United States statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, writ, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order (Law) applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (iii) result in any breach of, loss of any benefit under, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a lien or other encumbrance on any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation, except, with respect
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to clauses (ii) and (iii) above, for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.06. Permits; Compliance. Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is in possession of all franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and orders of any Governmental Authority necessary for each of the Company or the Subsidiaries to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its business as it is now being conducted (the Company Permits), except where the failure to have, or the suspension or cancellation of, any of the Company Permits would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect. As of the date of this Agreement, no suspension or cancellation of any material Company Permit is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in conflict with, or in default, breach or violation of, (a) any Law applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (b) any Company Material Contract, except in either case for any such conflicts, defaults, breaches or violations that would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.07. SEC Filings; Financial Statements. (a) The Company has filed all forms, reports, statements, schedules and other documents required to be filed by it with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) since December 31, 2005 (such forms, reports, statements, schedules and other documents referred being, collectively, the Company SEC Reports). The Company SEC Reports (i) at the time they were filed or, if amended, as of the date of such amendment, complied in all material respects with all applicable 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 promulgated thereunder, each as in effect on the date so filed, except to the extent updated, amended, restated or corrected by a subsequent Company SEC Report filed with or furnished to the SEC by the Company, and in either case, publicly available prior to the date hereof (each, a Company Filed SEC Report) and (ii) did not, at the time they were filed, or, if amended, as of the date of such amendment, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except to
17
the extent updated, amended, restated or corrected by a subsequent Company Filed SEC Report. The Company is eligible to use Form S-3 in connection with the registration of securities under the Securities Act. No Subsidiary is required to file any form, report or other document with the SEC.
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SECTION 4.08. Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 2007, (a) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the Company and the Subsidiaries have conducted their businesses in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice in all material respects, (b) there has not been any Company Material Adverse Effect and (c) none of the Company or any Subsidiary has taken any action that, if taken after the date of this Agreement, would constitute a breach of any of the covenants set forth in clauses (iv), (v), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x), (xii), (xiii) or (xiv) of Section 6.01(b).
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SECTION 4.09. Absence of Litigation. Other than with respect to employee benefit plans, labor and employment, intellectual property, tax and environmental matters, which are the subjects of Section 4.10, Section 4.11, Section 4.13, Section 4.14, and Section 4.15, respectively, (a) there is no investigation of which the Company has received notice and no litigation, suit, claim, action or proceeding (an Action) pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any Subsidiary, or any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary, before any Governmental Authority that has had or would have a Company Material Adverse Effect; and (b) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary is subject to any continuing order of, consent decree, settlement agreement or other similar written agreement with, or, to the knowledge of the Company, continuing investigation by, any Governmental Authority, or any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award of any Governmental Authority that would have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 4.10. Employee Benefit Plans. (a) Section 4.10(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists as of the date hereof each of the following that are subject to United States law, (i) all employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA)) and all material bonus, stock option, stock purchase, restricted stock, incentive, deferred compensation, retiree medical or life insurance, supplemental retirement, severance or other material benefit plans, programs or arrangements, and all material employment, termination, severance or other material contracts or agreements to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party, with respect to which the Company or any Subsidiary has any obligation or which are maintained, contributed to or sponsored by the Company or any Subsidiary for the benefit of any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor of the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) each employee benefit plan for which the Company or any Subsidiary could incur liability under Section 4069 of ERISA in the event such plan has been or were to be terminated, (iii) any plan in respect of which the Company or any Subsidiary could incur liability under Section 4212(c) of ERISA, and (iv) any material contracts, arrangements or understandings between the Company or any Subsidiary and any current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor of the Company or any Subsidiary including any material contracts, arrangements or understandings with any such current or former employee, officer, director or independent contractor relating to a sale of the Company or any Subsidiary (each of the items set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) being referred to collectively as, the Company Plans).
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SECTION 4.11. Labor and Employment Matters. (a) Except as set forth in Section 4.11(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is a party to any collective bargaining agreement, works council or other labor union contract applicable to persons employed in the United States by the Company or any Subsidiary, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, are there any activities or proceedings of any labor union to organize any such employees; (ii) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has breached or otherwise failed to comply with any provision of any such agreement or contract, and there are no grievances outstanding against the Company or any Subsidiary under any such agreement or contract, except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a material liability; (iii) there are no unfair labor practice complaints pending against the Company or any Subsidiary before the National Labor Relations Board or any current union representation questions involving employees of the Company or any Subsidiary, except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a material liability; and (iv) there is no strike, slowdown, work stoppage or lockout, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threat thereof, by or with respect to any employees of the Company or any Subsidiary, except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a material liability. The consent of the labor unions which are a party to the collective bargaining agreements listed in Section 4.11 of the Company Disclosure Schedule is not required to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
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SECTION 4.12. Real Property; Title to Assets. (a) Item 2 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 lists all material real property owned by the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the date hereof (each, a Company Property). Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, each Company Property (i) is owned free and clear of all mortgages, pledges, liens, security interests, conditional and installment sale agreements, encumbrances, charges or other claims of third parties of any kind, including any easement, right of way or other encumbrance to title, or any option, right of first refusal, or right of first offer (collectively, Liens), other than (A) Liens for current taxes and assessments not yet due and payable or not past due, (B) inchoate mechanics and materialmens Liens for construction in progress, (C) workmens, repairmens, warehousemens and carriers Liens arising in the ordinary course of business of the Company or such Subsidiary consistent with past practice, (D) all matters of record, and (E) all Liens and other imperfections of title and encumbrances that do not impair in any material respect the continued use or utility of the real property encumbered thereby (collectively, Company Permitted Liens); and (ii) is not subject to any governmental decree or order to be sold, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any written notice to the effect that all or any portion of the real property is being condemned, expropriated or otherwise taken by any public authority with or without payment of compensation therefor, or that any such actions are being proposed or contemplated.
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SECTION 4.13. Intellectual Property. Except as disclosed in Section 4.13 of the Company Disclosure Schedule and except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (a) to the knowledge of the Company, the conduct of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently conducted does not infringe upon or misappropriate the Intellectual Property rights of any third party, and no claim has been asserted to the Company in writing that the conduct of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently conducted infringes upon or may infringe upon or misappropriates the Intellectual Property rights of any third party; (b) with respect to each item of Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any Subsidiary and used in the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently conducted (Company Owned Intellectual Property), the Company or any Subsidiary is the owner of the entire right, title and interest in and to such Company Owned Intellectual Property and is entitled to use such Company Owned Intellectual Property in the continued operation of its respective business; (c) with respect to each item of Intellectual Property licensed to the Company or any Subsidiary that is used in the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently conducted (Company Licensed Intellectual Property), the Company or any Subsidiary has the right to use such Company Licensed Intellectual Property in the continued operation of its respective business in accordance with the terms of the license agreement governing such Company Licensed Intellectual Property; (d) the Company Owned Intellectual Property has not been adjudged invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part and, to the knowledge of the Company, the registered Company Owned Intellectual Property is valid and enforceable; (e) to the knowledge of the Company, no person is engaging in any activity that infringes upon the Company Owned Intellectual Property; (f) each license of the Company Licensed Intellectual Property is binding on the Company and any of the Subsidiaries party thereto and, to the knowledge of the Company, each of the other parties thereto, and is in full force and effect; (g) to the knowledge of the Company, no party to any license of the Company Licensed Intellectual Property is in breach thereof or default thereunder; and (h) neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of any transaction contemplated hereby will adversely affect any of the
25
Companys rights with respect to the Company Owned Intellectual Property or the Company Licensed Intellectual Property.
SECTION 4.14. Taxes. (a) Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax Returns required to be filed by it and has timely paid and discharged all Taxes required to be paid or discharged by it, except where failures to file such Tax Returns or failures to pay such Taxes would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
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SECTION 4.15. Environmental Matters. Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (a) none of the Company or any Subsidiary has received any written notice, claim or demand to the effect that it has violated or is in violation of any Environmental Law; (b) none of the properties currently or, to the knowledge of the Company, formerly owned, leased or operated by the Company or any Subsidiary (including soils and surface and ground waters) are contaminated with any Hazardous Substance arising out of the operations of the Company or any Subsidiary which would reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of any liability on the Company or any Subsidiary; (c) none of the Company or any Subsidiary is subject to a written notice, request for information or order from or agreement with any Governmental Authority finding that the Company or any Subsidiary is actually, potentially or allegedly liable for any off-site contamination by Hazardous Substances; (d) there are no judicial or administrative proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened asserting that the Company or any Subsidiary is actually, potentially or allegedly liable under any Environmental Law (including pending or threatened liens); (e) each of the Company and each Subsidiary has all permits, licenses and other authorizations required under any Environmental Law for their operations as currently conducted (Company Environmental Permits); (f) each of the Company and each Subsidiary is in compliance with its Company Environmental Permits; and (g) neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will require any investigation, remediation or other action with respect to Hazardous Substances, or any notice to or consent of Governmental Authorities or third parties, pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law or Company Environmental Permit. The representations and warranties of the Company and the Subsidiaries made in this Section 4.15 are the only representations and warranties made in this Agreement regarding any matters arising under or relating to Environmental Laws, Environmental Permits and Hazardous Substances.
SECTION 4.16. No Stockholder Rights Plan. The Company is not a party to any stockholder rights plan or poison pill agreement.
SECTION 4.17. Material Contracts. (a) Section 4.17(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a complete list as of the date hereof of the following types of contracts and agreements, whether written or oral, that are intended by the Company or any Subsidiary, as applicable, to be legally binding, and to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party (such contracts and agreements, being the Company Material Contracts):
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SECTION 4.18. Insurance. Correct and complete summaries of (a) all material fire and casualty, general liability, business interruption and workers compensation insurance policies and (b) all D&O Insurance policies, in each case, maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary have been made available to Parent. Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) such policies are in full force and effect as of the date of this Agreement; (ii) the Company or the relevant Subsidiary has paid all premiums under such policies and none of the Company or any Subsidiary is in default with respect to its obligations thereunder; and (iii) such policies cover such risks, are of such types and are in coverage amounts (including retentions and deductibles) as are usual and customary in the context of the businesses and operations in which the Company and the Subsidiaries are engaged.
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SECTION 4.19. Board Approval; Vote Required. (a) The Company Board, by resolutions duly adopted by unanimous vote at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has duly (i) determined that the Merger is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and declared its advisability, and (iii) resolved to recommend that the stockholders of the Company adopt this Agreement and directed that this Agreement be submitted for consideration by the Companys stockholders at the Company Stockholder Meeting.
SECTION 4.20. Opinions of Financial Advisors. The Company has received the written opinions of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., dated the date of this Agreement, to the effect that, as of the date of this Agreement, the Per Share Merger Consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Companys stockholders, a copy of which opinions will be delivered to Parent promptly after the date of this Agreement for informational purposes only.
SECTION 4.21. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than Lazard Freres & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc.) is entitled to any brokerage, finders or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company has heretofore furnished to Parent a correct and complete copy of all agreements (including any amendments, waivers or other changes thereto) between the Company and each of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. pursuant to which either such firm would be entitled to any payment relating to the transactions contemplated hereby.
As an inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, except (i) as set forth in the Parent Disclosure Schedule (with specific reference to the particular section or subsection of this Agreement to which the information set forth in the Parent Disclosure Schedule relates; provided, that any information set forth in one section or subsection of the Parent Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to apply to each other section or subsection thereof to which its relevance is reasonably apparent); and (ii) as disclosed in the Parent SEC Reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by Parent since December 31, 2006 and prior to the date hereof (other than disclosures in the Risk Factors sections thereof or any disclosures included in such filings that are cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature; provided, that in no event shall any disclosure contained in any such Parent SEC Report be deemed to be an exception to any representation or warranty contained in Section 5.05(b), and it being understood that any matter set forth in the Parent SEC Reports shall be deemed to qualify any representation or warranty in this Article V only to the extent that the description of such matter in the Parent SEC Reports would be reasonably inferred to be a qualification with respect to such representation and warranty), Parent and Merger Sub hereby represent and warrant to the Company as follows:
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SECTION 5.01. Corporate Organization. (a) Each of Parent, Merger Sub and each Parent Significant Subsidiary is a legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions where such concept is applicable) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has the requisite corporate power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to be so organized, existing or in good standing or to have such power, authority and governmental approvals would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. Each of Parent, Merger Sub and each Parent Significant Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in good standing (with respect to jurisdictions where such concept is applicable), in each jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary or desirable, except for such failures to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.02. Organizational Documents. Parent has heretofore furnished to the Company a complete and correct copy of the memorandum of association and the bye-laws of Parent and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Merger Sub, each as amended to date. Such memorandum of association, certificate of incorporation, bye-laws and bylaws are in full force and effect. None of Parent, Merger Sub or any Parent Significant Subsidiary is in violation of any of the provisions of its memorandum of association, certificate of incorporation, bye-laws, bylaws or equivalent organizational documents, as applicable.
SECTION 5.03. Capitalization. (a) The authorized share capital of Parent consists of (i) 400,000,000 Parent Common Shares and (ii) 21,000,000 preference shares, par value $0.01 per share. As of June 18, 2008 (i) 121,594,093 Parent Common Shares were issued and outstanding, all of which were duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, (ii) 6,900,000 4.875% cumulative convertible perpetual preference shares, par value $0.01 per share, were issued and outstanding, all of which were duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and (iii) 862,500 5.125% cumulative mandatory convertible preference shares, par value $0.01 per share (collectively with the preference shares described in clause (ii), the Parent Preference Shares), were issued and outstanding, all of which were duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. As of December 31, 2007, 4,685,082 Parent Common Shares were reserved for future issuance pursuant to outstanding stock options and restricted stock unit awards and from January 1, 2008 through June 18, 2008, Parent granted stock options and restricted stock unit awards pursuant to the equity incentive plans of Parent representing the right to acquire 941,050 Parent Common Shares in the aggregate. Except as set forth in this Section 5.03, and except for stock options and restricted stock units granted pursuant to the equity incentive plans of Parent, there are no options, warrants, convertible debt or other convertible instruments or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued share capital or capital stock of Parent or Merger Sub, as applicable, or obligating Parent or Merger Sub to issue or sell any share capital or shares of
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capital stock, as applicable, of, or other equity interests in, Parent or Merger Sub. All Parent Common Shares subject to issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. All outstanding share capital or capital stock of Parent and Merger Sub, as applicable, has been issued and granted in compliance with all applicable securities laws and other applicable Laws.
SECTION 5.04. Authority Relative to This Agreement. Each of Parent and Merger Sub has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and, subject to receipt of the Parent Shareholder Approval, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub and the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Parent or Merger Sub are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (other than, with respect to the Merger, the filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL and, with respect to the Parent Share Issuance, the Parent Shareholder Approval). This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and Merger Sub and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Parent and Merger Sub, enforceable against each of Parent and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that its enforceability may be subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally and by general equitable principles.
SECTION 5.05. No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents. (a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub do not, and the performance of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub will not, (i) conflict with or violate the memorandum of association, certificate of incorporation, bye-laws or bylaws, each as amended to date, of either Parent or Merger Sub, as applicable, (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 5.05(b) have been obtained, that all filings and obligations described in Section 5.05(b) have been made and that the Parent Shareholder Approval has been obtained, conflict with or violate any Law applicable to Parent or Merger Sub or by which any property or asset of either of them is bound or affected, or (iii) result in any breach of, loss of benefit under, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment,
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acceleration or cancellation of, or result in the creation of a lien or other encumbrance on any property or asset of Parent, Merger Sub or any Parent Significant Subsidiary pursuant to, any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which Parent, Merger Sub or any Parent Significant Subsidiary is a party or by which Parent, Merger Sub or any Parent Significant Subsidiary or any property of any of them is bound or affected, except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii) above, for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.06. Compliance. Neither Parent nor any Parent Significant Subsidiary is in conflict with, or in default, breach or violation of, (a) any Law applicable to Parent or any Parent Significant Subsidiary or by which any property or asset of Parent or any Parent Significant Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (b) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease, license, franchise or other instrument or obligation to which Parent or any Parent Significant Subsidiary is a party or by which Parent or any Parent Significant Subsidiary or any property or asset of Parent or any Parent Significant Subsidiary is bound, except in either case for any such conflicts, defaults, breaches or violations that would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.07. SEC Filings; Financial Statements. (a) Parent has filed all forms, reports, statements, schedules and other documents required to be filed by it with the SEC since December 31, 2005 (collectively, the Parent SEC Reports). The Parent SEC Reports (i) at the time they were filed or, if amended, as of the date of such amendment, complied in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, each as in effect on the date so filed, except to the extent updated, amended, restated or corrected by a subsequent Parent SEC Report filed with or furnished to the SEC by Parent, and in either case, publicly available prior to the date hereof (each, a Parent Filed SEC Report) and (ii) did not, at the time they were filed, or, if amended, as of the date of such amendment, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except to the extent updated, amended, restated or corrected by a subsequent
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Parent Filed SEC Report. No Parent Significant Subsidiary is required to file any form, report or other document with the SEC.
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SECTION 5.08. Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since December 31, 2007, (a) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, Parent and its subsidiaries have conducted their business only in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice in all material respects, (b) there has not been any Parent Material Adverse Effect and (c) none of Parent or any Parent Significant Subsidiary has taken any action that, if taken after the date of this Agreement, would constitute a breach of any of the covenants set forth in clauses (e), (f) and (g) of Section 6.02.
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(i) Neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has been a distributing corporation or a controlled corporation in a distribution intended to qualify under Section 355(e) of the Code within the past five years.
SECTION 5.10. Environmental Matters. Except as would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect, (a) neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries has received any written notice, claim or demand to the effect that it has violated or is in violation of any Environmental Law; (b) none of the properties currently or, to the knowledge of Parent, formerly owned, leased or operated by Parent or any of its subsidiaries (including soils and surface and ground waters) are contaminated with any Hazardous Substance arising out of the operations of Parent or any of
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its subsidiaries which would reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of any liability on Parent or any of its subsidiaries; (c) neither Parent nor any of its subsidiaries is subject to a written notice, request for information or order from or agreement with any Governmental Authority finding that Parent or any of its subsidiaries is actually, potentially or allegedly liable for any off-site contamination by Hazardous Substances; (d) there are no judicial or administrative proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Parent, threatened asserting that Parent or any of its subsidiaries is actually, potentially or allegedly liable under any Environmental Law (including pending or threatened liens); (e) Parent and each of its subsidiaries has all permits, licenses and other authorizations required under any Environmental Law for their operations as currently conducted (Parent Environmental Permits); (f) Parent and each of its subsidiaries is in compliance with its Parent Environmental Permits; and (g) neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will require any investigation, remediation or other action with respect to Hazardous Substances, or any notice to or consent of Governmental Authorities or third parties, pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law or Parent Environmental Permit. The representations and warranties of Parent made in this Section 5.10 are the only representations and warranties made in this Agreement regarding any matters arising under or relating to Environmental Laws, Environmental Permits and Hazardous Substances.
SECTION 5.12. Operations of Merger Sub. Merger Sub is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, has engaged in no other business activities and has conducted its operations only as contemplated by this Agreement.
SECTION 5.13. Availability of Funds. Parent has, or will have at the Effective Time, sufficient cash available to enable it to pay all fees and expenses in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 5.14. Opinions of Financial Advisors. The Parent Board has received the separate opinions, each dated as of or about the date of this Agreement, of (i) Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, the Exchange Ratio is fair to Parent from a financial point of view and (ii) Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, the Exchange Ratio pursuant to this Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to Parent. Copies of the written opinions of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated will be delivered to the Company promptly after the date of this Agreement for informational purposes only.
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SECTION 5.15. Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated) is entitled to any brokerage, finders or other fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent or Merger Sub.
SECTION 6.01. Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger. (a) The Company agrees that, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, except as expressly contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement or as set forth in Section 6.01 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, unless Parent shall otherwise consent in writing:
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SECTION 6.02. Conduct of Business by Parent Pending the Merger. Parent agrees that, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, except as expressly contemplated by any other provision of this Agreement or as set forth in Section 6.02 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, unless the Company shall otherwise consent in writing, Parent shall not:
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SECTION 7.01. Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement. (a) As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, (i) Parent and the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC the proxy statement (such proxy statement, as amended or supplemented from time to time, being the Joint Proxy Statement) to be sent to the stockholders of the Company relating to the meeting of the Companys stockholders (including any adjournments or postponements thereof, the Company Stockholder Meeting) to be held to consider adoption of this Agreement and to be sent to the shareholders of Parent relating to the meeting of Parents shareholders (including any adjournments or postponements thereof, the Parent Shareholder Meeting) to be held to vote on the Parent Share Issuance, and (ii) Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with all amendments thereto, the Registration Statement) in which the Joint Proxy Statement shall be included as a prospectus, in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Parent Common Shares to be issued to the stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Merger. Parent and the Company each shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective as promptly as practicable and, prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement, Parent shall take all or any action required under any applicable federal or state securities Laws or requirement of the NYSE in connection with the Parent Share Issuance. The Company and Parent shall furnish all information reasonably requested by the other party for inclusion in each of the Registration Statement and Joint Proxy Statement. As promptly as practicable after the Registration Statement shall have become effective, the Company shall mail the Joint Proxy Statement to its stockholders and Parent shall mail the Joint Proxy Statement to its shareholders.
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SECTION 7.03. Parent Shareholder Meeting. (a) Parent shall call and hold the Parent Shareholder Meeting as promptly as practicable for the purpose of voting upon the Parent Share Issuance and Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to hold the Parent Shareholder Meeting as soon as practicable after the date on which the Registration Statement becomes effective and Parent agrees that the Parent Share Issuance shall be submitted for approval at the Parent Shareholder Meeting. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Parent may, but shall not be required to, adjourn or postpone the Parent Shareholder Meeting to the extent necessary to ensure that any necessary supplement or amendment to the Joint Proxy Statement is provided to its shareholders in advance of a vote on the approval of the Parent Share Issuance, or, if, as of the time for which the Parent Shareholder Meeting is originally scheduled, there are insufficient Parent Common Shares represented (either in person or by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of such meeting.
SECTION 7.04. Access to Information; Confidentiality. (a) Except as otherwise prohibited by applicable Law or the terms of any contract or agreement (provided that each party shall use all reasonable efforts to promptly obtain any consent required under any such contract or agreement in order that it may comply with the terms of this Section 7.04), from the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, each of Parent and the Company shall, and shall cause its respective subsidiaries to, (i) provide to the other party and the other partys officers, directors, employees, accountants, consultants, legal counsel, agents and other representatives access at reasonable times during normal business hours upon prior notice to the officers, employees, agents, properties, offices and other facilities of such party and its subsidiaries and to the books and records thereof, and (ii) furnish promptly to the other party such information concerning the business, properties, contracts, assets, liabilities, personnel and other aspects of such party and its subsidiaries as the other party or its representatives may reasonably request; provided, however, that neither Parent nor the Company shall be required to provide access to or disclose information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the rights of its customers, jeopardize the attorney-client privilege of the person in possession or control of such information or contravene any Law, order, judgment, decree or agreement to which such party or any of its subsidiaries is a party or is subject.
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SECTION 7.05. No Solicitation of Transactions. (a) The Company agrees that neither it nor any Subsidiary will, and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, other advisors or representatives (such persons, together with Subsidiaries, collectively, the Company Representatives) not to (i) solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage (including by way of furnishing non-public information), or take any other action to knowingly facilitate the making of any Acquisition Proposal, (ii) enter into, continue or otherwise engage or participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any person, any information with respect to, or otherwise knowingly cooperate, encourage or facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement any proposal or inquiry that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to result in, an Acquisition Proposal, (iii) approve, endorse or recommend, or propose publicly to approve, endorse or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal, or (iv) submit to a vote of its stockholders, approve, endorse or recommend, or publicly announce an intention to approve, endorse or recommend, or enter into, any letter of intent, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement amalgamation agreement, scheme of arrangement or other similar agreement relating to any Acquisition Proposal (other than a Qualifying Confidentiality Agreement in accordance with Section 7.05(b)). The Company immediately shall cease and cause to be terminated all existing discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect to an Acquisition Proposal. The Company shall not release any third party from, or waive any provision of, any confidentiality or standstill agreement to which it is a party.
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If during the Notice Period any revisions are made to the Superior Proposal, the Company shall deliver a new written notice to Parent specifying the details of any such revisions and shall comply with the requirements of this Section 7.05(d) with respect to such new written notice, except that the new Notice Period shall be two (2) calendar days. Any disclosure that the Company Board may be compelled to make with respect to the receipt of a proposal or offer for an Acquisition Proposal or otherwise in order to comply with its fiduciary obligations to the Company and its stockholders under applicable Law and the Companys certificate of incorporation or Rule 14d-9 or 14e-2(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act will not constitute a violation of this Agreement; provided, that such disclosure does not violate any provision of this Section 7.5(d) (it being understood that a mere stop, look and listen disclosure shall not
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violate this Section 7.5(d) or constitute a Change in Company Recommendation). Any Change in Company Recommendation shall not change the approval of the Company Board for purposes of causing any state takeover statute or other state law to be inapplicable to the transactions contemplated hereby.
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SECTION 7.07. Directors and Officers Indemnification and Insurance. (a) The certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation and each of the Subsidiaries shall (i) contain provisions no less favorable with respect to indemnification, exculpation and advancement of expenses than are set forth in the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company or the applicable Subsidiary, which provisions shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise modified for a period of six years from the Effective Time in any manner that would affect adversely the rights thereunder of individuals who, at or at any time prior to the Effective Time, were directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries or agents of the Company or the Subsidiaries, unless such modification shall be required by law; provided, however, that if any claim or claims are asserted against any individual entitled to the protections of such provisions within such six-year period, such provisions shall not be modified until the final disposition of any such claims, and (ii) with respect to the Surviving Corporation, contain provisions no less favorable with respect to indemnification for matters occurring from and after the Effective Time than are set forth in Parents memorandum of association or bye-laws, as of the date hereof.
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SECTION 7.10. Further Action; Reasonable Best Efforts. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each of the parties hereto shall promptly after the date of this Agreement (a) make its respective filings, and thereafter make any other required submissions, under the HSR Act or other applicable foreign, federal or state antitrust, competition or fair trade Laws with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, (b) file with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda a copy of the Joint Proxy Statement, signed by or on behalf of all the directors of Parent, to be published in connection with the Parent Share Issuance, as soon as reasonably practicable after its publication, and (c) use its reasonable best efforts to
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take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws or otherwise to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated hereby, including using its reasonable best efforts to obtain all permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders of Governmental Authorities and parties to contracts with the Company and the Subsidiaries as are necessary for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and to fulfill the conditions to the Merger. In case, at any time after the Effective Time, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, the proper officers and directors of each party to this Agreement shall use their reasonable best efforts to take all such action.
SECTION 7.11. Tax Free Merger. (a) This Agreement constitutes a plan of reorganization within the meaning of Section 1.368-2(g) of the income tax regulations promulgated under the Code. From and after the date of this Agreement and until the Effective Time, each party hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and will not take any action, cause any action to be taken, fail to take any action or cause any action to fail to be taken which action or failure to act it knows could (i) prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or (ii) cause the shareholders of the Company, other than any such shareholder that would be a five-percent transferee shareholder (within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(5)), to recognize gain pursuant to Section 367(a) of the Code. Following the Effective Time, none of the Surviving Corporation, Parent or any of their affiliates shall take any action, cause any action to be taken, fail to take any action or cause any action to fail to be taken, which action or failure to act it knows could (i) cause the Merger to fail to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code or (ii) cause the shareholders of the Company, other than any such shareholder that would be a five-percent transferee shareholder (within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(5)), to recognize gain pursuant to Section 367(a) of the Code.
As of the date hereof, Parent does not know of any reason (i) why it would not be able to deliver the representation letters contemplated by Section 8.02(e), or (ii) why counsel to Parent and the Company would not be able to deliver the tax opinions contemplated by Section 8.02(e) and Section 8.03(d).
SECTION 7.12. Transfer Taxes. The Company and Parent shall cooperate in the preparation, execution and filing of all returns, questionnaires, applications or other documents regarding any real property transfer or gains, sales, use, transfer, value added, stock transfer and stamp Taxes, any transfer, recording, registration and other fees and any similar Taxes which become payable by the Company, Parent or Merger Sub in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (together with any related interest, penalties or additions to Tax, Transfer Taxes). All Transfer Taxes shall be paid by the Company and expressly shall not be a liability of any holder of Company Common Stock.
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SECTION 7.13. Merger Sub. Parent shall take all action necessary to cause Merger Sub to perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the Merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
SECTION 7.14. Letters of Accountants. (a) Parent and the Company will each use all reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to each other consents from their respective independent auditors, in form reasonably satisfactory to the recipient and customary in scope and substance for consents delivered by independent public accountants in connection with registration statements on Form S-4 under the Securities Act.
SECTION 7.15. NYSE Listing. Parent shall promptly prepare and submit to the NYSE a listing application covering the Parent Common Shares to be issued in the Merger and pursuant to Substitute Options, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain, prior to the Effective Time, approval for the listing of such Parent Common Shares, subject to official notice of issuance to NYSE, and the Company shall cooperate with Parent with respect to such listing.
SECTION 7.16. Subsequent Financial Statements. (a) The Company shall, if practicable, consult with Parent prior to making publicly available its financial results for any period after the date of this Agreement and prior to filing any report or document with the SEC after the date of this Agreement, it being understood that Parent shall have no liability by reason of such consultation.
SECTION 7.17. Public Announcements. The initial press release relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be a joint press release, the text of which has been agreed to by each of Parent and the Company. Thereafter, unless otherwise
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required by applicable Law or the requirements of the NYSE, each of Parent and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to consult with each other before issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statements with respect to this Agreement, the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby; provided, that this Section 7.17 shall terminate in the event the Company Board withdraws the Company Recommendation or the Parent Board withdraws the Parent Recommendation.
SECTION 7.18. Assistance with Parent Financing. (a) The Company shall provide to Parent such cooperation as may be reasonably requested by Parent to facilitate any financing transaction by Parent (the Financing) after the date hereof, including (i) using its reasonable best efforts to cause appropriate officers, employees and other representatives of the Company to participate in (x) meetings, drafting sessions and due diligence sessions relating to the Company with Parent and its representatives and with Parents financing sources, (y) sessions with rating agencies with respect to the Financing, but only with respect to the portions of such sessions that relate to the Company and (z) roadshows and other marketing efforts in connection with the Financing, but only with respect to the portions of such roadshows or other marketing efforts that relate to the Company, (ii) assisting Parent and its financing sources in the preparation of any offering documents to be used in connection with the Financing, including any documents to be filed by Parent with the SEC, bank information memoranda or other disclosure documents reasonably requested by Parent in connection with the Financing, including materials for rating agency presentations, in each case, to the extent such materials relate to the Company, (iii) furnishing Parent and its financing sources with financial and other relevant information regarding the Company as may reasonably be requested by Parent to obtain the Financing, and (iv) using reasonable best efforts to cause KPMG LLP, the Companys independent public accountants, to take such actions regarding the Company as Parent may reasonably request in connection with the Financing, including to (w) obtain the consent of KPMG LLP for the inclusion of its reports on the Companys audited financial statements included in the Company SEC Reports in any offering documents, offering memoranda, offering circulars, prospectuses or registration statement to be used in connection with the Financing, (x) deliver a comfort letter to Parents financing sources in a form meeting the requirements of Statement of Auditing Standards No. 72 Letters for Underwriters and Certain Other Requesting Parties, as such statement has been amended or modified, or such other form as may reasonably be requested by Parent or its financing sources and is customary for offerings of securities contemplated by the Financing, (y) participate in customary auditor due diligence sessions relating to the Company with Parents financing sources and counsel to such financing sources and Parent and its representatives and (z) enter into customary agreements or engagements with respect to the Company with accountants.
(b) Parent shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each of the officers, employees and other representatives of the Company against all losses, liabilities, damages, claims, costs and expenses (including the costs of reasonable investigation and reasonable accountants and attorneys fees) arising out of, resulting from or relating to any third party claims against one or more of such persons based on (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any offering documents, bankers book or other materials or information prepared or distributed, whether orally or in writing, in connection with the Financing or any Blue Sky application or other document prepared or executed by or on behalf of Parent for the purpose of qualifying any securities issued or contemplated to be issued
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in connection with the Financing under the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction (any such application, document or information being hereinafter called a Blue Sky Application), (ii) with respect to materials identified in clause (i), any omission or alleged omission to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances in which they were made, (iii) any of such persons being alleged or found to be a seller, participant or underwriter in the offering of any securities in connection with the Financing or an issuer or guarantor of such securities as a result of the assistance provided or actions taken by the Company or any of its officers, employees or representatives pursuant to Section 7.18(a), or (iv) any of such persons otherwise being alleged or found to have aided and abetted Parent or its representatives in any wrongdoing relating to the offer or sale of any securities in connection with the Financing as a result of the assistance provided or actions taken by the Company or any of its officers, employees or representatives pursuant to Section 7.18(a). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 7.18(b), Parent shall not be required to so indemnify the Company or any officer, employee or other representative of the Company to the extent any losses, liabilities, damages, claims, costs or expenses (including the costs of reasonable investigation and reasonable accountants and attorneys fees) arise out of, result from or relate to any information contained in any Company SEC Report or any information relating to the Company expressly provided to Parent by the Company or any of its officers, employees or representatives for use in connection with the Financing.
SECTION 8.01. Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party. The obligations of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) of the following conditions:
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SECTION 8.02. Conditions to the Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub. The obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) of the following additional conditions:
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SECTION 8.03. Conditions to the Obligations of the Company. The obligations of the Company to consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver (where permissible) of the following additional conditions:
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SECTION 9.01. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after the Company Stockholder Approval or the Parent Shareholder Approval, as follows:
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SECTION 9.02. Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void, and there shall be no liability under this Agreement on the part of the Company, Parent or Merger Sub or their respective officers or directors, except (a) as set forth in Section 7.04(b), Section 7.04(c), Section 7.18(b), this Section 9.02, Section 9.03 and Article X, which provisions shall survive termination, and (b) nothing contained in this Section 9.02 or in Section 9.03 shall relieve any party from liability for any intentional and material breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement prior to such termination that would reasonably be expected to cause any of the conditions set forth in Article VIII not to be satisfied.
SECTION 9.03. Payment of Certain Fees and Expenses. (a) Except as set forth in this Section 9.03, all Expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, whether or not the Merger or any other transaction is consummated. Expenses, as used in this Agreement, shall include all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and consultants to a party hereto and its affiliates) incurred by a party or on its behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement, the preparation, printing, filing and mailing of the Registration Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement, the solicitation of stockholder or shareholder approvals, the filing of any required notices under the HSR Act or other similar regulations and all other matters related to the closing of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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then the Company shall pay to Parent (A) prior to or concurrently with the termination of this Agreement if payable pursuant to Section 9.03(b)(ii), or (B) promptly (but in any event no later than one (1) business day after the first of such events shall have occurred) with respect to the termination of this Agreement if payable pursuant to Section 9.03(b)(i), Section 9.03(b)(iii) or Section 9.03(b)(iv), a fee of $110,000,000 (the Termination Fee), which amount shall be payable in immediately available funds.
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SECTION 9.04. Amendment. Except as may otherwise be provided herein, any provision of this Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto by action taken by or on behalf of their respective Boards of Directors at any time prior to the Effective Time; provided, that, after either of the Company Stockholder Approval and the Parent Shareholder Approval have been obtained, no such amendment shall be made that under applicable Law requires further approval by the stockholders of the Company or the shareholders of Parent, as applicable, without such approval having been obtained. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the Company and Parent.
SECTION 9.05. Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, any party hereto may (a) extend the time for the performance of any obligation or other act of any other party hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of any other party contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and (c) subject to the proviso in the first sentence of Section 9.04 and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waive compliance with any agreement of any other party or any condition to its own obligations contained herein. Any such extension or waiver shall be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties to be bound thereby.
SECTION 10.01. Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. The representations, warranties and agreements in this Agreement and in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall terminate at the Effective Time or upon the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.01, as the case may be, except that the agreements set forth in Article II and Article III and Section 7.04(b), Section 7.06, Section 7.07, Section 7.08 and Section 7.11 and this Article X shall survive the Effective Time.
SECTION 10.02. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by telecopy or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 10.02):
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if to Parent or Merger Sub: |
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Bunge Limited |
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50 Main Street |
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White Plains, New York 10606 |
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Facsimile No: (914) 684-3497 |
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Attention: |
Carla Heiss, Esq. |
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with a copy to: |
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Shearman & Sterling LLP |
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599 Lexington Avenue |
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New York, New York 10022 |
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Facsimile No: (212) 848-7179 |
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Attention: |
John J. Madden, Esq. |
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Clare OBrien, Esq. |
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if to the Company: |
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Corn Products International, Inc. |
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5 Westbrook Corporate Center |
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Westchester, Illinois 60154 |
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Facsimile No: (708) 551-2801 |
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Attention: |
Mary Ann Hynes, Esq. |
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with a copy to: |
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Sidley Austin LLP |
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One South Dearborn Street |
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Chicago, Illinois 60603 |
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Facsimile No: (312) 853-7036 |
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Attention: |
John M. OHare, Esq. |
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Robert L. Verigan, Esq. |
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SECTION 10.03. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
SECTION 10.04. Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral,
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among the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. EACH PARTY HERETO AGREES THAT, EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER PARENT AND MERGER SUB NOR THE COMPANY MAKES ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, AND EACH HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES MADE BY ITSELF OR ANY OF ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, FINANCIAL AND LEGAL ADVISORS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES, WITH RESPECT TO THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, NOTWITHSTANDING THE DELIVERY OR DISCLOSURE TO THE OTHER OR THE OTHERS REPRESENTATIVES OF ANY DOCUMENTATION OR OTHER INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE FOREGOING. This Agreement shall not be assigned (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of law or otherwise), except that Parent and Merger Sub may assign all or any of their rights and obligations hereunder to any affiliate of Parent; provided, that no such assignment shall relieve the assigning party of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not perform such obligations; provided further, that such assignment shall not impede or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise materially impede the rights of the shareholders of the Company under this Agreement.
SECTION 10.05. Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, other than Section 7.07 (which are intended to be for the benefit of the persons covered thereby and may be enforced by such persons).
SECTION 10.06. Interpretation. References herein to the knowledge of the Company or the knowledge of Parent shall mean the actual knowledge of those persons identified in Section 10.06 of the Company Disclosure Schedule and Section 10.06 of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, respectively. Whenever the words include, includes or including are used in this Agreement they shall be deemed to be followed by the words without limitation. References to hereof shall mean this Agreement and references to the date hereof shall mean the date of this Agreement. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms. When reference is made in this Agreement to an Article, Section or Exhibit, such reference is to an Article or Section of, or an Exhibit to, this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The use of or is not intended to be exclusive unless expressly indicated otherwise. The table of contents to and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and do not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 10.07. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and 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 addition to any other remedy at law or equity.
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SECTION 10.08. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State (other than those provisions set forth herein that are required to be governed by the DGCL). All actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in any Delaware state or federal court sitting in the City of Wilmington. The parties hereto hereby (a) submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any Delaware state or federal court sitting in the City of Wilmington for the purpose of any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any party hereto, and (b) irrevocably waive, and agree not to assert by way of motion, defense, or otherwise, in any such Action, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the Action is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the Action is improper, or that this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may not be enforced in or by any of the above-named courts.
SECTION 10.09. Headings. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 10.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
SECTION 10.11. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT 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 THAT FOREGOING WAIVER, (B) UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (C) MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND (D) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, AS APPLICABLE, BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.11.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.
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BUNGE LIMITED |
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By |
/s/ ALBERTO WEISSER |
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Name: Alberto Weisser |
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Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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By |
/s/ JACQUALYN A. FOUSE |
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Name: Jacqualyn A. Fouse |
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Title: Chief Financial Officer |
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BLEECKER ACQUISITION CORP. |
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By |
/s/ JACQUALYN A. FOUSE |
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Name: Jacqualyn A. Fouse |
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Title: President |
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CORN PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
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By |
/s/ SAMUEL C. SCOTT III |
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Name: Samuel C. Scott III |
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Title: Chief Executive Officer |
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Exhibit 99.1
Investor Contact: |
Mark Haden |
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Bunge Limited |
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914-684-3398 |
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Mark.Haden@Bunge.com |
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Media Contact: |
Stewart Lindsay |
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Bunge Limited |
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914-684-3369 Stewart.Lindsay@Bunge.com |
Bunge Increases Guidance for Full Year 2008
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. June 23, 2008 Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG) today announced that it is increasing its 2008 full year earnings guidance from $7.10 to $7.40 per share to $9.35 to $9.65 per share. This fully diluted per share guidance is based on an estimated weighted average of 138 million shares outstanding, which includes assumed dilution relating to its convertible preference shares. The increase is attributed to better than expected performance in Bunges agribusiness and fertilizer segments.
Jacqualyn Fouse, Chief Financial Officer, stated: We continue to benefit from good fundamentals in our core markets. Despite the higher commodity prices, customer demand has been firm. Generally oilseed processing margins are strong around the world and high international fertilizer prices are benefiting margins in our fertilizer business.
Todays volatile, high price environment creates both opportunities and challenges for participants throughout the food production chain. In Bunges role as a physical link between farmers and customers, prudent management of working capital and risk will continue to be essential in the coming months.
Bunge will announce its second quarter results on Thursday, July 24, 2008.
About Bunge
This press release contains both historical and forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations and projections about our future results, performance, prospects and opportunities. We have tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words including may, will, expect, anticipate, believe, intend, estimate, continue and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities, as well as those of the markets we serve or intend to serve, to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. The following important factors, among others, could affect our business and financial performance: our ability to complete, integrate and benefit from acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and strategic alliances; estimated demand for the commodities and other products that we sell and use in our business; industry conditions, including the cyclicality of the agribusiness industry and unpredictability of the weather; agricultural, economic and political conditions in the primary markets where we operate; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting our business generally. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date of this release, and except as otherwise required by federal securities law, we do not have any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Additional Information
On June 21, 2008, Bunge and Corn Products International, Inc. entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which Bunge will acquire Corn Products. This press release is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus and any other documents Bunge and Corn Products intend to file with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. Investors and securityholders are urged to carefully read the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available, because it will contain important information. The joint proxy statement/prospectus will be, and other documents filed or to be filed by Bunge and Corn Products with the SEC are or will be, available free of charge at the SECs web site (www.sec.gov), by accessing Bunges website at www.bunge.com under the tab About Bunge and then under the heading Investor Information and from Bunge by directing a request to Bunge Limited, 50 Main Street, White Plains, New York 10606, Attention: Investor Relations, and by accessing Corn Products website at www.cornproducts.com under the tab Investors and then under the heading Financial Reports and then under the heading SEC Filings and from Corn Products by directing a request to Corn Products International, Inc., 5 Westbrook Corporate Center, Westchester, Illinois 60154, Attention: Investor Relations.
Neither Bunge nor Corn Products is currently engaged in a solicitation of proxies from the securityholders of Bunge or Corn Products in connection with the proposed merger. If a proxy solicitation commences, Bunge, Corn Products and their respective directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in such solicitation. Information about Bunges directors and executive officers is available in Bunges proxy statement, dated April 16, 2008, for its 2008 annual meeting of
shareholders and in Bunges most recent filing on Form 10-K. Information about Corn Products directors and executive officers is available in Corn Products proxy statement, dated April 4, 2008, for its 2008 annual meeting of stockholders and in Corn Products most recent filing on Form 10-K. Additional information about the interests of potential participants will be included in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available.
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EXHIBIT 99.2
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Investor Contact: |
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Mark Haden |
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Investor/Media Contact: |
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Dave Prichard |
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Bunge Limited |
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Corn Products International |
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914-684-3398 |
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708-551-2592 |
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Mark.Haden@Bunge.com |
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David.Prichard@cornproducts.com |
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Media Contact: |
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Stewart Lindsay |
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Bunge Limited |
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914-684-3369 Stewart.Lindsay@Bunge.com |
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BUNGE AND CORN PRODUCTS TO COMBINE
· Excellent business fit brings leading market positions in corn value chain to Bunge
· Adds high-value starches and sweeteners to Bunge product portfolio
· Complementary global asset networks create growth and efficiency opportunities
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. and WESTCHESTER, ILL. June 23, 2008 Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG) and Corn Products International, Inc. (NYSE: CPO) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement in which Bunge will acquire Corn Products in an all-stock transaction. The aggregate transaction value is approximately $4.8 billion, including assumption of approximately $414 million of Corn Products net debt.
Under the terms of the agreement, approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Corn Products stockholders will receive common shares of Bunge with a market value of $56.00 for each share of Corn Products common stock that they own, subject to adjustment as described below. Following the closing of the transaction, Corn Products stockholders will own approximately 21% of Bunges fully diluted shares.
Combining with Corn Products provides a unique opportunity for Bunge to establish an integrated, global presence in the corn value chain, which is highly complementary to our existing operations, stated Alberto Weisser, Bunge Limiteds Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Corn Products is the leading pure-play franchise in corn refining and will add higher-margin starch and sweetener products to Bunges product portfolio, expand our operations in important growth markets, and diversify our revenue stream with a solid cash flow business.
Sam Scott, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Corn Products International, said, I am excited by this combination. It represents a terrific opportunity to create value for our stockholders, enhance opportunities for our employees and provide benefits to our global partners and customers. Our stockholders will have an ongoing equity interest in a combined company that is well-positioned to serve
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customers around the world with a broad product portfolio, integrated distribution network and innovative products.
Upon closing of the transaction, Corn Products will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Bunge, and Mr. Scott will join Bunges Board of Directors.
Commercial, Geographic and Operational Opportunities
The combination of Bunge and Corn Products will create a larger, more diversified and competitive global provider of agribusiness and food products.
· Enhanced product portfolio: By adding Corn Products value-added sweeteners, starches and other ingredients to Bunges portfolio of agribusiness, fertilizer, edible oil and milling products, the combined company will be well positioned to serve growing global demand for a broad array of agribusiness and food products. The global market for sweeteners and starches is growing at approximately 5% per year.
· Stronger presence in attractive geographies: The combination brings together the companies established strengths in core geographies, including the U.S., Brazil and Argentina. It also provides opportunities to build on each others asset networks to expand in high growth geographies, such as China, Mexico, India, South America, Southeast Asia and Africa.
· Complementary customer bases: By creating common and more efficient distribution channels and improved sales and product development capabilities, the combined company will be able to increase its presence in shared customer segments, such as processed food, bakery, animal feed and brewing, while serving a larger and more diverse set of customers overall.
· Financially compelling: Bunge expects to achieve estimated annual cost synergies and incremental profit opportunities of $100 million to $120 million, including savings in areas such as procurement, logistics and elimination of duplicate costs. Additionally, the all-stock transaction strengthens the companys balance sheet for future growth.
Mr. Weisser continued: Corn Products has all the right elements a culture that mirrors Bunges, a rich heritage of providing high quality products, proven financial success and a customer-focused mindset. We look forward to welcoming Corn Products talented global team to Bunge and working together to create value for our shareholders, customers and employees.
After the combination of Bunges and Corn Products global operations, Bunge will have approximately 32,000 employees and operations in 40 countries. Neither company expects the closure of any industrial facilities as a result of this transaction. Following the closing, Corn Products will maintain its operational headquarters in Westchester, Ill., continue its ongoing commitments to the local communities in which it operates and continue to use the Corn Products brand name.
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In 2007, Bunge reported net income of $778 million and generated total segment EBIT of $1,230 million. During the same period, Corn Products reported net income of $198 million and operating income of $347 million.
Separately, today Bunge also announced an increase in its 2008 annual earnings guidance.
Transaction Details
Under the terms of the agreement, each share of Corn Products common stock will be exchanged for a fraction of a common share of Bunge determined by dividing $56.00 by the volume weighted average closing price of a Bunge common share on the New York Stock Exchange for the 15 trading days ending on the second trading day prior to the date of the Corn Products stockholders meeting, provided that if this average closing price is equal to or greater than $133.10, each share of Corn Products common stock will be exchanged for 0.4207 of a Bunge common share, and if this average closing price is equal to or less than $108.90, each share of Corn Products common stock will be exchanged for 0.5142 of a Bunge common share.
The exchange of shares in the transaction is expected to qualify as a tax-free reorganization, allowing Corn Products stockholders to defer any gain on their shares for U.S. income tax purposes.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2008 and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory clearances, as well as approval by the shareholders of both companies.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley and Co. Incorporated are acting as financial advisors to Bunge and Shearman & Sterling LLP is serving as legal advisor. Lazard is acting as financial advisor to Corn Products, and Sidley Austin LLP is serving as legal advisor. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. also provided a fairness opinion to the Board of Corn Products.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
Bunges management will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. EDT on Monday, June 23, 2008, to discuss this announcement.
Additionally, a slide presentation to accompany the discussion can be found in the Investor Information section of our Web site, http://www.bunge.com/about-bunge/investor-info.html, under Investor Presentations.
To listen to the conference call, please dial (800) 259-0251. If you are located outside of the United States or Canada, dial (617) 614-3671. Please dial in 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. When prompted, enter confirmation code 41842172.
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The conference call will also be available live on the companys Web site at www.Bunge.com.
To access the webcast, click the News and Information link on the Bunge homepage then select Webcasts and Upcoming Events. Click on the link for the Bunge Conference Call, and follow the prompts to join the call. Please go to the Website at least 15 minutes prior to the call to register and to download and install any necessary audio software.
For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the call will be available following the call and continuing through July 23, 2008. To listen to the replay, please dial (888) 286-8010, or, if located outside of the United States or Canada, dial (617) 801-6888. When prompted, enter confirmation code 37308578. A rebroadcast of the conference call will also be available on the companys Web site. To locate the rebroadcast on the Web site, click on the News and Information link on the Bunge homepage then select Audio Archives from the left-hand menu. Select the link for the Bunge Conference Call. Follow the prompts to access the replay.
About Bunge Limited
Bunge Limited (www.Bunge.com, NYSE: BG) is a leading global agribusiness and food company founded in 1818 and headquartered in White Plains, New York. Bunges over 25,000 employees in over 30 countries enhance lives by improving the global agribusiness and food production chain. The company supplies fertilizer to farmers in South America, originates, transports and processes oilseeds, grains and other agricultural commodities worldwide, produces food products for commercial customers and consumers and supplies raw materials and services to the biofuels industry.
About Corn Products International
Corn Products International is one of the worlds largest corn refiners and a major supplier of high-quality food ingredients and industrial products derived from the wet milling and processing of corn and other starch-based materials. The Company, headquartered in Westchester, Ill., is a leading worldwide supplier of dextrose and a major regional producer of starch, high fructose corn syrup and glucose. In 2007, Corn Products International reported record net sales and diluted earnings per share of $3.4 billion and $2.59, respectively. The Company has operations in 15 countries at 34 plants, including wholly owned businesses, affiliates and alliances. For more information, visit www.cornproducts.com.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the proposed merger between Bunge Limited and Corn Products International, Inc. and the anticipated consequences and benefits of such transaction. Statements made in the future tense, and words such as anticipate, expect, project, continue, believe, plan, estimate, intend, will, may and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, but are subject to certain risks and
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uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of Bunge and Corn Products.
Relevant risks and uncertainties include those referenced in Bunges and Corn Products filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) which can be obtained as described in Additional Information below. Risks and uncertainties relating to the proposed merger include: required regulatory approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner, if at all; the proposed merger may not be consummated; the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger, including synergies, may not be realized; and the integration of Corn Products operations with those of Bunge may be materially delayed or may be more costly or difficult than expected. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements, and therefore should be carefully considered. Bunge assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.
This news release may
contain certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of the non-GAAP
financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are
available on Bunges website at
http://www.bunge.com/about-bunge/investor-info.html under Investor
Presentations.
Additional Information
This material is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus and any other documents Bunge Limited and Corn Products International, Inc. intend to file with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger. Investors and securityholders are urged to carefully read the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed merger when it becomes available, because it will contain important information. The joint proxy statement/prospectus will be, and other documents filed or to be filed by Bunge and Corn Products with the SEC are or will be, available free of charge at the SECs web site (www.sec.gov), by accessing Bunges website at www.bunge.com under the tab About Bunge and then under the heading Investor Information and from Bunge by directing a request to Bunge Limited, 50 Main Street, White Plains, NY 10606, Attention: Investor Relations, and by accessing Corn Products website at www.cornproducts.com under the tab Investors and then under the heading Financial Reports and then under the heading SEC Filings and from Corn Products by directing a request to Corn Products International, Inc., 5 Westbrook Corporate Center Westchester, IL 60154, Attention: Investor Relations.
Neither Bunge nor Corn Products is currently engaged in a solicitation of proxies from the securityholders of Bunge or Corn Products in connection with the proposed merger. If a proxy solicitation commences, Bunge, Corn Products and their respective directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in such solicitation. Information about Bunges directors and executive officers is available in Bunges proxy statement, dated April 16, 2008, for its 2008 annual meeting of shareholders and in Bunges most recent filing on Form 10-K. Information about Corn Products directors and executive officers is available in Corn Products proxy
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statement, dated April 4, 2008, for its 2008 annual meeting of stockholders and in Corn Products most recent filing on Form 10-K. Additional information about the interests of potential participants will be included in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available.
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