The Merger Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants made by each of Zynga and Take-Two, including, among others, covenants by each of Zynga and Take-Two to (i) continue conducting its respective businesses in the ordinary course, consistent with past practice during the interim period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and consummation of the Combination, (ii) not engage in certain specified kinds of transactions during that period and (iii) unless the Merger Agreement is validly terminated, hold a meeting of its stockholders to vote upon, in the case of Zynga’s stockholders, the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Combination, and, in the case of Take-Two’s stockholders, the approval of both the issuance of the Stock Consideration and the adoption of an amendment to Take-Two’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of Take-Two Common Stock (the “Take-Two Charter Amendment”).
Pursuant to the terms of a “go-shop” provision in the Merger Agreement, during the period beginning on the date of the Merger Agreement and continuing until 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on February 24, 2022 (such period, the “Go-Shop Period”), Zynga may (i) solicit, propose or facilitate the making of alternative acquisition proposals from third parties; (ii) provide non-public information to third parties in connection with alternative acquisition proposals; and (iii) participate in discussions and negotiations with third parties regarding alternative acquisition proposals. Zynga and Take-Two have agreed that, commencing at 12:01 a.m. (New York time) on February 25, 2022 (in the case of Zynga), and commencing upon the execution of the Merger Agreement (in the case of Take-Two), Zynga and Take-Two will be subject to “no-shop” restrictions and will not, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Merger Agreement, (i) solicit or knowingly encourage inquiries or proposals relating to alternative acquisition transactions or (ii) engage in discussions or negotiations regarding, or provide any non-public information to third parties in connection with, alternative acquisition proposals. In addition, each of Zynga and Take-Two have agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, its board of directors will not withdraw its respective recommendations to their respective stockholders in favor of the approval and adoption of Merger Agreement and the Combination (in the case of Zynga), or the approval of the issuance of the Stock Consideration and the adoption of the Take-Two Charter Amendment (in the case of Take-Two).
In connection with the closing of the Combination, Take-Two has agreed to expand the size of its board of directors from eight to ten directors, and to appoint two of Zynga’s current directors to the Board as designated by Zynga and approved by Take-Two.
The closing of the Combination is subject to certain conditions, including (i) the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Combination by Zynga’s stockholders, (ii) the approval of the issuance of the Stock Consideration and the adoption of the Take-Two Charter Amendment by Take-Two’s stockholders, (iii) the expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and clearance under the antitrust laws of certain non-United States jurisdictions, (iv) there having not occurred a material adverse effect on the other party, (v) the effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-4 with respect to shares of Take-Two Common Stock to be issued in the Merger and (vi) other customary conditions.
Either Zynga or Take-Two may terminate the Merger Agreement if, among certain other circumstances, (i) the Combination has not become effective on or before January 9, 2023 or (ii) Zynga’s stockholders fail to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the Combination, or Take-Two’s stockholders fail to approve the issuance of the Stock Consideration and/or the adoption of the Take-Two Charter Amendment. Zynga may terminate the Merger Agreement in certain additional circumstances, including: (a) to allow Zynga to enter into a definitive agreement for an alternative business combination proposal that constitutes a “superior proposal,” or (b) if Take-Two’s board of directors withdraws or adversely changes its recommendation to Take-Two’s stockholders in favor of the approval of the issuance of the Stock Consideration or the adoption of the Take-Two Charter Amendment. Take-Two may terminate the Merger Agreement in certain additional circumstances, including if Zynga’s board of directors withdraws or adversely changes its recommendation to Zynga’s stockholders in favor of the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Combination.
The Merger Agreement provides for the payment of a “termination fee” upon the termination of the Merger Agreement in specified circumstances, including if the Merger Agreement is terminated by either Take-Two or Zynga as a result of an adverse change in the recommendation of the other party’s board of directors. In such instance, Take-Two is required to pay to Zynga (in the case of a termination by Zynga), or Zynga is required to pay to Take-Two (in the case of a termination by Take-Two), a termination fee of $550 million. In addition, Zynga is required to pay to