UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the registrant |X|
Filed by a party other than the registrant |_|
Check the appropriate box:
|_| Preliminary proxy statement
|X| Definitive proxy statement
|_| Definitive additional materials
|_| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
|X| No fee required.
|_| Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transactions applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
|_| Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11 (a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
(2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
(3) Filing party:
(4) Date filed:
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HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
149 Jefferson Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607
(828) 265-4333
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Merger Proposed - Your Vote Is Very Important
Date: Thursday, December 18, 2003
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Fairfield Inn & Suites, Blue Ridge Room
2030 Blowing Rock Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607
Matters to be Voted on at the Special Meeting:
o Approval of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger dated
August 27, 2003, by and among Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company, High
Country Financial Corporation and High Country Bank.
o Any other matters that may be properly brought before the Special Meeting.
The Boards of Directors of High Country Financial Corporation, High
Country Bank and Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company, a North Carolina banking
corporation, headquartered in Elkin, North Carolina, have agreed on a merger in
which High County Financial Corporation and High Country Bank will merge with
and into Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company. In the merger, each share of your
High Country Financial Corporation common stock will be exchanged for 1.3345
shares (subject to adjustment) of common stock of Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust
Company or $24.02 in cash as described in the attached Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular. Upon completion of the merger, you will not own any
stock or other interest in High Country Financial Corporation.
As a shareholder of High Country Financial Corporation, you may be
entitled to dissent from the Merger and obtain payment of the fair value of your
shares under the provisions of Article 13 of the North Carolina Business
Corporation Act. In order to perfect dissenters' rights, you must comply with
the requirements of North Carolina law.
The merger cannot be completed unless our shareholders approve it at the
Special Meeting. You can vote at the Special Meeting, and any adjournments, if
you owned High Country Financial Corporation common stock on October 31, 2003.
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Special Meeting, please take time to
vote by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card. If you sign, date and
mail the proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will be
counted as a vote in favor of the merger. If you fail to return your proxy card,
it will have the same effect as a vote against the merger.
The attached Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular provides detailed
information about the proposed merger. We encourage you to read it carefully.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ John M. Brubaker
Boone, North Carolina John M. Brubaker
November 6, 2003 President and Chief Executive Officer
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YADKIN VALLEY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
DECEMBER 18, 2003
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
DECEMBER 18, 2003
OCTOBER 31, 2003
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT / OFFERING CIRCULAR
The Boards of Directors of Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company and High Country
Financial Corporation agreed on August 27, 2003 to a transaction that will
result in HC Financial being merged into Yadkin and immediately thereafter, its
subsidiary, High Country Bank, being merged into Yadkin. These two mergers will
be referred to in this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular as the merger.
Some important facts about the merger are listed below.
Facts for HC Financial's Shareholders.
o HC Financial and High Country each will be merged into Yadkin.
o As a result of the merger, each share of HC Financial common stock will be
converted into either 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock (subject to
adjustment based on an average closing price of Yadkin common stock) or $24.02
in cash.
o Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends approval of the merger.
o After the merger, HC Financial's shareholders will own about 16.3% of the
combined bank.
o Except in special circumstances, the merger will be tax free to you, other
than with respect to cash you receive in exchange for shares of HC Financial
common stock.
o In connection with the merger, you have "dissenters' rights" under North
Carolina law.
o HC Financial plans to hold a special meeting of shareholders on December 18,
2003, to vote on the merger.
o We expect the merger to be completed by January 1, 2004 provided we timely
receive shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Facts for Yadkin's Shareholders.
o HC Financial and High Country each will be merged into Yadkin.
o Following the merger, you will keep the Yadkin common stock you own, and your
rights as a shareholder of Yadkin will not be affected by the merger.
o Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends approval of the merger.
o After the merger, Yadkin's shareholders will own about 83.7% of the combined
bank.
o The merger will be tax free to you.
o You do not have "dissenters' rights" under North Carolina law.
o Yadkin plans to hold a special meeting of shareholders on December 18, 2003,
to vote on the merger.
o We expect the merger to be completed by January 1, 2004 provided we timely
receive shareholder and regulatory approvals.
This Document. This document serves two purposes. It is a Joint Proxy Statement
being distributed by HC Financial and Yadkin to their shareholders in connection
with the special shareholders' meeting of HC Financial and the special
shareholders' meeting of Yadkin to consider approval of the merger agreement. It
is also the Offering Circular of Yadkin to offer to exchange shares of its
common stock for shares of HC Financial's common stock held by HC Financial's
shareholders. This document is therefore referred to as the Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular. It contains important information about the merger
and you should read it carefully.
Merger Consideration. If the merger is approved, HC Financial shareholders may
elect to convert their shares of HC Financial common stock into:
o 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock per share (subject to
adjustment based on an average closing price of Yadkin common
stock); or
o $24.02 in cash per share; or
o 10% cash (at $24.02 per share) and 90% Yadkin common stock (at
1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock per share, subject to
adjustment based on an average closing price of Yadkin common
stock).
Under the merger agreement, 90% of the total merger consideration must be in the
form of Yadkin common stock. If the cash elections of HC Financial shareholders
do not equal 10% of the total merger consideration, Yadkin will make certain
allocations among those HC Financial shareholders who elect cash or Yadkin
common stock.
The number of shares of Yadkin's common stock that HC Financial shareholders
will receive in the merger is variable. If HC Financial shareholders elect to
receive Yadkin common stock, the conversion ratio into Yadkin shares will change
depending on changes in the market price of Yadkin's common stock and will not
be known at the time of the special meetings of either HC Financial's or
Yadkin's shareholders.
Yadkin's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"YAVY" and HC Financial's common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under
the symbols "HGCF" and "HGCFU."
Voting. Even if you plan to attend your shareholder meeting, please vote as soon
as possible by completing and returning the enclosed appointment of proxy. Not
voting at all will have the same effect as voting against the merger.
Some factors Yadkin's and HC Financial's shareholders should consider before
they decide how to vote on the merger are described in this document under the
heading "Risk Factors" which begins on page 15.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, the FDIC, the North Carolina
Commissioner of Banks, nor any state securities commission has approved of the
Yadkin stock to be issued in the merger or determined if this document is
accurate or complete. It is illegal to tell you otherwise.
The shares of Yadkin stock to be issued to HC Financial's shareholders are not
deposits or savings accounts and are not obligations of or guaranteed by Yadkin.
They are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency and are subject
to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular is dated October 31, 2003, and it
is being mailed to HC Financial's and Yadkin's shareholders on or about November
6, 2003.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
SUMMARY........................................................................1
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.................................................8
RISK FACTORS..................................................................15
Risk Factors Relating to the Merger........................................15
Risk Factors Relating to Holding Yadkin's Common Stock.....................17
A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER MATTERS..................19
MARKET AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION...............................................19
Yadkin's Capital Stock.....................................................19
HC Financial's Capital Stock...............................................20
YADKIN AND HC FINANCIAL UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
FINANCIAL INFORMATION.......................................................22
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS..........................................29
Special Meeting of Yadkin's Shareholders...................................29
Special Meeting of HC Financial's Shareholders.............................31
PROPOSAL FOR BOTH THE YADKIN SPECIAL MEETING AND THE HC FINANCIAL
SPECIAL MEETING: APPROVAL OF THE MERGER......................................34
General....................................................................34
The Merger.................................................................34
Conversion of HC Financial Common Stock....................................34
Election of Merger Consideration...........................................35
Common Stock Adjustments...................................................36
Restrictions on Amount of Yadkin Common Stock and Cash to be Issued........36
Disposal of HC Financial Common Stock Certificates.........................36
Book Entry Ownership.......................................................36
Effect on the HC Financial Warrants........................................37
Effect of the Merger on Outstanding Yadkin Common Stock....................37
Recommendation of Yadkin's Board...........................................37
Recommendation of HC Financial's Board.....................................38
Background of and Reasons for the Merger...................................38
HC Financial's Reasons for the Transaction.................................39
Yadkin's Reasons for the Transaction.......................................40
Opinion of Yadkin's Financial Advisor......................................40
Opinion of HC Financial's Financial Advisor................................48
Required Regulatory Approvals..............................................59
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger.....................................59
Dividends..................................................................60
Prohibition on Solicitations...............................................60
Accounting Treatment.......................................................60
Certain Income Tax Consequences............................................61
Conditions to Consummation of the Merger...................................62
Waiver; Amendment of the Merger Agreement..................................63
Termination of the Merger Agreement........................................63
Closing Date and Effective Time............................................64
Interests of Certain Persons With Respect to the Merger....................64
Effect on Employees and Certain Benefit Plans..............................65
Expenses...................................................................65
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DISSENTER'S RIGHTS OF HC FINANCIAL SHAREHOLDERS...............................66
YADKIN VALLEY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY..........................................68
General....................................................................68
Beneficial Ownership of Securities.........................................69
Other Available Information................................................70
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION............................................71
General....................................................................71
Beneficial Ownership of Securities.........................................74
Other Available Information................................................75
DESCRIPTION OF YADKIN'S CAPITAL STOCK ........................................76
DIFFERENCES IN CAPITAL STOCK..................................................78
INDEMNIFICATION...............................................................80
LEGAL MATTERS.................................................................82
EXPERTS.......................................................................82
DATE FOR RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS.....................................82
WHERE YOU CAN GET MORE INFORMATION............................................83
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION........................................................84
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE.........................................84
APPENDIX A - Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger.................A-1
APPENDIX B - Article 13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act.......B-1
APPENDIX C - Fairness Opinion of The Carson Medlin Company...................C-1
APPENDIX D - Fairness Opinion of Smith Capital, Inc..........................D-1
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SUMMARY
The following is a brief summary of the information in this document. The
summary is not intended to be complete, and it may not contain all the
information that is important to you. To better understand the merger that will
be voted on by HC Financial's shareholders and Yadkin's shareholders at their
special meetings of shareholders, we urge you to read carefully this document,
the documents that accompany this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular and
the documents to which we refer you. See "Where You Can Get More Information" on
page 83.
Yadkin Special Meeting of Shareholders (Page 29)
Yadkin plans to hold a special meeting of shareholders on December 18, 2003, at
3:00 p.m. at the Foothills Arts Council, 129 Church Street, Elkin, North
Carolina 28621. At the Yadkin Special Meeting, the sole matter for consideration
will be a proposal to approve the merger agreement, and the plans of merger
contained in the merger agreement, between HC Financial, High Country and Yadkin
that provide for HC Financial and High Country each to be merged into Yadkin.
You can vote at the Yadkin Special Meeting if you owned Yadkin common stock at
the close of business on October 31, 2003. On that date, there were 8,765,651
outstanding shares of Yadkin common stock. You may cast one vote for each share
of Yadkin common stock that you owned of record on that date.
A Two-Thirds Vote of Yadkin's Shareholders is Required to Approve the Merger.
Approval of the merger requires the affirmative vote of the holders of
two-thirds of Yadkin's outstanding shares of common stock. Because a two-thirds
vote of all shares is required to approve the merger, your failure to vote will
have the same effect as a vote against approval of the merger.
Directors and executive officers of Yadkin own 9.2% of the shares that may be
voted at Yadkin's Special Meeting. We expect all such shares to be voted in
favor of the merger.
Brokers who hold shares as nominees, or in "street name," will not have the
authority to vote such shares at Yadkin's Special Meeting unless they receive
instructions from the shareholder whose account they hold.
HC Financial Special Meeting of Shareholders (Page 31)
HC Financial plans to hold a special meeting of shareholders on December 18,
2003, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, Blue Ridge Room, 2030 Blowing
Rock Road, Boone, North Carolina. At the HC Financial Special Meeting, the sole
matter for consideration will be a proposal to approve the merger agreement, and
the plans of merger contained in the merger agreement, between HC Financial,
High Country and Yadkin that provide for HC Financial and High Country each to
be merged into Yadkin.
You can vote at the HC Financial Special Meeting if you owned HC Financial
common stock at the close of business on October 31, 2003. On that date, there
were 1,420,649 outstanding shares of HC Financial common stock. You may cast one
vote for each share of HC Financial common stock that you owned of record on
that date.
A Majority Vote of HC Financial's Shareholders is Required to Approve the
Merger. Approval of the merger requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of HC Financial's outstanding shares of common stock. Because an
absolute majority vote of all shares is required to approve the merger, your
failure to vote will have the same effect as a vote against approval of the
merger.
1
Directors and executive officers of HC Financial currently own 12.67% of the
shares that may be voted at HC Financial's Special Meeting. We expect all such
shares to be voted in favor of the merger.
Brokers who hold shares as nominees, or in "street name," will not have the
authority to vote such shares at HC Financial's Special Meeting unless they
receive instructions from the shareholder whose account they hold.
Parties to the Merger (Pages 68 and 71)
HC Financial is a North Carolina business corporation that is registered with
the Federal Reserve Board as a bank holding company and is the parent company of
High Country. The mailing address of HC Financial's principal office is 149
Jefferson Road, Boone, North Carolina 28607, and its telephone number at that
address is (828) 265-4333.
High Country is a North Carolina banking corporation and is the wholly owned
subsidiary of HC Financial. The mailing address of its principal office is 149
Jefferson Road, Boone, North Carolina 28607, and its telephone number at that
address is (828) 265-4333. It operates three offices in Boone (Watauga County)
and two offices in West Jefferson (Ashe County).
Yadkin is also a North Carolina banking corporation. The mailing address of its
principal office is 209 North Bridge Street, Elkin, North Carolina 28621, and
its telephone number at that address is (336) 526-6300. It operates fourteen
full-service banking offices. The offices in Jefferson and West Jefferson (Ashe
County), Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro (Wilkes County), Elkin (Surry County),
and East Bend and Jonesville (Yadkin County) are operated under the Yadkin
Valley Bank name. The offices in Statesville and Mooresville (Iredell County)
and Cornelius and Huntersville (Mecklenburg County) are operated under the
assumed name "Piedmont Bank, a division of Yadkin Valley Bank." Further
information on Yadkin, including its periodic reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, is
available on its website: www.yadkinvalleybank.com.
Effect of the Merger (Page 34)
As a result of the merger:
o HC Financial will be merged into Yadkin;
o Each outstanding share of HC Financial's common stock will be converted
into the right to receive either 1.3345 shares of Yadkin's common stock
(subject to adjustment based on an average closing price of Yadkin common
stock prior to final regulatory approvals) or $24.02 in cash;
o Immediately following the merger of Yadkin and HC Financial, High Country
will be merged into Yadkin; and
o The existing branches of High Country located in Watauga County will
operate under the name "High Country Bank, a division of Yadkin Valley
Bank."
Yadkin will be the surviving corporation in both the HC Financial merger and the
High Country merger.
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Conversion of HC Financial Common Stock (Page 34)
At the effective time of the merger, each HC Financial shareholder will be able
to elect to convert his or her outstanding shares of HC Financial common stock
into:
o 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock per share (subject to
adjustment based on an average closing price of Yadkin common
stock); or
o $24.02 in cash per share; or
o 10% cash (at $24.02 per share) and 90% Yadkin common stock (at
1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock per share, subject to
adjustment based on an average closing price of Yadkin common
stock).
The exact amount of cash and stock to be issued to each HC Financial shareholder
will be based on the elections of all HC Financial shareholders and the average
closing price of Yadkin's common stock over the 15 day trading period ending
prior to the date of the final regulatory approval of the merger.
Because the market price of Yadkin stock to be used to determine the exchange
ratio for each share of HC Financial common stock will not be determined until
all regulatory approvals are received, the per share exchange ratio for each
share of HC Financial common stock cannot be calculated at this time. If the 15
day trading average of Yadkin's common stock remains between $15.84 and $20.16,
the exchange ratio for each share of HC Financial common stock will be 1.3345
shares of Yadkin common stock. If the 15 day trading average of Yadkin's common
stock is below $15.84 or above $20.16, the exchange ratio for each share of HC
Financial common stock will be adjusted as provided in the merger agreement. If
the 15 day trading average of Yadkin's common stock is between $13.50 and
$15.84, the exchange ratio for each share of HC Financial common stock will be
adjusted based on a per share value of $21.14 for each share of HC Financial
common stock. For example, if Yadkin's average trading price was $13.50, the
exchange ratio would be 1.5658 which is $21.14 divided by $13.50. If the 15 day
trading average of Yadkin's common stock is between $20.16 and $22.50, the
exchange ratio for each share of HC Financial common stock will be adjusted
based on a per share value of $26.90 for each share of HC Financial common
stock. For example, if Yadkin's average trading price was $22.50, the Exchange
Ratio would be 1.1957 which is $26.90 divided by $22.50. As of October 27, 2003,
the 15 day trading average of Yadkin's common stock was $17.88, which would
result in an exchange ratio for each share of HC Financial common stock of
1.3345 shares of Yadkin common (which results in a per share market value of the
stock merger consideration of $23.86).
While we cannot assure you that you will receive the merger consideration you
elect, each HC Financial shareholder may elect to receive:
o all of his or her merger consideration in shares of Yadkin common
stock; or
o all of his or her merger consideration in cash; or
o 10% of his or her merger consideration in cash and 90% in Yadkin
common stock.
Shareholder elections will be adjusted as provided in the merger agreement, if
necessary, to ensure that 90% of the shares of HC Financial's common stock will
be exchanged for shares of Yadkin common stock and 10% of the shares of HC
Financial's common stock will be exchanged for cash. If shareholder elections
are adjusted, then HC Financial shareholders may be required to receive a mix of
consideration that is different from what they elected.
An election form will be mailed to HC Financial shareholders shortly before the
proposed closing date of the merger. The election form will allow each HC
Financial shareholder to elect the form of merger consideration he or she would
like to receive. Upon consummation of the merger (assuming an exchange ratio of
1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock for each share of HC Financial common
stock), shareholders of HC Financial will own approximately 16.3% of the issued
and outstanding shares of Yadkin.
3
We have attached the merger agreement as Appendix A of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular. We encourage you to read the merger agreement as it
is the legal document that governs the merger.
Conversion of HC Financial Warrants (Page 37)
The merger agreement provides that, at the effective time of the merger, the
holders of outstanding warrants to purchase shares of HC Financial common stock
will have the right to surrender their warrants for $2.02 in cash per share. The
merger agreement further provides that exercise date of the warrants may be
accelerated to the effective time of the merger.
Conversion of HC Financial Stock Options (Page 65)
The merger agreement provides that, at the effective time of the merger, the
holders of outstanding stock options to purchase shares of HC Financial common
stock will have the right to surrender their stock options and receive a cash
payment equal to the difference between the exercise price of each stock option
and $24.02. Alternatively, the holders of stock options who do not surrender
their stock options to Yadkin will have their stock options converted into
options to purchase shares of Yadkin common stock with appropriate adjustments
to the number and per share exercise price of their stock options.
Book Entry Ownership (Page 36)
After the total merger consideration has been allocated, Yadkin shall send or
cause to be sent to each former HC Financial shareholder of record written
notice confirming the total cash merger consideration and total stock merger
consideration to which such shareholder is entitled in exchange for his or her
HC Financial common stock and an amount of cash, if any, to which such
shareholder is entitled in exchange for his or her HC Financial common stock.
The notice will request that each former HC Financial shareholder dispose of the
certificates evidencing HC Financial common stock. Yadkin or its exchange agent
will maintain a book entry list of the Yadkin common stock to which each former
HC Financial shareholder is entitled. Certificates evidencing the Yadkin common
stock into which the shareholder's HC Financial common stock has been converted
will not be issued.
Shareholders of HC Financial Have Dissenters' Rights (Page 66)
If the merger is completed, North Carolina law gives HC Financial's shareholders
the right to dissent and to receive the "fair value" of their shares of HC
Financial Stock in cash. In order to dissent, you must, among other things:
o give HC Financial, before the vote on the merger agreement is taken
at the HC Financial Special Meeting, timely written notice of your
intent to demand payment for your shares if the merger is completed;
o not vote your shares in favor of the merger agreement;
o demand payment and deposit your share certificates by the date set
forth in and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a
"dissenters' notice" that will be sent to you by HC Financial; and,
o otherwise satisfy all of the requirements of the Article 13 of the
North Carolina Business Corporation Act which is attached as
Appendix B to this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular.
If you wish to dissent, please read Appendix B carefully as you must take
affirmative steps to preserve your rights.
4
Yadkin's Board Of Directors Unanimously Recommends That Yadkin's Shareholders
Vote "FOR" The Merger Agreement (Page 37)
Yadkin's Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and
believes the merger is in the best interest of Yadkin and its shareholders.
Yadkin's Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Yadkin's shareholders
vote "FOR" approval of the merger agreement.
HC Financial's Board Of Directors Unanimously Recommends That HC Financial's
Shareholders Vote "FOR" The Merger Agreement (Page 38)
HC Financial's Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement
and believes the merger is in the best interest of HC Financial, High Country,
and HC Financial's shareholders. HC Financial's Board of Directors unanimously
recommends that HC Financial's shareholders vote "FOR" approval of the merger
agreement.
Yadkin's Financial Advisor Believes That The Merger Consideration Is Fair To
Yadkin's Shareholders (Page 40)
Yadkin's Board of Directors has retained The Carson Medlin Company as its
financial advisor in connection with its consideration of the merger agreement.
The Carson Medlin Company has provided Yadkin's Board of Directors with its
written opinion which states that it believes the merger consideration to be
paid to HC Financial's shareholders in connection with the merger as provided in
the merger agreement is fair from a financial point of view to Yadkin and its
shareholders. A copy of the opinion is attached as Appendix C to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Offering Circular.
HC Financial's Financial Advisor Believes That The Merger Is Fair To HC
Financial's Shareholders (Page 48)
HC Financial's Board of Directors has retained Smith Capital, Inc. as its
financial advisor in connection with its consideration of the merger agreement.
Smith Capital has provided HC Financial's Board of Directors with its written
opinion which states that it believes the merger consideration to be received by
HC Financial's shareholders in connection with the merger as provided in the
merger agreement is fair from a financial point of view to HC Financial and its
shareholders. A copy of the opinion is attached as Appendix D to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Offering Circular.
Comparative Per Share Market Price Information (Page 19)
Shares of Yadkin's common stock are listed on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "YAVY". On May 27, 2003, the last full trading day prior to the
public announcement of the letter of intent, Yadkin's common stock closed at
$17.55 per share. On October 27, 2003, a recent trading date prior to the
printing of this document, Yadkin's common stock closed at $18.13 per share.
Shares of HC Financial's common stock are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under
the symbols "HGCF" and "HGCFU." On May 27, 2003, the last full trading day prior
to the public announcement of the letter of intent, HC Financial's common stock
closed at $11.80 per share. On October 27, 2003, a recent trading date prior to
the printing of this document, HC Financial's common stock closed at $23.25 per
share.
Banking Regulators Also Must Approve Merger (Page 59)
The merger is subject to approval by the FDIC, North Carolina Commissioner of
Banks and the North Carolina Banking Commission. Applications for those
regulatory approvals have been filed. As of the date of this
5
document, we have not yet received the required approvals. Although we do not
know of any reason why we would not be able to obtain the necessary approvals in
a timely manner, we cannot be certain when or if we will get them.
There Are Certain Other Conditions To The Merger (Page 62)
In addition to required shareholder and regulatory approvals, various other
conditions described in the merger agreement must be satisfied in order for the
merger to be completed.
The Merger Agreement May Be Terminated For Certain Reasons (Page 63)
Before the merger is completed, the merger agreement may be terminated by the
mutual agreement of HC Financial, High Country and Yadkin, and, under certain
conditions described in the merger agreement, it also may be terminated by
either HC Financial or Yadkin alone.
Expected Effective Time Of The Merger (Page 64)
If all required regulatory approvals are received and HC Financial's and
Yadkin's shareholders approve the merger agreement, HC Financial and Yadkin
expect that the merger will become effective on or before January 1, 2004.
Financial Interests Of HC Financial's And High Country's Directors And Officers
In The Merger (Page 64)
Certain of HC Financial's and High Country's executive officers and directors
have interests in the merger and will receive certain benefits that are in
addition to their interests as shareholders of HC Financial generally. Three of
HC Financial's current directors (Harry M. Davis, Larry V. Hughes and C. Kenneth
Wilcox) will be appointed to serve with Yadkin's current directors as directors
of Yadkin following the effective date of the merger. The directors of HC
Financial who will not continue as directors of Yadkin may elect to be appointed
to an advisory board of Yadkin for Watauga County and will be entitled to
receive directors' fees of $600 per month for three years after the effective
date of the merger.
The Merger Will Be Treated As A "Purchase" For Accounting Purposes (Page 60)
Under the purchase method of accounting, the net assets and liabilities of HC
Financial and High Country, as the companies being acquired in the merger are,
as of the closing date of the merger, generally recorded at their respective
fair values and added to those of Yadkin. Yadkin's financial statements issued
after consummation of the merger will reflect such values and will not be
restated retroactively to reflect the historical financial position or results
of operations of HC Financial and High Country.
Shareholders Will Generally Not Be Taxed On Any Stock Received But Could Be
Taxed On Cash Received As A Result Of The Merger (Page 61)
Yadkin and HC Financial expect that the merger will be treated as a "tax-free
reorganization" for federal income tax purposes. A condition of completing the
merger is that Yadkin and HC Financial receive a written opinion from Maupin
Taylor, P.A. to that effect.
6
There Are Differences Between Yadkin Common Stock And HC Financial Common Stock
(Page 78)
When HC Financial's shareholders receive Yadkin common stock for their HC
Financial common stock, they will become shareholders of Yadkin. There are
certain differences under North Carolina law between the rights of holders of HC
Financial common stock and the rights of shareholders of Yadkin.
HC Financial Has Agreed Not to Solicit Alternative Transactions (Page 60)
In the merger agreement, HC Financial has agreed not to encourage, negotiate
with, or provide any information to any entity other than Yadkin concerning an
acquisition involving HC Financial or High Country. This restriction, along with
the termination payment described below, may deter other potential parties
interested in acquiring control of HC Financial or High Country. However, HC
Financial may take certain of these actions if its Board of Directors determines
that it should do so. This determination by the HC Financial Board must be made
after the HC Financial Board consults with its legal counsel, and must be based
on the HC Financial Board's fiduciary duties. As a condition to Yadkin entering
into the merger agreement, HC Financial agreed to pay Yadkin $1,000,000 if HC
Financial terminates the merger agreement for fiduciary reasons and, within
twelve months, enters into an agreement to, or completes, a transaction with an
entity other than Yadkin which results in HC Financial or High Country being
acquired by or coming under the control of a person other than Yadkin.
Risk Factors (Page 15)
There are some risk factors that you should consider before you decide how to
vote on the Merger.
7
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Yadkin
The following table contains certain selected historical financial information
for Yadkin on the dates and for the periods indicated. This selected financial
information has been derived from, and you should read it in conjunction with,
Yadkin's audited financial statements and unaudited interim financial
statements, together with related financial statement footnotes, which are
incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy/Offering Circular from Yadkin's
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 and its Form 10-Q for the
period ending June 30, 2003. A copy of Yadkin's report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, and/or a copy of Yadkin's report on Form
10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2003 can be obtained through one of two
methods discussed below. One option is to go to the website
www.yadkinvalleybank.com, and then select the "Investor Relations" option on the
left side of the web page followed by "Documents" on the pull down menu.
Alternatively, copies may be provided free of charge upon the request of any
shareholder entitled to vote at the Yadkin or HC Financial Special Meetings.
Requests for copies should be directed to Edwin Laws, Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company, 209 N. Bridge Street,
Elkin, North Carolina 28621, (336) 526-6300.
The information as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, is
unaudited but, in the opinion of Yadkin's management, contains all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair
presentation of Yadkin's financial condition and results of operations for those
periods. The results of operations for the six-month period ended June 30, 2003
are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the remainder
of the year or any other period.
8
Selected Financial Data Six Months Ended June 30, Years ended December 31,
--------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Interest income $ 17,006,670 $ 11,130,481 $ 28,026,002 $ 26,860,498 $ 29,199,772 $ 26,457,198 $ 25,835,866
Interest expense 5,358,119 3,934,218 9,865,506 12,232,539 13,029,523 10,958,155 11,687,373
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net interest income 11,648,551 7,196,263 18,160,496 14,627,959 16,170,249 15,499,043 14,148,493
Provision for loan losses 680,000 375,000 1,460,000 1,350,000 525,000 500,000 685,000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net interest income after
provision for loan losses 10,968,551 6,821,263 16,700,496 13,277,959 15,645,249 14,999,043 13,463,493
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Non-interest income 4,253,132 2,198,619 5,455,456 3,764,961 2,538,762 2,301,088 2,938,409
Non-interest expenses 8,523,522 4,228,735 11,652,884 8,180,616 7,961,414 7,705,759 7,824,364
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income before income taxes 6,698,161 4,791,147 10,503,068 8,862,304 10,222,597 9,594,372 8,577,538
Provision for income taxes 2,083,142 1,556,500 3,462,453 2,857,000 3,489,702 3,370,000 2,965,000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net Income $ 4,615,019 $ 3,234,647 $ 7,040,615 $ 6,005,304 $ 6,732,895 $ 6,224,372 $ 5,612,538
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Net income per share information:
Basic $ 0.53 $ 0.46 $ 0.90 $ 0.83 $ 0.92 $ 0.84 $ 0.76
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Diluted $ 0.52 $ 0.45 $ 0.89 $ 0.83 $ 0.91 $ 0.83 $ 0.75
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
ash dividends $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.40 $ 0.40 $ 0.37 $ 0.32 $ 0.23
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Weighted average shares
Basic 8,712,313 7,108,944 7,790,276 7,248,000 7,356,650 7,420,903 7,402,485
Diluted 8,885,286 7,114,113 7,919,299 7,248,000 7,373,564 7,470,594 7,456,546
Key Balance Sheet Data As of June 30, As of December 31,
--------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Loans, net $424,967,926 $229,657,101 $409,548,203 $239,589,065 $232,409,180 $223,683,167 $212,069,605
Deposits 539,051,853 296,886,877 557,282,039 301,741,924 312,503,445 295,102,971 292,815,361
Total assets 656,238,584 361,483,983 661,218,211 368,713,918 371,896,320 345,496,712 338,523,858
Stockholders' equity 71,660,140 46,614,268 68,124,970 45,467,848 43,659,016 39,676,172 37,372,468
9
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
HC Financial
The following table sets forth certain selected historical financial information
for HC Financial on the dates and for the periods indicated. The selected
financial information has been derived from, and you should read it in
conjunction with, HC Financial's audited consolidated financial statements and
unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, together with the related
financial statement footnotes, which are included in HC Financial's Form 10-KSB
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 and HC Financial's Form 10-QSB for
the six-month period ended June 30, 2003, which accompany and are incorporated
by reference into this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular. A copy of HC
Financial's report on Form 10-QSB for the period ended June 30, 2003 can also be
obtained through one of the two methods discussed below. The first method is to
obtain the document on the internet by selecting the website www.sec.gov, and
selecting "Search for Company Filings" under the "Filings and Forms (EDGAR)"
section. On the next screen select "Companies and Other Filers" under "General
Purpose Searches." Then type "High Country Financial" in the "Company Name"
field and select "Find Companies." The next screen will display public filings
that include the Form 10-QSB filed on August 13, 2003. After selecting this
filing, the next screen lists the document choices. Document one is the body of
Form 10-QSB, and exhibits can be found in documents three though six.
Alternatively, copies will be provided free of charge upon the request of any
shareholder entitled to vote at the Yadkin or HC Financial Special Meetings.
Requests for copies should be directed to David H. Harman, Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, High Country Bank, 149 Jefferson Road, Boone, North
Carolina 28607, (828) 265-4333.
The information as of and for the six-months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, has
not been audited but, in the opinion of HC Financial's management, contains all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a
fair presentation of HC Financial's financial condition and results of
operations for those periods. The results of operations for the six-month period
ended June 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected
for the remainder of the year or any other period.
10
One Month Ended
Selected Financial Data Six Months Ended June 30, Years ended December 31, December 31,
--------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------
2003 2002 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Interest income $ 4,799,325 $ 4,374,801 $ 9,306,364 $ 8,258,290 $ 5,540,377 $ 2,375,885 $ 46,089
Interest expense 2,002,903 2,063,236 4,187,545 4,611,384 2,805,870 911,369 4,670
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net interest income 2,796,422 2,311,565 5,118,819 3,646,906 2,734,507 1,464,516 41,419
Provision for loan losses 382,500 224,000 587,000 395,000 388,028 635,000 35,000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net interest income after
provision for loan losses 2,413,922 2,087,565 4,531,819 3,251,906 2,346,479 829,516 6,419
Non-interest income 1,614,111 1,033,705 2,329,066 1,567,822 678,655 354,849 1,143
Non-interest expenses 3,206,739 2,595,151 5,659,107 4,630,743 2,489,774 1,711,562 147,570
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Income before income taxes 821,294 526,119 1,201,778 188,985 535,360 (527,197) (140,008)
Provision for income taxes 317,659 183,000 450,786 2,547 -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net Income $ 503,635 $ 343,119 $ 750,992 $ 186,438 $ 535,360 $ (527,197) $ (140,008)
============ ============ ============ ============ =========== ============ ============
Net income per share
information:
Basic $ 0.36 $ 0.24 $ 0.53 $ 0.14 $ 0.47 $ (0.55) $ (0.15)
============ ============ ============ ============ =========== ============ ============
Diluted $ 0.34 $ 0.23 $ 0.51 $ 0.13 $ 0.44 $ (0.55) $ (0.15)
============ ============ ============ ============ =========== ============ ============
Cash dividends $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
============ ============ ============ ============ =========== ============ ============
Weighted average shares
Basic 1,418,933 1,416,822 1,417,434 1,352,357 1,140,000 950,000 950,000
Diluted 1,478,650 1,497,051 1,482,031 1,412,566 1,220,221 950,000 950,000
Key Balance Sheet Data As of June 30, As of December 31,
--------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Loans, net $145,408,631 $118,775,282 $134,045,261 $111,914,137 $66,213,968 $ 37,679,218 $ 1,782,488
Deposits 156,774,507 133,644,741 156,846,628 116,213,484 68,536,252 39,977,556 4,128,721
Total assets 177,710,099 153,616,935 177,483,365 137,260,653 80,018,422 49,650,121 14,351,154
Stockholders' equity 15,956,658 15,011,767 15,449,773 14,542,857 10,156,622 9,562,762 10,131,734
11
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Selected Financial Data
The following tables set forth certain selected historical combined financial
information for Yadkin on a pro forma basis on the dates and for the periods
indicated. The pro forma data has been prepared assuming that the merger had
been completed on June 30, 2003 for balance sheet data, and on January 1, 2002
for results of operations data, using the "purchase" method of accounting. This
information has been prepared based on estimates of the fair values of HC
Financial's tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities. The
final purchase accounting adjustments may be materially different from those
used in preparing the pro forma data presented below. Any decrease in the net
fair value of the assets and liabilities of HC Financial as compared to the
information shown below will have the effect of increasing the amount of the
purchase price allocable to goodwill. (See "Proposal for Both the Yadkin Special
Meeting and the HC Financial Special Meeting: Approval of the Merger -
Accounting Treatment" on page 60.) The pro forma information is not necessarily
indicative of the operating results or financial condition of the combined
company that would have occurred had the merger occurred at the beginning of the
periods presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of the future operating
results or financial position of the combined company. You should read the
information below in conjunction with Yadkin's and HC Financial's audited
financial statements and unaudited interim financial statements, together with
the related financial statement footnotes, which are incorporated by reference
in this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular, and the Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Combined Financial Statements and related notes and assumptions on
pages 22 - 28.
Pro Forma Combined Selected Financial Data (unaudited)
Six Months Year Ended
Ended June 30, December 31,
2003 2002
--------------- ------------
(in thousands, except per share data)
Interest income $21,336 $36,450
Interest expense 7,200 13,731
------- -------
Net interest income 14,136 22,719
Provision for loan losses 1,062 2,047
------- -------
Net interest income after
provision for loan losses 13,074 20,672
Non-interest income 5,867 7,733
------- -------
Non-interest expense 11,386 17,326
Amortization of intangible assets 563 428
------- -------
Income before income taxes 11,949 10,651
Provision for income taxes 2,200 3,513
------- -------
Net income $ 4,792 $ 7,138
======= =======
Net income per common share:
Basic $ 0.46 $ 0.75
======= =======
Diluted $ 0.45 $ 0.74
======= =======
As of June 30,
Key Balance Sheet Data 2003
---------------
(in thousands)
Loans, net $ 574,594
Deposits 697,436
Total assets 856,055
12
Comparative Per Share Data
The following table includes per share data for Yadkin stock and HC Financial
common stock, including book values, cash dividends declared, and net income, on
the dates and for the periods presented:
o for Yadkin and HC Financial on a historical basis;
o for Yadkin on a pro forma combined basis; and
o on an equivalent per share of HC Financial common stock basis.
The pro forma combined and equivalent per share information combines the Yadkin
information together with the HC Financial information as though the merger had
occurred on June 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 in the case of book value per
share and on January 1, 2002 in the case of net income. The pro forma data in
the table assumes that the merger is accounted for using the "purchase" method
of accounting. (See "Proposal for both the Yadkin Special Meeting and the HC
Financial Special Meeting: Approval of the Merger - Accounting Treatment" on
page 60.) The pro forma data is not indicative of the results of future
operations or the actual results that would have occurred had the merger been
consummated at the beginning of the periods presented. You should read the
information below in conjunction with Yadkin's and HC Financial's audited
financial statements and unaudited interim financial statements, together with
the related financial statement footnotes, which are incorporated by reference
in this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular, and the Unaudited Pro Forma
Condensed Combined Financial Statements and related notes and assumptions on
pages 22 - 28.
As of and for the
six months ended
June 30, 2003
-----------------
Book value per share:
Yadkin $ 8.21
HC Financial 11.24
Pro forma combined 10.04
Pro forma equivalent per share for HC Financial (1) 13.40
Tangible book value per share:
Yadkin $ 6.80
HC Financial 11.24
Pro forma combined 6.69
Cash dividends per share:
Yadkin $ 0.20
HC Financial --
Pro forma combined 0.20
Pro forma equivalent per share data for HC Financial (2) --
Diluted net income per share:
Yadkin $ 0.52
HC Financial 0.34
Pro forma combined 0.45
Pro forma equivalent per share for HC Financial (1) 0.60
(1) Pro forma equivalent per share amounts have been calculated by
multiplying the "Pro forma combined" amounts by the exchange rate of
1.3345 shares of Yadkin Common Stock for each share of HC Financial
Common Stock.
(2) Pro forma equivalent per share dividends for HC Financial shares is
not presented as HC Financial does not have a history of paying cash
dividends.
13
The following table lists the closing market values of Yadkin common stock and
HC Financial common stock on May 27, 2003 (the last day preceding the first
public announcement of the letter of intent), and equivalent per share market
value of HC Financial common stock on that date based on the terms of the merger
agreement.
Pro forma equivalent
HC Financial per share of HC
Yadkin Stock Stock Financial Stock
------------ ----- ---------------
Market value $17.55 $11.80 $23.42
14
RISK FACTORS
In deciding how to vote on the merger, HC Financial's shareholders will be
making an investment decision whether to take Yadkin common stock in exchange
for their HC Financial common stock. In addition to normal investment risks,
there are certain factors that they should be aware of in making their
decisions. In addition to the other information in this document, they should
carefully consider the risk factors described below. Please also refer to page
19 under "A Warning About Forward-Looking Statements and Other Matters" for
additional information to consider before casting your vote.
Risk Factors Relating To The Merger
The exchange ratio for the stock merger consideration HC Financial's
shareholders will receive as a result of the merger is dependent on the market
value of the Yadkin common stock.
Upon completion of the merger, 90% of the outstanding shares of HC Financial
common stock may be converted into shares of Yadkin common stock at an exchange
ratio of 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock for each share of HC Financial
common stock provided the market price of Yadkin common stock is between $15.84
and $20.16 for the 15 trading days prior to the last regulatory approval of the
merger. If the Yadkin average price is lower than $15.84 or higher than $20.16,
then the exchange ratio will be adjusted as provided in the merger agreement.
Both HC Financial and Yadkin are permitted to terminate the merger agreement as
a result of certain material changes in the market price of Yadkin's common
stock. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including
general market and economic conditions, changes in the combined company's
businesses, operations and prospects and regulatory considerations. Many of
these factors are beyond Yadkin's control. Because the date of the last
regulatory approval may be after the dates of the shareholder meetings, at the
time of the shareholder meetings, HC Financial's and Yadkin's shareholders may
not know the final exchange ratio.
Because the market price of Yadkin common stock may fluctuate, HC Financial's
shareholders cannot be sure of the market value of the Yadkin common stock that
they will receive in the merger.
Changes in the prices of Yadkin common stock prior to the merger will affect the
market value of the Yadkin common stock that HC Financial's shareholders will
receive for their HC Financial common stock when the merger is completed, just
as those changes will affect the market value of the Yadkin common stock that
Yadkin's shareholders now hold and will continue to hold after the merger is
completed. The price of Yadkin common stock at the closing of the merger may
vary from its prices on the date the merger agreement was signed, on the date of
this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular, on the date of the shareholder
meetings, and on the date the merger is completed. As a result, the market value
represented by Yadkin common stock may be different on each of those dates.
Combining HC Financial and Yadkin may be more difficult, costly or
time-consuming than expected.
Upon completion of the merger, Yadkin will merge the operations of High Country
with its operations. When Yadkin begins to integrate the two companies'
operations, it is possible that there will be disruptions in each company's
ongoing operations. For example, when Yadkin begins working out differences in
the two companies' business procedures, controls, product descriptions, account
terms, personnel policies and data processing systems, there could be problems
that affect Yadkin's ongoing relationships with its and High Country's customers
or that affect Yadkin's ability to realize all anticipated benefits of the
merger. Some of these difficulties include, without limitation, the loss of key
employees and customers, the disruption of ongoing business relationships, and
possible inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies.
15
Future results of Yadkin may materially differ from the pro forma financial
information presented in this document.
Future results of Yadkin, as the combined company, may be materially different
from those shown in the pro forma financial statements that only show a
combination of the two companies' historical results. We have estimated that the
combined companies will record approximately $1.2 million of merger-related
charges. The charges may be higher or lower than we have estimated, depending
upon how costly or difficult it is to integrate the two companies. Furthermore,
these charges may decrease capital of the combined company that could be used
for profitable, income-earning investments in the future.
HC Financial's directors and officers may have interests in the merger that
differ from the interests of HC Financial's other shareholders.
HC Financial's directors and executive officers have interests in the merger
other than their interests as HC Financial shareholders. These interests may
cause them to view the merger proposal differently than you may view it. (See
"Approval of the Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons With Respect to the
Merger" on page 64.)
We may record an additional allowance for loan losses in connection with the
merger.
The determination of the appropriate level of any bank's allowance for loan
losses is a subjective process that involves both quantitative and qualitative
factors. Our preliminary analysis performed during due diligence has revealed
that there are certain differences in the methodologies employed by High Country
and Yadkin in determining the levels of their respective allowances for loan
losses. Yadkin has selected its methodology for the combined company.
In connection with preparations for combining High Country and Yadkin, Yadkin
will complete an analysis of High Country's allowances for loan losses and
further analyze the attributes of the combined loan portfolio. It may be
necessary for High Country to record an additional provision for loan losses in
its results of operations prior to completion of the merger. The actual addition
to the allowance will be determined and recorded immediately prior to the merger
and will be based on a comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio taking into
account credit conditions existing at that time.
HC Financial shareholders may not receive the merger consideration they elected.
The merger agreement that Yadkin and HC Financial have entered into requires
that 90% of the shares of HC Financial will be converted into Yadkin common
stock and 10% of the shares of HC Financial will be converted into cash. The
elections of HC Financial shareholders will be adjusted as provided in the
merger agreement, if necessary, to maintain this ratio. If the elections of HC
Financial shareholders are adjusted, then HC Financial shareholders may be
required to receive a different mix of cash and stock from that which they
elected.
16
Risk Factors Relating to Holding Yadkin's Common Stock
Interest rate volatility could significantly harm Yadkin's business.
Yadkin's results of operations are affected by the monetary and fiscal policies
of the federal government and the regulatory policies of governmental
authorities. A significant component of Yadkin's earnings is net interest
income. Net interest income is the difference between income from
interest-earning assets, such as loans, and the expense of interest-bearing
liabilities, such as deposits. Yadkin is asset sensitive with approximately 42%
of its assets tied to the prime rate or Federal funds rate, the interest rates
of which will change immediately. Yadkin's liabilities, however, are relatively
short-term with approximately 55% repricing within one year. This means Yadkin's
one-year interest rate repricing position is approximately 94%. At March 31,
2003, if interest rates increase by two percentage points over a one-year time
frame, Yadkin's net interest margin could increase by approximately 1.28%. At
March 31, 2003, if interest rates decrease by one percentage point (since the
targeted Federal funds rate is currently one percent) over a one-year time
frame, Yadkin's net interest margin could decrease by approximately 3.34%.
Yadkin may have higher loan losses than it has allowed for.
Yadkin's loan losses could exceed the allowance for loan losses it has set
aside. Yadkin's average loan size continues to increase and reliance on historic
loan losses may not be adequate. Prior losses may not be indicative of future
loan losses. Industry experience shows that a portion of loans will become
delinquent and a portion of the loans will require partial or entire charge-off.
Regardless of the underwriting criteria Yadkin utilizes, losses may be
experienced as a result of various factors beyond its control, including, among
other things, changes in market conditions affecting the value of its loan
collateral and problems affecting the credit of its borrowers.
Yadkin's business is highly competitive.
Commercial banking in Yadkin's banking market (and HC Financial's banking market
to be acquired in the merger) and in North Carolina as a whole is extremely
competitive. Some of Yadkin's competitors have greater resources, broader
geographic markets, and higher lending limits than it does, and they can offer
more products and services and better afford and make more effective use of
media advertising, support services and electronic technology than it can. While
its management believes that Yadkin has competed effectively to date with other
financial institutions in its banking markets, there is no assurance that it
will be, or will continue as, an effective competitor in the current or future
financial services environment.
Yadkin may need to invest in new technology in order to compete effectively.
The market for financial services, including banking services, is increasingly
affected by advances in technology, including developments in
telecommunications, data processing, computers, automation and internet-based
banking. Yadkin's ability to offer new technology-based services is dependent on
its ability to finance and integrate those services into its operations as well
as the abilities of its vendors to provide and support services. Future advances
in technology may require that Yadkin incur substantial expenses that would
adversely affect its operating results, and its limited resources may make it
impractical or impossible for it to keep pace with its competitors. Yadkin's
ability to compete successfully in its banking market may depend on the extent
to which it and its vendors are able to offer new technology-based services and
on its ability to integrate technological advances into its operations.
17
Yadkin's future profitability may be affected by its ability to grow.
Yadkin may need to grow in order to maintain the profitability of its
operations. Future growth may be limited by various factors beyond its control,
including the availability of sufficient operating capital and the size and
economy of its banking markets. There is no assurance that Yadkin will be able
to maintain its growth, either through internal growth or through successful
expansion of its banking markets, or that it will be able to maintain capital
sufficient to support such growth.
If Yadkin loses key employees with significant business contacts in its market
area, its business may suffer.
Yadkin's success is dependent on the personal contacts of its officers and
employees in its market area and on the contacts of High Country officers and
employees in High Country's market area after the merger. If Yadkin lost key
employees temporarily or permanently, before or after the merger, its business
could be hurt. Yadkin could be particularly hurt if its key employees went to
work for competitors. Yadkin's future success depends on the continued
contributions of its existing senior management personnel, particularly on the
efforts of William Long, who has significant local experience and contacts in
its market area. After the merger, Yadkin will depend upon High Country's
management team's local experience and contacts in High Country's market area.
Government regulations may prevent or impair our ability to pay dividends,
engage in acquisitions, or operate in other ways.
Current and future legislation and the policies established by federal and state
regulatory authorities will affect Yadkin's operations. Yadkin, as a state
chartered commercial bank, receives regulatory scrutiny from the North Carolina
Commissioner of Banks and the FDIC. Banking regulations, designed primarily for
the protection of depositors, may limit our growth and the return to you as an
investor in Yadkin, by restricting its activities, such as:
o the payment of dividends to shareholders;
o possible transactions with or acquisitions by other institutions;
o desired investments;
o loans and interest rates;
o interest rates paid on deposits;
o the possible expansion of branch offices; and
o the ability to provide securities or trust services.
Yadkin cannot predict what changes, if any, will be made to existing federal and
state legislation and regulations or the effect that such changes may have on
its business. The cost of compliance with regulatory requirements may adversely
affect Yadkin's ability to operate profitably.
The securities of Yadkin are not FDIC insured.
The securities of Yadkin are not savings or deposit accounts or other
obligations of any bank, and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Bank Insurance Fund or any other governmental agency and are
subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.
18
A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
AND OTHER MATTERS
This Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular includes forward-looking
statements. These statements usually will contain words such as "may," "will,"
"expect," "likely," "estimate," or similar terms. HC Financial and Yadkin have
based these forward-looking statements on current expectations and projections
about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks,
uncertainties and assumptions, including, among other things, the factors
discussed in "Risk Factors" above. Therefore, the events described in any
forward-looking statements in this document might not occur, or they might occur
in a different way than they are described in the statements.
In deciding how to vote on the merger, you should rely only on the information
contained in this document. The information contained in this document regarding
HC Financial and High Country has been furnished by them, and the information
contained in this document regarding Yadkin has been furnished by Yadkin.
Neither HC Financial nor Yadkin has authorized any person to provide you with
different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent
information, you should not rely on it, and you should not assume that the
information appearing in this document is accurate as of any date other than the
date on the cover.
There can be no assurance that positive trends, developments or projections
discussed in this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular will continue or be
realized or that negative trends or developments will not have significant
negative effects on Yadkin's or HC Financial's results of operations or
financial condition.
The Yadkin common stock is being offered under exemptions from registration
under the federal Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and under various state
securities laws. Yadkin has not filed any registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities regulator. Yadkin is
not offering Yadkin common stock to any person in any state where the offer or
sale of the stock is not permitted.
MARKET AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
Yadkin's Capital Stock
Yadkin first issued its common stock during 1968 in connection with its initial
incorporation and the commencement of its banking operations. Yadkin's common
stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol "YAVY."
On June 30, 2003, there were approximately 3,200 record holders of Yadkin's
common stock.
The following table lists high and low published prices of Yadkin's common stock
(as reported on the Nasdaq National Market) and the cash dividends paid for the
calendar quarters indicated:
Price
-----
Year Quarterly period High Low Dividends
---- ---------------- ---- --- ---------
2001 First quarter $13.125 $ 9.000 $ 0.10
Second quarter 13.500 10.620 0.10
Third quarter 12.350 10.500 0.10
Fourth quarter 12.030 10.500 0.10
2002 First quarter 12.250 10.500 0.10
Second quarter 12.250 10.830 0.10
Third quarter 11.740 10.380 0.10
Fourth quarter 13.500 10.950 0.10
2003 First quarter 16.000 12.320 0.10
Second quarter 18.850 14.380 0.10
Third quarter 19.230 16.390 0.10
Fourth quarter (through 18.490 17.250 0.00
October 27, 2003)
19
In the future, any declaration and payment of cash dividends will be subject to
Yadkin's Board of Directors' evaluation of its operating results, financial
condition, future growth plans, general business and economic conditions, and
tax and other relevant considerations. Also, the payment of cash dividends by
Yadkin in the future will be subject to certain other legal and regulatory
limitations (including the requirement that Yadkin's capital be maintained at
certain minimum levels) and will be subject to ongoing review by banking
regulators. For example, the payment of dividends by Yadkin will be subject to
the restrictions of North Carolina law applicable to the declaration of
dividends by a business corporation. Under such provisions, cash dividends may
not be paid if a corporation will not be able to pay its debts as they become
due in the usual course of business after making such cash dividend distribution
or the corporation's total assets would be less than the sum of its total
liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy certain liquidation
preferential rights. The ability of a bank to pay dividends is restricted under
applicable law and regulations. Under North Carolina banking law, dividends must
be paid out of retained earnings and no cash dividends may be paid if the
payment would result in the bank's surplus being less than 50% of its paid-in
capital. Also, under federal banking law, no cash dividend may be paid if the
bank is undercapitalized or insolvent or if payment of the cash dividend would
render the bank undercapitalized or insolvent, and no cash dividend may be paid
by the bank if it is in default of any deposit insurance assessment due to the
FDIC. There is no assurance that, in the future, Yadkin will have funds
available to pay cash dividends, or, even if funds are available, that it will
pay dividends in any particular amount or at any particular times, or that it
will pay dividends at all. (See "Differences in Capital Stock" on page 78.).
HC Financial's Capital Stock
HC Financial has held two public offerings of its common stock. The first shares
were issued when High Country was formed and commenced banking operations in
1998. Those shares are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "HGCF."
Additional units which consist of one share of HC Financial common stock and one
non-detachable warrant to purchase one share of HC Financial common stock were
issued in February 2001. Those units are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under
the symbol "HGCFU." On June 30, 2003, there were approximately 1,600 record
holders of HC Financial's common stock.
20
The following table lists high and low bid quotations/sale prices, known to
management of HC Financial, and cash dividends paid for the calendar quarters
indicated:
Price
-----
Year Quarterly period High Low Dividends
---- ---------------- ---- --- ---------
2001 First quarter $14.75 $ 14.38 $ 0.00
Second quarter 14.75 14.38 0.00
Third quarter 14.75 11.00 0.00
Fourth quarter 15.00 11.00 0.00
2002 First quarter 15.00 12.50 0.00
Second quarter 15.50 12.50 0.00
Third quarter 15.00 11.25 0.00
Fourth quarter 14.00 10.60 0.00
2003 First quarter 13.20 10.50 0.00
Second quarter 23.25 11.00 0.00
Third quarter 24.40 21.10 0.00
Fourth quarter 24.10 23.20 0.00
(through October 27,
2003)
(See "Differences in Capital Stock" on page 78.)
21
YADKIN AND HC FINANCIAL UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June
30, 2003 and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income for
the six months ended June 30, 2003 and for the year ended December 31, 2002 give
effect to the merger, accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information as of and for
the six months ended June 30, 2003 has been derived from the unaudited interim
financial statements for both Yadkin and HC Financial, which are included in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular (See "Information Incorporated by
Reference".) The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information as
of and for the year ended December 31, 2002 is based on the historical financial
statements of Yadkin and HC Financial under the assumptions and adjustments set
forth in the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined
financial statements. It gives effect to the merger as if it had been
consummated at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The unaudited pro
forma condensed combined financial statements do not give effect to the
anticipated cost savings or revenue enhancements in connection with the merger.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements should be read
together with the historical financial statements of Yadkin and HC Financial,
including the respective notes to those statements. The pro forma information
does not necessarily indicate the combined financial position or the results of
operations in the future or the combined financial position or the results of
operations that would have been realized had the merger been consummated during
the periods or as of the dates for which the pro forma information is presented.
Pro forma per share amounts for the combined entity are based on an assumed
exchange ratio of 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock for 90% of the shares of
HC Financial. This assumed exchange ratio represents the ratio of (i) the amount
to be paid by Yadkin for HC Financial common stock valued at $24.02 per share to
(ii) the estimated fair value of Yadkin's common stock of $18.00 per share.
22
Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company
High Country Financial Corporation
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
June 30, 2003
Pro Forma
Acquisition Pro
Adjustments Forma
Yadkin HC Financial (Note 2) Combined
----------- ------------ -------- ------------
(In thousands, except share data)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 34,372 $ 12,361 $ (4,970)(B) $ 41,763
Investment securities available for sale 122,990 12,054 -- 135,044
Loans 431,186 147,319 4,217(D) 582,722
Allowance for loan losses (6,218) (1,910) -- (8,128)
Loans held for sale 24,160 -- 24,160
Accrued interest receivable 3,539 711 -- 4,250
Premises and equipment, net 12,767 5,694 250(D) 18,711
FHLB stock 1,619 410 -- 2,029
Investment in bank-owned life insurance 15,118 15,118
Goodwill 7,259 -- 18,329(E) 25,588
Core deposit intangible 5,069 -- 4,279(D) 9,348
Other assets 4,378 1,071 -- 5,449
----------- ----------- -------- ------------
Total Assets $ 656,239 $ 177,710 $ 22,106 $ 856,055
=========== =========== ======== ============
Liabilities:
Deposits $ 539,052 $ 156,775 $ 1,609(D) $ 697,436
Borrowings 38,377 4,504 -- 42,881
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 7,150 474 3,406(B) 11,030
----------- ----------- -------- ------------
Total Liabilities $ 584,579 $ 161,753 $ 5,015 $ 751,347
----------- ----------- -------- ------------
Stockholders' Equity:
Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 10,000,000 shares
authorized, 8,727,454 shares issued, 10,432,716
shares issued pro forma 8,727 -- 1,705(A) 10,432
Additional paid-in capital 38,660 -- 31,343(A) 70,003
Retained earnings 21,190 -- -- 21,190
Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,083 -- -- 3,083
High Country Financial Corporation
Preferred stock, no par value, 5,000,000 shares
authorized, no shares issued -- -- -- --
Common stock, no par value, 20,000,000 shares
authorized, 1,419,809 shares issued and outstanding -- 14,445 (14,445)(C) --
Additional paid-in capital -- -- -- --
Retained earnings -- 1,309 (1,309)(C) --
Accumulated other comprehensive income -- 203 (203)(C) --
----------- ----------- -------- ------------
Total Stockholders' Equity 71,660 15,957 17,091 104,708
----------- ----------- -------- ------------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 656,239 $ 177,710 $ 22,106 $ 856,055
=========== =========== ======== ============
Total book value per common share $ 8.21 $ 11.24 $ 10.04
Tangible book value per common share $ 6.80 $ 11.24 $ 6.69
Number of common shares outstanding: 8,727,454 1,419,809 10,432,716
23
Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company
High Country Financial Corporation
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2003
Pro Forma
Acquisition Pro
Adjustments Forma
Yadkin HC Financial (Note 2) Combined
---------- ------------ -------- -----------
(In thousands, except share data)
Interest income $ 17,007 $ 4,799 $(470)(G) $ 21,336
Interest expense 5,358 2,003 (161)(H) 7,200
---------- ---------- ----- -----------
Net interest income 11,649 2,796 (309) 14,136
Provision for loan losses 680 382 -- 1,062
---------- ---------- ----- -----------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 10,969 2,414 (309) 13,074
---------- ---------- ----- -----------
Non-interest income 4,253 1,614 -- 5,867
---------- ---------- ----- -----------
Non-interest expenses 8,175 3,207 4(I) 11,386
Amortization of intangible assets 349 -- 214(F) 563
---------- ---------- ----- -----------
Total non-interest expenses 8,524 3,207 218 11,949
---------- ---------- ----- -----------
Income before income taxes 6,698 821 (527) 6,992
Provision for income taxes 2,083 317 (200)(J) 2,200
---------- ---------- ----- -----------
Net income $ 4,615 $ 504 $(327) $ 4,792
========== ========== ===== ===========
Net income per common share:
Basic $ 0.53 $ 0.36 $ 0.46
Diluted $ 0.52 $ 0.34 $ 0.45
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 8,712,313 1,418,933 10,416,522
Diluted 8,885,286 1,478,650 10,661,219
Equivalent Net income per common share for
Yadkin shares exchanged for HC Financial
shares:
Basic $ 0.61
Diluted $ 0.60
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share
(Note 3) $ 0.20 $ -- $ 0.20
24
Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company
High Country Financial Corporation
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Income
For the Year Ended December 31, 2002
Pro Forma
Acquisition Pro
Adjustments Forma
Yadkin HC Financial (Note 2) Combined
---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
(In thousands, except share data)
Interest income $ 28,084 $ 9,306 $ (940)(G) $ 36,450
Interest expense 9,866 4,187 (322)(H) 13,731
---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Net interest income 18,218 5,119 (618) 22,719
Provision for loan losses 1,460 587 -- 2,047
---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 16,758 4,532 (575) 20,672
---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Non-interest income 5,404 2,329 -- 7,733
---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Non-interest expenses 11,659 5,659 8(I) 17,326
Amortization of intangible assets -- -- 428(F) 428
---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Total non-interest expenses 11,659 5,659 436 17,754
---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Income before income taxes 10,503 1,202 (1,054) 10,651
Provision for income taxes 3,462 451 (400)(J) 3,513
---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Net income 7,041 $ 751 $ (654) $ 7,138
========== ========== ======= ==========
Net income per common share:
Basic $ 0.90 $ 0.53 $ 0.75
Diluted $ 0.89 $ 0.51 $ 0.74
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 7,790,276 1,417,434 9,492,685
Diluted 7,919,299 1,482,031 9,699,292
Equivalent Net income per common share for
Yadkin shares exchanged for HC Financial
shares:
Basic $ 1.00
Diluted $ 0.98
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share
(Note 3) $ 0.40 $ -- $ 0.40
25
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
The pro forma information presented is not necessarily indicative of the results
of operations or the combined financial position that would have resulted had
the merger been consummated at the beginning of the periods indicated, nor is it
necessarily indicative of the results of operations in future periods or the
future financial position of the combined company. It is anticipated that the
merger will be completed on or before January 1, 2004.
NOTE 1 - Basis of Presentation and HC Financial Acquisition
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements give effect to
the merger of Yadkin and HC Financial in a business combination accounted for as
a purchase. As a result of the merger, HC Financial will be merged into Yadkin.
HC Financial Acquisition
Upon completion of the merger, each share of HC Financial common stock is
assumed to be converted into 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock or $24.02 in
cash, subject to constraints of Section 1.05 (b) of the "Agreement and Plan of
Reorganization and Merger By and Among Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company and
High Country Financial Corporation and High Country Bank". The merger agreement
requires that 90% of the total consideration received by HC Financial
shareholders in exchange for their HC Financial common stock will be paid in the
form of Yadkin common stock. HC Financial shareholders will have the opportunity
to elect one of the following three forms of consideration they would like to
receive for their shares of Yadkin common stock: all stock, all cash, or a mixed
election (90% stock, 10% cash). However, should HC Financial shareholders elect
Yadkin common stock in an amount less than or more than the percentage set forth
above, then Yadkin common stock will be allocated according to Section 1.05 (d)
of merger agreement.
The pro forma balance sheet reflects the proposed exchange ratio of 1.3345 as if
it had occurred on June 30, 2003 based on an estimated market value of Yadkin
common stock of $18.00 per share. This estimate may change at the time the final
exchange ratio is determined or as of the effective date of the merger and may
be more or less than the value indicated in these Pro Forma Condensed Combined
Financial Statements, depending upon operating results from June 30, 2003 to the
effective date of the merger, changes in market conditions and other factors.
For purposes of these Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements, it is
assumed that the purchase price for HC Financial common stock is paid as
follows:
(1) 90% or 1,277,808 of the outstanding shares of HC Financial common
stock are exchanged for Yadkin common stock at an exchange ratio of
1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock for each share of HC Financial
common stock, resulting in the issuance of 1,705,262 shares of
Yadkin common stock.
(2) 10%, or 141,981 shares of HC Financial common stock outstanding on
June 30, 2003 are exchanged for cash at $24.02 per share.
Transaction costs incurred in the merger are assumed to be $506,000 for Yadkin
and $600,000 for HC Financial. For Yadkin, $262,000 is assumed to have been paid
as of the merger date and $244,000 is reflected as a liability as of the merger
date. For HC Financial, $150,000 of such costs is assumed to have
26
been paid by the merger date, with the remaining $450,000 of transaction related
costs reflected as a liability as of the closing date of the merger.
Described below is the pro forma estimate of the total purchase price of the
transaction as well as the adjustment to allocate the purchase price based on
preliminary estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities of HC
Financial:
(thousands)
Estimated fair value of the Yadkin common shares
to be issued to HC Financial shareholders .......................... $ 30,695
Cash paid for shares .................................................... 3,411
Estimate of cash to be paid for vested HC Financial options and
warrants ........................................................... 1,146
Fair value of vested Yadkin options granted to HC
Financial option holders ........................................... 2,353
Transaction related costs incurred by Yadkin in the merger .............. 506
--------
Total purchase price paid by Yadkin for HC Financial ............... 38,111
Less adjusted net assets of HC Financial ........................... (19,782)
--------
Goodwill recorded in the merger .................................... $ 18,329
========
The adjusted net assets of HC Financial are determined as follows:
HC Financial stockholders' equity at June 30, 2003 ................. $ 15,957
Less net transaction related costs incurred by HC Financial
in the merger .................................................... (600)
Adjustments for fair values of assets acquired and
liabilities assumed .............................................. 4,425
--------
Adjusted net assets of HC Financial .............................. $ 19,782
========
The fair value of adjustments for the HC Financial assets acquired and
liabilities assumed are as follows:
Increase in loans .................................................. $ 4,217
Increase in premises and equipment ................................. 250
Core deposit intangible ............................................ 4,280
Increase in deposits ............................................... (1,609)
Increase in deferred income tax liability .......................... (2,713)
--------
Total fair value adjustments ..................................... $ 4,425
========
27
Note 2 - Description of Pro Forma Acquisition Adjustments
The purchase accounting and pro forma adjustments related to the unaudited pro
forma condensed balance sheet and income statements are described below:
A. Issuance of 1,705,262 shares (1,419,809 x 90% x 1.3345) of Yadkin
$1.00 par value common stock with an effective date value of $18.00
per share, combined with the value of vested Yadkin options issued
to HC Financial option holders.
B. To record cash paid for HC Financial shares and for transaction
costs, to record liabilities incurred for transaction costs, and to
record the deferred income tax liability arising from the fair value
adjustments to HC Financial assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
C. To eliminate HC Financial equity accounts.
D. To record fair value adjustments to HC Financial assets acquired and
liabilities assumed.
E. To record goodwill. Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,
goodwill acquired will not be amortized but will be subject to an
annual impairment test.
F. To record amortization of the core deposit intangible using the
straight-line method over a ten-year life.
G. To reduce interest income for (1) the effects of cash used in the
acquisition based upon a 2.00% rate earned on overnight funds and
(2) amortization of the fair value adjustment to loans using the
straight line method over a five-year period.
H. To reduce interest expense for the accretion of the fair value
adjustment to deposits using the straight-line method over a
five-year period.
I. To record the amortization of the fair value of adjustment to real
property using the straight-line method over a thirty year life.
J. To adjust income tax expense at a rate of 38% applied to the
foregoing adjustments to income before income taxes.
Note 3 - Pro Forma Combined Cash Dividends
Pro forma combined cash dividends declared represent Yadkin's historical cash
dividends declared.
28
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Special Meeting of Yadkin's Shareholders
General. This Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular is being furnished to
Yadkin's shareholders in connection with the solicitation by Yadkin's Board of
Directors of appointments of proxy in the enclosed form for use at the Yadkin
Special Meeting and at any adjournments of that meeting. The Yadkin Special
Meeting will be held:
o Thursday, December 18, 2003
o 3:00 p.m. (local time)
o Foothills Arts Council
129 Church Street
Elkin (Surry County), North Carolina.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular is being mailed to Yadkin's
shareholders on or about November 6, 2003.
The sole purpose of the Yadkin Special Meeting is to consider and vote on a
proposal to approve the merger agreement and the transactions described in it,
including the merger.
A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Appendix A to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular.
Record Date. The close of business on October 31, 2003, is the record date for
determining which shareholders are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at
the Yadkin Special Meeting. You must have been a record holder of Yadkin common
stock on the record date in order to be eligible to vote at the Yadkin Special
Meeting.
Voting Securities. Yadkin's voting securities are the outstanding shares of
Yadkin common stock. There were 8,765,651 outstanding shares of Yadkin common
stock on the record date. At the Yadkin Special Meeting, you may cast one vote
for each share you held of record on the record date on each matter to be voted
on by shareholders.
On the record date, the directors and executive officers of Yadkin and their
affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote approximately 9.2% of
the outstanding shares of Yadkin common stock. The directors and executive
officers of Yadkin are expected to vote their shares for approval of the merger
agreement and the merger. Additional information regarding the beneficial
ownership of Yadkin common stock by Yadkin's directors, executive officers and
principal shareholders is included in this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering
Circular under the caption "Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company - Beneficial
Ownership of Securities" on page 69.
Votes Required for Approval of the Merger. Under North Carolina law, the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the total outstanding
shares of Yadkin common stock is required to approve the merger agreement and
the merger. Broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as votes
against the merger agreement and the merger.
Quorum. Pursuant to the Bylaws of Yadkin, a majority of the votes entitled to be
cast by holders of Yadkin's common stock, represented in person or by proxy,
will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Yadkin Special
Meeting. If there is no quorum present at the opening of the meeting,
29
the Yadkin Special Meeting may be adjourned by the vote of a majority of the
shares voting on the motion to adjourn.
Solicitation of Proxies. A proxy card is enclosed for your use. You are
solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Yadkin to complete, date, sign,
and return the proxy card in the accompanying envelope, which is postage-paid if
mailed in the United States.
Voting of Proxies. You have three choices with regard to the proposal to approve
the merger agreement and the merger. By checking the appropriate box on the
proxy card you may:
o vote "FOR" approval of the merger agreement and the merger;
o vote "AGAINST" approval of the merger agreement and the merger; or
o "ABSTAIN" from voting altogether.
The merger cannot be completed unless holders of two-thirds of all outstanding
shares, voting either in person or by proxy, vote "FOR" the proposal. If a
quorum is present at the meeting, in person or by proxy, your failure to vote,
or a vote to "ABSTAIN," would have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" the
merger agreement and the merger.
If your shares are held in "street name" by your broker, your broker will not be
able to vote your shares without instructions from you. You should instruct your
broker to vote your shares following the directions your broker provides. Your
failure to instruct your broker to vote your shares will result in your shares
not being voted. Broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST"
the merger agreement and the merger.
Each proxy card that is properly executed, received prior to the beginning of
the Yadkin Special Meeting and not revoked will be voted as indicated. Where
specific instructions are not indicated, the proxy will be voted "FOR" the
merger agreement and the merger.
Whether or not you plan to attend Yadkin's Special Meeting, you are requested to
complete, date, and sign the accompanying proxy and return it promptly in the
enclosed, postage-prepaid envelope.
The costs of this solicitation of appointments of proxy for the Yadkin Special
Meeting, including costs of preparing and mailing this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular, will be shared equally by HC Financial and Yadkin.
In addition to solicitation by mail, appointments of proxy may be solicited
personally or by telephone by officers, employees and directors of Yadkin,
without additional compensation. Yadkin has engaged a proxy solicitation firm to
assist in the delivery of proxy materials and the solicitation of proxies for
the Yadkin Special Meeting.
Revocation of Appointments of Proxy. If you give an appointment of proxy in the
accompanying form, you may revoke that appointment at any time before the actual
voting. To revoke the proxy, notify the Secretary in writing, or execute another
appointment of proxy bearing a later date and file it with the Secretary. The
address for the Secretary is:
Patricia H. Wooten, Secretary
Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company
209 North Bridge Street
Elkin, North Carolina 28621-3404
30
If you return the appointment of proxy, you may still attend the meeting
and vote in person. When you arrive at the meeting, first notify the Secretary
of your desire to vote in person. You will then be given a ballot to vote in
person, and your appointment of proxy will be disregarded.
If you attend the meeting in person, you may vote your shares without
returning the enclosed appointment of proxy. However, if your plans change and
you are not able to attend, your shares will not be voted. Even if you plan to
attend the meeting, the best way to ensure that your shares will be voted is to
return the enclosed appointment of proxy and, when you get to the meeting,
notify the Secretary that you wish to vote in person.
Your death or incapacity will not revoke your proxy unless, before the shares
are voted, notice of death or incapacity is filed with the Secretary of Yadkin
or other person authorized to tabulate votes.
Dissenters' Rights. Yadkin's shareholders do not have dissenters' rights under
North Carolina law.
Board Recommendation. The Board of Directors of Yadkin unanimously recommends
that its shareholders vote "FOR" the merger agreement and the merger.
Special Meeting of HC Financial's Shareholders
General. This Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular is being furnished to HC
Financial's shareholders in connection with the solicitation by HC Financial's
Board of Directors of appointments of proxy for use at the HC Financial Special
Meeting and at any adjournments of that meeting. The HC Financial Special
Meeting will be held:
o Thursday, December 18, 2003
o 10:00 a.m. (local time)
o Fairfield Inn & Suites
Blue Ridge Room
2030 Blowing Rock Road
Boone (Watauga County), North Carolina.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular is being mailed to HC Financial's
shareholders on or about November 6, 2003.
The sole purpose of the HC Financial Special Meeting is to consider and vote on
a proposal to approve the merger agreement and the transactions described in it,
including the merger. (See "Approval of The Merger" on page 34).
A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Appendix A to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular.
Record Date. The close of business on October 31, 2003, is the record date for
determining which shareholders of HC Financial are entitled to receive notice of
and to vote at the HC Financial Special Meeting. You must have been a record
holder of HC Financial common stock on the record date in order to be eligible
to vote at the HC Financial Special Meeting.
Voting Securities. HC Financial's voting securities are the outstanding shares
of HC Financial common stock. There were 1,420,649 outstanding shares of HC
Financial common stock on the record date. At the HC Financial Special Meeting,
you may cast one vote for each share you held of record on the record date on
each matter to be voted on by shareholders.
31
On the record date, the directors and executive officers of HC Financial and
their affiliates beneficially owned and were entitled to vote an aggregate of
181,289 shares, or approximately 12.76%, of the outstanding shares of HC
Financial common stock. The directors and executive officers of HC Financial are
expected to vote their shares for approval of the merger agreement and the
merger at the HC Financial Special Meeting. Additional information regarding the
beneficial ownership of HC Financial common stock by HC Financial's directors,
executive officers and principal shareholders is included in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular under the caption "High Country Financial
Corporation -- Beneficial Ownership of Securities" on page 74.
Votes Required for Approval of the Merger. Under North Carolina law, the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total outstanding shares of
HC Financial common stock is required to approve the merger agreement and the
merger. Broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as votes
against the merger agreement and the merger.
Solicitation of Proxies. A proxy card is enclosed for your use. You are
solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of HC Financial to complete, date,
sign, and return the proxy card in the accompanying envelope, which is
postage-paid if mailed in the United States.
Voting of Proxies. You have three choices with regard to the proposal to approve
the merger agreement and the merger. By checking the appropriate box on the
proxy card you may:
o vote "FOR" approval of the merger agreement and the merger;
o vote "AGAINST" approval of the merger agreement and the merger; or
o "ABSTAIN" from voting altogether.
The merger cannot be completed unless holders of a majority of all outstanding
shares, voting either in person or by proxy, vote "FOR" the proposal. If a
quorum is present at the meeting, in person or by proxy, your failure to vote,
or a vote to "ABSTAIN," would have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" the
merger agreement and the merger.
If your shares are held in "street name" by your broker, your broker will not be
able to vote your shares without instructions from you. You should instruct your
broker to vote your shares following the directions your broker provides. Your
failure to instruct your broker to vote your shares will result in your shares
not being voted. Broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST"
the merger agreement and the merger.
Each proxy card that is properly executed, received prior to the beginning of
the HC Financial Special Meeting and not revoked will be voted as indicated.
Where specific instructions are not indicated, the proxy will be voted "FOR" the
merger agreement and the merger.
Whether or not you plan to attend HC Financial's Special Meeting, you are
requested to complete, date, and sign the accompanying proxy and return it
promptly in the enclosed, postage-prepaid envelope.
The costs of this solicitation of appointments of proxy for the HC Financial
Special Meeting, including costs of preparing and mailing this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular, will be shared equally by HC Financial and Yadkin.
In addition to solicitation by mail, appointments of proxy may be solicited
personally or by telephone by officers, employees and directors of HC Financial,
without additional compensation. HC Financial has engaged a proxy solicitation
firm to assist in the delivery of proxy materials and the solicitation of
proxies for the HC Financial Special Meeting.
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Revocation of Appointments of Proxy. If you give an appointment of proxy in the
accompanying form, you may revoke that appointment at any time before the actual
voting. To revoke the proxy, notify the Secretary in writing, or execute another
appointment of proxy bearing a later date and file it with the Secretary. The
address for the Assistant Secretary is:
Anne Burge, Assistant Secretary
High Country Financial Corporation
149 Jefferson Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607-2478
If you return the appointment of proxy, you may still attend the meeting
and vote in person. When you arrive at the meeting, first notify the Secretary
of your desire to vote in person. You will then be given a ballot to vote in
person, and your appointment of proxy will be disregarded.
If you attend the meeting in person, you may vote your shares without
returning the enclosed appointment of proxy. However, if your plans change and
you are not able to attend, your shares will not be voted. Even if you plan to
attend the meeting, the best way to ensure that your shares will be voted is to
return the enclosed appointment of proxy and, when you get to the meeting,
notify the Secretary that you wish to vote in person.
Your death or incapacity will not revoke your proxy unless, before the shares
are voted, notice of death or incapacity is filed with the Secretary of HC
Financial or other person authorized to tabulate votes.
Board Recommendation. The Board of Directors of HC Financial unanimously
recommends that its shareholders vote "FOR" the merger agreement and the merger.
Authorization to Vote on Adjournment
Unless either the Secretary of Yadkin or HC Financial, as the case may be, is
notified otherwise, the proxies solicited by the Boards of Directors of Yadkin
and HC Financial allow shareholders to either grant or withhold authority from
the persons named as proxies to vote on an adjournment or adjournments of the
special meetings. Adjournment could be used to obtain more time before a vote is
taken in order to solicit additional proxies or to provide additional
information to shareholders. However, proxies voted against the merger agreement
will not be used to adjourn the special meetings. Neither corporation has any
plans to adjourn its special meeting at this time, but each intends to do so, if
needed, to promote shareholder interests. The Boards of Directors of Yadkin and
HC Financial each unanimously recommend that shareholders grant authority to the
proxies to vote on adjournment of the special meetings.
Expenses of the Special Meetings
The expense of preparing, printing, and mailing this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular will be shared equally by Yadkin and HC Financial.
In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited personally or by
telephone by regular employees of Yadkin and HC Financial without additional
compensation. Yadkin and HC Financial have engaged a proxy solicitation firm to
assist in the delivery of proxy materials and the solicitation of proxies for
the special meetings. Yadkin and HC Financial will each reimburse banks, brokers
and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their costs in sending the
proxy materials to the respective beneficial owners of Yadkin's and HC
Financial's common stock.
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PROPOSAL FOR BOTH THE YADKIN SPECIAL MEETING AND THE HC FINANCIAL
SPECIAL MEETING: APPROVAL OF THE MERGER
The following is a summary of information about the merger and certain of the
important terms and conditions of the merger agreement. This summary is not
intended to be a complete description of all facts regarding the merger. You
should read carefully the merger agreement, the documents attached to this Joint
Proxy Statement/Offering Circular, and the documents referenced in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Offering Circular for more information.
General
At the HC Financial Special Meeting and the Yadkin Special Meeting, proposals
will be introduced for HC Financial's shareholders and Yadkin's shareholders to
approve the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides for HC Financial and
High Country each to be merged into Yadkin.
The Merger
When the transactions described in the merger agreement become effective:
o HC Financial will be merged into and its existence will be combined
with that of Yadkin, and HC Financial will cease to exist as a
separate company;
o As further described below, each outstanding share of HC Financial
common stock held by HC Financial's shareholders will be converted
into the right to receive 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock
(subject to adjustment based on the average closing price of Yadkin
common stock prior to the date of final regulatory approval of the
merger), or $24.02 in cash;
o High Country will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Yadkin for a
brief period of time, but will be merged into Yadkin immediately
after the HC Financial merger; and
o The existing branches of High Country located in Watauga County will
operate under the name "High Country Bank, a division of Yadkin
Valley Bank."
Yadkin will be the surviving corporation in each of the HC Financial merger and
the High Country merger and will continue its and High Country's business at
their existing offices, all under the supervision and regulation of the North
Carolina Commissioner of Banks and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
High Country's deposit accounts will become deposit accounts of Yadkin and will
continue to be insured by the FDIC to the maximum amount permitted by law.
Yadkin will continue to conduct banking business at the currently established
offices of High Country in Watauga County under the name "High Country Bank, a
division of Yadkin Valley Bank."
Conversion of HC Financial Common Stock
As a result of the merger, HC Financial shareholders will be able to elect to
convert their outstanding shares of HC Financial common stock held of record
into the right to receive:
o 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock per share (subject to
adjustment based on an average closing price of Yadkin common stock
for the 15 day trading period ending prior to the date of final
regulatory approval of the merger); or
o $24.02 in cash per share; or
o 10% cash (at $24.02 per share) and 90% Yadkin common stock (at
1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock per share, subject to
adjustment based on an average closing price of Yadkin common stock
described above).
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The exact amount of cash and stock to be issued to each HC Financial shareholder
will be based on the elections of all HC Financial shareholders and the average
closing price of Yadkin's common stock over the 15 day trading period ending
prior to the date of final regulatory approval of the merger. HC Financial
shareholders who elect to receive Yadkin common stock will become shareholders
of Yadkin.
Shareholders of HC Financial who do not return a properly completed election of
consideration form, or whose elections of consideration are received by Yadkin
after the time prescribed, will be allocated Yadkin common stock and/or cash as
provided above as necessary to assure that 90% of the HC Financial common stock
is converted into Yadkin common stock and 10% of the HC Financial common stock
is converted into cash (not including shares for which cash is issued to HC
Financial shareholders who properly exercise dissenters' rights).
Changes in the market value of Yadkin common stock prior to the effective time
of the merger may result in a change in the exchange rate at which HC Financial
common stock is converted into Yadkin common stock. Because the market price of
Yadkin stock to be used to determine the exchange ratio for each share of HC
Financial common stock will not be determined until all regulatory approvals are
received, the per share exchange ratio for each share of HC Financial common
stock cannot be calculated at this time. If the 15 day trading average of
Yadkin's common stock remains between $15.84 and $20.16, the exchange ratio for
each share of HC Financial common stock will be 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common
stock. If the 15 day trading average of Yadkin's common stock is below $15.84 or
above $20.16, the exchange ratio for each share of HC Financial common stock
will be adjusted as provided in the merger agreement. If the 15 day trading
average of Yadkin's common stock is between $13.50 and $15.84, the exchange
ratio for each share of HC Financial common stock will be adjusted based on a
per share value of $21.14 for each share of HC Financial common stock. For
example, if Yadkin's average trading price was $13.50, the exchange ratio would
be 1.5658 which is $21.14 divided by $13.50. If the 15 day trading average of
Yadkin's common stock is between $20.16 and $22.50, the exchange ratio for each
share of HC Financial common stock will be adjusted based on a per share value
of $26.90 for each share of HC Financial common stock. For example, if Yadkin's
average trading price was $22.50, the Exchange Ratio would be 1.1957 which is
$26.90 divided by $22.50. As of October 27, 2003, the 15 day trading average of
Yadkin's common stock was $17.88, which would result in an exchange ratio for
each share of HC Financial common stock of 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common for
each share of HC Financial common stock (which results in a per share market
value of the stock merger consideration of $23.86).
Election of Merger Consideration
An election form will be mailed to HC Financial shareholders shortly before the
proposed closing date of the merger. The election form will allow each HC
Financial shareholder to elect the form of merger consideration he or she would
like to receive. While we cannot assure you that you will receive the merger
consideration you elect, each HC Financial shareholder may elect to receive:
o all of his or her merger consideration in shares of Yadkin common
stock; or
o all of his or her merger consideration in cash; or
o 10% of his or her merger consideration in cash and 90% in Yadkin
common stock.
Shareholder elections will be adjusted as provided in the merger agreement, if
necessary, to insure that 90% of the shares of HC Financial's common stock will
be exchanged for shares of Yadkin common stock and 10% of the shares of HC
Financial's common stock will be exchanged for cash. If shareholder elections
are adjusted, then HC Financial shareholders may be required to receive a mix of
merger consideration that is different from that which they elected.
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Common Stock Adjustments
If there is a change in the number of outstanding shares of HC Financial common
stock or Yadkin common stock prior to the effective time of the merger as a
result of a stock dividend, stock split, reclassification or other subdivision
or combination of outstanding shares, then an appropriate and proportionate
adjustment will be made in the number of shares of Yadkin common stock into
which each share of HC Financial common stock will be converted. Management of
HC Financial and Yadkin currently are not aware of any change (completed or
proposed) in the outstanding shares of HC Financial common stock or Yadkin
common stock, which would result in such an adjustment.
Restrictions on Amount of Yadkin Common Stock and Cash to be Issued
The merger agreement provides that, notwithstanding the right of HC Financial
Shareholders to elect the form of merger consideration into which their shares
of HC Financial common stock are converted, 90% of the shares of HC Financial's
common stock will be exchanged for shares of Yadkin common stock and 10% of the
shares of HC Financial's common stock will be exchanged for cash. In the event
that HC Financial Shareholders make elections that would call for an aggregate
amount of Yadkin common stock or an aggregate amount of cash which is more or
less than the above percentage amounts, then the number of shares or amount of
cash elected by HC Financial shareholders shall be reduced to the above
percentage and the amount of additional cash or shares of Yadkin common stock,
as the case may be, will be allocated among HC Financial's shareholders as
provided in the merger agreement.
Disposal of HC Financial Common Stock Certificates
Following the effective time of the merger, all certificates that formerly
represented shares of HC Financial common stock held by HC Financial's
shareholders will represent only the right to receive the number of shares of
Yadkin common stock into which the shares of HC Financial common stock have been
converted or the right to receive $24.02 in cash. At the effective time of the
merger, HC Financial's stock transfer books will be closed and no further
transfer of HC Financial common stock or of HC Financial common stock
certificates will be recognized or registered. As soon as possible following the
effective time of the merger, Yadkin will send a written notice to HC
Financial's former shareholders confirming the merger consideration to which
each shareholder is entitled, and instructions for disposing of HC Financial
common stock certificates. HC Financial's shareholders should not dispose of
their HC Financial common stock certificates until they receive instructions to
do so.
Book Entry Ownership
Yadkin or its exchange agent will maintain a book entry list of the Yadkin
common stock to which each former HC Financial shareholder is entitled and/or
will forward to each HC Financial shareholder a check for cash into which their
HC Financial common stock has been converted. Certificates evidencing the Yadkin
common stock into which the shareholder's HC Financial common stock has been
converted will not be issued. Yadkin will issue fractional shares of its common
stock in connection with the merger.
Following the effective time of the merger, HC Financial common stock
certificates will be considered for all purposes to represent only the right of
former HC Financial shareholders to receive Yadkin common stock or cash into
which their HC Financial common stock has been converted. However, after the
effective time of the merger, and regardless of whether they have surrendered
their HC Financial common stock certificates, former HC Financial shareholders
will be entitled to vote and to receive any dividends or other distributions
(for which the record date is after the effective time of the merger) on the
number of shares of Yadkin common stock into which their HC Financial common
stock has been converted. (See "Market and Dividend Information -- Yadkin's
Capital Stock" on page 19.)
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Effect on the HC Financial Warrants
In 2001, HC Financial previously sold units consisting of one share of common
stock and a non-detachable warrant to purchase one share of HC Financial common
stock. The merger agreement provides that, at the effective time of the merger,
the holders of outstanding HC Financial warrants will have the right to
surrender each of their warrants for $2.02 in cash.
The warrants are currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2003. The merger
agreement provides that the exercise date of the warrants may be accelerated to
the effective time of the merger. If the warrant holders do not intend to
surrender their warrants for cash, the holders of the HC Financial warrants
would have to exercise their warrants no later than the new expiration date. If
a holder of HC Financial warrants does not elect to surrender and receive cash
for his or her HC Financial warrants as provided above or does not elect to
exercise his or her warrants prior to the expiration date, his or her warrants
will expire and that warrant holder will not be entitled to receive any cash or
any HC Financial common stock for his or her warrants.
Information and a warrant election form will be mailed to all holders of HC
Financial warrants before the proposed closing date of the merger. The
information will explain the alternatives available to warrant holders and
request each warrant holder to return a warrant election form and surrender his
or her warrants in order to receive the cash payment for the warrants described
above.
Effect of the Merger on Outstanding Yadkin Common Stock
The shares of Yadkin common stock that are held by its shareholders at the
effective time will remain outstanding. The merger will result in no change to
the outstanding shares of Yadkin common stock and will not affect any rights of
Yadkin's current shareholders or require that they surrender their stock
certificates. However, because Yadkin is expected to issue a total of
approximately 1,705,262 new shares of Yadkin common stock to HC Financial's
shareholders (assuming an exchange ratio of 1.3345), the merger will dilute the
relative percentage interests of Yadkin's current shareholders. It is expected
that, following the merger, Yadkin's current shareholders will hold
approximately 83.7%, and HC Financial's former shareholders will hold
approximately 16.3%, of Yadkin's outstanding shares (based upon an exchange
ratio of 1.3345). In addition (and assuming none of the HC Financial stock
options are converted into cash as permitted under the merger agreement and an
exchange ratio of 1.3345), currently outstanding stock options previously
granted by HC Financial to its directors, officers and employees to purchase an
aggregate of 205,410 shares of HC Financial common stock will be converted (at
the same exchange rate at which shares of HC Financial common stock are
converted into shares of Yadkin common stock) into options to purchase an
aggregate of approximately 274,120 shares of Yadkin common stock. (See "--
Effect on Employees and Certain Benefit Plans" on page 65.)
Recommendation of Yadkin's Board
The Board of Directors of Yadkin unanimously approved the merger agreement and
believes that the merger is fair to, and in the best interests of, Yadkin and
its shareholders. Yadkin's Board of Directors, therefore, unanimously recommends
that the holders of Yadkin's common stock vote "FOR" approval of the merger
agreement and the merger that it contemplates. In making its recommendation, the
Board of Directors of Yadkin has considered, among other things, the opinion of
The Carson Medlin Company that the merger consideration being paid to HC
Financial's shareholders is fair to Yadkin's shareholders from a financial point
of view. (See "-- Opinion of Yadkin's Financial Advisor" on page 40.)
37
Recommendation of HC Financial's Board
The Board of Directors of HC Financial unanimously approved the merger agreement
and believes that the merger is fair to, and in the best interests of, HC
Financial and its shareholders. HC Financial's Board of Directors, therefore,
unanimously recommends that the holders of HC Financial's common stock vote
"FOR" approval of the merger agreement and the merger that it contemplates. In
making its recommendation, the Board of Directors of HC Financial has
considered, among other things, the opinion of Smith Capital that the merger
consideration is fair to HC Financial's shareholders from a financial point of
view. (See "-- Opinion of HC Financial's Financial Advisor" on page 48.)
Background of and Reasons for the Merger
In September 2002, following the Yadkin merger with Main Street BankShares,
Inc., and its subsidiary, Piedmont Bank, Mr. Bill Long, President of Yadkin,
approached John Brubaker, President of HC Financial and High Country, about the
possibility of a merger between their institutions. Mr. Brubaker indicated that
his Executive Committee was meeting later in September and that he would discuss
the idea with his Executive Committee.
HC Financial's and High Country's boards of directors regularly assess the
strategic position of HC Financial and High Country in light of the capital
requirements needed for its continued growth, the increased competition faced by
community financial institutions, the consolidation of the financial services
industry, and the cost of developing the delivery systems for products and
services. In late September, following the Executive Committee discussion of a
potential merger with Yadkin, Mr. Brubaker telephoned Mr. Long and indicated
that his Executive Committee believed a merger was premature at that date, but
the Executive Committee wanted to continue a dialogue with Yadkin because the
Committee believed a merger with Yadkin at some future date might be beneficial
to both institutions.
In March 2003, Mr. Long visited Mr. Brubaker again to continue the dialogue
regarding a potential merger. Mr. Brubaker indicated that his Boards were aware
that another bank was interested in making an offer for HC Financial and High
Country and therefore his Boards might have an interest in further discussions
with Yadkin. Mr. Brubaker invited Mr. Long to attend the March 25 meeting of the
executive committees of HC Financial and High Country. On March 25, 2003, Mr.
Long met with the HC Financial Executive Committee and the discussion centered
on the business philosophy of Yadkin and Yadkin's interest in the Boone area and
HC Financial and High Country.
The parties decided to meet again on April 10 and at this Executive Committee
meeting, there was a discussion of the merger process that Main Street
BankShares and Piedmont Bank went through with Yadkin and a preliminary
discussion of financial terms of a merger between Yadkin and HC Financial and
High Country based on the Main Street BankShares and Piedmont Bank merger. At
the April 15, 2003 meeting of the board of directors of HC Financial, the Board
decided to pursue further discussions with Yadkin and directed the Executive
Committee to supervise the process. The Executive Committee indicated to Mr.
Long that it would like to see a formal proposal from Yadkin and Mr. Long agreed
to prepare a formal proposal for the Executive Committee.
On May 5 and May 13, 2003, Mr. Long and The Carson Medlin Company, the financial
advisor for Yadkin, met with the executive committee for a third and fourth time
to present and discuss a formal proposal. After much discussion at both
meetings, the Executive Committee agreed to take the proposal to the Board of
Directors of HC Financial for consideration.
38
The Yadkin Board met on May 15, 2003, and approved a letter of intent. The HC
Financial and High Country Boards met on May 27, 2003 and approved the letter of
intent. The letter of intent was executed on May 28, 2003.
Pursuant to the letter of intent, the parties conducted mutual due diligence
investigations during June and began drafting a definitive agreement for the
transaction. On July 17, 2003, the definitive agreement was presented to and
reviewed by the Yadkin Board along with the results of due diligence and a final
analysis of the financial terms. The definitive agreement was unanimously
approved by the Yadkin Board and Yadkin's officers were authorized to execute
the definitive agreement, subject to such amendments as the President deemed
appropriate.
The total merger consideration provided by the definitive agreement reflected an
adjustment from the merger consideration contained in the letter of intent. The
adjustment related to potential termination expenses associated with certain
material contracts of High Country discovered during the due diligence process.
Following a series of discussions regarding this adjustment, the HC Financial
and High Country Boards met on August 26, 2003, at which the results of due
diligence were discussed, a final analysis of the financial terms was provided
by its financial advisor, and the terms of the definitive agreement were
reviewed by its legal counsel. The HC Financial and High Country Boards
unanimously approved the definitive agreement and it was executed by the parties
on August 27, 2003.
HC Financial's Reasons for the Transaction
The HC Financial Board of Directors believes the merger is fair, from a
financial point of view, to and in the best interests of HC Financial's
shareholders. In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement and
unanimously recommend approval of the merger by its shareholders, the Board of
Directors of HC Financial consulted with its financial advisor and legal
advisors, as well as its management, and considered many factors. These factors
include:
o the financial terms of the proposed merger;
o a review of the terms of the merger agreement with outside financial
and legal advisors;
o information concerning the business, operations, earnings, asset
quality and financial condition of Yadkin and the prospects of the
combined organization;
o the fact that the merger agreement permits HC Financial
shareholders, within certain limits, to elect to receive cash or
Yadkin common stock or both in exchange for their HC Financial
common stock;
o the expectation that the merger will be tax-free for federal income
tax purposes;
o a comparison of the terms of the proposed merger with comparable
transactions in North Carolina, the southeastern United States and
elsewhere;
o competitive factors and consolidation trends in the banking
industry;
o Smith Capital's opinion that the consideration to be received by HC
Financial shareholders in the merger is fair from a financial point
of view;
o alternatives to the merger, including continuing to operate HC
Financial as an independent company, in light of economic
conditions, the competitive environment, and the board's analysis of
HC Financial's financial condition, past performance and future
prospects; and
o the effects of the merger on HC Financial and its customers,
communities and employees.
The HC Financial Board of Directors also considered the separate agreements and
benefits proposed for employees, management, and members of the Board of
Directors, which it found to be reasonable. See "--Interests of Certain Persons
With Respect to the Merger" on page 64.
39
While the HC Financial Board of Directors considered the foregoing factors
individually, it did not collectively assign any specific or relative weights to
the factors considered and did not make any determination with respect to any
individual factor. The Board collectively made its determination with respect to
the merger agreement based on the unanimous conclusion reached by its members,
in light of the factors that each of them considered appropriate, that the
merger is in the best interests of HC Financial's shareholders.
Yadkin's Reasons for the Transaction
The Yadkin Board of Directors believes that the merger is in the best interests
of Yadkin and its shareholders because it presents an important opportunity for
Yadkin to increase shareholder value through growth by acquiring a financial
institution in markets that are logical expansions for Yadkin.
In reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the Yadkin Board
consulted with management of Yadkin, as well as its financial and legal
advisors, and considered the following factors:
o the pro forma and prospective financial impact of the acquisition
upon Yadkin which indicated the transaction would be accretive to
earnings per share in the second year;
o the business, operations, financial condition, earnings and
prospects of each of Yadkin and HC Financial. In making its
determination, the Yadkin Board took into account the results of
Yadkin's due diligence review of HC Financial's business, which
indicated that Yadkin could enhance existing and initiate new
banking products that could appeal to a broader customer base;
o the customer service culture of High Country was very similar to
that of Yadkin;
o the markets served by High Country are contiguous to the existing
markets of Yadkin with only an overlap in Ashe County resulting in
no significant redundancy in facilities and only a minor duplication
of personnel;
o the current and prospective economic and competitive environment
facing financial institutions, including Yadkin, which competitive
position Yadkin believes could be enhanced by expansion into new and
broader economic markets served by High Country;
o the structure of the transaction and the terms of the merger
agreement;
o the merger is intended to qualify as a transaction that is generally
tax-free for federal income tax purposes;
o the opinion of The Carson Medlin Company to the Yadkin Board that
the merger consideration to be paid to HC Financial shareholders is
fair to the Yadkin shareholders from a financial point of view; and
o the likelihood of the merger being approved by the appropriate
regulatory authorities.
This discussion of the information and factors considered by the Yadkin Board
includes all material factors considered by the Yadkin Board. In reaching its
determination to approve and recommend the transaction, the Yadkin Board did not
assign any relative or specific weights to those factors, and individual
directors may have given differing weights to different factors.
Opinion of Yadkin's Financial Advisor
Yadkin has engaged The Carson Medlin Company to serve as its financial adviser
and to render its opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of
the merger consideration to be paid to the shareholders of HC Financial pursuant
to the merger agreement. Yadkin selected The Carson Medlin Company as its
financial adviser on the basis of its experience in advising community banks in
similar transactions. The Carson Medlin Company is an investment banking firm
which specializes in the securities of financial institutions located in the
southeastern and western United States. As part of its
40
investment banking activities, The Carson Medlin Company is regularly engaged in
the valuation of financial institutions and transactions relating to their
securities, including mergers and acquisitions. Neither The Carson Medlin
Company nor any of its affiliates has a material relationship with Yadkin or HC
Financial or any material financial interest in Yadkin or HC Financial.
The Carson Medlin Company provided its analysis to Yadkin's Board of Directors'
meeting on July 17, 2003 during which the terms of the merger were discussed.
The Carson Medlin Company delivered its opinion to the effect that the merger
consideration provided for in the merger agreement is fair, from a financial
point of view, to the shareholders of Yadkin. The Carson Medlin Company issued
its written opinion on August 27, 2003. The Carson Medlin Company subsequently
reconfirmed its August 27, 2003 written opinion by issuing a second written
opinion dated as of October 28, 2003, the most recent practicable date prior to
the printing of this proxy statement and a copy of which is attached as Appendix
C.
You should consider the following when reading the discussion of The Carson
Medlin Company opinion in this document:
o The summary of the opinion of The Carson Medlin Company set forth in
this proxy statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the full text of the opinion that is attached as Appendix C to this
Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular. You should read the opinion
in its entirety for a full discussion to the procedures followed,
assumptions made, matters considered and qualification and
limitation on the review undertaken by The Carson Medlin Company in
connection with its opinion.
o The Carson Medlin Company's opinion does not address the merits of
the merger relative to other business strategies, whether or not
considered by Yadkin's Board, nor does it address the decision by
Yadkin's Board to proceed with the merger.
o The Carson Medlin Company's opinion to Yadkin's Board of Directors
rendered in connection with the merger does not constitute a
recommendation to any Yadkin shareholder as to how he or she should
vote at the Yadkin Special Meeting.
No limitations were imposed by Yadkin's Board of Directors or its management
upon The Carson Medlin Company with respect to the investigations made or the
procedures followed by The Carson Medlin Company in rendering its opinion.
The preparation of a financial fairness opinion involves various determinations
as to the most appropriate methods of financial analysis and the application of
those methods to the particular circumstances. It is therefore not readily
susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. In connection with
rendering its opinion, The Carson Medlin Company performed a variety of
financial analyses. The Carson Medlin Company believes that its analyses must be
considered together as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and
the facts considered in its analyses, without considering all other factors and
analyses, could create an incomplete or inaccurate view of the analyses and the
process underlying the rendering of The Carson Medlin Company's opinion.
In performing its analyses, The Carson Medlin Company made numerous assumptions
with respect to industry performance, business and economic conditions, and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Yadkin and HC Financial
and may not be realized. Any estimates contained in The Carson Medlin Company's
analyses are not necessarily predictive of future results or values, which may
be significantly more or less favorable than the estimates. Estimates of values
of companies do not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices
at which the companies or their securities may actually be sold. Except as
described below, none of the analyses performed by The Carson Medlin Company was
assigned a greater significance by The Carson Medlin Company than any other. The
relative importance
41
or weight given to these analyses by The Carson Medlin Company is not
necessarily reflected by the order of presentation of the analyses herein (and
the corresponding results). The summaries of financial analyses include
information presented in tabular format. The tables should be read together with
the text of those summaries.
The Carson Medlin Company has relied, without independent verification, upon the
accuracy and completeness of the information it reviewed for the purpose of
rendering its opinion. The Carson Medlin Company did not undertake any
independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities of Yadkin or
HC Financial, nor was it furnished with any appraisals.
The Carson Medlin Company is not an expert in the evaluation of loan portfolios,
including under-performing or non-performing assets, charge-offs or the
allowance for loan losses; it has not reviewed any individual credit files of
Yadkin or HC Financial; and it has assumed that the allowances of Yadkin and HC
Financial are in the aggregate adequate to cover potential losses. The Carson
Medlin Company's opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other
conditions existing on the date of its opinion, and on information as of various
earlier dates made available to it which is not necessarily indicative of
current market conditions.
In rendering its opinion, The Carson Medlin Company made the following
assumptions:
o that the merger will be accounted for as a purchase in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles;
o that all material governmental, regulatory and other consents and
approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger would be
obtained without any adverse effect on Yadkin, HC Financial or on
the anticipated benefits of the merger;
o that Yadkin had provided it with all of the information prepared by
Yadkin or its other representatives that might be material to The
Carson Medlin Company in its review; and
o that the financial projections it reviewed were reasonably prepared
on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and
judgment of the management of Yadkin as to the future operating and
financial performance of Yadkin.
In connection with its opinion dated August 27, 2003, The Carson Medlin Company
reviewed:
o the merger agreement;
o the audited financial statements and annual reports on Form 10-K of
Yadkin for the five years ended December 31, 2002;
o the unaudited interim financial statements on Yadkin for the six
months ended June 30, 2003;
o the audited financial statements on Form 10-K of HC Financial for
the four years ended December 31, 2002;
o the unaudited interim financial statements on HC Financial for the
six months ended June 30, 2003;
o certain financial and operating information with respect to the
business, operations and prospects of Yadkin and HC Financial.
42
In addition, The Carson Medlin Company:
o held discussions with members of management of Yadkin and HC
Financial regarding the historical and current business operations,
financial condition and future prospects of their respective
companies;
o reviewed the historical market prices and trading activity for the
common stock of Yadkin and HC Financial and compared them with those
of certain publicly-traded companies which it deemed relevant;
o compared the results of operations of Yadkin and HC Financial with
those of certain publicly-traded financial institutions which it
deemed to be relevant;
o compared the results of operations of Yadkin and HC Financial with
those of certain banking companies which The Carson Medlin Company
deemed to be relevant;
o compared the proposed financial terms of the merger with the
financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of certain other
recent business combinations of commercial banking organizations;
o analyzed the pro forma financial impact of the Merger on Yadkin; and
o conducted such other studies, analyses, inquiries and examinations
as The Carson Medlin Company deemed appropriate.
Valuation Methodologies. The following is a summary of all material analyses
performed by The Carson Medlin Company in connection with its written opinion
provided to Yadkin's Board of Directors as of August 27, 2003. The summary does
not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by The Carson
Medlin Company.
Summary of Merger and Analysis. The Carson Medlin Company reviewed the terms of
the proposed merger, including the form of merger consideration, the exchange
ratio, the price per share of Yadkin's common stock and the price paid to HC
Financial's shareholders pursuant to the merger agreement. Under the terms of
the merger agreement, Yadkin will issue 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock
(subject to adjustment based on an average closing price of Yadkin common
stock), or $24.02 in cash for each HC Financial common share.
The Carson Medlin Company calculated that the indicated merger consideration
paid to HC Financial shareholders represented:
o $24.02 per share;
o a 104% premium to HC Financial's market value one week prior to
announcement and a 118% premium to HC Financial's market value three
months prior to announcement;
o 214% of HC Financial's stated book value at June 30, 2003;
o 39.4 times HC Financial's earnings for the trailing 12 months ended
June 30, 2003;
o 19.2% of HC Financial's total assets at June 30, 2003;
43
o 21.8% of HC Financial's total deposits at June 30, 2003; and
o a 14.6% premium on HC Financial's core deposits at June 30, 2003.
Financial Impact Analysis. The Carson Medlin Company calculated the pro forma
impact of the merger on Yadkin's cash basis earnings per share based on earnings
estimates for Yadkin and HC Financial as supplied by the management of each of
the companies and estimated by The Carson Medlin Company. The pro forma impact
included the after tax benefits from cost savings and revenue enhancements
related to the merger as well as estimated one-time merger-related charges. The
Carson Medlin Company calculated that the pro forma fully diluted cash basis
earning per share would result in dilution of 0.83% to Yadkin's estimated 2004
cash basis earnings per share for the first full year following the merger and
accretive by 5.6% in 2005. The transaction is expected to be accretive to stated
book value per share by 18.8%. The actual results achieved by the combined
company may vary from projected results and the variations may be material.
Industry Comparative Analysis. In connection with rendering its opinion, The
Carson Medlin Company compared selected operating results of Yadkin to those of
54 publicly-traded community commercial banks in Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West
Virginia, which are listed in the Southeastern Independent Bank Review, a
proprietary research publication prepared by The Carson Medlin Company quarterly
since 1991.
The banks reviewed by The Carson Medlin Company range in asset size from $183
million to $1.9 billion and in shareholders' equity from approximately $16
million to $195 million. The Carson Medlin Company considers this group of
financial institutions more comparable to Yadkin than larger, more widely traded
regional financial institutions. The Carson Medlin Company compared, among other
factors, profitability, capitalization, asset quality and operating efficiency
of Yadkin to these financial institutions. The Carson Medlin Company noted the
following performance based on results at or for the six months ended June 30,
2003 and stock prices as of August 27, 2003:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average for
Yadkin Peer Group
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on Average Assets 1.42% 1.15%
Return on Average Equity 13.6% 12.4%
Net Interest Margin 4.06% 4.25%
Equity to Assets 10.9% 9.4%
Efficiency Ratio 51.2% 61.9%
Non-Performing Assets (defined as 90 days past due,
nonaccrual loans and other real estate) to Total Loans, net
of unearned income and other real estate 0.94% 0.89%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price to Book Value (August 27, 2003) 219% 176%
Price to Trailing 12 months Earnings (August 27, 2003) 18.9 15.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Carson Medlin Company noted that Yadkin's financial performance was slightly
below the peer group for net interest margin and asset quality. Its
profitability, operating efficiency, and equity to assets ratio were higher than
the peer group. Yadkin's common stock traded at a slight premium to the peer
group average on a book value basis as well as a premium to the peer group based
on trailing twelve months' earnings.
44
The Carson Medlin Company compared selected operating results of HC Financial to
those of 30 community commercial banks in Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West
Virginia, which are listed in the Eastern De Novo Bank Review, a proprietary
research publication prepared by The Carson Medlin Company quarterly.
The banks reviewed by The Carson Medlin Company range in asset size from $70
million to $909 million and in shareholders' equity from approximately $8
million to $75 million. The Carson Medlin Company considers this group of de
novo banks more comparable to HC Financial than the financial institutions
listed in the Southeastern Independent Bank Review and to the larger, more
liquid, regional holding companies. The Carson Medlin Company compared, among
other factors, profitability, capitalization, and leverage of HC Financial to
these financial institutions. The Carson Medlin Company noted the following
performance based on results at or for the twelve months ended June 30, 2003 (or
most recent available) and stock prices as of August 27, 2003:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average for
HC Financial Peer Group
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-tax return on Average Assets 0.93% 1.17%
Interest Spread 3.1% 3.5%
Loans to Deposits 94% 83%
Equity to Assets 9.0% 8.4%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price to Book Value (August 27, 2003)* 105% 161%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*High Country's stock price day prior to letter of intent (May 27, 2003)
The Carson Medlin Company noted that HC Financial's financial performance was
above the peer group for its capitalization and leverage. Its profitability and
net interest spread were lower than the peer group. HC Financial's common stock
traded at a discount to the peer group average on a book value basis.
Comparable Transaction Analysis. The Carson Medlin Company reviewed certain
information related to the following selected merger transactions, or Peer
Group, involving all banks in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and
Virginia announced since January 1, 2002 with assets between $100 million and
$300 million. Those transactions are listed in the following tables.
COMPARABLE TRANSACTIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seller State Buyer State
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Main Street Bank Shares, Inc. NC Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust NC
Rowan Bancorp, Inc. NC FNB Corp. NC
High Street Corporation NC Capital Bank Corporation NC
HomeTown Bank of Villa Rica GA GB&T Bancshares Inc. GA
Community Bancshares, Inc. NC United Community Bancorp NC
First Banks, Inc. GA First Citizens Bancorporation of SC SC
Bank of Gray GA SNB Bancshares Inc. GA
First Commerce Corporation NC Bank of Granite Corporation NC
First Georgia Holding Inc. GA United Community Banks Inc. GA
CommonWealth Bank VA First Community Bancshares, Inc. VA
Bedford Bancshares Inc. VA FNB Corp. VA
Baldwin Bancshares, Inc. GA GB&T Bancshares, Inc. GA
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In evaluating these peer groups, The Carson Medlin Company considered, among
other factors, capital level, asset size and quality of assets of the acquired
financial institutions. The Carson Medlin Company compared the price to trailing
twelve months' earnings, price to book value, price to total assets, price to
45
total deposits and core deposit premium for the three peer groups to the
proposed merger at the time it was announced. These comparisons are discussed
below.
Comparable Transaction Analysis
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HC Financial Comparable Transactions
Other Pricing Multiples Indicator Median High Low
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase Price % of Stated Book Value 214% 194% 274% 135%
Purchase Price as a Multiple of LTM Earnings 39.4 20.0 28.2 14.5
Purchase Price % of Total Assets 19% 19% 26% 12%
Purchase Price % of Total Deposits 22% 22% 31% 14%
Core Deposit Premium 14.6% 14.1% 21.9% 7.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Carson Medlin Company calculated that the indicated merger consideration to
be paid to HC Financial's shareholders represented $24.02 per share or 214% of
stated book value. This merger consideration is higher than the median for the
comparable transactions. The indicated merger consideration represented 39.4
times trailing twelve months' earnings. This merger consideration is higher than
the median for the comparable transactions, but it is not very meaningful as HC
Financial is a de novo bank without a steady earnings stream. The purchase price
as a percentage of total assets implied by the merger is 19%, which is the same
as the median for the comparable transactions. The price as a percentage of
total deposits implied by the merger is 22%, which is similar to the median of
the comparable transactions. The core deposit premium implied by the merger is
14.6%, which is slightly higher than the median of the comparable transactions
in Peer Group A.
No company or transaction used in The Carson Medlin Company's analyses is
identical to HC Financial or the proposed merger. Accordingly, the results of
these analyses necessarily involves complex considerations and judgments
concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of HC
Financial and other factors that could affect the value of the companies to
which they have been compared.
Present Value Analysis. The Carson Medlin Company calculated the present value
of HC Financial assuming that HC Financial remained an independent bank. For
purposes of this analysis, The Carson Medlin Company utilized certain
projections of HC Financial's future growth of assets, earnings and dividends
and assumed a terminal price to book value multiple from 1.50 to 2.50 times. The
Carson Medlin Company based their projections on HC Financial's historic growth
rates, management estimates, as well as expected industry trends over the period
analyzed with an expected average growth rate of approximately 15%. It was
estimated that dividends would not be paid over the period analyzed consistent
with HC Financial's historical dividend policy. The average return on assets for
the projections is 1.00% and is based on HC Financial's historical ROA and
management estimates. The price to book value multiples were based on The Carson
Medlin Company's experience in similar merger transactions over the past several
years and those multiples observed in other transactions as exhibited by the
comparable transactions described above. The values were then discounted to
present value utilizing discount rates of 14% to 16%. These rates were selected
because, in The Carson Medlin Company's experience, they represent the rates
that investors in securities such as HC Financial's common stock would demand in
light of the potential appreciation and risks as observed in expected returns
for alternative investments. The Carson Medlin Company also noted that these
rates are frequently cited for other merger transactions in the banking
industry.
46
Range of Values - Price to Book Value Basis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.0% $18.17 $21.20 $24.23 $27.26 $30.28
15.0% $17.39 $20.29 $23.19 $26.09 $28.99
16.0% $16.66 $19.43 $22.21 $24.99 $27.76
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the basis of these assumptions, The Carson Medlin Company calculated that the
present value of HC Financial as an independent bank ranged from $16.66 per
share to $30.28 per share. The indicated merger consideration to be paid to HC
Financial shareholders was $24.02 per share, which is near the average indicated
under the present value analysis.
Range of Values - Price to Earnings Basis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.0 17.0 18.0 19.0 20.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.0% $24.46 $25.99 $27.52 $29.05 $30.58
15.0% $23.42 $24.88 $26.35 $27.81 $29.27
16.0% $22.43 $23.83 $25.23 $26.63 $28.03
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Carson Medlin Company also calculated the present value of HC Financial
assuming terminal price to earnings value multiples from 16.0 to 20.0 times. The
price to earnings value multiples were based on The Carson Medlin Company's
experience in similar merger transactions over the past several years and those
multiples observed in other transactions as exhibited by the comparable
transactions described above. The present value of HC Financial as an
independent bank ranged from $22.43 per share to $30.58 per share. The indicated
merger consideration to be paid to HC Financial shareholders was $24.02 per
share, which is below but near the average indicated under the present value
analysis.
The Carson Medlin Company noted that it included present value analysis because
it is a widely used valuation methodology, but also noted that the results of
this methodology are highly dependent upon the numerous assumptions that must be
made, including assets and earnings growth rates, dividend payout rates,
terminal values and discount rates. This analysis is one of several methods of
financial analysis used in determining the fairness of the transaction and,
therefore, this analysis cannot be considered without considering all other
factors described in this section.
Historical Stock Performance Analysis. The Carson Medlin Company reviewed and
analyzed the historical trading prices and volumes of Yadkin and HC Financial
common stock over recent periods. Yadkin's common stock is listed on the
Nasdaq's National Market System. Yadkin's stock has moved higher in 2003 from a
trading range of $10 to $12 per share for most of 2000 to 2002. Yadkin's stock
traded at $17.85 just prior to the announcement of the letter of intent and the
stock rose to almost $19.25 in the third quarter of 2003 after being added to
the Russell 2000 Index. Yadkin's stock has remained near its recent high and has
traded at a range $16 to $19 per share range for most of the third quarter of
2003. Yadkin's stock trading volume has been steady and has averaged
approximately 9,000 shares per day year-to-date.
HC Financial's stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board and was quoted at
$11.80 per share just prior to the announcement of the letter of intent. HC
Financial's stock was originally offered at $11.00 per share in 1998 and then at
$15.00 per share in a secondary offering. HC Financial has traded on limited
volume which began to pick up in 2003. HC Financial's stock traded around $13.00
in the beginning of 2003 and stayed in a range of $10.00 to $14.00 per share
prior to the announcement of the letter of intent. HC Financial's stock trading
volume has averaged approximately 900 shares per day year-to-date.
47
The Carson Medlin Company compared recent trading prices of Yadkin's stock to
those of the 54 publicly-traded community commercial banks listed on the
Southeastern Independent Bank Review. This comparison shows that Yadkin's stock
currently trades at a premium based on book value and has generally traded at a
premium over the three-year period examined. Yadkin's stock currently trades at
a premium based on earnings multiples to the selected peer group but has
generally traded at a discount for most of the last three years. At August 27,
2003, Yadkin's common stock traded at 219% of book value compared to 176% for
the selected peer group. On a price to trailing earnings basis, Yadkin's common
stock traded at 18.9 times earnings compared to the 15.1 times earnings for the
selected peer group.
The Carson Medlin Company compared recent trading prices of HC Financial's stock
to the recent market values to those of 30 community commercial banks in
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, which are listed in the Eastern De Novo
Bank Review. HC Financial trades at a discount based on book value multiples to
the selected peer group and has generally traded at a discount over the last
year. Just prior to the announcement of the letter of intent, HC Financial
common stock traded at 105% of book value compared to 161% for the selected peer
group.
Miscellaneous. The opinion expressed by The Carson Medlin Company was based upon
market, economic and other relevant considerations as they existed and could be
evaluated as of the date of the opinion. Events occurring after the date of
issuance of the opinion, including but not limited to, changes affecting the
securities markets, the results of operations or material changes in the assets
or liabilities of Yadkin or HC Financial, could materially affect the
assumptions used in preparing the opinion.
In connection with its updated opinion, dated as of the date of this Proxy
Statement, The Carson Medlin Company confirmed the appropriateness of its
reliance on the analyses used to render its August 27, 2003 opinion by
performing procedures to update certain of such analyses and reviewing the
assumptions on which its analyses were based and the factors considered in
connection therewith. It was The Carson Medlin Company's opinion, therefore,
that the merger consideration to be paid to HC Financial's shareholders, as
provided for in the merger agreement, was fair from a financial point of view,
to the shareholders of Yadkin.
Opinion of HC Financial's Financial Advisor
HC Financial retained Smith Capital to deliver a fairness opinion in connection
with the merger. At the meeting of HC Financial's Board of Directors on May 27,
2003, Smith Capital gave it's verbal opinion to the HC Financial Board that, as
of that date and based upon and subject to the various considerations mentioned,
the merger consideration to be received by HC Financial shareholders pursuant to
the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to HC Financial's
shareholders. Smith Capital updated its opinion and delivered it to HC
Financial's Board at a meeting on August 26, 2003. HC Financial's Board did not
limit Smith Capital in any way in the investigations it made or the procedures
it followed in giving its opinion. We have attached as Appendix D to this
document the full text of Smith Capital's opinion. This opinion sets forth the
assumptions made, matters considered and limits on the review undertaken. We
incorporate Smith Capital's opinion in this document by reference and urge you
to read the opinion in its entirety.
Smith Capital addressed its opinion to the HC Financial Board. The opinion
addresses only the merger consideration to be paid pursuant to the merger
agreement and is not a recommendation to any HC Financial shareholder as to how
that shareholder should vote with respect to the merger.
48
In arriving at its opinion Smith Capital reviewed:
o The merger agreement;
o Various publicly available information concerning the businesses of
HC Financial and Yadkin and of several other companies engaged in
businesses comparable to those of HC Financial and Yadkin, and the
reported market prices of the securities deemed comparable;
o The terms of various merger or acquisition transactions involving
companies comparable to HC Financial and Yadkin;
o Current and historical market prices of the common stock of HC
Financial and Yadkin;
o The audited financial statements of HC Financial and Yadkin for the
years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002;
o Quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB and 10-Q for HC Financial and
Yadkin, respectively;
o Certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by HC
Financial and Yadkin and their respective managements; and
o The terms and conditions of other business combinations that Smith
Capital deemed relevant.
Smith Capital also held discussions with several members of the managements of
HC Financial and Yadkin on numerous aspects of the merger, the past and current
business operations of HC Financial and Yadkin; the financial condition and
future prospects and operations of HC Financial and Yadkin, the effects of the
merger on the financial condition and future prospects of HC Financial and
Yadkin and other matters that Smith Capital believed necessary or appropriate to
its inquiry. In addition, Smith Capital reviewed other financial studies and
analyses and considered such other information that it deemed appropriate for
the purposes of its opinion.
Smith Capital relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the
accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or HC
Financial and Yadkin furnished to it or that it otherwise reviewed. Smith
Capital is not responsible or liable for the information or its accuracy. Smith
Capital did not conduct any valuations or appraisals of any assets or
liabilities, nor were any valuations or appraisals provided to Smith Capital. In
relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to it, Smith Capital has
assumed that they were reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the
best currently available estimates and judgments by management as to the
expected future results of operations and financial conditions of HC Financial
and Yadkin to which those forecast or analyses relate. Smith Capital also
assumed that, in the course of obtaining regulatory and third party consents for
the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and
this document, no restriction will be imposed that will have a material adverse
effect on the future results or financial condition of HC Financial and Yadkin.
The projections furnished to Smith Capital for HC Financial and Yadkin were
prepared by the respective managements of each company. Neither HC Financial nor
Yadkin publicly discloses internal management projections of the type provided
to Smith Capital in connection with Smith Capital's analysis of the merger, and
the projections were not prepared with a view toward public disclosure. The
projections were based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently
uncertain and may be beyond the control of management, including without
limitation factors related to general economic and competitive conditions and
prevailing interest rates. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly
from those set forth in the projections.
As is customary in the rendering of fairness opinions, Smith Capital based its
opinion on economic, market and other conditions in effect on, and the
information made available to Smith Capital as of, the date of its opinion.
Subsequent developments may affect the opinion. Smith Capital expressed no
opinion as to the price at which Yadkin's common stock will trade at any future
time.
49
In accordance with customary investment banking practice, Smith Capital employed
generally accepted valuation methods in reaching its opinion. The following is a
summary of the material financial analyses that Smith Capital utilized in
providing its August 26, 2003 opinion. We have presented some of the summaries
of financial analysis in tabular format. In order to understand the financial
analyses used by Smith Capital more fully, you should read the tables together
with the text of each summary. The tables do not alone constitute a complete
description of Smith Capital's financial analyses.
Comparative Analysis of Financial Condition
Peer Group Analysis. In evaluating HC Financial and Yadkin, Smith Capital
compared their respective financial conditions to a group of publicly traded
comparable banks, (the "HC Financial Group" and the "Yadkin Group"
respectively). Smith Capital used these samples to compare financial condition
as well as the valuation of the respective banks shares.
Smith Capital developed two different groups of banks for comparison, as HC
Financial and Yadkin are different in size and nature.
The HC Financial Group comprised 12 banks with assets from $119.1 million to
$863.8 million formed between January 1998 and June 30, 2000 in North and South
Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia. These banks are listed below.
Company Name Ticker City State
American Community Bancshares, Inc. ACBA Monroe NC
Alliance Bankshares Corporation ABVA Chantilly VA
Bank of the Carolinas BCAR Mocksville NC
Bank of the James BOTJ Lynchburg VA
Cherokee Banking Company CHKJ Canton GA
Crescent Financial Corporation CRFN Cary NC
Gateway Financial Holdings, Inc. GBTS Elizabeth City NC
Greenville First Bancshares, Inc. GVBK Greenville SC
Millennium Bankshares Corporation MBVA Reston VA
First Trust Bank NCFT Charlotte NC
New Century Bank NCBN Dunn NC
TowneBank TOWN Portsmouth VA
50
The Yadkin Group comprised 19 publicly traded banks in North Carolina, South
Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia with assets ranging from $500 million
to $1 billion, and with a return on assets for the last twelve months greater
than 1%. These banks are listed below.
Company Name Ticker City State
American National Bankshares Inc. AMNB Danville VA
Bank of Granite Corporation GRAN Granite Falls NC
C&F Financial Corporation CFFI West Point VA
Community Bank of Northern Virginia CBNV Sterling VA
Cooperative Bankshares, Inc. COOP Wilmington NC
Crescent Banking Company CSNT Jasper GA
Eastern Virginia Bankshares, Inc. EVBS Tappahannock VA
First South Bancorp, Inc. FSBK Washington NC
FNB Corp. FNBN Asheboro NC
FNB Corporation FNBP Christiansburg VA
Franklin Financial Corporation FNFN Franklin TN
Georgia Bank Financial Corporation GBFP Augusta GA
Greene County Bancshares, Inc. GCBS Greeneville TN
LSB Bancshares, Inc. LXBK Lexington NC
National Bankshares, Incorporated NKSH Blacksburg VA
Old Point Financial Corporation OPOF Hampton VA
Resource Bankshares Corporation RBKV Virginia Beach VA
Security Bank Corporation SBKC Macon GA
Virginia Commerce Bancorp, Inc. VCBI Arlington VA
Smith Capital analyzed certain balance sheet ratios, asset quality, growth in
assets and deposits, profitability and stock price multiples. Smith Capital
compared HC Financial's values to the median HC Financial Group.
HC Financial's equity to assets ratios were higher than the HC Financial Group,
but its liquidity was lower and its loan to deposit ratio higher.
CAPITAL HC
Financial Median
Loans/Deposits (MRQ) 93.97 83.70
Equity/Assets 8.98 7.94
Tangible Equity/Assets 8.98 7.80
Liquidity 15.99 18.69
Tier 1 Capital Ratio 10.03 11.04
51
Asset Quality. The table below shows HC Financial's asset quality relative to
the HC Financial Group. HC Financial's non-performing assets showed slightly
higher levels than the HC Financial Group from 2000 to 2002, with a significant
increase at June 30, 2003.
CREDIT QUALITY HC
Financial Median
Loan Loss Allowance/Total Loans
(Qtr ended June 30, 2003) 1.30 1.34
Net Charge Offs/Average Loans
Qtr ended June 30, 2003 0.29 0.05
2002 0.17 0.13
2001 0.08 0.10
2000 0.11 0.01
Non-Performing Assets+90 days/Total Assets
Qtr ended June 30, 2003 1.85 0.07
2002 0.43 0.20
2001 0.34 0.09
2000 0.35 0.00
Asset Growth. The table below shows HC Financial's asset growth relative to the
HC Financial Group.
HC
ASSET GROWTH Financial Median
Qtr ended June 30, 2003 9.82 27.99
2002 vs 2001 29.30 43.67
2001vs 2000 71.54 57.26
2000 vs 1999 61.16 91.31
52
Profitability. The table below compares certain profitability measures for HC
Financial with the HC Financial Group, for the quarter ended June 30, 2003
unless stated otherwise.
PROFITABILITY HC
Financial Median
Return on Assets 2002 0.49 0.77
0.58 0.73
Return on Equity 2002 5.00 8.15
Net Interest Margin 3.47 3.49
Efficiency 72.52 66.88
Non-interest income/Average Assets 1.84 1.03
Non-interest expense /average assets 3.71 3.10
HC Financial exhibits slightly lower profitability than the HC Financial Group,
principally because of higher expenses and a lower net interest margin.
Smith Capital compared Yadkin's capital, credit quality and profitability to the
Yadkin Group. LTM refers to the twelve months ended June 30, 2003.
CAPITAL YADKIN Median
At June 30, 2003
Equity/Assets 10.92 8.51
Tangible Equity/Assets 9.21 7.87
At or for the twelve months ended June 30, 2003
CREDIT
QUALITY YADKIN Median
Loan Loss Allowance/Total Loans 1.58 1.30
Net Charge Offs/Average Loans LTM 0.17 0.26
Non-Performing Assets+90 days/Total Assets 0.66 0.58
53
PROFITABILITY YADKIN Median
Return on Assets (LTM) 1.38 1.28
Return on Equity (LTM) 12.97 14.28
Net Interest Margin
(Qtr ended June 30, 2003) 4.17 4.39
Efficiency 50.21 60.06
Market Comparable Analysis--Comparison of the Shares of HC Financial and Yadkin
to those of Comparable Publicly Traded Banks. Smith Capital compared the market
valuation of HC Financial's shares and Yadkin's shares with the comparable group
of publicly traded banks used in the analyses of financial condition. Smith
Capital used closing or bid prices (if there was no trade) of the comparable
groups on August 21, 2003. The table below shows the multiples of the HC
Financial Group and HC Financial using HC Financial's closing price of $23.00
per share on August 21, 2003 and a comparison of Yadkin with the multiples of
the Yadkin Group.
PRICING HC
Financial Median
Price/Book 204.63 167.26
Price/Tangible Book 204.63 150.19
Price/LTM earnings 37.70 19.89
Price/Assets 18.38 12.11
Price/Core LTM Earnings 33.82 20.33
Dividend Yield 0.00 0.00
Market Capitalization ($ millions) 32.66 25
54
PRICING YADKIN Median
Price/Book 219.49 226.35
Price/Tangible Book 265.00 243.48
Price/LTM Earnings 18.97 16.67
Price/Assets 23.97 22.01
Price/Core LTM Earnings 18.97 16.67
Dividend Yield 2.22 1.80
Market Capitalization ($ millions) 157.27 159
Smith Capital also calculated a range of imputed values for a share of HC
Financial based on the ratios for the HC Financial Group. Smith Capital took a
weighted average of the results, weighting values based on earnings and assets
25% each, and values based on book value, 50%. The imputed value for HC
Financial was $16.46 per share using median multiples. The merger consideration
offered by Yadkin exceeds this value by between 28.46% and 63.46% at the maximum
($26.90 per share) and minimum range ($21.14 per share) of the merger
consideration.
Smith Capital calculated the per share value of Yadkin by applying the median
Yadkin Group multiples of earnings, book and assets to Yadkin's respective
earnings per share, book per share and assets per share. The range of values for
Yadkin was $15.84, $18.58 and $15.84 respectively. Yadkin's closing price on
August 21, 2003 was $18.02, which fell within the calculated range.
Discounted Dividend Analysis. Smith Capital used a discounted dividend analysis
to estimate the net present value of distributable capital that HC Financial
could produce on a stand-alone basis from 2003 through 2007. Smith Capital
derived its own projections for HC Financial, after discussion with HC
Financial's management. Smith Capital calculated for the sum of 1) the estimated
distributable capital per share, projected such that the equity to assets ratio
would be maintained at 8%, and discounted to present values at discount rates of
14% to 15% and 2) the terminal value based on the projected net income in 2007
in the cash flow model, multiplied by 12.5 to 14.25. These multiples are the
inverse of the capitalization rates calculated by subtracting a constant assumed
growth rate of 7% from the discount rate of 14% to 15%.
The discounted dividend analysis indicated a range of $15.20 to $17.46 per share
for HC Financial. The merger consideration offered by Yadkin exceeds this value
by between 76.97% and 21.08% at the maximum ($26.90 per share) and minimum range
($21.14 per share) of the merger consideration.
Smith Capital noted that while the discounted dividend analysis is widely used
in valuation models, its results depend on a large number of variables such as
asset and earnings growth rates, discount rates and terminal value multiples.
Smith Capital selected discount rates, which, in Smith Capital's experience,
represented the rates that investors in securities such as HC Financial's common
stock would demand as expected returns for alternative investments with similar
risks and appreciation potential.
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Analysis of Merger and Acquisition Transactions. Smith Capital reviewed merger
and acquisition prices for banks in the United States where the transaction
value was between $25 and $50 million, and the transaction was announced after
January 1, 2000. There were 125 transactions.
Smith Capital applied the median prices paid to book value, earnings and assets
to HC Financial's respective amounts. The values derived were weighted 50% to
book and 25% each to assets and earnings. The results showed a value of $20.32
for HC Financial. The merger consideration offered by Yadkin exceeds this value
by between 32.53% and 4.15% respectively at the maximum ($26.90 per share) and
minimum range ($21.14 per share) of the merger consideration.
In addition Smith Capital reviewed the multiples of Yadkin's offer at the
maximum and minimum range and at the value of $24.05, which would be the price
HC Financial shareholders would receive if the merger was priced at Yadkin's
closing price on August 21, 2003 of $18.02 per share. This is shown in the table
below.
Multiple of HC Financial at
Group Offer Price by Yadkin
Median * $24.05 $21.14 $26.9
Price to Seller's Book Value Per Share 2.01 2.14 1.88 2.39
Price to Seller's LTM Earnings Per Share 19.63 39.43 34.66 44.10
Price to Seller's Assets Per Share 19.21% 19.00% 17.00% 21.00%
*=Median Multiples for HC Financial acquisition comparables
Smith Capital also compared the offer from Yadkin at the prices shown below to
the closing price of $11.80 of HC Financial's shares on the day prior to the
merger announcement. These premiums exceeded the median premium for the
acquisition group of 28.46%.
Premium to HC Financial prior day closing
stock price
Offer from Yadkin $24.05 $21.14 $26.90
103.81% 79.15% 127.97%
Acquisition
comparables 28.46%
Pro Forma Merger Analysis. Smith Capital measured the impact of the merger on
the combined company's operating results in 2004 and financial condition in 2003
and 2004 assuming a range of prices for Yadkin's stock from $13.50 per share to
$22.50 per share. In calculating goodwill at closing, Smith Capital assumed one
time merger expenses of up to $2.3 million to cover canceling HC Financial's
data processing contract, cash out of HC Financial warrants, if in the money,
severance, legal, accounting and investment banking fees. The assumptions also
included $14.2 million to $22.4 million in goodwill and $3.2 million in core
deposit intangibles. Smith Capital assumed that 10% of the merger consideration
was paid in cash and 90% in Yadkin common stock. No savings or additional costs
were assumed in
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calculating earnings. Smith Capital assumed the merger would close on December
31, 2003 and have no impact in HC Financials 2003 earnings. The table below
shows the dilution to HC Financial equivalent earnings per share in 2004 at the
offer prices indicated.
Equivalent
Offer to
Yadkin HC Dilution in
Price Financial 2004
$22.50 $26.90 -10.01%
$20.16 $26.90 -2.01%
$18.00 $24.02 -1.91%
$15.84 $21.14 -1.76%
$13.50 $21.14 12.15%
Accretion (Dilution) to HC Financial Equivalent Book Value Per Share
Yadkin HC 2003 2004
Price Financial
Price
$18.00 $24.02 15.91% 9.28%
$22.50 $26.90 5.66% -.38%
$13.50 $21.14 23.21% 16.69%
Summary Conclusions. The table below summarizes the premium received by HC
Financial shareholders over the valuations determined by Smith Capital for
shares of HC Financial common stock at the maximum and minimum range of the
merger consideration, and at the effective value on August 21, 2003.
57
Consideration
Premium
Consideration Payable by
Yadkin $24.05 $21.14 $26.90
Market Comparable Values of High
Country
$16.46 46.14% 28.46% 63.46%
Acquisition Value $20.30 18.49% 4.15% 32.53%
Range of Discounted Cash
Flow Values $17.46 37.74% 21.08% 54.07%
$15.20 58.22% 39.08% 76.97%
The summary above shows that the merger consideration payable exceeds all the
valuation measures of HC Financial described in the analysis. This supports
Smith Capital's conclusion that the merger consideration payable to HC Financial
was fair from a financial viewpoint to the shareholders of HC Financial. While
the analysis shows some dilution in earnings per share to HC Financial
shareholders, such dilution calculations are based on projections that may or
may not occur, and assume no additional revenues from the combined banks.
This summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or
data presented by Smith Capital. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a
complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or
summary description. Smith Capital believes that one must consider its opinion,
the summary and its analyses as a whole. Selecting portions of the summary and
these analyses, without considering the analyses as a whole, would create an
incomplete view of the processes underlying the analyses and opinion.
Smith Capital based its analyses on assumptions that it deemed reasonable,
including those concerning general business and economic conditions and industry
specific factors. Smith Capital's analyses are not necessarily indicative of
actual values or actual future results that either company or the combined
entities might achieve, which values may be higher or lower than those
indicated. Analyses based on forecasts of future results are inherently
uncertain, as they are subject to numerous factors or events beyond the control
of the parties and their advisors. Therefore, none of Smith Capital, HC
Financial, Yadkin or any other person assumes responsibility if future results
are materially different from those forecast. Moreover, Smith Capital's analyses
are not and do not purport to be appraisals or otherwise reflective of the
prices at which businesses could actually be bought or sold.
Smith Capital is engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, estates, corporate and other purposes.
HC Financial has agreed to pay Smith Capital a fee of $15,000 for its fairness
opinion, and $5,000 per update. HC Financial has also agreed to pay Smith
Capital's out of pocket expenses in connection with the engagement. In addition,
HC Financial has agreed to indemnify Smith Capital and its officers,
58
directors, affiliates and employees against various liabilities and expenses
that Smith Capital may incur as a result of its engagement.
Required Regulatory Approvals
The merger is subject to approval by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks,
the North Carolina Banking Commission and the FDIC. The merger agreement
provides that each of HC Financial's and Yadkin's respective obligations to
complete the merger is conditioned on receipt of all required regulatory
approvals of the merger described in the merger agreement. An application for
each required regulatory approval has been filed and is pending. Management of
HC Financial and Yadkin currently are not aware of any reason, condition or
circumstance that might lead to a denial of any of their applications.
HC Financial and Yadkin are not aware of any material governmental approvals or
actions that are required for consummation of the merger, except as described in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular. Should any other approval or
action be required, it presently is contemplated that such approval or action
would be sought.
Any regulatory approval that imposes material changes to the merger agreement or
other material conditions could necessitate a resolicitation of shareholder
approval.
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger
The merger agreement provides that, during the period from the date of the
merger agreement to the effective time of the merger, and except as otherwise
permitted by the merger agreement or consented to by Yadkin, HC Financial and
High Country, each will, among various other things:
o conduct its business only in the usual manner;
o preserve its organization intact, keep available the services of its
present officers, employees and agents, and preserve the goodwill of
its customers and others having business relations with it;
o maintain its properties and equipment in customary repair, order and
condition;
o maintain books of account and records in the usual, regular and
ordinary manner;
o comply with all laws, ordinances, regulations and standards
applicable to its business;
o promptly advise the other parties to the merger agreement of any
material change in its financial condition, business or affairs; and
o periodically provide the other parties to the merger agreement with
various information regarding its business and operations.
Additionally, the merger agreement provides that, between the date of the merger
agreement and the effective time of the merger, neither Yadkin, HC Financial nor
High Country will, among various other things (and with certain exceptions):
o amend its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, make any changes in
its capital stock, issue any additional capital stock or other
securities, or purchase or redeem any of its outstanding shares;
o make any changes in its accounting methods, practices or procedures,
or in the nature of its business; or
o acquire or merge with, or acquire substantially all the assets of,
any other company.
Additionally, neither HC Financial nor High Country will, among various other
things:
o agree to buy or sell any real property or, above certain amounts,
any personal property, or mortgage, pledge or otherwise subject to a
lien any of its tangible assets, or, except in the ordinary course
of business, incur any indebtedness;
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o waive or compromise any rights in its favor of any substantial
value, except for money or money's worth, or waive or compromise any
rights in its favor with respect to its officers, directors,
shareholders or members of their families;
o except in accordance with its customary salary administration and
review procedures, increase the compensation of, or pay any bonuses
or additional compensation to, its officers, directors, employees or
consultants; or
o enter into certain types of contracts described in the merger
agreement, including without limitation employment or consulting
contracts not immediately terminable without cost or other liability
on no more than 30 days' notice, compensation or employee benefit
plans or agreements, single contracts calling for expenditures in
excess of $5,000, or any other contracts other than in the ordinary
course of business.
Dividends
The merger agreement provides that neither HC Financial nor Yadkin may declare
or pay any other cash dividends or make any other distributions to its
shareholders, except that Yadkin may continue to pay its regular quarterly cash
dividend.
Prohibition on Solicitations
The merger agreement provides that, except under certain circumstances, HC
Financial and High Country may not:
o encourage, solicit or attempt to initiate discussions, negotiations
or offers with or from any other person relating to a merger or
other acquisition of HC Financial or High Country or the purchase or
acquisition of any HC Financial common stock or all or any
significant part of HC Financial's or High Country's assets, or
provide assistance to any person in connection with such an offer;
o except to the extent required by law, disclose to any person or
entity any information not customarily disclosed to the public
concerning HC Financial or High Country or their business, or give
any other person access to HC Financial's or High Country's
properties, facilities, books or records; or
o enter into or become bound by any contract, agreement, commitment or
letter of intent relating to, or otherwise take or agree to take any
action in furtherance of, any such transaction.
However, HC Financial may take certain of these actions if its Board of
Directors determines that it should do so. This determination by the HC
Financial Board must be made after the HC Financial Board consults with its
legal counsel, and must be based on the HC Financial Board's fiduciary duties.
As a condition to Yadkin entering into the merger agreement, HC Financial agreed
to pay Yadkin $1,000,000 if HC Financial terminates the merger agreement for
fiduciary reasons and, within twelve months, enters into an agreement to, or
completes, a transaction with an entity other than Yadkin which results in HC
Financial or High Country being acquired by or coming under the control of a
person other than Yadkin.
Accounting Treatment
The merger will be treated as a "purchase" under generally accepted accounting
principles. Under the purchase method of accounting, on the effective date of
the merger, HC Financial's assets and liabilities will be recorded at their
respective fair values and added to those of Yadkin. The excess of the cost over
the fair value of the assets acquired will be recorded as goodwill on Yadkin's
books. Yadkin's financial statements after the merger will reflect the assets
and liabilities of HC Financial, but Yadkin's financial statements will not be
restated retroactively to reflect HC Financial's historical financial position
or results of operations.
60
All unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information contained in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular has been prepared using the
purchase method to account for the merger. The final allocation of the purchase
price will be determined after the merger is completed and after completion of
an analysis to determine the fair values of HC Financial's tangible and
identifiable intangible assets and liabilities. In addition, estimates related
to restructuring and transaction-related charges are subject to final decisions
related to the merger. Accordingly, the final purchase accounting adjustments,
restructuring and merger-related charges may be materially different from the
unaudited pro forma adjustments presented in this document. Any decrease in the
net fair value of the net assets and liabilities of HC Financial as compared to
the information shown in this document will have the effect of increasing the
amount of the purchase price allocable to goodwill.
Certain Income Tax Consequences
Consummation of the merger is conditioned on receipt by Yadkin and HC Financial
of a written opinion of Maupin Taylor P.A., to the effect that the HC Financial
and High Country merger will be treated as a tax-free reorganization under
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The following discussion summarizes
Yadkin's and HC Financial's current understanding of the material federal income
tax consequences of the merger, as they expect them to be described in the Tax
Opinion, that generally will apply to holders of HC Financial common stock.
This summary does not, and the Tax Opinion will not, cover all aspects of
federal income taxation that may apply to HC Financial's shareholders, and they
do not and will not cover the tax consequences of the merger under state, local
or other tax laws, or special tax consequences to HC Financial's shareholders
who may be affected by special individual circumstances. Further, this summary
does not, and the Tax Opinion will not, address the tax consequences of the
merger in the case of the holders of outstanding options or warrants to purchase
HC Financial common stock. Each HC Financial shareholder's individual
circumstances may affect the tax consequences of the merger to that shareholder.
So, HC Financial's shareholders should consult their own tax advisors in order
to make an evaluation of the federal, state or local tax consequences of the
merger based on their particular individual circumstances and, among other
things, the tax return reporting requirements, the application and effect of
federal, foreign, state, local and other tax laws on them individually, and the
implications of any proposed changes in the tax laws.
HC Financial's shareholders should be aware that HC Financial and Yadkin will
not request or obtain a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the
tax consequences of the merger, and the Tax Opinion will not be binding on the
IRS. There is no assurance that in the future the IRS will not disagree with or
take a position contrary to that set forth in the Tax Opinion on any particular
aspect of the tax consequences of the merger. If the IRS were to take a position
contrary to that set forth in the Tax Opinion, then that could result in adverse
tax consequences to HC Financial's shareholders.
The Tax Opinion will be based on currently existing provisions of the Code,
existing and proposed Treasury Regulations under the Code, and current
administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change.
Any such change could be retroactive and cause the tax consequences of the
merger to Yadkin, HC Financial or HC Financial's shareholders to be different
from those that will be described in the Tax Opinion.
Subject to the limitations and qualifications referred to above and in the Tax
Opinion, Yadkin and HC Financial expect the following to be included in the Tax
Opinion regarding the federal income tax consequences of the merger:
61
o The merger of HC Financial into Yadkin, and the issuance of Yadkin
common stock in exchange for HC Financial common stock in connection
with the merger as described in the merger agreement, followed by
the merger of High Country into Yadkin immediately after the HC
Financial merger with Yadkin, will constitute one or more tax-free
reorganizations under Section 368(a) of the Code or will constitute
a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code and a
tax-free liquidation under Section 332 of the Code;
o HC Financial's shareholders who receive Yadkin common stock in
exchange for their HC Financial common stock in the merger will not
recognize any gain or loss on the receipt of Yadkin common stock;
o The basis of the Yadkin common stock received by each HC Financial
shareholder in the merger will be the same as that shareholder's
basis in the shares of HC Financial common stock surrendered in
exchange for the Yadkin common stock;
o The holding period of the Yadkin common stock received by each HC
Financial shareholder in the merger will include the period for
which the HC Financial common stock surrendered in exchange for the
Yadkin common stock was considered to have been held by that
shareholder, provided that the HC Financial common stock is held as
a capital asset at the effective time; and
o Neither Yadkin nor HC Financial will recognize gain solely as a
result of the merger, except that gain or loss may be recognized on
the recapture of tax attributes, including but not limited to the
recapture of bad debt reserves.
In general, cash received by HC Financial's shareholders (including cash
received upon the proper exercise of dissenters' rights) will be treated as
amounts distributed in redemption of their shares, the federal income tax
consequences of which will be governed by Section 302 of the Code. However, it
is possible that Section 302 of the Code will not apply, in which case those
distributions could be treated as dividends pursuant to Section 301 of the Code.
The tax consequences of those distributions, whether they are treated as
dividends or as received in exchange for stock, will vary depending upon the
circumstances of the individual shareholder.
HC Financial's shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors
regarding the specific tax consequences to them of the merger and the exchange
of their HC Financial common stock for Yadkin common stock and/or cash.
Conditions to Consummation of the Merger
Completion of the merger is subject to various conditions described in the
merger agreement, including:
o approval of the merger agreement by HC Financial's and Yadkin's
shareholders;
o receipt of all required regulatory approvals, and HC Financial's and
Yadkin's approval of and compliance with any conditions or
requirements imposed by any regulatory agency as a condition to its
approval of the merger;
o receipt of the Tax Opinion;
o receipt of the HC Financial Fairness Opinion and the Yadkin Fairness
Opinion and, following the date of calculation of the final exchange
ratio, receipt of confirmations that the HC Financial Fairness
Opinion and the Yadkin Fairness Opinion remain in effect; and
o approval by HC Financial's and Yadkin's respective legal counsel of
the form and substance of all legal matters related to the merger.
Additionally, under the merger agreement, HC Financial's and Yadkin's separate
obligations to complete the merger are subject to various other conditions,
including:
o performance by the other party of its various covenants, agreements
and conditions under the merger agreement;
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o absence of any breach of any of the other party's representations or
warranties contained in the merger agreement;
o compliance by the other party with all laws and regulations that
apply to the transactions described in the merger agreement; and
o receipt of a written opinion of the other party's legal counsel as
to various matters.
Waiver; Amendment of the Merger Agreement
Any term or condition of the merger agreement (except as to matters of
shareholder and regulatory approvals and other approvals required by law) may be
waived in writing, either in whole or in part, by HC Financial, High Country or
Yadkin if its Board of Directors determines that the waiver would not adversely
affect its interests or the interests of its shareholders. The merger agreement
may be amended, modified or supplemented at any time or from time to time prior
to the merger, and either before or after its approval by HC Financial's and
Yadkin's shareholders, by an agreement in writing approved by a majority of the
members of the Boards of Directors of HC Financial, High Country and Yadkin.
Approval of the merger agreement by HC Financial's and Yadkin's shareholders
will authorize HC Financial's and Yadkin's respective Boards of Directors to
grant any waiver, or to agree to any amendment, modification or supplement, as
described above. However, following approval of the merger agreement by HC
Financial's and Yadkin's shareholders, the Boards of Directors may not amend the
merger agreement to change the merger consideration into which each share of HC
Financial common stock will be converted at the effective time unless that
change also is approved by shareholders.
Termination of the Merger Agreement
Prior to the effective time of the merger, the merger agreement may be
terminated by the mutual agreement of HC Financial and Yadkin. The merger
agreement also may be terminated by either HC Financial or Yadkin alone by
action of its Board of Directors if, among other things:
o any of the conditions to its obligations have not been satisfied in
all material respects or effectively waived by it in writing within
15 days of receipt of all shareholder and regulatory approvals;
o the other party has violated or failed to fully perform any of its
obligations, covenants or agreements under the merger agreement in
any material respect;
o any of the other party's representations or warranties were false or
misleading in any material respect when made, or there occurs any
event or development or there exists any condition or circumstance
which has caused or, with the lapse of time or otherwise, might
cause any of the other party's representations or warranties to
become false or misleading in any material respect;
o HC Financial's shareholders do not approve the merger agreement at
the HC Financial Special Meeting, or Yadkin's shareholders do not
approve the merger agreement at the Yadkin Special Meeting;
o the merger does not become effective on or before March 30, 2004, or
by a later date agreed upon in writing by HC Financial and Yadkin;
or
o the average price per share of Yadkin common stock is less than
$13.50 or greater than $22.50 for the 15 trading days preceding the
date of the final regulatory approval of the merger.
If the merger is terminated as described above, the merger agreement will become
void and have no effect, except that: (i) certain of its provisions including
those relating to the obligations to maintain the confidentiality of certain
information and the return of all documents obtained from the other party, will
survive; and (ii) under certain conditions, the terminating party will be
reimbursed by the other party for its expenses up to $150,000.
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In the event HC Financial terminates the merger agreement because its has
received a more favorable acquisition proposal, HC Financial is required to
reimburse Yadkin for its expenses up to $150,000. In the event that HC Financial
terminates the merger agreement for fiduciary reasons and enters into or
consummates such a transaction within 12 months of the termination of the merger
agreement, HC Financial is required to pay Yadkin $1,000,000.
Closing Date and Effective Time
After all conditions described in the merger agreement have been satisfied, the
closing of the merger will be held on a date agreed upon by HC Financial and
Yadkin after the expiration of the waiting periods required by federal
regulatory authorities following receipt of their approvals. The effective time
of the merger will be the date and time specified in Articles of Merger filed by
Yadkin with the North Carolina Secretary of State (or, if a time is not
specified, then at the time the Articles of Merger are filed). The merger of
High Country into Yadkin will become effective as soon as practicable following
the effective time of the merger of HC Financial into Yadkin. Although there is
no assurance as to whether or when the merger will occur, it currently is
expected that it will become effective on or before January 1, 2004.
Interests of Certain Persons With Respect to the Merger
As further described below, members of HC Financial's and High Country's
management and Boards of Directors have certain interests and will receive
certain benefits in the merger that are in addition to their interests as
shareholders of HC Financial generally.
Appointment of HC Financial's Directors as Directors of Yadkin. Yadkin has
agreed that, if they remain directors of HC Financial at the effective time of
the merger, Harry M. Davis, Larry V. Hughes and C. Kenneth Wilcox, each of whom
is a current director of HC Financial, will be appointed to serve as directors
of Yadkin. HC Financial's directors will be compensated for their services as
directors of Yadkin on the same basis as Yadkin's other directors. After their
initial appointment, the continued service of HC Financial's directors will be
subject to Yadkin's normal director nomination and election processes.
Advisory Board Directors. The directors of HC Financial who will not continue as
directors of Yadkin may elect to be appointed to an advisory board of Yadkin for
Watauga County. These advisory board directors will be required to refrain from
serving as a director, officer, employee or consultant to any entity reasonably
deemed to compete with Yadkin. A director who elects to serve on the advisory
board will be entitled to receive directors' fees for three years after the
effective time of the merger of $600 per month. In lieu of such fees, a director
may choose to be compensated through the purchase of an annuity for the benefit
of the director in an amount equal to the directors' fees.
Employment Agreements with John M. Brubaker and Robert Furches. John M. Brubaker
and Robert Furches have entered into employment agreements with Yadkin that
become effective on the closing date of the merger. These new employment
agreements, which replace their existing employment agreements with HC
Financial, are at their current salaries.
Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance. HC Financial and Yadkin have
agreed that, to the extent it can be purchased at a cost to which they both
agree, immediately prior to the effective time HC Financial will purchase "tail"
coverage, effective at the effective time, under and in the same amount of
coverage as is provided by its then current directors' and officers' liability
insurance policy. To the extent reasonably possible, such "tail" coverage will
be for a period of three years.
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Effect on Employees and Certain Benefit Plans
Employees. Provided they remain employed by HC Financial and High Country at the
effective time of the merger, Yadkin will attempt in good faith to locate
suitable positions with Yadkin for all employees of HC Financial and High
Country who are not parties to employment agreements with HC Financial or High
Country. However, Yadkin will have no obligation to employ or provide employment
to any employee of HC Financial or High Country, and any employment offered to
an employee of HC Financial or High Country will be in a position, at a location
within Yadkin's branch system, and for a rate of compensation, as Yadkin will
determine in its sole discretion. The employment of each HC Financial or High
Country employee by Yadkin will be on an "at-will" basis. Any employee of HC
Financial or High Country who is not offered employment by Yadkin at the
effective time of the merger will be paid such severance as Yadkin, HC Financial
and High Country shall mutually determine on a case-by-case basis with a minimum
of two weeks severance.
Employee Benefits. HC Financial's and High Country's employees who become
employees of Yadkin at the effective time will be entitled to receive all
employee benefits and to participate in all benefit plans provided by Yadkin on
the same basis and subject to the same eligibility and vesting requirements, and
to the same conditions, restrictions and limitations, as generally are in effect
and applicable to other newly hired employees of Yadkin. HC Financial's and High
Country's employees will be given credit for their years of service with HC
Financial and High Country for all purposes under Yadkin's employee benefit
plans.
Stock Option Plans. HC Financial previously granted stock options to certain of
its officers and directors to purchase shares of HC Financial common stock. The
merger agreement provides that, at the effective time of the merger, the holders
of outstanding stock options will have the right to surrender their stock
options and receive a cash payment for each option equal to the difference
between the exercise price of the stock option and $24.02. Alternatively, the
holders of stock options who do not surrender the stock options to Yadkin will
have their stock options converted into options to purchase shares of Yadkin
common stock. The conversion will be made such that, following the effective
time of the merger, each stock option will provide for the purchase of 1.3345
shares of Yadkin common stock (subject to adjustment based on the average
closing price of Yadkin common stock during the 15 day trading period prior to
the date of final regulatory approval of the merger) for each share of HC
Financial common stock previously covered by the option, and the exercise price
of the stock option will be appropriately adjusted.
Information and an option election form will be provided to all HC Financial
stock option holders before the proposed closing date of the merger. The
information will explain these alternatives available to option holders and
request each option holder to return an option election form and surrender his
or her options if the option holder elects to receive the cash payment described
above. Option holders who elect to receive the cash payment for their options as
provided above also will be required to sign a written agreement to surrender
their options prior to their receipt of the cash payment.
Expenses
The merger agreement provides that HC Financial, High Country and Yadkin each
will pay its own legal, accounting and financial advisory fees and all its other
costs and expenses (including all filing fees, printing and mailing costs and
travel expenses) incurred or to be incurred in connection with the performance
of its obligations under the merger agreement or otherwise in connection with
the merger. The costs of preparing, printing and distributing this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular will be divided equally between HC Financial and
Yadkin.
65
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS OF HC FINANCIAL SHAREHOLDERS
As a HC Financial shareholder, under Article 13 of the North Carolina Business
Corporation Act, if you object to the merger agreement and merger, you may
"dissent" and become entitled to be paid the fair value of your shares of HC
Financial common stock if the merger is completed. The following is only a
summary of the rights of a dissenting shareholder. If you intend to exercise
your right to dissent, you should carefully review the following summary and
comply with all requirements of Article 13. Failure to comply with any of the
requirements of Article 13 will constitute a waiver of your dissenters' rights.
A copy of Article 13 is attached as Appendix B to this document and is
incorporated into this discussion by reference. You also should consult with
your attorney.
NO FURTHER NOTICE OF THE EVENTS GIVING RISE TO DISSENTERS' RIGHTS WILL BE
FURNISHED BY HC FINANCIAL OR YADKIN TO YOU.
If you intend to exercise Dissenters' Rights, you should be aware that cash paid
to you likely will result in your receipt of taxable income. (See "Approval of
The Merger - Certain Income Tax Consequences" on page 61.)
If you elect to exercise such a right to dissent and demand appraisal, you must
satisfy each of the following conditions:
o you must give to HC Financial and HC Financial must actually
receive, before the vote at the HC Financial Special Meeting is
taken, written notice of your intent to demand payment for your
shares if the merger is finalized (this notice must be in addition
to and separate from any proxy or vote against the merger; neither
voting against, abstaining from voting, nor failing to vote on the
merger will constitute a notice within the meaning of Article 13);
and
o you must not vote in favor of the merger (a failure to vote will
satisfy this requirement, but a vote in favor of the merger, by
proxy or in person, or the return of a signed proxy which does not
specify a vote against approval of the merger or direction to
abstain, will constitute a waiver of your dissenters' rights).
If these requirements are not satisfied and the merger becomes effective, you
will not be entitled to payment for your shares under the provisions of Article
13.
If you are a HC Financial shareholder and intend to dissent, your Notice of
Intent may be mailed or delivered to HC Financial's Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, David H. Harman, at HC Financial's corporate office at 149
Jefferson Road, Boone, North Carolina 28607, or it may be hand delivered to HC
Financial's President at the HC Financial Special Meeting (before the voting
begins). In order for a Notice of Intent sent by mail to be effective, it must
actually be received by HC Financial at its address prior to the HC Financial
Special Meeting. A Notice of Intent which is hand delivered must be received
prior to the vote on the merger agreement and the merger at the HC Financial
Special Meeting.
If you properly dissent and the merger is approved, HC Financial must mail by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, a written dissenters'
notice to you. This notice must be sent no later than ten (10) days after the
shareholders' approval of the merger. The dissenters' notice will state:
o where your payment demand must be sent, and where and when
certificates for your shares of HC Financial common stock must be
deposited;
o supply a form for demanding payment;
o set a date by which HC Financial must receive your payment demand
(not fewer than 30 days nor more than 60 days after the dissenters'
notice is mailed); and
o include a copy of Article 13 of the North Carolina Business
Corporation Act.
66
If you receive a dissenters' notice, you must demand payment and deposit your
share certificates in accordance with the terms of the dissenters' notice. If
you demand payment and deposit your share certificates, you retain all other
rights of a shareholder until these rights are canceled or modified by the
merger. If you do not demand payment or deposit your share certificates where
required, each by the date set in the dissenters' notice, you are not entitled
to payment for your shares under Article 13.
Within 30 days after receipt of your demand for payment, Yadkin is required to
pay you the amount it estimates to be the fair value of your shares, plus
interest accrued from the effective date of the merger to the date of payment.
The payment must be accompanied by:
o HC Financial's or Yadkin's most recent available balance sheet,
income statement and statement of cash flows as of the end of or for
the fiscal year ending not more than 16 months before the date of
payment, and the latest available interim financial statements, if
any;
o an explanation of how Yadkin estimated the fair value of the shares;
o an explanation of the interest calculation;
o a statement of the dissenters' right to demand payment (as described
below); and
o a copy of Article 13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act.
If the merger is not consummated within 60 days after the date set for demanding
payment and depositing share certificates, HC Financial or Yadkin must return
your deposited certificates. If after returning your deposited certificates the
transaction is consummated, HC Financial or Yadkin must send you a new
dissenters' notice and repeat the payment demand procedure.
You are not required to accept the payment offered. You may, instead, notify
Yadkin in writing of your own estimate of the fair value of your shares and
amount of interest due, and demand payment of the excess of your estimate of the
fair value of your shares over the amount offered by Yadkin if:
o you believe that the amount paid is less than the fair value of HC
Financial or Yadkin common stock or that the interest is incorrectly
calculated;
o Yadkin fails to make payment of its estimate of fair value to you
within 30 days after receipt of a demand for payment; or
o the merger not having been consummated, HC Financial or Yadkin does
not return your deposited certificates within 60 days after the date
set for demanding payment.
If you wish to contest the payment or if Yadkin fails to make payment timely,
you waive any further rights Under Article 13 unless you notify Yadkin in
writing within thirty (30) days of Yadkin's payment of its estimate of fair
value or HC Financial's or Yadkin's failure to perform. If you fail to notify HC
Financial or Yadkin of your demand within such thirty-day period, you shall be
deemed to have withdrawn your shareholder's dissent and demand for payment.
If your demand for payment remains unsettled, you may commence a proceeding
within sixty days after the earlier of (i) the date of your payment demand, or
(ii) the date payment is made, by filing a complaint with the Superior Court
Division of the North Carolina General Court of Justice to determine the fair
value of the shares and accrued interest. If you do not commence the proceeding
within such sixty-day period, you shall be deemed to have withdrawn the dissent
and demand for payment. The proceeding is to be tried as in other civil actions;
however, you will not have the right to a trial by jury. The court may appoint
one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a decision
on the question of fair value, and it has discretion to make all dissenters
whose demands remain unsettled parties to the proceeding. Each dissenter made a
party to the proceeding must be served with a copy of the complaint
67
and will be entitled to judgment for the amount, if any, by which the court
finds the fair value of his shares, plus interest, exceed the amount paid by
Yadkin.
The court in such an appraisal proceeding will determine all costs of the
proceeding and assess the costs as it finds equitable. The court may also assess
the fees and expenses of counsel and expenses for the respective parties, in the
amounts the court finds equitable: (a) against HC Financial or Yadkin if the
court finds that either did not comply with the statutes; or (b) against HC
Financial, Yadkin, or you, if the court finds that the party against whom the
fees and expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously or not in good
faith. If the court finds that the services of counsel for you were of
substantial benefit to other dissenting shareholders, and that the fees for
those services should not be assessed against HC Financial or Yadkin, the court
may award to these counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded
the dissenting shareholders who were benefited.
Article 13 contains certain additional provisions and requirements that apply in
the case of dissents by nominees who hold shares for others, and by beneficial
owners whose shares are held in the names of other persons.
The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete statement of the
provisions of Article 13 relating to the rights of dissenting shareholders and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable sections of the
North Carolina Business Corporation Act, which are included as Appendix B to
this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular. If you intend to exercise your
dissenters' rights, you are urged to carefully review Appendix B and to consult
with legal counsel so as to be in strict compliance therewith.
YADKIN VALLEY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
General
Business. Yadkin is a North Carolina chartered bank that was organized in 1968.
Its deposits are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC to the maximum
amount permitted by law. Yadkin is focused on community-oriented banking through
localized lending, core deposit funding, conservative balance sheet management,
and stable growth. Its common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market
System under the symbol "YAVY."
Yadkin's operations are primarily retail oriented and directed toward
individuals and small- and medium-sized businesses located in its banking
market. While its deposits and loans are derived primarily from customers in its
banking market, it makes loans and has deposit relationships with individual and
business customers in areas surrounding its immediate banking market. Yadkin
provides most traditional commercial and consumer banking services, but its
principal activities are the taking of demand and time deposits and the making
of consumer and commercial loans. Yadkin's primary source of revenue is interest
income it derives from its lending activities.
At June 30, 2003, Yadkin had:
o total assets of $656.2 million,
o net loans of $425.0 million,
o deposits of $539.1 million, and
o stockholders' equity of $71.7 million.
Yadkin's principal executive offices are located at 209 North Bridge Street,
Elkin, North Carolina 28621-3404, and its telephone number is (336) 526-6300.
68
Banking Offices. Yadkin operates fourteen full-service banking offices. The
offices in Jefferson and West Jefferson (Ashe County), Wilkesboro and North
Wilkesboro (Wilkes County), Elkin (Surry County), and East Bend and Jonesville
(Yadkin County) are operated under the Yadkin Valley Bank name. The offices in
Statesville and Mooresville (Iredell County), and Cornelius and Huntersville
(Mecklenburg County) are operated under the assumed name "Piedmont Bank, a
division of Yadkin Valley Bank."
Banking Market. Yadkin's current banking market consists of the central Piedmont
Counties of Mecklenburg and Iredell, and the northwestern North Carolina
counties of Ashe, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin and, to a lesser extent, the
surrounding areas. Yadkin's market area is located along Interstate 77 north of
the Charlotte metropolitan area, North Carolina's largest urban area, and west
of the "Piedmont Triad" area of North Carolina to the northeastern border with
Virginia and Tennessee.
Yadkin's market area is well diversified and strong. The six counties in which
its branches are located had an estimated 2001 population of over one million
people. Median family income in 2000 for the six counties ranged from a low of
$28,800 in mostly rural Ashe County to a high of over $50,500 in urban
Mecklenburg County. Approximately 98% of the work force is employed in
nonagricultural wage and salary positions. Government employs approximately 10%
of the work force. The major non-governmental employment sectors were
manufacturing (25%), trade (23%), service (12%), and construction (10%).
Beneficial Ownership of Securities
To Yadkin's knowledge, as of June 30, 2003, no shareholder owned more than five
percent of Yadkin's common stock. The following table shows, as of June 30,
2003, the number of shares of Yadkin common stock owned by each Yadkin director
and by all directors and principal officers of Yadkin as a group:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares currently Percentage of common
Beneficial owner (position) owned (1) stock owned (2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.T. Alexander, Jr. (director) 21,906 *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Ralph L. Bentley (director) 21,987 *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joe B. Guyer (director) 22,447 *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James A. Harrell, Jr. (director) 36,173 *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William A. Long 50,155 *
(director, President & CEO)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel J. Park (director) 172,254 2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eldon H. Parks (director) 196,169 2.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James L. Poindexter (director) 99,313 1.1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James N. Smoak (director) 29,577 *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry C. Spell (director) 72,412 *
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hal M. Stuart (director) 105,965 1.2%
============================================================================================
Directors and principal officers
as a group (16 persons) 877,608 10.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
69
o Owns less than one percent of the outstanding Yadkin common stock.
(1) For each individual listed above, the beneficial ownership includes the
following options to acquire the indicated number of shares of Yadkin
common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 2003:
Alexander - 16,577 shares; Bentley - 4,918 shares; Long - 16,977 shares;
directors and principal officers as a group - 92,267 shares. To Yadkin's
knowledge, each person has sole voting and investment power over the
securities shown as beneficially owned by such person, except for the
following shares of Yadkin common stock which the individual indicates
that he or she shares voting and/or investment power: Alexander-- 298
shares; Harrell -- 3,675 shares; Park -- 5,948 shares; Parks -- 83,124
shares; Poindexter -- 34,058 shares; Spell -- 15,922 shares; directors and
officers as a group -- 141,233 shares.
(2) The ownership percentage of each individual is calculated based on the
total of 8,727,454 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2003, plus
the number of shares of Yadkin common stock that can be issued to that
individual within 60 days of June 30, 2003 upon the exercise of stock
options held by the individual. The ownership percentage of the group is
based on the total number of shares of Yadkin common stock outstanding
plus the number of shares of Yadkin common stock that can be issued to the
entire group within 60 days of June 30, 2003 upon the exercise of all
stock options held by the group.
Other Available Information
Yadkin's audited financial statements at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and for the
years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, are incorporated by reference into this
Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular from its 2002 Annual Report to
Shareholders on Form 10-K, which was filed with the FDIC. Yadkin's unaudited
interim financial statements are incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular from its reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
June 30, 2003 and March 31, 2003, which were filed with the FDIC. A copy of
Yadkin's report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 and/or
a copy of Yadkin's report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2003 will
be provided without charge upon the request of any shareholder entitled to vote
at the Yadkin Special Meeting or the HC Financial Special Meeting. Requests for
copies should be directed to Lestine Hutchens, ExecutiveVice President, Yadkin
Valley Bank and Trust Company, 209 North Bridge Street, Elkin, North Carolina
28621, (336) 526-6300.
Yadkin's reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q are also available on its website:
www.yadkinvalleybank.com.
Yadkin's common stock is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
and Yadkin is subject to the informational requirements of, and it files
periodic reports and other information with, the FDIC under Sections 13 and
15(d) of the 1934 Act. You may read and copy any reports, proxy and information
statements and other material filed by Yadkin with the FDIC under the 1934 Act
at the FDIC's Registration, Disclosure and Securities Operations Unit located at
550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-6043, Washington, D.C. 20429. You also may obtain
copies of those reports and other documents by contacting the FDIC by telephone
at (202) 898-8913 or by facsimile at (202) 898-3909.
70
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
General
HC Financial was formed in 2002 to serve as the holding company for its sole
subsidiary, High Country. HC Financial is registered with the Federal Reserve
Board under Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended and the bank holding
company laws of North Carolina. HC Financial's office is located at 149
Jefferson Road, Boone, North Carolina 28607. HC Financial's principal source of
income is earnings on investments. HC Financial's sole activity consists of
owning High Country. In addition, HC Financial will receive any cash dividends
that are declared and paid by High Country on its capital stock.
High Country was incorporated under the laws of North Carolina on November 13,
1998 and began operations on November 30, 1998 as a North Carolina chartered
commercial bank. High Country is engaged in general community-oriented
commercial and consumer banking primarily in Watauga and Ashe Counties, North
Carolina.
High Country makes business loans secured by real estate, personal property and
accounts receivable; unsecured business loans; consumer loans, which are secured
by consumer products such as automobiles; unsecured consumer loans; commercial
real estate loans; and other loans. High Country's primary source of revenue is
interest income from its lending activities. High Country also earns fees from
lending and deposit activities. The major expenses of High Country are interest
on deposits and general and administrative expenses such as salaries, employee
benefits, advertising and office occupancy.
As a North Carolina-chartered bank, High Country is subject to examination and
regulation by the FDIC and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks. High
Country is further subject to certain regulations of the Federal Reserve Board
governing reserves required to be maintained against deposits and other matters.
High Country's results of operations depend primarily on its net interest
income, which is the difference between the interest income generated from
interest-earning assets and the interest expense on interest-bearing
liabilities. Net interest income is affected by both: (i) the difference between
the rates of interest earned on interest-earning assets and the rates paid on
interest-bearing liabilities; and (ii) the relative amounts of interest-earning
assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding during the period.
High Country's primary source of revenue is interest and fee income from its
lending activities. These lending activities consist principally of originating
commercial operating and working capital loans, residential mortgage loans, home
equity lines of credit, other consumer loans and loans secured by commercial
real estate. High Country's current lending strategy is to establish market
share throughout Watauga and Ashe Counties, with an emphasis in Boone and West
Jefferson. Loan growth has been steady since High Country's inception in
November 1998.
Service charges and interest and dividend income from investment activities
generally provides the next largest sources of income to High Country after
interest on loans and fee income from mortgage originations. During 2002 and
2003, High Country maintained all of its excess liquidity in overnight
investments and United States Government agency and mortgage-backed securities.
This allowed High Country to have maximum flexibility in funding loan demand.
Deposits are the primary source of High Country's funds for lending and other
investment purposes. High Country attracts both short-term and long-term
deposits from the general public by offering a variety of accounts and rates.
High Country offers statement savings accounts, negotiable order of withdrawal
71
accounts, money market demand accounts, noninterest-bearing accounts, and fixed
interest rate certificates with varying maturities.
Deposit flows are greatly influenced by economic conditions, the general level
of interest rates, competition and other factors. High Country's savings
deposits are obtained primarily from its primary market area. High Country uses
traditional marketing methods to attract new customers and savings deposits,
including print media advertising and direct mailings.
Subsidiaries. High Country is the subsidiary of HC Financial. In December 1998,
High Country Bank formed High Country Securities, Inc., a North Carolina
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of High Country. High Country Securities
began operations on February 8, 1999 and provides securities brokerage services
to the public.
Market Area. High Country's primary market area consists of Watauga and Ashe
Counties, North Carolina. High Country's headquarters are located in Boone, the
county seat of Watauga County, which along with the rest of the market area is
situated in northwest North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In Boone, High
Country has a limited-service office at 520 Church Road, a full-service branch
at 176 Shadowline Drive, and its main office at 149 Jefferson Road. High Country
has two additional offices at 303 East Second Street and 1488 Mt. Jefferson Road
in West Jefferson, North Carolina. High Country's loans and deposits are
primarily generated from the areas where its offices are located. It does not
solicit deposits and loans outside its primary market area and does not use
brokers to obtain deposits.
The market area is bordered by Alleghany, Avery, Wilkes and Caldwell Counties.
U.S. Highway 421 and U.S. Highway 321 run through the market area forming the
gateway to the northwestern mountains of North Carolina. The banking industry
plays an important role in the economy of the area. Continued growth in tourism,
the second home and retirement markets, service industries, university
expansions, and home based business all indicate a potential greater demand for
banking services in the future.
Employees. As of June 30, 2003, High Country had 56 full-time employees and 13
part-time employees.
Properties. At June 30, 2003, High Country conducted its business from its main
office in Boone, North Carolina, and its two other branch offices in Boone and
two branch offices in West Jefferson, North Carolina. The following table sets
forth certain information regarding High Country's properties at June 30, 2003.
Unless indicated otherwise, all properties are owned by High Country.
72
-------------------------------------------------------------
Owned or Leased
---------------
Main Office
149 Jefferson Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607 Owned
Operations Center
482 State Farm Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607 Leased
Branch Office
176 Shadowline Drive Property Leased
Boone, North Carolina 28607 Building Owned
Limited-Service Office
520 Church Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607 Leased
Branch Office
303-B East Second Street
West Jefferson, North Carolina 28694 Leased
Branch Office
1488 Mt. Jefferson Road
West Jefferson, North Carolina 28694 Owned
Future Downtown Boone Branch Office
115 Howard Street
Boone, North Carolina 28607 Leased
Retail Building
199 Boone Heights Drive
Boone, North Carolina 28607 Owned
-------------------------------------------------------------
The total net book value of HC Financial's furniture, fixtures, leasehold
improvements, equipment, land and buildings at June 30, 2003 was $5,693,771. All
properties are considered by HC Financial's management to be in good condition
and adequately covered by insurance.
Any property acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of
foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until the time it is sold or
otherwise disposed of by High Country in an effort to recover its investment. At
June 30, 2003, High Country held two properties for sale that were acquired in
settlement of loans.
Legal Proceedings. From time to time HC Financial may become involved in legal
proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business. However, subject to
the uncertainties inherent in any litigation, management believes there
currently are no pending or threatened proceedings that are reasonably likely to
result in a material adverse change in HC Financial's financial condition or
operations.
73
Beneficial Ownership of Securities
Set forth below is certain information, as of June 30, 2003, regarding those
shares of HC Financial common stock owned beneficially by each of the members of
the HC Financial and High Country boards of directors and certain executive
officers of HC Financial and High Country, and the directors and executive
officers of HC Financial and High Country as a group.
Amount and Percentage
Nature of of
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership(1) Class(2)
- ------------------------------------ ----------------------- ----------
John M. Brubaker
Post Office Box 2748
Boone, North Carolina 28607 46,438(3) 3.20%
Larry V. Hughes
Post Office Box 2955
Boone, North Carolina 28607 18,800(4) 1.32%
Faye E. Cooper
Mast General Store
Highway 194
Valle Crucis, North Carolina 28691 15,600(4) 1.09%
Reba S. Moretz
Appalachian Ski Mtn.
Ski Mountain Road
Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605 26,688(4) 1.87%
John H. Councill
155 Ray Brown Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607 30,820(4) 2.16%
C. Kenneth Wilcox
Post Office Box 1758
Boone, North Carolina 28607 41,200(4) 2.88%
Harry M. Davis
Appalachian State University
Dept. of Finance
Raley Hall
Boone, North Carolina 28608 24,500(4) 1.71%
Roger D. Wright
161 Howard Street
Boone, North Carolina 28607 39,920(4) 2.79%
James C. Furman
166 Southgate Drive, Suite 10
Boone, North Carolina 28607 24,505(4) 1.71%
74
Amount and Percentage
Nature of of
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership(1) Class(2)
- ------------------------------------ ----------------------- ----------
Cecil M. Greene
678 Highway 105 Ext.
Boone, North Carolina 28607 12,900(4) 0.90%
Dale L. Greene
230 Cabbage Row
Boone, North Carolina 28607 20,509(4) 1.43%
Robert E. Washburn
148 Deer Run Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607 18,809(5) 1.31%
David H. Harman
149 Jefferson Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607 17,700(6) 1.24%
All directors and named executive
officers as a group (13 people) 338,389 21.46%
- ----------
(1) Unless otherwise noted, all shares are owned directly of record by the
named individuals, by their spouses and minor children, or by other
entities controlled by the named individuals.
(2) Based upon a total of 1,419,809 shares of HC Financial common stock
outstanding as of June 30, 2003. Assumes the exercise of only those stock
options included with respect to the designated recipients.
(3) Includes 33,000 shares that Mr. Brubaker has a right to acquire a
beneficial interest within 60 days by the exercise of stock options
granted under the HC Financial stock option plan.
(4) Includes 9,600 shares that the designated recipient has a right to acquire
a beneficial interest within 60 days by the exercise of stock options
granted under the HC Financial stock option plan.
(5) Includes 18,000 shares that Mr. Washburn has a right to acquire a
beneficial interest within 60 days by the exercise of stock options
granted under the HC Financial stock option plan.
(6) Includes 10,100 shares that Mr. Harman has a right to acquire a beneficial
interest within 60 days by the exercise of stock options granted under the
HC Financial stock option plan.
Other Available Information
HC Financial's audited financial statements at December 31, 2002 and 2001, and
for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 are incorporated by reference
into this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular from its Annual Report to
Shareholders on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, which
was filed with the SEC. HC Financial's unaudited interim financial statements
are incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular
from its reports on Form 10-QSB for the quarters ended June 30, 2003 and March
31, 2003, which were filed with the SEC. A copy of HC Financial's report on Form
10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 and/or a copy of HC
Financial's report on Form 10-QSB for the period ended June 30, 2003 will be
provided without charge upon the request of any shareholder entitled to vote at
the HC Financial Special Meeting or the Yadkin Special Meeting. Requests for
copies should be directed to Ann Burge, Assistant Secretary, High Country Bank,
149 Jefferson Road, Boone, North Carolina 28607, (828) 265-4333.
75
HC Financial's common stock is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, and Yadkin is subject to the informational requirements of, and it files
periodic reports and other information with, the SEC under Sections 13 and 15(d)
of the 1934 Act. You may read and copy this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering
Circular or any other report or information that we file with the SEC at the
SEC's public reference facilities at Judiciary Plaza, Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also receive copies of these
documents upon payment of the SEC's customary fees by writing to the SEC's
public reference section at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public
reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the
commercial document retrieval services at the SEC's website: www.sec.gov.
DESCRIPTION OF YADKIN'S CAPITAL STOCK
The following is a summary of the material provisions of Yadkin's Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws relating to the rights of holders of capital stock of
Yadkin.
Authorized Capital Stock. Yadkin's authorized capital stock consists of
20,000,000 shares of $1.00 par value common stock, of which 8,727,454 shares
were issued and outstanding on June 30, 2003. After consummation of the merger
(assuming an exchange ratio of 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock for 90% of
HC Financial's common stock), Yadkin will have approximately 10.4 million shares
outstanding.
In the future, the authorized but unissued and unreserved shares of Yadkin
common stock will be available for issuance for general purposes, including, but
not limited to, possible issuance as stock dividends or stock splits, future
merger or acquisitions, or future private placements or public offerings. Except
as may be required to approve a merger or other transaction in which the
additional authorized shares of Yadkin common stock would be issued, no
shareholder approval will be required for the issuance of those shares. See
"Differences in Capital Stock" on page 78 for a discussion of the rights of the
holders of Yadkin common stock as compared to the holders of HC Financial common
stock.
Voting Rights. Holders of Yadkin common stock are entitled to one vote per share
held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders.
Yadkin common stock is subject to the North Carolina Control Share Acquisition
Act. In general, the Act provides that shares of voting stock of a corporation
(to which that Act applies) acquired in a "control share acquisition" will have
no voting rights unless those rights are granted by resolution adopted by the
holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of the corporation
entitled to vote in the election of directors, excluding shares held by the
person who has acquired or proposes to acquire the Control Shares and excluding
shares held by any officer or director who is also an employee of the
corporation. "Control Shares" are defined as shares of a corporation acquired by
any person which, when added to the shares already owned by that person, would
entitle the person (except for the application of the Act) to voting power in
the election of directors equal to or greater than (i) one-fifth of all voting
power, (ii) one-third of all voting power, or (iii) a majority of all voting
power. "Control share acquisition" means the acquisition by any person of
beneficial ownership of Control Shares with certain exceptions, including an
acquisition pursuant to certain agreements of merger or consolidation to which
the corporation is a party, and purchases of shares directly from the
corporation.
Yadkin is also subject to the North Carolina Control Share Acquisition Act,
which generally requires that unless certain "fair price" and procedural
requirements are satisfied, the affirmative vote of the holders of 95% of the
outstanding shares of the common stock is required to approve certain business
combinations with other entities that are the beneficial owners of more that 20%
of the common stock or which are
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affiliates of Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company and previously had been 20%
beneficial holders of Yadkin common stock.
Charter Amendments. Subject to certain conditions, and with certain exceptions,
an amendment to Yadkin's charter, including an amendment to increase or change
Yadkin's authorized capital stock, may be effected if the amendment is
recommended to Yadkin's shareholders by the Board of Directors and if the votes
cast by shareholders in favor of the amendment exceed the votes cast opposing
the amendment.
Merger, Share Exchange, Sale of Assets and Dissolution. In general, North
Carolina banking law requires that any merger, share exchange, voluntary
liquidation or transfer of substantially all the assets (other than in the
ordinary course of business) of Yadkin be recommended to its shareholders by its
Board of Directors and be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of its voting stock. However, under
the North Carolina Shareholder Protection Act, the affirmative vote of the
holders of 95% of Yadkin's outstanding voting shares (voting as a single class,
but excluding shares owned by an "interested shareholder") is required to
approve certain business combinations between Yadkin and an entity, which owns
more than 10% of Yadkin's voting shares.
Dividends. Holders of Yadkin common stock are entitled to dividends if and when
declared by Yadkin's Board of Directors from funds legally available, whether in
cash or in stock. However, the payment of dividends by Yadkin will be subject to
the restrictions of North Carolina law applicable to the declaration of
dividends by a business corporation. Under such provisions, cash dividends may
not be paid if a corporation will not be able to pay its debts as they become
due in the usual course of business after making such cash dividend distribution
or the corporation's total assets would be less than the sum of its total
liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy certain liquidation
preferential rights. Under North Carolina banking law, dividends must be paid
out of retained earnings and no cash dividends may be paid if the payment would
result in the bank's surplus being less than 50% of its paid-in capital. Also,
under federal banking law, no cash dividend may be paid if the bank is
undercapitalized or insolvent or if payment of the cash dividend would render
the bank undercapitalized or insolvent, and no cash dividend may be paid by the
bank if it is in default of any deposit insurance assessment due to the FDIC.
Liquidation. Holders of Yadkin common stock are entitled, upon a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of Yadkin, to participate ratably in the distribution
of assets legally available for distribution to holders of common stock.
Assessability. Shares of Yadkin common stock generally are not assessable.
However, under North Carolina banking law, if Yadkin's capital becomes impaired
due to losses or any other cause, and if its surplus and undivided profits are
not sufficient to make good that impairment, the Commissioner may require
Yadkin's Board of Directors to assess the holders of Yadkin common stock for the
amount of the impairment. A shareholder's failure to pay such an assessment
could result in a forced sale of the shareholder's stock with the proceeds being
applied first to payment of the assessment.
Yadkin's Common Stock Is Not Insured by the FDIC. Investments in the common
stock of Yadkin will not qualify as deposits or savings accounts and will not be
insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other governmental agency and are
subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Miscellaneous. Holders of Yadkin common stock do not have preemptive rights to
acquire other or additional shares which might be issued by Yadkin in the future
or any redemption or sinking fund rights. First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company,
Raleigh, North Carolina currently serves as the registrar and transfer agent for
Yadkin common stock.
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DIFFERENCES IN CAPITAL STOCK
General. Upon consummation of the merger, HC Financial's shareholders who
receive Yadkin common stock for their HC Financial common stock will become
shareholders of Yadkin. Certain legal distinctions exist between owning Yadkin
common stock and owning HC Financial common stock. The shareholders of Yadkin
will be governed by and subject to the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of
Yadkin rather than the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of HC Financial.
Neither HC Financial's common stock nor Yadkin's common stock is insured by the
FDIC or guaranteed by the issuer and both are subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of value.
The following is a discussion of the major legal issues associated with owning
common stock of either Yadkin or HC Financial. There are material differences in
the shareholder ownership rights of these organizations. Yadkin is a North
Carolina banking corporation, and the rights of the holders of Yadkin's common
stock are governed by its Articles of Incorporation, Chapter 53 of the North
Carolina General Statutes (which is applicable to banks), and, to the extent not
inconsistent with Chapter 53, by Chapter 55 of the North Carolina General
Statutes (which is applicable to business corporations). HC Financial is a North
Carolina business corporation, and the rights of the holders of its capital
stock are governed solely by its Articles of Incorporation and Chapter 55. There
are differences in Chapter 53 and Chapter 55. Therefore, in some ways, the
rights of Yadkin's shareholders are different from those of HC Financial's
shareholders. While it is not practicable to describe all differences, those
basic differences which HC Financial's and Yadkin's managements believe will
have the most significant effect on the rights of HC Financial's shareholders
when they become Yadkin shareholders are discussed below.
The following is only a general summary of certain differences in the rights of
holders of HC Financial's common stock and those of holders of Yadkin's common
stock. HC Financial's shareholders should consult with their own legal counsel
with respect to specific differences and changes in their rights as shareholders
that will result from the merger.
Dividends. Pursuant to Chapter 55, HC Financial is authorized to pay dividends
such as are declared by its Board of Directors, provided that no such
distribution results in its insolvency on a going concern or balance sheet
basis. HC Financial's principal asset is its ownership of all of the outstanding
capital stock of High Country, and its sole source of funds for the payment of
dividends on HC Financial common stock is dividends it receives (as High
Country's sole shareholder) from High Country. Therefore, HC Financial's ability
to pay dividends is subject to High Country's ability to pay dividends. See the
discussion of the legal restrictions on a bank's ability to pay dividends below.
Yadkin's shareholders are entitled to dividends if and when declared by Yadkin's
Board of Directors, subject to the restrictions described below. Pursuant to
Chapter 53, Yadkin may pay dividends only out of its undivided profits. Should
at any time its surplus be less than 50% of its paid-in capital stock, Yadkin
may not declare a cash dividend until it has transferred from undivided profits
to surplus 25% of its undivided profits or any lesser percentage that may be
required to restore its surplus to an amount equal to 50% of its paid-in capital
stock. However, no cash dividends may be paid at any time by a bank when it is
insolvent or when payment of a dividend would render it insolvent or be contrary
to its Articles of Incorporation. Also, under federal banking law, no cash
dividend may be paid if the bank is undercapitalized or insolvent or if payment
of the cash dividend would render the bank undercapitalized or insolvent, and no
cash dividend may be paid by the bank if it is in default of any deposit
insurance assessment due to the FDIC. Additionally, there are statutory
provisions regarding the calculation of undivided profits from which dividends
may be paid, and banking regulators may restrict or prohibit the payment of
dividends by banks that have been found to have inadequate capital.
78
In the future, any declaration and payment of cash dividends on Yadkin common
stock will be subject to Yadkin's Board of Directors' evaluation of its
operating results, financial condition, future growth plans, general business
and economic conditions, and tax and other relevant considerations. Also, the
payment of cash dividends by Yadkin in the future will be subject to certain
other legal and regulatory limitations (including the requirement that Yadkin's
capital be maintained at certain minimum levels) and will be subject to ongoing
review by banking regulators. There is no assurance that, in the future, Yadkin
will have funds available to pay cash dividends, or, even if funds are
available, that it will pay dividends in any particular amount or at any
particular times, or that it will pay dividends at all. (See "Market and
Dividend Information -- Yadkin's Capital Stock" on page 19.)
Merger, Share Exchange, Sale of Assets or Dissolution. Pursuant to Chapter 55,
the merger of HC Financial with, or a sale of substantially all of HC
Financial's assets to, any other entity, or a dissolution of HC Financial,
requires the prior approval of the holders of only a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast by the holders of HC Financial's voting stock. In addition,
Chapter 55 provides that no prior approval of HC Financial's shareholders is
required to effect a merger of another entity into High Country, provided that
HC Financial remains in control of its subsidiary following consummation of that
transaction. Assuming that a sufficient number of shares of capital stock have
been authorized in HC Financial's Articles of Incorporation, it can make
acquisitions of other companies through the merger of a third party bank or
other entity with or into High Country or another subsidiary of HC Financial,
including acquisitions involving the issuance of HC Financial common stock,
without the approval of HC Financial's shareholders.
Pursuant to Chapter 53, Yadkin may not merge or consolidate with, or sell
substantially all of its assets to, any other entity, or be dissolved, without
the prior approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of its outstanding
shares. Therefore, approval of a merger or other business combination involving
Yadkin, even if it is the surviving company in the transaction, will require the
vote of a higher percentage of its shareholders than currently is required to
approve that type of transaction involving HC Financial. Since, after the
merger, Yadkin will not be organized in a holding company structure, it will not
be able to acquire another bank or other company by merger without the approval
of its shareholders.
Election of Directors. HC Financial's Bylaws provide that directors are divided
into 3 classes with staggered terms. Yadkin's Bylaws do not contain any
provision for staggered terms of directors.
Repurchase of Capital Stock. Under Chapter 53, Yadkin must obtain the prior
approval of the holders of two-thirds of its outstanding shares, as well as the
prior approval of the Commissioner and the FDIC, before it can repurchase any of
its shares of capital stock.
Under Chapter 55, HC Financial may repurchase its capital stock by action of its
Board of Directors without the prior approval of its shareholders. However, as a
bank holding company, HC Financial is required to give the Federal Reserve Board
at least 45 days prior written notice of the purchase or redemption of any
shares of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration to be
paid for such purchase or redemption, when aggregated with the net consideration
paid by HC Financial for all purchases or redemptions of its equity securities
during the 12 months preceding the date of notification, equals or exceeds 10%
of HC Financial's consolidated net worth as of the date of such notice. The
Federal Reserve Board may permit a purchase or redemption to be accomplished
prior to expiration of the 45-day notice period if it determines that the
repurchase or redemption would not constitute an unsafe or unsound practice and
that it would not violate any applicable law, rule, regulation or order, or any
condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board.
Assessability. Under Chapter 55, shares of HC Financial common stock are not
assessable. Shares of Yadkin common stock generally are not assessable except in
the limited circumstance in which Yadkin's
79
capital has become impaired as described above under the caption "Description of
Yadkin's Capital Stock." Under Chapter 53, the Commissioner may require Yadkin's
Board of Directors to assess the holders of Yadkin common stock for the amount
by which Yadkin's capital stock has become impaired, and the shares of a
shareholder who fails to pay the assessment may be sold.
"Anti-takeover" Provisions. HC Financial's Articles of Incorporation provide
that in the case of a proposed change in control, the directors may consider the
social and economic effects of the offer on its depositors, borrowers,
customers, employees and creditors. Yadkin's Articles of Incorporation do not
include any provisions explicitly granting its directors authority to weigh such
factors in the event of a proposed acquisition or change in control.
Regulation of Transferability. The capital stock of Yadkin, unlike that of HC
Financial, is exempt from the registration requirements of the federal
Securities Act of 1933 and the North Carolina Securities Act. The effect of that
exemption is to allow Yadkin to sell shares of Yadkin common stock without
registration under those laws. In contrast, the public sale by HC Financial of
its stock, and resales of its stock by certain persons who are at the time of
resale "affiliates" of HC Financial, are required to be registered under the
1933 Act and the North Carolina Securities Act or meet certain statutory and
regulatory requirements to qualify for other exemptions from registration.
INDEMNIFICATION
Permissible Indemnification. Chapter 55 allows a corporation, by charter, bylaw,
contract, or resolution, to indemnify or agree to indemnify its officers,
directors, employees, and agents and any person who is or was serving at the
corporation's request as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another
entity or enterprise or as a trustee or administrator under an employee benefit
plan, against liability and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, in
any proceeding (including without limitation a proceeding brought by or on
behalf of the corporation itself) arising out of their status as such or their
activities in any of the foregoing capacities as summarized below. Any provision
in a corporation's charter or bylaws or in a contract or resolution may include
provisions for recovery from the corporation of reasonable costs, expenses and
attorneys' fees in connection with the enforcement of rights to indemnification
granted therein and may further include provisions establishing reasonable
procedures for determining and enforcing such rights.
The corporation may indemnify such person against liability expenses incurred
only where such person conducted himself or herself in good faith and reasonably
believed (i) in the case of conduct in his or her official corporate capacity,
that his or her conduct was in the corporation's best interests, and (ii) in all
other cases, that his or her conduct was at least not opposed to the
corporation's best interests; and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, he or
she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. However,
a corporation may not indemnify such person either in connection with a
proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which such person was
adjudged liable to the corporation, or in connection with any other proceeding
charging improper personal benefit to such person (whether or not involving
action in an official capacity) in which such person was adjudged liable on the
basis that personal benefit was improperly received.
Mandatory Indemnification. Unless limited by the corporation's charter, Chapter
55 requires a corporation to indemnify a director or officer of the corporation
who is wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any
proceeding to which such person was a party because he or she is or was a
director or officer of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred in
connection with the proceeding.
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Advance for Expenses. Expenses incurred by a director, officer, employee, or
agent of the corporation in defending a proceeding may be paid by the
corporation in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding as authorized
by the board of directors in the specific case, or as authorized by the charter
or bylaws or by any applicable resolution or contract, upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay amounts advanced, unless it
ultimately is determined that such person is entitled to be indemnified by the
corporation against such expenses.
Court-Ordered Indemnification. Unless otherwise provided in the corporation's
charter, a director or officer of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding
may apply for indemnification to the court conducting the proceeding or to
another court of competent jurisdiction. On receipt of an application, the
court, after giving any notice the court deems necessary, may order
indemnification if it determines either (i) that the director or officer is
entitled to mandatory indemnification as described above, in which case the
court also will order the corporation to pay the reasonable expenses incurred to
obtain the court-ordered indemnification, or (ii) that the director or officer
is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all the relevant
circumstances, whether or not such person met the requisite standard of conduct
or was adjudged liable to the corporation in connection with a proceeding by or
in the right of the corporation or on the basis that personal benefit was
improperly received in connection with any other proceeding so charging (but if
adjudged so liable, indemnification is limited to reasonable expenses incurred).
Voluntary indemnification. In addition to and separate and apart from
"permissible" and "mandatory" indemnification described above, a corporation
may, by charter, bylaw, contract, or resolution, indemnify or agree to indemnify
any one or more of its directors, officers, employees or agents against
liability and expenses in any proceeding (including any proceeding brought by or
on behalf of the corporation itself) arising out of their status as such or
their activities in any of the foregoing capacities. However, the corporation
may not indemnify or agree to indemnify a person against liability or expenses
the person may incur on account of activities which were at the time taken,
known or believed by such person to be clearly in conflict with the best
interests of the corporation. Any provision in a corporation's charter or bylaws
or in a contract or resolution may include provisions for recovery from the
corporation of reasonable costs, expenses and attorneys' fees in connection with
the enforcement of rights to indemnification granted therein and may further
include provisions establishing reasonable procedures for determining and
enforcing such rights.
Parties Entitled to Indemnification. Chapter 55 defines "director" to include
former directors and the estate or personal representative of a director. Unless
its charter provides otherwise, a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses
to an officer, employee or agent of the corporation to the same extent as to a
director and also may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee or
agent who is not a director to the extent, consistent with public policy, as may
be provided in its charter or bylaws, by general or specific action of its board
of directors, or by contract.
Indemnification by Yadkin and HC Financial
HC Financial's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for the
indemnification of its officers and directors to the fullest extent allowed by
applicable law. Yadkin's Bylaws also provide for the indemnification of its
officers and directors to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law.
Under North Carolina law, a corporation also may purchase insurance on behalf of
any person who is or was a director or officer against any liability arising out
of his status as such. Yadkin and HC Financial each currently maintain a
directors' and officers' liability insurance policy and such coverage is
applicable to all their respective directors and officers.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Yadkin common stock to be issued in connection with the
merger is being passed upon for Yadkin by Maupin Taylor, P.A., Raleigh, North
Carolina. Certain legal matters relating to the merger will be passed upon for
HC Financial by Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP, Greensboro,
North Carolina.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Yadkin as of December 31, 2002 and
2001, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002,
which are incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering
Circular, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as
stated in their report which is incorporated by reference herein.
On July 16, 2003, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Yadkin
decided to accept a proposal from Dixon Odom PLLC to be Yadkin's independent
certified public accountant for the year ended December 31, 2003. Yadkin's Audit
Committee decided not to accept the proposal from Deloitte & Touche, LLP,
Yadkin's independent certified public accountant for the year ended December 31,
2002. The reports of Deloitte on the financial statements of Yadkin for the last
two years did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion nor were
the opinions expressed in the reports qualified or modified as to uncertainty,
audit scope, or accounting principles. During Yadkin's most recent two years and
the interim period preceding Yadkin's decision to engage new accountants, there
were no disagreements with Deloitte on any matter of accounting principles or
practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which
disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Deloitte, would have
caused Deloitte to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in
its report.
The consolidated financial statements of HC Financial as of December 31, 2002
and 2001, and for the years then ended, which are incorporated by reference in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular, have been audited by Larrowe &
Company, PLLC, independent accountants, as indicated in their report which is
incorporated by reference herein.
DATE FOR RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
How to submit proposals for possible inclusion in the 2004 Yadkin proxy
materials: For shareholder proposals to be considered for inclusion in the proxy
materials for Yadkin's 2004 annual meeting, any such proposals must be received
at Yadkin's principal office (currently 209 North Bridge Street, Elkin, North
Carolina 28621-3404) no later than November 20, 2003. In order for a proposal to
be included in Yadkin's proxy material for the 2004 annual meeting, the person
submitting the proposal must own, beneficially or of record, the lesser of 1% or
$2,000 in market value of the common stock entitled to be voted on that proposal
at the 2004 annual meeting and must have held those shares for a period of at
least one year and continue to hold them through the date of the 2004 annual
meeting. Also, the proposal must comply with certain other eligibility and
procedural requirements established under the Securities Exchange Act or related
SEC regulations. Yadkin's Board will review any shareholder proposal received by
that date to determine whether it meets these criteria. Please submit any
proposal by certified mail, return receipt requested.
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Yadkin shareholder proposals after November 20, 2003: Proposals submitted after
November 20, 2003 will not be included in the proxy materials for the 2004
annual meeting. Any such proposals received by February 3, 2004, may be
considered at the 2004 annual meeting as other business. Management proxies
shall have discretionary authority to vote on those proposals at the 2004 annual
meeting. If notice of the proposal is not received by February 3, 2004, such
notice will be considered untimely.
HC Financial shareholders: If the merger is consummated, HC Financial
shareholders will become shareholders of Yadkin on or before January 1, 2004.
Because HC Financial shareholders will not become Yadkin stockholders on or
before November 20, 2003, they will not be able to present proposals for
inclusion in the proxy materials for the 2004 annual meeting. The deadline for
submission of proposals for Yadkin's 2005 annual meeting is expected to be in
November 2004. Because the shareholder proposal rules require the shareholder to
have held shares for a period of at least one year prior to the date of
submitting a proposal, HC Financial shareholders who become Yadkin shareholders
as a result of the merger may first present proposals for inclusion in the
Yadkin proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting. The deadline for submission
of proposals for Yadkin's 2006 annual meeting will be provided in Yadkin's proxy
statement for its 2005 annual meeting of shareholders.
WHERE YOU CAN GET MORE INFORMATION
Yadkin's common stock is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
and Yadkin is subject to the informational requirements of, and it files
periodic reports and other information with, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the 1934 Act. You may read and copy
any reports, proxy and information statements and other material filed by Yadkin
with the FDIC under the 1934 Act at:
Registration, Disclosure and Securities Operations Unit
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
550 17th Street, N.W., Room F-6043
Washington, D.C. 20429
You also may obtain copies of those reports and other documents by contacting
the FDIC by telephone at (202) 898-8913 or by facsimile at (202) 898-8505.
Yadkin's periodic reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q are also available on its
website: www.yadkinvalleybank.com.
HC Financial files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of its reports, proxy statements and
other information may be inspected and copied at the public reference facility
maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at:
Judiciary Plaza
Room 1024
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Copies of these materials can also be obtained by mail at prescribed rates from
the Public Reference Room of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 or by calling the Securities and Exchange
Commission at l-800-SEC-0330. The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a
website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding
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companies that are required to file reports with it. The address of the
Securities and Exchange Commission website is www.sec.gov.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular does not constitute an offer to
sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, the securities offered by this
Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any
jurisdiction to or from any person to whom or from whom it is unlawful to make
such offer, solicitation of an offer or proxy solicitation in such jurisdiction.
Neither the delivery of this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular nor any
distribution of securities pursuant to this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering
Circular, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no
change in the information set forth or incorporated into this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular by reference or in our affairs since the date of
this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular. The information contained in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular with respect to Yadkin was provided by
Yadkin and the information contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering
Circular with respect to HC Financial was provided by HC Financial.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
YADKIN'S Annual Report FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER, 31, 2002 on Form
10-K, was filed with the FDIC ON OR BEFORE MARCH 30, 2003. A COPY OF THAT REPORT
WILL BE PROVIDED WITHOUT CHARGE UPON THE REQUEST OF ANY SHAREHOLDER ENTITLED TO
VOTE AT THE YADKIN SPECIAL MEETING OR THE HC FINANCIAL SPECIAL MEETING. REQUESTS
FOR COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LESTINE HUTCHENS, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
YADKIN VALLEY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY, 209 NORTH BRIDGE STREET, ELKIN, NORTH
CAROLINA 28621, (336) 526-6300.
COPIES OF YADKIN'S PERIODIC REPORTS CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON ITS WEBSITE:
www.yadkinvalleybank.com.
HC FINANCIAL'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER, 31, 2002 ON
FORM 10-KSB, WAS FILED WITH THE SEC ON OR BEFORE MARCH 30, 2003. A COPY OF THAT
REPORT WILL BE PROVIDED WITHOUT CHARGE UPON THE REQUEST OF ANY SHAREHOLDER
ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE YADKIN SPECIAL MEETING OR THE HC FINANCIAL SPECIAL
MEETING. REQUESTS FOR COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO DAVID H. HARMAN, SENIOR VICE
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, 149 JEFFERSON ROAD, BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA
28607, (828) 265-4333.
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The SEC and FDIC allow us to incorporate by reference information into this
Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular, which means that we can disclose
important information to you by referring you to another document filed
separately with the SEC or the FDIC. The information incorporated by reference
is deemed to be part of this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular, except for
any information superseded by information in this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering
Circular. This Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular incorporates by
reference:
o HC Financial's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended
December 31, 2002;
o HC Financial's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB for the quarters
ended March 31, and June 30, 2003;
o Yadkin's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2002;
84
o Yadkin's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March
31, and June 30, 2003;
o Yadkin's Current Reports on Form 8-K, dated March 21, April 30, May
28, June 20, July 16 and 24, August 27, and September 19, 2003; and
o All current, quarterly and annual reports filed by Yadkin's with the
FDIC prior to the deadline for submission of elections of merger
consideration by HC Financial shareholders.
When deciding how to cast your vote, you should rely only on the
information contained or incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
information that is different from what is contained in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular. This Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular is
dated October 31, 2003. You should not assume that the information contained in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Offering Circular is accurate as of any date other
than such date, and neither the mailing of the Joint Proxy Statement/Offering
Circular to shareholders nor the issuance of Yadkin common stock in connection
with the merger shall create any implication to the contrary.
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APPENDIX A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN
OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER
By and AMONG
YADKIN VALLEY BANK and TRUST COMPANY
and
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND
HIGH COUNTRY BANK
August 27, 2003
A-1
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER
BY AND AMONG
YADKIN VALLEY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY,
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
AND HIGH COUNTRY BANK
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER (the
"Agreement") is entered into as of the 27th day of August 2003, by and among
YADKIN VALLEY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY ("Yadkin"), HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL
CORPORATION ("HC Financial") and HIGH COUNTRY BANK ("High Country").
WHEREAS, Yadkin is a North Carolina banking corporation with its
principal office and place of business located in Elkin, North Carolina; and,
WHEREAS, HC Financial is a North Carolina business corporation with
its principal office and place of business located in Boone, North Carolina, and
a bank holding company registered as such with the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System by virtue of its being the owner of all the issued and
outstanding shares of common stock of High Country; and,
WHEREAS, High Country is a North Carolina banking corporation with
its principal office and place of business located in Boone, North Carolina;
and,
WHEREAS, Yadkin, High Country and HC Financial have agreed that it
is in their mutual best interests and in the best interests of their respective
shareholders for HC Financial and High Country to be merged with and into Yadkin
in the manner and upon the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement;
and,
WHEREAS, to effectuate the foregoing, Yadkin, High Country and HC
Financial desire to adopt this Agreement as a plan of reorganization in
accordance with the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended; and,
WHEREAS, Yadkin's Board of Directors has adopted this Agreement and
will recommend to Yadkin's shareholders that they approve this Agreement and the
transactions described herein; and,
WHEREAS, High Country's and HC Financial's respective Boards of
Directors have each adopted this Agreement and HC Financial's Board of
Directors, by virtue of the fact that it is the sole shareholder of High
Country, desires to approve this Agreement as sole shareholder by authorizing
the execution hereof, and HC Financial's Board of Directors will recommend to HC
Financial's shareholders that they approve this Agreement and the transactions
described herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual
benefits to be derived from this Agreement, and the representations, warranties,
conditions, covenants and promises herein contained, and subject to the terms
and conditions hereof, Yadkin, High Country and HC Financial hereby adopt and
make this Agreement and mutually agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
1.01. Names of Merging Corporations. The names of the corporations
proposed to be merged are Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company ("Yadkin") and
High Country Financial Corporation ("HC Financial").
1.02. Nature of Transaction; Plan of Merger. Subject to the provisions of
this Agreement, at the "Effective Time" (as defined in Paragraph 1.09 below), HC
Financial will be merged into and with Yadkin (the "Merger") as provided in the
plan of merger attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement (the "Plan of Merger").
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1.03. Effect of Merger; Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, and
by reason of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of HC Financial shall
cease while the corporate existence of Yadkin as the surviving corporation in
the Merger shall continue with all of its purposes, objects, rights, privileges,
powers and franchises, all of which shall be unaffected and unimpaired by the
Merger. Following the Merger, Yadkin shall continue to operate as a North
Carolina banking corporation and will conduct its business at the then legally
established branch and main offices of Yadkin, and shall conduct business under
the name "Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company." The duration of the corporate
existence of Yadkin, as the surviving corporation, shall be perpetual and
unlimited.
1.04. Assets and Liabilities of HC Financial. At the Effective Time, and
by reason of the Merger, and in accordance with applicable law, all of the
property, assets and rights of every kind and character of HC Financial
(including without limitation all real, personal or mixed property, all debts
due on whatever account, all other choses in action and every other interest of
or belonging to or due to HC Financial, whether tangible or intangible) shall be
transferred to and vest in Yadkin, and Yadkin shall succeed to all the rights,
privileges, immunities, powers, purposes and franchises of a public or private
nature of HC Financial, all without any conveyance, assignment or further act or
deed; and, Yadkin shall become responsible for all of the liabilities, duties
and obligations of every kind, nature and description of HC Financial as of the
Effective Time. By virtue of the Merger, HC Financial's interest in and
ownership of the outstanding shares of common stock of its wholly-owned
subsidiary, High Country Bank ("High Country"), shall be transferred to and vest
in Yadkin, and High Country shall become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yadkin,
whereupon, High Country will immediately be merged into and with Yadkin as
provided in Paragraph 1.06 hereof.
1.05. Conversion and Exchange of Stock.
(a) Merger Consideration. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, at the Effective Time all rights of HC Financial's shareholders with
respect to all outstanding shares of HC Financial Common Stock (as such term is
defined in Paragraph 2.02(a) hereof) shall cease to exist and, as consideration
for and to effect the Merger, each such outstanding share shall be converted,
without any action by Yadkin, HC Financial or any HC Financial shareholder, into
the right to receive either: (i) cash in the amount of $24.02 (the "Cash
Consideration"); or (ii) a number of shares of Yadkin Common Stock (as defined
in Paragraph 3.02) equal to the Exchange Ratio as defined in Paragraph 1.05(b)
(the "Stock Consideration"). The Cash and the Stock Consideration, collectively
and in the aggregate, shall be referred to herein as the "Merger Consideration."
No share of HC Financial Common Stock, other than shares as to which the holders
have validly exercised Dissenters' Rights (as defined in Paragraph 1.05(i)),
shall be deemed to be outstanding or have any rights other than those set forth
in this Paragraph 1.05(a) after the Effective Time.
(b) Stock Consideration Exchange Ratio. Should the Yadkin Average
Price (as defined below) be equal to or greater than $15.84 or equal to or less
than $20.16, then the Exchange Ratio will be 1.3345 shares of Yadkin Common
Stock for each share of HC Financial Common Stock. However, should the Yadkin
Average Price be less than $15.84 but equal to or greater than $13.50, the
Exchange Ratio will be adjusted so that the value of the Stock Consideration
will be $21.14 (1. 3345 times $15.84) per share of HC Financial Common Stock.
For example, if the Yadkin Average Price is $13.50, the Exchange Ratio will be
1.5658 which is $21.14 divided by $13.50. However, should the Yadkin Average
Price be greater than $20.16 but less than or equal to $22.50, then the Exchange
Ratio will be adjusted so that the value of the Stock Consideration will be
$26.90 (1.3345 times $20.16) per share of HC Financial Common Stock. For
example, if the Yadkin Average Price is $22.50, the Exchange Ratio will be
1.1957 which is $26.90 divided by $22.50. For purposes of this Paragraph
1.05(b), "Yadkin Average Price" shall mean the average of the closing price per
share of Yadkin Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for the
fifteen (15) consecutive trading days preceding the day prior to the date of the
approval order of the Merger by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the
North Carolina Banking Commission, whichever is later.
(c) Election of Form of Consideration. Subject to the limitations
described in this Agreement, each HC Financial shareholder shall have the right
to elect the following forms of Merger Consideration into which his or her
shares of HC Financial Common Stock will be converted: (i) all Cash
Consideration, (ii) all Stock Consideration, or (iii) a combination of 10% Cash
Consideration and 90% Stock Consideration. Each shareholder's election must be
made in writing in a form prescribed by Yadkin (an "Election of Consideration").
Yadkin shall forward the Election of Consideration to all shareholders of HC
Financial at a reasonable date prior to the High Country Shareholders Meeting
(as such term is defined in Paragraph 4.01(a) hereof). To be valid, an Election
of Consideration must be signed by the shareholder and delivered to Yadkin
within 10 business days following the High Country Shareholders Meeting.
Shareholders of HC Financial who do not return a properly completed Election of
Consideration, or whose Elections of Consideration are received by Yadkin after
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the time prescribed, will be deemed to have made no election. Yadkin shall have
the discretion, which it may delegate in whole or in part to an exchange agent
appointed by Yadkin ("Exchange Agent"), to determine whether the Elections of
Consideration have been properly completed, signed and submitted or changed or
revoked and to disregard immaterial defects in Elections of Consideration. The
decision of Yadkin (or the Exchange Agent) in such matters shall be conclusive
and binding and without any liability whatsoever to HC Financial. Neither Yadkin
nor its Exchange Agent will be under any obligation to notify any person of any
defect in Elections of Consideration submitted to the Exchange Agent.
(d) Required Ratio of Consideration; Allocations of Consideration.
Notwithstanding the right of HC Financial's shareholders to elect the form of
Merger Consideration into which their shares of HC Financial Common Stock are
converted, the Merger Consideration (not including consideration delivered to HC
Financial's shareholders who exercise their "Dissenters' Rights") must consist
of shares of Yadkin Common Stock and cash, such that 90% of the outstanding
shares of HC Financial Common Stock are converted into shares of Yadkin Common
Stock and such that 10% of the outstanding shares of HC Financial Common Stock
are converted into cash. An election of Cash Consideration is herein referred to
as a "Cash Election," and shares as to which a Cash Election has been made are
herein referred to as "Cash Election Shares." An election of Stock Consideration
is herein referred to as a "Stock Election," and shares as to which a Stock
Election has been made are herein referred to as "Stock Election Shares." An
election of 90% Stock Consideration and 10% Cash Consideration is herein
referred to as a "Mixed Election," and shares as to which a Mixed Election has
been made are herein referred to as "Mixed Election Shares." A failure to
indicate an election is herein referred to as a "Non-Election," and shares as to
which there is a Non-Election are herein referred to as "Non-Electing Shares."
The aggregate number of shares of HC Financial Common Stock that are to be
converted into the Cash Consideration (the Cash Election Shares plus 10% of the
number of Mixed Election Shares) is referred to herein as the "Cash Election
Number." In the event that the elections of Merger Consideration by HC
Financial's shareholders call for an aggregate number of shares of HC Financial
Common Stock to be converted into Yadkin Common Stock (not including shares for
which cash is issued to shareholders who exercise "Dissenters' Rights" as
defined in Paragraph 1.05(i) below), which is equal to, more than, or less than
the percentage specified above, then the Merger Consideration shall be allocated
among part or all of HC Financial's shareholders as follows:
(i) In any event, with respect to Mixed Election Shares, ten percent
(10%) shall be converted into Cash Consideration and ninety percent (90%)
shall be converted into the Stock Consideration.
(ii) If the Cash Election Number is equal to 10.0% of the number of
outstanding shares of HC Financial Common Stock, then: (A) there shall be
no adjustment to the Cash Election Shares or Stock Election Shares; and
(B) Non-Electing Shares shall be treated as Stock Election Shares.
(iii) If the Cash Election Number is in excess of 10.0% of the
number of outstanding shares of HC Financial Common Stock, then: (A)
Non-Electing Shares shall first be deemed to be Stock Election Shares; (B)
Cash Election Shares shall be reduced pro rata by multiplying the number
of Cash Election Shares of each HC Financial shareholder by a fraction,
the numerator of which is the number of Cash Election Shares minus the
difference between the Cash Election Number and 10% of the number of
outstanding shares of HC Financial Common Stock, and the denominator of
which is the number of Cash Election Shares; and (C) the shares of each
such shareholder representing the difference between the shareholder's
initial Cash Election and the shareholder's reduced Cash Election pursuant
to clause (d)(iii)(B) shall be converted into and be deemed to be Stock
Election Shares.
(iv) If the Cash Election Number is less than 10.0% of the number of
outstanding shares of HC Financial Common Stock, then: (A) Non-Electing
Shares shall first be deemed to be Stock Election Shares and such number
of Non-Electing Shares shall be included in the number of Stock Election
Shares ("Stock Election Number"); (B) Stock Election Shares of each HC
Financial shareholder shall be reduced pro rata by multiplying the number
of Stock Election Shares by a fraction, the numerator of which is 90% of
the number of outstanding shares of HC Financial Common Stock minus the
number of Mixed Election Shares converted to Stock Consideration, and the
denominator of which is the Stock Election Number; and (C) the shares of
each such shareholder representing the difference between the
shareholder's initial Stock Election and the shareholder's reduced Stock
Election pursuant to clause (d)(iv)(B) shall be converted into and be
deemed to be Cash Election Shares.
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Any questions regarding such allocations shall be resolved in such manner as
Yadkin, in its sole discretion, shall consider reasonable and appropriate.
Yadkin's decision regarding any such allocations shall be final and binding on
HC Financial's shareholders and all parties to this Agreement.
(e) Notification and Payment Procedures; Book Entry Ownership. After
the total Stock Consideration has been allocated pursuant to the provisions of
this Paragraph 1.05 (which shall be as soon as practicable following the
Effective Time), Yadkin shall send or cause to be sent to each former HC
Financial shareholder of record immediately prior to the Effective Time written
notice ("Transmittal Letter") confirming the Merger Consideration to which such
shareholder is entitled in exchange for his or her HC Financial Common Stock and
an amount of cash to which such shareholder is entitled in exchange for his or
her HC Financial Common Stock. The Transmittal Letter will request that each
former HC Financial shareholder dispose of the certificates evidencing HC
Financial Common Stock (each a "HC Financial Certificate"). Yadkin or its
Exchange Agent will maintain a book entry list of the Yadkin Common Stock to
which each former HC Financial shareholder is entitled. Certificates evidencing
the Yadkin Common Stock into which the shareholder's HC Financial Common Stock
has been converted will not be issued.
(f) HC Financial Certificates. At the Effective Time, and without
any action by Yadkin, HC Financial, High Country or any HC Financial
shareholder, HC Financial's stock transfer books shall be closed and there shall
be no further transfers of HC Financial Common Stock on its stock transfer books
or the registration of any transfer of a HC Financial Certificate by any holder
thereof, and the holders of HC Financial Certificates shall cease to be, and
shall have no further rights as, stockholders of HC Financial other than as
provided in this Agreement. Following the Effective Time, HC Financial
Certificates shall evidence only the right of the registered holder thereof to
receive the Merger Consideration into which his or her HC Financial Common Stock
was converted at the Effective Time or, in the case of HC Financial Common Stock
held by shareholders who properly shall have exercised Dissenters' Rights (as
defined in Paragraph 1.05(i)), cash as provided in Article 13 of the North
Carolina Business Corporation Act.
(g) Voting Rights and Dividends. Following the Effective Time,
former shareholders of record of HC Financial shall be entitled to vote at any
meeting of Yadkin shareholders the number of whole shares into which their
respective HC Financial Common Stock are converted pursuant to the Merger. Any
dividend or other distribution payable by Yadkin with respect to that Yadkin
Common Stock as of any date subsequent to the Effective Time shall be paid or
delivered to the former HC Financial shareholder.
(h) Antidilutive Adjustments. If, prior to the Effective Time, HC
Financial or Yadkin shall declare any dividend payable in shares of HC Financial
Common Stock or Yadkin Common Stock or shall subdivide, split, reclassify or
combine the presently outstanding shares of HC Financial Common Stock or Yadkin
Common Stock, then an appropriate and proportionate adjustment shall be made in
the Merger Consideration to be issued in exchange for each of the shares of HC
Financial Common Stock.
(i) Dissenters. Any shareholder of HC Financial who properly
exercises the right of dissent and appraisal with respect to the Merger as
provided in Section 55-13-02 of the North Carolina General Statutes
("Dissenters' Rights") shall be entitled to receive payment of the fair value of
his or her shares of HC Financial Common Stock in the manner and pursuant to the
procedures provided therein. Shares of HC Financial Common Stock held by persons
who exercise Dissenters' Rights shall not be converted as described in Paragraph
1.05(a). However, if any shareholder of HC Financial who exercises Dissenters'
Rights shall fail to perfect those rights, or effectively shall waive or lose
such rights, then each of his or her shares of HC Financial Common Stock, at
Yadkin's sole option, shall be deemed to have been converted into Non-Electing
Shares and have the right to receive Merger Consideration as of the Effective
Time as provided in Paragraph 1.05(a) hereof.
1.06. Bank Merger. As soon as practicable following the Effective Time,
High Country will be merged with and into Yadkin (the "Bank Merger") as provided
in the plan of merger attached as Exhibit B to this Agreement (the "Plan of Bank
Merger").
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1.07. Effect of Bank Merger; Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time,
and by reason of the Bank Merger, the separate corporate existence of High
Country shall cease while the corporate existence of Yadkin as the surviving
corporation in the Bank Merger shall continue with all of its purposes, objects,
rights, privileges, powers and franchises, all of which shall be unaffected and
unimpaired by the Bank Merger. Following the Bank Merger, Yadkin shall continue
to operate as a North Carolina banking corporation and will conduct its business
at the then legally established branch and main offices of Yadkin and High
Country, and shall conduct business under the name "Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust
Company" except in: (i) Watauga County, North Carolina; and (ii) such other
market areas as determined by Yadkin, where Yadkin shall conduct business under
the name "High Country Bank." The duration of the corporate existence of Yadkin,
as the surviving corporation, shall be perpetual and unlimited.
1.08 Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Management. The Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of Yadkin in effect at the Effective Time shall be the
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Yadkin as the surviving corporation in
each of the Merger and the Bank Merger. The directors of HC Financial and High
Country named in Paragraph 5.01(f), who remain in office at the Effective Time
shall be appointed to the Board of Directors of Yadkin, to hold such office
until removed as provided by law or until the election or appointment of their
respective successors. The President and Chief Executive Officer of HC Financial
as of the date of this Agreement, provided he remains in office at the Effective
Time, shall be named a Regional President of Yadkin to hold such office until
removed as provided by law or until the election or appointment of his
successor. The directors and officers of Yadkin in office at the Effective Time
shall continue to hold such offices until removed as provided by law or until
the election or appointment of their respective successors.
1.09. Closing; Effective Time. The closing of the Merger, the Bank Merger,
and other transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") shall take
place at the offices of Yadkin in Elkin, North Carolina, or at such other place
as Yadkin and HC Financial may agree, on a date mutually agreeable to Yadkin and
HC Financial (the "Closing Date") after the expiration of any and all required
waiting periods following the effective date of required approvals of the Merger
and the Bank Merger by Regulatory Authorities (as defined in Paragraph 2.06)
(but in no event more than sixty (60) days following the expiration of all such
required waiting periods). At the Closing, Yadkin, HC Financial and High Country
shall each take such actions (including without limitation the delivery of
certain closing documents and the execution of Articles of Merger and Articles
of Bank Merger under North Carolina law) as are required by this Agreement and
as otherwise shall be required by law to consummate the Merger and the Bank
Merger and cause each to become effective.
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the
Merger shall become effective on the date and at the time (the "Effective Time")
specified in the Articles of Merger, executed by Yadkin, and filed by it with
the North Carolina Secretary of State in accordance with applicable law;
provided, however, that the Effective Time shall in no event be more than ten
(10) days following the Closing Date. The Bank Merger shall become effective on
the date and at the time specified in the Articles of Bank Merger containing the
appropriate certificate of approval of the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks,
executed by Yadkin and filed by it with the North Carolina Secretary of State in
accordance with applicable law; provided, however, that Yadkin shall use its
best efforts to cause the Bank Merger to become effective as soon as practicable
following the Effective Time.
1.10 Outstanding Yadkin Stock. The status of the shares of Yadkin Common
Stock that are outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall not be
affected by the Merger.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
HC FINANCIAL AND HIGH COUNTRY
Except as otherwise specifically described in this Agreement or as
"Previously Disclosed" (as such term is defined in Paragraph 10.13 hereof) by HC
Financial and High Country to Yadkin, HC Financial and High Country hereby make
the following representations and warranties to Yadkin:
2.01. Organization; Standing; Power. HC Financial is duly organized and
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing as a corporation under the
laws of the State of North Carolina and High Country is duly organized and
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing as a banking corporation
under the laws of the State of North Carolina. HC Financial and High Country
each (i) has all requisite power and authority (corporate and other) to own,
lease and operate
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its properties and to carry on its business as it now is being conducted; (ii)
is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in
which the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it therein,
or in which the transaction of its business, makes such qualification necessary,
except where failure so to qualify would not have a material adverse effect on
HC Financial and High Country considered as one enterprise; and (iii) is not
transacting business or operating any properties owned or leased by it in
violation of any provision of federal, state or local law or any rule or
regulation promulgated thereunder, except where such violation would not have a
material adverse effect on HC Financial and High Country considered as one
enterprise. High Country is an "insured depository institution" as defined in
the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and applicable regulations thereunder. High
Country is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") of Atlanta.
2.02 Capital Stock.
(a) HC Financial's authorized capital stock consists of 5,000,000
shares of preferred stock, no par value ("HC Financial Preferred Stock") and
20,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value, one vote per share (the "HC
Financial Common Stock") of which no more than 1,419,809 shares are issued and
outstanding as of the date of this Agreement.
Each outstanding share of HC Financial Common Stock: (i) has been
duly authorized and is validly issued and outstanding, and is fully paid and
nonassessable; and (ii) has not been issued in violation of the preemptive
rights of any shareholder. The HC Financial Common Stock has been registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and HC Financial is subject
to the registration and reporting requirements of the 1934 Act.
(b) High Country's authorized capital stock consists of 20,000,000
shares of common stock, $5.00 par value, one vote per share (the "High Country
Common Stock"), of which 1,416,822 shares are issued and outstanding as of the
date of this Agreement.
Each outstanding share of High Country Common Stock: (i) has been
duly authorized and is validly issued and outstanding, and is fully paid and
nonassessable (except to the extent provided in Section 53-42 of the North
Carolina General Statutes); and (ii) has not been issued in violation of the
preemptive rights of any shareholder.
2.03. Principal Shareholders. HC Financial owns 100% of the outstanding
High Country Common Stock. There are no outstanding shares of HC Financial
Preferred Stock. No person or entity is known to management of HC Financial to
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the outstanding shares
of HC Financial Common Stock.
2.04. Subsidiaries. Except for High Country Securities, Inc., High Country
has no subsidiaries, direct or indirect, and, except for equity securities
included in its investment portfolio at June 30, 2003, does not own any stock or
other equity interest in any other corporation, service corporation, joint
venture, partnership or other entity. High Country is the only subsidiary of HC
Financial.
2.05. Convertible Securities, Options, Etc. Except for 206,250 outstanding
options and 276,322 outstanding warrants to purchase shares of HC Financial
Common Stock, HC Financial does not have any outstanding (i) securities or other
obligations (including debentures or other debt instruments) which are
convertible into shares of HC Financial Common Stock or any other securities of
HC Financial; (ii) options, warrants, rights, calls or other commitments of any
nature which entitle any person or entity to receive or acquire any shares of HC
Financial Common Stock or any other securities of HC Financial; or (iii) plans,
agreements or other arrangements pursuant to which shares of HC Financial Common
Stock or any other securities of HC Financial, or options, warrants, rights,
calls or other commitments of any nature pertaining to any securities of HC
Financial, have been or may be issued.
2.06. Authorization and Validity of Agreement. This Agreement has been
duly and validly adopted by the respective Boards of Directors of HC Financial
and High Country. Subject only to approval of the shareholders of HC Financial
in the manner required by law and receipt of all required approvals of
governmental or regulatory authorities having statutory jurisdiction over
Yadkin, HC Financial or High Country (collectively, the "Regulatory Authorities"
or individually, a "Regulatory Authority") of the transactions described herein,
(i) HC Financial and High Country each has the corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations and agreements
and carry out the transactions described in this Agreement; (ii) all corporate
proceedings and approvals required to authorize HC
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Financial and High Country to enter into this Agreement and to perform their
obligations and agreements and carry out the transactions described herein have
been duly and properly completed or obtained; and (iii) this Agreement
constitutes the valid and binding agreement of HC Financial and High Country
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent enforceability
may be limited by (A) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or similar laws from time to time in effect which affect creditors'
rights generally; (B) legal and equitable limitations on the availability of
injunctive relief, specific performance and other equitable remedies; (C)
general principles of equity and applicable laws or court decisions limiting the
enforceability of indemnification provisions; and (D) the rights of the United
States under the Federal Tax Lien Act of 1966, as amended.
2.07. Validity of Transactions; Absence of Required Consents or Waivers.
Except where the same would not have a material adverse effect on HC Financial
or High Country, considered as one enterprise, and subject to approval of this
Agreement by the shareholders of HC Financial in the manner required by law and
receipt of required approvals of Regulatory Authorities, neither the execution
and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions
described herein, nor compliance by HC Financial or High Country with any of the
obligations or agreements contained herein, nor any action or inaction by HC
Financial or High Country required herein, will: (i) conflict with or result in
a breach of the terms and conditions of, or constitute a default or violation
under any provision of, the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of either HC
Financial or High Country, or any material contract, agreement, lease, mortgage,
note, bond, indenture, license, or obligation or understanding (oral or written)
to which HC Financial or High Country is bound or by which they or their
business, capital stock or any of their properties or assets may be affected;
(ii) result in the creation or imposition of any material lien, claim, interest,
charge, restriction or encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of HC
Financial or High Country; (iii) violate any applicable federal or state
statute, law, rule or regulation, or any judgment, order, writ, injunction or
decree of any court, administrative or regulatory agency or governmental body,
which violation will or may have a material adverse effect on HC Financial or
High Country, their financial condition, results of operations, prospects,
businesses, assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or operations, or on
HC Financial's or High Country's ability to consummate the transactions
described herein or to carry on the business of HC Financial or High Country as
presently conducted; (iv) result in the acceleration of any material obligation
or indebtedness of HC Financial or High Country; or (v) materially interfere
with or otherwise materially adversely affect HC Financial's or High Country's
respective abilities to carry on their respective businesses as presently
conducted.
No consents, approvals or waivers are required to be obtained from
any person or entity in connection with HC Financial's or High Country's
execution and delivery of this Agreement, or the performance of their
obligations or agreements or the consummation of the transactions described
herein, except for required approvals of Regulatory Authorities and HC
Financial's shareholders.
2.08. Books and Records of HC Financial and High Country. HC Financial's
and High Country's books of account and business records have been maintained in
all material respects in compliance with all applicable legal and accounting
requirements, and such books and records are complete and reflect accurately in
all material respects HC Financial's and High Country's items of income and
expense and all of their assets, liabilities and stockholders' equity. The
minute books of HC Financial and High Country are complete and accurately
reflect in all material respects all corporate actions which their shareholders
and boards of directors, and all committees thereof, have taken during the time
periods covered by such minute books, and, all such minute books have been or
will be made available to Yadkin and its representatives.
2.09. Reports of HC Financial and High Country. HC Financial and High
Country have filed all reports, registrations and statements, together with any
amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that were required to be
filed with (i) the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (the "Commissioner"),
(ii) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"), (iii) the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), (iv) the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System (the "FRB") and (v) any other Regulatory Authorities,
except where the failure to file has not had and would not have a material
adverse effect on HC Financial and High Country, taken as a whole. All such
reports, registrations and statements filed by HC Financial and High Country
with the Commissioner, the FDIC, the SEC or any other Regulatory Authorities are
collectively referred to in this Agreement as the "High Country Reports." To the
Best Knowledge (as such term is defined in Paragraph 10.14 hereof) of management
of HC Financial and High Country, the High Country Reports complied in all
material respects with all the statutes, rules and regulations enforced or
promulgated by the Regulatory Authorities with which they were filed and did not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under
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which they were made, not misleading. HC Financial and High Country have not
been notified that any such High Country Reports were deficient in any material
respect as to form or content.
2.10. HC Financial Financial Statements. HC Financial and High Country
have Previously Disclosed to Yadkin a copy of HC Financial's and High Country's
audited consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 2002
and 2001, and its audited statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, together with notes
thereto (collectively, the "High Country Audited Financial Statements"),
together with copies of High Country's unaudited consolidated statements of
financial condition as of June 30, 2003, and unaudited statements of income and
cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (collectively,
the "High Country Interim Financial Statements"). Following the date of this
Agreement, HC Financial promptly will deliver to Yadkin all other annual or
interim financial statements prepared by or for HC Financial or High Country.
The High Country Audited Financial Statements and the High Country Interim
Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP") applied on a consistent basis throughout the
periods indicated; (ii) are in accordance with HC Financial's and High Country's
books and records; and (iii) present fairly in all material respects HC
Financial's and High Country's consolidated financial condition, assets and
liabilities, results of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and changes
in cash flows as of the dates indicated and for the periods specified therein.
The High Country Audited Financial Statements have been audited by Larrowe &
Company PLC, which currently serves as both HC Financial's and High Country's
independent certified public accountants.
2.11. Tax Returns and Other Tax Matters. (i) HC Financial and High Country
have timely filed or caused to be filed all federal, state and local income tax
returns and reports which are required by law to have been filed, and all such
returns and reports were true, correct and complete and contained all material
information required to be contained therein; (ii) all federal, state and local
income, profits, franchise, sales, use, occupation, property, excise,
withholding, employment and other taxes (including interest and penalties),
charges and assessments which have become due from or been assessed or levied
against HC Financial and High Country or their respective properties have been
fully paid or, if not yet due, a reserve or accrual, which is adequate in all
material respects for the payment of all such taxes to be paid and the
obligation for such unpaid taxes, is reflected on the High Country Interim
Financial Statements; (iii) the income, profits, franchise, sales, use,
occupation, property, excise, withholding, employment and other tax returns and
reports of HC Financial and High Country have not been subjected to audit by the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or the North Carolina Department Revenue,
and HC Financial and High Country have not received any indication of the
pendency of any audit or examination in connection with any such tax return or
report and, to the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High
Country, no such return or report is subject to adjustment; and (iv) HC
Financial and High Country have not executed any waiver or extended the statute
of limitations (or been asked to execute a waiver or extend a statute of
limitations) with respect to any tax year, the audit of any such tax return or
report, or the assessment or collection of any tax.
2.12. Absence of Material Adverse Changes or Certain Other Events.
(a) Since June 30, 2003, HC Financial and High Country each has
conducted its business only in the ordinary course, and there has been no
material adverse change, and there has occurred no event or development, and, to
the Best Knowledge of the management of HC Financial and High Country, there
currently exists no condition or circumstance particular to HC Financial and
High Country, which, with the lapse of time or otherwise, is likely to cause,
create or result in a material adverse change in or affecting the financial
condition of HC Financial and High Country considered as one enterprise or on
their respective results of operations, prospects, business, assets, loan
portfolio, investments, properties or operations considered as one enterprise.
(b) Since June 30, 2003, and other than in the ordinary course of
its business, neither HC Financial nor High Country have incurred any material
liability, engaged in any material transaction, entered into any material
agreement, increased the salaries, compensation or general benefits payable or
provided to its employees, suffered any material loss, destruction or damage to
any of its properties or assets, or made a material acquisition or disposition
of any assets or entered into any material contract or lease.
2.13. Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. HC Financial and High Country do
not have any material liabilities or obligations, whether known or unknown,
matured or unmatured, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, whether due or
to become due (including without limitation tax liabilities or unfunded
liabilities under employee benefit plans or arrangements), other than (i) those
reflected in the High Country Audited Financial Statements or High Country
Interim
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Financial Statements, (ii) increases in deposit accounts in the ordinary course
of business since June 30, 2003, or (iii) loan commitments in the ordinary
course of business since June 30, 2003.
2.14. Compliance with Existing Obligations. HC Financial and High Country
each has performed in all material respects all obligations required to be
performed under, and are not in default in any material respect under, or in
violation in any material respect of, the terms and conditions of its respective
Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, material contracts, agreements, leases,
mortgages, notes, bonds, indentures, licenses, obligations, understandings or
other undertakings (whether oral or written) to which each is bound or by which
its business, operations, capital stock or any property or assets may be
affected.
2.15. Litigation and Compliance with Law.
(a) There are no material actions, suits, arbitrations,
controversies or other proceedings or investigations (or, to the Best Knowledge
of management of HC Financial and High Country, any facts or circumstances which
reasonably could result in such), including without limitation any such action
by any Regulatory Authority, which currently exist or are ongoing, pending or,
to the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High Country, are
threatened, contemplated or probable of assertion, against, relating to or
otherwise affecting HC Financial or High Country or any of their properties,
assets or employees.
(b) HC Financial and High Country have all licenses, permits,
orders, authorizations or approvals ("Permits") of all federal, state, local or
foreign governmental or regulatory agencies that are material to or necessary
for the conduct of their business or to own, lease and operate their properties;
all such Permits are in full force and effect; no violations have occurred with
respect to any such Permits; and no proceeding is pending or, to the Best
Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High Country, threatened or probable
of assertion to suspend, cancel, revoke or limit any Permit.
(c) Neither HC Financial nor High Country is subject to any
supervisory agreement, enforcement order, writ, injunction, capital directive,
supervisory directive, memorandum of understanding, cease and desist order, or
other similar agreement, order, directive, memorandum or consent of, with or
issued by any Regulatory Authority relating to financial condition, directors or
officers, employees, operations, capital, regulatory compliance or any other
matter; there are no judgments, orders, stipulations, injunctions, decrees or
awards against HC Financial or High Country which limit, restrict, regulate,
enjoin or prohibit in any material respect any present or past business or
practice of HC Financial or High Country; and, HC Financial and High Country
have not been advised and have no reason to believe that any Regulatory
Authority or any court is contemplating, threatening or requesting the issuance
of any such agreement, order, writ, injunction, directive, memorandum, judgment,
stipulation, decree or award.
(d) HC Financial and High Country are not in violation or default in
any material respect under, and have complied in all material respects with, all
laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, writs, injunctions or
decrees of any court or federal, state, municipal or other Regulatory Authority
having jurisdiction or authority over it or its business operations, properties
or assets (including without limitation all provisions of North Carolina law
relating to usury, the Consumer Credit Protection Act, and all other federal and
state laws and regulations applicable to extensions of credit by HC Financial or
High Country). To the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High
Country, there is no basis for any material claim by any person or authority for
compensation, reimbursement, damages or other penalties or relief for any
violations described in this subparagraph (d).
2.16. Real Properties.
(a) HC Financial and High Country have Previously Disclosed to
Yadkin a listing of all real property owned by HC Financial or High Country
(including High Country's banking facilities and all other real estate or
foreclosed properties, including improvements thereon, owned by HC Financial
and/or High Country) (collectively, the "High Country Real Property") and all
leases pertaining to any such Real Property to which HC Financial or High
Country is a party (the "Real Property Leases"). With respect to each parcel of
the High Country Real Property, HC Financial and High Country have good and
marketable fee simple title to the High Country Real Property and own the same
free and clear of all mortgages, liens, leases, encumbrances, title defects and
exceptions to title other than (i) the lien of current taxes not yet due and
payable, and (ii) such imperfections of title and restrictions, covenants and
easements (including utility easements) which do not materially affect the value
of the High Country Real Property or which do not and will not materially
detract from,
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interfere with or restrict the present use of the High Country Real Property or
any future use consistent therewith. With respect to each Real Property Lease
(A) such lease is valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms, (B) there
currently exists no circumstance or condition which constitutes an event of
default by HC Financial or High Country (as lessor or lessee) or its respective
lessor or which, with the passage of time or the giving of required notices will
or could constitute such an event of default, and (C) subject to any required
consent of HC Financial's or High Country's lessor, each such Real Property
Lease may be assigned to Yadkin and the execution and delivery of this Agreement
does not constitute an event of default thereunder.
(b) The High Country Real Property complies in all material respects
with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances or
orders of any governmental agency or regulatory authority (excluding
Environmental Laws which are addressed by Paragraph 2.21 below), including those
relating to zoning, building and use permits, and the parcels of the High
Country Real Property upon which HC Financial's offices or High Country's
banking or other offices are situated, or which are used by HC Financial or High
Country in conjunction with their banking or other offices or for other
purposes, may, under applicable zoning ordinances, be used for the purposes for
which they currently are used as a matter of right rather than as a conditional
or nonconforming use.
(c) All improvements and fixtures included in or on the High Country
Real Property are in good condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted,
and there does not exist any condition which in any material respect interferes
with HC Financial's or High Country's respective use (or will interfere with
Yadkin's future use consistent therewith after the Merger and the Bank Merger)
or affects the economic value thereof.
2.17. Loans, Accounts, Notes and Other Receivables.
(a) HC Financial has no loans, accounts, notes and other receivables
reflected as assets on its books and records. All loans, accounts, notes and
other receivables reflected as assets on High Country's books and records (i)
have resulted from bona fide business transactions in the ordinary course of
operations; (ii) in all material respects were made in accordance with High
Country's standard practices and procedures; and (iii) are owned by High Country
free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, assignments, participation or
repurchase agreements or other exceptions to title or to the ownership or
collection rights of any other person or entity.
(b) All records of High Country regarding all outstanding loans,
accounts, notes and other receivables, and all other real estate owned, are
accurate in all material respects, and, each loan which High Country's loan
documentation indicates is secured by any real or personal property or property
rights ("Loan Collateral") is secured by valid, perfected and enforceable liens
on all such Loan Collateral having the priority described in High Country's
records of such loan.
(c) Each loan reflected as an asset on High Country's books, and
each guarantee therefor, is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the
obligor or guarantor thereon, and no defense, offset or counterclaim has been
asserted with respect to any such loan or guarantee.
(d) HC Financial and High Country have Previously Disclosed to
Yadkin (i) a written listing of each loan, extension of credit or other asset of
High Country which, as of June 30, 2003, was classified by the Commissioner or
the FDIC or by High Country as "Loss," "Doubtful," "Substandard" or "Special
Mention" (or otherwise by words of similar import), or which High Country
otherwise has designated as a special asset or for special handling or placed on
any "watch list" because of concerns regarding the ultimate collectibility or
deteriorating condition of such asset or any obligor or Loan Collateral
therefor; and (ii) a written listing of each loan or extension of credit of High
Country which, as of June 30, 2003, was past due more than 30 days as to the
payment of principal or interest, or as to which any obligor thereon (including
the borrower or any guarantor) otherwise was in default, was the subject of a
proceeding in bankruptcy or has indicated any inability or intention not to
repay such loan or extension of credit.
(e) To the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High
Country, each of the loans and other extensions of credit of High Country (with
the exception of those loans and extensions of credit specified in the written
listings described in Paragraph 2.17(d) above) is collectible in the ordinary
course of business in an amount which is not less than the amount at which it is
carried on High Country's books and records.
(f) High Country's reserve for possible loan losses (the "Loan Loss
Reserve") has been established in conformity with GAAP, sound banking practices
and all applicable requirements, rules and policies of the Commissioner and
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the FDIC and, in the best judgment of management of High Country, is reasonable
in view of the size and character of High Country's loan portfolio, current
economic conditions and other relevant factors, and is adequate to provide for
losses relating to or the risk of loss inherent in High Country's loan
portfolios and other real estate owned.
2.18. Securities Portfolio and Investments. HC Financial and High Country
have Previously Disclosed to Yadkin a listing of all securities owned, of record
or beneficially, by HC Financial and High Country as of June 30, 2003. All
securities owned, of record or beneficially, by HC Financial and High Country
are held free and clear of all mortgages, liens, pledges, encumbrances or any
other restriction or rights of any other person or entity, whether contractual
or statutory (other than customary pledges in the ordinary course of their
business to secure public funds deposits), which would materially impair the
ability of HC Financial or High Country to dispose freely of any such security
or otherwise to realize the benefits of ownership thereof at any time. There are
no voting trusts or other agreements or undertakings to which HC Financial or
High Country is a party with respect to the voting of any such securities. With
respect to all "repurchase agreements" under which HC Financial or High Country
has "purchased" securities under agreement to resell, HC Financial or High
Country has a valid, perfected first lien or security interest in the government
securities or other collateral securing the repurchase agreement, and the value
of the collateral securing each such repurchase agreement equals or exceeds the
amount of the debt owed to HC Financial or High Country, as the case may be,
which is secured by such collateral.
Since June 30, 2003, there has been no material deterioration or
adverse change in the quality, or any material decrease in the value, of the
securities portfolio of HC Financial or that of High Country considered as one
enterprise.
2.19. Personal Property and Other Assets. All banking equipment, data
processing equipment, vehicles, and other personal property used by HC Financial
or High Country and material to the operation of the business of either are
owned by HC Financial or High Country free and clear of all liens, encumbrances,
leases, title defects or exceptions to title. All personal property of HC
Financial and High Country material to their business is in good operating
condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
2.20. Patents and Trademarks. HC Financial and High Country each owns,
possesses or has the right to use any and all patents, licenses, trademarks,
trade names, copyrights, trade secrets and proprietary and other confidential
information necessary to conduct its business as now conducted. HC Financial and
High Country have not violated, and currently are not in conflict with, any
patent, license, trademark, trade name, copyright or proprietary right of any
other person or entity.
2.21. Environmental Matters.
(a) As used in this Agreement, "Environmental Laws" shall mean,
without limitation:
(i) all federal, state and local statutes, regulations,
ordinances, orders, decrees, and similar provisions having the force or effect
of law for the protection of human health, natural resources, or the environment
(including without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act; the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act;
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act; the Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Clean Water
Act; the Clean Air Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Oil Pollution Act;
the Coastal Zone Management Act; any "Superfund" or "Superlien" law; the North
Carolina Oil Pollution and Hazardous Substances Control Act; the North Carolina
Water and Air Resources Act; and the North Carolina Occupational Safety and
Health Act, including any amendments thereto from time to time); and,
(ii) all common law concerning public health and safety,
worker health and safety, and pollution or protection of the environment,
including without limitation all standards of conduct and bases of obligations
relating to the presence, use, production, generation, handling, transportation,
treatment, storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, reporting, testing,
processing, discharge, release, threatened release, control, or clean-up of any
"Hazardous Substances" (as defined below).
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As used in this Agreement, "Hazardous Substance" shall mean
any materials, substances, wastes, chemical substances, or mixtures presently
listed, defined, designated, or classified as hazardous, toxic, or dangerous, or
otherwise regulated, under any Environmental Laws, whether by type, quantity or
concentration, including without limitation pesticides, pollutants,
contaminants, toxic chemicals, oil, or other petroleum products, byproducts or
additives, asbestos or materials containing (or presumed to contain) asbestos,
polychlorinated biphenyls, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, lead, radon,
methyl tertiary butyl ether ("MTBE") or radioactive material.
(b) HC Financial and High Country have Previously Disclosed to
Yadkin copies of all written reports, correspondence, notices or other
information or materials, if any, in their possession pertaining to
environmental surveys or assessments of the High Country Real Property, and any
improvements thereon, or pertaining to any violation or alleged violation of
Environmental Laws on, affecting or otherwise involving the High Country Real
Property or involving HC Financial or High Country.
(c) To the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High
Country after reasonable inquiry, there has been no presence, use, production,
generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, emission,
discharge, release, or threatened release of any Hazardous Substances by any
person on, from or relating to the High Country Real Property which constitutes
a violation of any Environmental Laws, or would require any removal, clean-up or
remediation of any Hazardous Substances from, on or relating to the High Country
Real Property under any Environmental Laws.
(d) Neither HC Financial nor High Country has violated any
Environmental Laws which violation would have a material adverse effect on HC
Financial or High Country considered as one enterprise, and, to the Best
Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High Country after reasonable
inquiry, there has been no violation of any Environmental Laws by any other
person or entity for whose liability or obligation with respect to any
particular matter or violation HC Financial or High Country is or may be
responsible or liable which would have a material adverse effect on HC Financial
or High Country considered as one enterprise.
(e) Neither HC Financial nor High Country is subject to any claims,
demands, causes of action, suits, proceedings, losses, damages, penalties,
liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses of any kind and nature which arise
out of, under or in connection with, or which result from or are based upon the
presence, use, production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment,
storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, reporting, testing, processing,
emission, discharge, release, threatened release, control, removal, clean-up or
remediation of any Hazardous Substances on, from or relating to the High Country
Real Property or by any person or entity.
(f) To the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High
Country after reasonable inquiry, no facts, events or conditions relating to the
High Country Real Property or the operations of HC Financial or High Country at
any of its office locations, will prevent, hinder or limit continued substantial
compliance with Environmental Laws, or give rise to any investigatory, emergency
removal, remedial or corrective actions, obligations or liabilities pursuant to
Environmental Laws.
(g) To the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High
Country (it being understood by Yadkin that, for purposes of this
representation, management of HC Financial and High Country has not undertaken a
review of each of HC Financial's or High Country's loan files with respect to
all Loan Collateral), (i) there has been no violation of any Environmental Laws
by any person or entity (including any violation with respect to any Loan
Collateral) for whose liability or obligation with respect to any particular
matter or violation HC Financial or High Country is or may be responsible or
liable; (ii) HC Financial and High Country are not subject to any claims,
demands, causes of action, suits, proceedings, losses, damages, penalties,
liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses of any kind and nature which arise
out of, under or in connection with, or which result from or are based upon, the
presence, use, production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment,
storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, reporting, testing, processing,
emission, discharge, release, threatened release, control, removal, clean-up or
remediation of any Hazardous Substances on, from or relating to any Loan
Collateral, by any person or entity; and (iii) there are no facts, events or
conditions relating to any Loan Collateral that will give rise to any
investigatory, emergency removal, remedial or corrective actions, obligations or
liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise)
pursuant to Environmental Laws.
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2.22. Absence of Brokerage or Finder's Commissions. Except for the
engagement of Smith Capital by HC Financial: (i) no person or firm has been
retained by or has acted on behalf of, pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or
understanding with, or under the authority of, HC Financial or High Country or
their respective Boards of Directors, as a broker, finder or agent or has
performed similar functions or otherwise is or may be entitled to receive or
claim a brokerage fee or other commission in connection with or as a result of
the transactions described herein; and, (ii) neither HC Financial nor High
Country has agreed, or has any obligation, to pay any brokerage fee or other
commission to any person or entity in connection with or as a result of the
transactions described herein.
2.23. Material Contracts. Other than a benefit plan or employment
agreement Previously Disclosed to Yadkin pursuant to Paragraph 2.25 hereof,
neither HC Financial nor High Country is party to or bound by any agreement (i)
involving money or other property in an amount or with a value in excess of
$25,000; (ii) which is not to be performed in full within the twelve month
period following the date of this Agreement; (iii) which calls for the provision
of goods or services to HC Financial or High Country and cannot be terminated
without material penalty upon written notice to the other party thereto; (iv)
which is material to HC Financial or High Country and was not entered into in
the ordinary course of business; (v) which involves hedging, options or any
similar trading activity, or interest rate exchanges or swaps; (vi) which
commits HC Financial or High Country to extend any loan or credit (with the
exception of letters of credit, lines of credit and loan commitments extended in
the ordinary course of High Country's business); (vii) which involves the sale
of any assets of HC Financial or High Country which are used in and material to
the operation of their business; (viii) which involves any purchase of real
property, or which involves the purchase of any other assets in the amount of
$10,000 or more in the case of any single transaction or $25,000 or more in the
case of all such transactions; (ix) which involves the purchase, sale, issuance,
redemption or transfer of any capital stock or other securities of HC Financial
or High Country; or (x) with any director, officer or principal shareholder of
HC Financial or High Country (including without limitation any consulting
agreement, but not including any agreements relating to loans or other banking
services which were made in the ordinary course of High Country's business and
on substantially the same terms and conditions as were prevailing at that time
for similar agreements with unrelated persons).
Neither HC Financial nor High Country is in default in any material
respect, and there has not occurred any event which with the lapse of time or
giving of notice or both would constitute such a default, under any contract,
lease, insurance policy, commitment or arrangement to which either HC Financial
or High Country is a party or by which either HC Financial or High Country or
property of HC Financial or High Country is or may be bound or affected or under
which either HC Financial or High Country or property of HC Financial or High
Country receives benefits, where the consequences of such default would have a
material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations,
prospects, business, assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or
operations of HC Financial or High Country considered as one enterprise.
2.24. Employment Matters; Employee Relations. HC Financial and High
Country have Previously Disclosed to Yadkin a listing of the names, years of
credited service and current base salary or wage rates of all of their employees
as of June 30, 2003. HC Financial and High Country (i) each have in all material
respects paid in full to or accrued on behalf of all their respective directors,
officers and employees all wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, fees and other
direct compensation for all labor or services performed by them to the date of
this Agreement, and all vacation pay, sick pay, severance pay, overtime pay and
other amounts for which it is obligated under applicable law or HC Financial's
or High Country's existing agreements, benefit plans, policies or practices; and
(ii) are each in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws,
statutes, rules and regulations with regard to employment and employment
practices, terms and conditions, and wages and hours and other compensation
matters. No person has asserted that HC Financial or High Country is liable in
any amount for any arrearage in wages or employment taxes or for any penalties
for failure to comply with any of the foregoing.
There is no action, suit or proceeding by any person pending or, to
the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial or High Country, threatened,
against HC Financial or High Country (or any employees of HC Financial or High
Country), involving employment discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful
discharge or similar claims.
Neither HC Financial nor High Country is party to or bound by any
collective bargaining agreement with any of its employees, any labor union or
any other collective bargaining unit or organization. There is no pending or, to
the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High Country, threatened
labor dispute, work stoppage or strike involving HC Financial or High Country
and any of their employees, or any pending or, to the Best Knowledge of
management of HC Financial and High Country, threatened proceeding in which it
is asserted that HC Financial or High Country has committed an unfair labor
practice; and, to the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High
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Country, there is no activity involving HC Financial, High Country, or any of
their employees seeking to certify a collective bargaining unit or engaging in
any other labor organization activity.
2.25. Employment Agreements; Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) HC Financial and High Country have Previously Disclosed to
Yadkin a true and complete list of all bonus, deferred compensation, pension,
retirement, profit-sharing, thrift, savings, employee stock ownership, stock
bonus, stock purchase, restricted stock and stock option plans; all employment
and severance contracts; all medical, dental, health, and life insurance plans;
all vacation, sickness and other leave plans, disability and death benefit
plans; and all other employee benefit plans, contracts, or arrangements
maintained or contributed to by HC Financial or High Country for the benefit of
any employees, former employees, directors, former directors or any of their
beneficiaries (collectively, the "High Country Plans"). True and complete copies
of all High Country Plans, including, but not limited to, any trust instruments
or insurance contracts, if any, forming a part thereof or applicable to the
administration of any such High Country Plans or the assets thereof, and all
amendments thereto, previously have been supplied to Yadkin. Except as
Previously Disclosed, HC Financial and High Country do not maintain, sponsor,
contribute to or otherwise participate in any "Employee Benefit Plan" within the
meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended ("ERISA"), any "Multi-employer Plan" within the meaning of Section
3(37) of ERISA, or any "Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement" within the
meaning of Section 3(40) of ERISA. Each High Country Plan which is an "employee
pension benefit plan" within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA and which is
intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code") has received or applied for a favorable
determination letter from the IRS to the effect that they are so qualified (or
is entitled to rely upon the favorable determination letter issued to the
prototype or volume submitter plan sponsor, if the plan utilizes a prototype or
volume submitter document), and neither HC Financial nor High Country is aware
of any circumstances reasonably likely to result in the revocation or denial of
any such favorable determination letter. All reports and returns with respect to
the High Country Plans (and any High Country Plans previously maintained by HC
Financial or High Country) required to be filed with any governmental
department, agency, service or other authority, including without limitation IRS
Form 5500 (Annual Report), have been properly and timely filed.
(b) All "Employee Benefit Plans" maintained by or otherwise covering
employees or former employees of HC Financial or High Country, to the extent
each is subject to ERISA, currently are, and at all times have been, in
substantial compliance with all material provisions and requirements of ERISA,
the noncompliance with which will not have a material adverse effect on HC
Financial and High Country, considered as one enterprise. There is no pending
or, to the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High Country,
threatened litigation relating to any High Country Plan or any employee benefit
plan, contract or arrangement previously maintained by HC Financial or High
Country. Neither HC Financial nor High Country has engaged in a transaction with
respect to any High Country Plan that could subject HC Financial or High Country
to a tax or penalty imposed by either Section 4975 of the Code or Section 502(i)
of ERISA.
(c) HC Financial and High Country have delivered to Yadkin a true,
correct and complete copy (including copies of all amendments thereto) of each
retirement plan maintained by either which is intended to be a plan qualified
under Section 401(a) of the Code (collectively, the "High Country Retirement
Plans"), together with true, correct and complete copies of the summary plan
descriptions relating to the High Country Retirement Plans, the most recent
determination letters received from the IRS regarding the High Country
Retirement Plans, and the most recent Annual Reports (Form 5500 series) and
related schedules, if any, for the High Country Retirement Plans.
The High Country Retirement Plans are qualified under the
provisions of Section 401(a) of the Code, the trusts under the High Country
Retirement Plans are exempt trusts under Section 501(a) of the Code, and
determination letters have been issued or applied for with respect to the High
Country Retirement Plans to said effect, including determination letters
covering the current terms and provisions of the High Country Retirement Plans
unless the plan utilizes a prototype or volume submitter document, in which case
the plan is entitled to rely upon the favorable determination letter issued to
the prototype or volume submitter plan sponsor. There are no issues relating to
said qualification or exemption of the High Country Retirement Plans currently
pending before the IRS, the United States Department of Labor, the Pension
Benefit Guarantee Corporation or any court. The High Country Retirement Plans
and the administration thereof are (and have been since the establishment of the
High Country Retirement Plans) in compliance in all material respects with all
of the applicable requirements of ERISA, the Code and all other laws, rules and
regulations applicable to the High Country Retirement Plans, the noncompliance
with which will not have a material adverse effect on HC Financial and High
Country considered as one enterprise. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, all reports and returns with respect to the High Country Retirement
Plans required to be filed with any governmental department,
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agency, service or other authority have been properly and timely filed. There
are no issues or disputes with respect to the High Country Retirement Plans or
the administration thereof currently existing between HC Financial, High
Country, or any trustee or other fiduciary thereunder, and any governmental
agency, any current or former employee of High Country or beneficiary of any
such employee, or any other person or entity. No "reportable event" within the
meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA has occurred at any time with respect to the
High Country Retirement Plans.
(d) No liability under subtitle C or D of Title IV of ERISA has been
or, to the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High Country, is
expected to be incurred by HC Financial or High Country with respect to the High
Country Retirement Plans or with respect to any other ongoing, frozen or
terminated defined benefit pension plan currently or formerly maintained by HC
Financial or High Country. HC Financial and High Country do not presently
contribute, and have not contributed, to a "Multi-employer Plan." All
contributions required to be made pursuant to the terms of each of the High
Country Plans (including without limitation the High Country Retirement Plans
and any other "pension plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, provided such
plan is intended to qualify under the provisions of Section 401(a) of the Code)
maintained by HC Financial or High Country have been timely made. Neither the
High Country Retirement Plans nor any other "pension plan" maintained by HC
Financial or High Country have an "accumulated funding deficiency" (whether or
not waived) within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of
ERISA. HC Financial and High Country have not provided, and are not required to
provide, security to any "pension plan" or to any "Single Employer Plan"
pursuant to Section 401(a)(29) of the Code. Under the High Country Retirement
Plans and any other "pension plan" maintained by HC Financial or High Country as
of the last day of the most recent plan year ended prior to the date hereof, the
actuarially determined present value of all "benefit liabilities," within the
meaning of Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA (as determined on the basis of the
actuarial assumptions contained in the plan's most recent actuarial valuation)
did not exceed the then current value of the assets of such plan, and there has
been no material change in the financial condition of any such plan since the
last day of the most recent plan year.
(e) Except as provided in the terms of the High Country Retirement
Plans themselves, there are no restrictions on the rights of HC Financial or
High Country to amend or terminate any High Country Retirement Plan without
incurring any liability thereunder. Neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions described herein will, except
as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, (i) result in any payment
to any person (including without limitation any severance compensation or
payment, unemployment compensation, "golden parachute" or "change in control"
payment, or otherwise) becoming due under any plan or agreement to any director,
officer, employee or consultant, (ii) increase any benefits otherwise payable
under any plan or agreement, or (iii) result in any acceleration of the time of
payment or vesting of any such benefit.
2.26. Insurance. HC Financial and High Country have Previously Disclosed
to Yadkin a listing of each blanket bond, liability insurance, life insurance or
other insurance policy in effect on June 30, 2003, and in which it was an
insured party or beneficiary (each a "High Country Policy" and collectively the
"High Country Policies"). The High Country Policies provide coverage in such
amounts and against such liabilities, casualties, losses or risks as is
customary or reasonable for entities engaged in the businesses of HC Financial
and High Country or as is required by applicable law or regulation; and, in the
reasonable opinion of management of HC Financial and High Country, the insurance
coverage provided under the High Country Policies is reasonable and adequate in
all material respects for HC Financial and High Country. Each of the High
Country Policies is in full force and effect and is valid and enforceable in
accordance with its terms, and is underwritten by an insurer of recognized
financial responsibility and which is qualified to issue those policies in North
Carolina; and, HC Financial and High Country have complied in all material
respects with requirements (including the giving of required notices) under each
such High Country Policy in order to preserve all rights thereunder with respect
to all material matters. HC Financial and High Country are not in default under
the provisions of, have not received notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of or
any premium increase on, and have not failed to pay any premium on, any High
Country Policy, and, to the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and
High Country, there has not been any inaccuracy in any application for any High
Country Policy. There are no pending claims with respect to any High Country
Policy, and, to the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and High
Country, there currently is no condition, and no event has occurred, that is
reasonably likely to form the basis for any such claim.
2.27. Insurance of Deposits. All deposits of High Country are insured by
the Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC to the maximum extent permitted by law, all
deposit insurance premiums due from High Country to the FDIC have been paid in
full in a timely fashion, and no proceedings have been commenced or, to the Best
Knowledge of management of High Country, are contemplated by the FDIC or
otherwise to terminate such insurance.
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2.28. Obstacles to Regulatory Approval. To the Best Knowledge of
management of HC Financial and High Country, there exists no fact or condition
(including High Country's record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment
Act) relating to HC Financial or High Country that may reasonably be expected to
prevent or materially impede or delay Yadkin, HC Financial or High Country from
obtaining the regulatory approvals required in order to consummate the
transactions described in this Agreement; and, if any such fact or condition
becomes known to HC Financial or High Country, HC Financial or High Country
shall promptly (and in any event within three (3) days after obtaining such
knowledge) give notice of such fact or condition to Yadkin in the manner
provided herein.
2.29. Disclosure. To the Best Knowledge of management of HC Financial and
High Country, no written statement, certificate, schedule, list or other written
information furnished by or on behalf of HC Financial or High Country to Yadkin
in connection with this Agreement and the transactions described herein, when
considered as a whole, contains or has contained any untrue statement of a
material fact or omits or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF YADKIN
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement or as
"Previously Disclosed" (as defined in Paragraph 10.13 hereof) by Yadkin to HC
Financial and High Country, Yadkin hereby makes the following representations
and warranties to HC Financial and High Country.
3.01. Organization; Standing; Power. Yadkin (i) is duly organized and
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing as a banking corporation
under the laws of the State of North Carolina; (ii) has all requisite power and
authority (corporate and other) to own, lease and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as it now is being conducted; (iii) is duly qualified to
do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the character
of the properties owned, leased or operated by it therein, or in which the
transaction of its business, makes such qualification necessary, except where
failure so to qualify would not have a material adverse effect on Yadkin; and
(iv) is not transacting business or operating any properties owned or leased by
it in violation of any provision of federal, state or local law or any rule or
regulation promulgated thereunder, except where such violation would not have a
material adverse effect on Yadkin. Yadkin is an "insured depository institution"
as defined in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and applicable regulations
thereunder. Yadkin is a member of the FHLB of Atlanta.
3.02. Capital Stock. Yadkin's authorized capital stock consists of
20,000,000 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value (the "Yadkin Common Stock"),
of which 8,727,454 shares are issued and outstanding as of the date of this
Agreement.
Each outstanding share of Yadkin Common Stock (i) has been duly
authorized and is validly issued and outstanding, and is fully paid and
nonassessable (except to the extent provided in Section 53-42 of the North
Carolina General Statutes); and (ii) has not been issued in violation of the
preemptive rights of any shareholder. The Yadkin Common Stock has been
registered with the FDIC under the 1934 Act and Yadkin is subject to the
registration and reporting requirements of the 1934 Act.
3.03. Principal Shareholders. No person or entity is known to management
of Yadkin to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of Yadkin Common Stock.
3.04. Subsidiaries. Except for PBRE, Inc., Piedmont National Financial
Services, Inc. and Yadkin Valley Investment Services, Inc., Yadkin has no
subsidiaries, direct or indirect, and, except for equity securities included in
its investment portfolio at June 30, 2003, does not own any stock or other
equity interest in any other corporation, service corporation, joint venture,
partnership or other entity.
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3.05. Convertible Securities, Options, Etc. Yadkin does not have any
outstanding (i) securities or other obligations (including debentures or other
debt instruments) which are convertible into shares of Yadkin Common Stock or
any other securities of Yadkin; (ii) options, warrants, rights, calls or other
commitments of any nature which entitle any person or entity to receive or
acquire any shares of Yadkin Common Stock or any other securities of Yadkin; or
(iii) plan, agreement or other arrangement pursuant to which shares of Yadkin
Common Stock or any other securities of Yadkin, or options, warrants, rights,
calls or other commitments of any nature pertaining to any securities of Yadkin,
have been or may be issued.
3.06. Authorization and Validity of Agreement. This Agreement has been
duly and validly adopted by Yadkin's Board of Directors. Subject only to
approval of this Agreement by the shareholders of Yadkin in the manner required
by law and required approvals of Regulatory Authorities of the transactions
described herein; (i) Yadkin has the corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations and agreements and
carry out the transactions described in this Agreement; (ii) all corporate
proceedings and approvals required to authorize Yadkin to enter into this
Agreement and to perform its obligations and agreements and carry out the
transactions described herein have been duly and properly completed or obtained;
and (iii) this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of Yadkin
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent enforceability
may be limited by (A) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization;
moratorium or similar laws from time to time in effect which affect creditors'
rights generally, (B) legal and equitable limitations on the availability of
injunctive relief, specific performance and other equitable remedies; (C)
general principles of equity and applicable laws or court decisions limiting the
enforceability of indemnification provisions; and (D) the rights of the United
States under the Federal Tax Lien Act of 1966, as amended.
3.07. Validity of Transactions; Absence of Required Consents or Waivers.
Except where the same would not have a material adverse effect on Yadkin and
subject to approval of this Agreement by the shareholders of Yadkin in the
manner required by law and receipt of required approvals of Regulatory
Authorities, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the
consummation of the transactions described herein, nor compliance by Yadkin with
any of its obligations or agreements contained herein, nor any action or
inaction by Yadkin required herein, will (i) conflict with or result in a breach
of the terms and conditions of, or constitute a default or violation under any
provision of, the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of Yadkin, or any material
contract, agreement, lease, mortgage, note, bond, indenture, license, or
obligation or understanding (oral or written) to which Yadkin is bound or by
which it or its business, capital stock or any of its properties or assets may
be affected; (ii) result in the creation or imposition of any material lien,
claim, interest, charge, restriction or encumbrance upon any of the properties
or assets of Yadkin; (iii) violate any applicable federal or state statute, law,
rule or regulation, or any judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any
court, administrative or regulatory agency or governmental body, which violation
will or may have a material adverse effect on Yadkin, its financial condition,
results of operations, prospects, businesses, assets, loan portfolio,
investments, properties or operations, or on Yadkin's ability to consummate the
transactions described herein or to carry on the business of Yadkin as presently
conducted; (iv) result in the acceleration of any material obligation or
indebtedness of Yadkin; or (v) materially interfere with or otherwise materially
adversely affect Yadkin's ability to carry on its businesses as presently
conducted.
No consents, approvals or waivers are required to be obtained from
any person or entity in connection with Yadkin's execution and delivery of this
Agreement, or the performance of its obligations or agreements or the
consummation of the transactions described herein, except for required approvals
of Yadkin's shareholders and of Regulatory Authorities.
3.08. Yadkin Books and Records. Yadkin's books of account and business
records have been maintained in all material respects in compliance with all
applicable legal and accounting requirements, and such books and records are
complete and reflect accurately in all material respects Yadkin's items of
income and expense and all of its assets, liabilities and stockholders' equity.
The minute books of Yadkin are complete and accurately reflect in all material
respects all corporate actions which its shareholders and board of directors,
and all committees thereof, have taken during the time periods covered by such
minute books, and, all such minute books have been or will be made available to
HC Financial and its representatives.
3.09. Yadkin Reports. To the Best Knowledge of management of Yadkin,
Yadkin has filed all reports, registrations and statements, together with any
amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that were required to be
filed with (i) the Commissioner, (ii) the FDIC, or (iii) any other Regulatory
Authorities. All such reports, registrations and statements filed by Yadkin with
the Commissioner, the FDIC or any other Regulatory Authorities are collectively
referred to in this Agreement as the "Yadkin Reports." To the Best Knowledge of
management of Yadkin, the Yadkin Reports complied in all material respects with
all the statutes, rules and regulations enforced or promulgated by the
Regulatory Authorities with
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which they were filed and did not contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading. Yadkin has not been notified that any such Yadkin
Reports were deficient in any material respect as to form or content.
3.10. Yadkin Financial Statements. Yadkin has Previously Disclosed to HC
Financial a copy of its audited statements of financial condition as of December
31, 2002 and 2001, and its audited statements of income, stockholders' equity
and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, together with
notes thereto (collectively, the "Yadkin Audited Financial Statements"),
together with copies of Yadkin's unaudited statements of financial condition as
of June 30, 2003, and unaudited statements of income and cash flows for the
six-months months periods ended June 30, 2003 and 2002 (collectively, the
"Yadkin Interim Financial Statements"). Following the date of this Agreement,
Yadkin promptly will deliver to HC Financial all other annual or interim
financial statements prepared by or for Yadkin. The Yadkin Audited Financial
Statements and the Yadkin Interim Financial Statements (i) were prepared in
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods
indicated; (ii) are in accordance with Yadkin's books and records; and (iii)
fairly present Yadkin's financial condition, assets and liabilities, results of
operations, changes in stockholders' equity and changes in cash flows as of the
dates indicated and for the periods specified therein. The Yadkin Audited
Financial Statements were audited by Deloitte & Touche, LLP.
3.11. Absence of Material Adverse Changes or Certain Other Events.
(a) Since June 30, 2003, Yadkin has conducted its businesses only in
the ordinary course, and there has been no material adverse change, and there
has occurred no event or development, and there currently exists no condition or
circumstance, which, with the lapse of time or otherwise, is likely to cause,
create or result in a material adverse change in or affecting the financial
condition of Yadkin or its results of operations, prospects, business, assets,
loan portfolio, investments, properties or operations.
(b) Since June 30, 2003, and other than in the ordinary course of
its business, Yadkin has not incurred any material liability, engaged in any
material transaction, entered into any material agreement, increased the
salaries, compensation or general benefits payable or provided to its employees,
suffered any material loss, destruction or damage to any of its properties or
assets, or made a material acquisition or disposition of any assets or entered
into any material contract or lease.
3.12. Litigation and Compliance with Law.
(a) There are no material actions, suits, arbitrations,
controversies or other proceedings or investigations (or, to the Best Knowledge
of management of Yadkin, any facts or circumstances which reasonably could
result in such), including without limitation any such action by any Regulatory
Authority, which currently exist or are ongoing, pending or, to the Best
Knowledge of management of Yadkin, threatened, contemplated or probable of
assertion, against, relating to or otherwise affecting Yadkin or any of its
properties, assets or employees.
(b) Yadkin has all Permits (as defined in Paragraph 2.15(b) hereof)
of all federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory agencies that
are material to or necessary for the conduct of its business or to own, lease
and operate its properties; all such Permits are in full force and effect; no
violations have occurred with respect to any such Permits; and no proceeding is
pending or, to the Best Knowledge of management of Yadkin, threatened or
probable of assertion to suspend, cancel, revoke or limit any Permit.
(c) Yadkin is not subject to any supervisory agreement, enforcement
order, writ, injunction, capital directive, supervisory directive, memorandum of
understanding or other similar agreement, order, directive, memorandum or
consent of, with or issued by any Regulatory Authority relating to its financial
condition, directors or officers, employees, operations, capital, regulatory
compliance or any other matter; there are no judgments, orders, stipulations,
injunctions, decrees or awards against Yadkin which limit, restrict, regulate,
enjoin or prohibit in any material respect any present or past business or
practice of Yadkin; and, Yadkin has not been advised nor has any reason to
believe that any Regulatory Authority or any court is contemplating, threatening
or requesting the issuance of any such agreement, order, writ, injunction,
directive, memorandum, judgment, stipulation, decree or award.
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(d) To the Best Knowledge of management of Yadkin, Yadkin is not in
violation or default in any material respect under, and it has complied in all
material respects with, all laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations,
orders, writs, injunctions or decrees of any court or federal, state, municipal
or other Regulatory Authority having jurisdiction or authority over it or its
business operations, properties or assets (including without limitation all
provisions of North Carolina law relating to usury, the Consumer Credit
Protection Act, and all other federal and state laws and regulations applicable
to extensions of credit by Yadkin). To the Best Knowledge of management of
Yadkin, there is no basis for any material claim by any person or authority for
compensation, reimbursement, damages or other penalties or relief for any
violations described in this subparagraph (d).
3.13. Patents and Trademarks. To the Best Knowledge of management of
Yadkin, Yadkin owns, possesses or has the right to use any and all patents,
licenses, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, trade secrets and proprietary and
other confidential information necessary to conduct its business as now
conducted. Yadkin has not violated, and currently is not in conflict with, any
patent, license, trademark, trade name, copyright or proprietary right of any
other person or entity.
3.14. Absence of Brokerage or Finders Commissions. Except for the
engagement of The Carson Medlin Company by Yadkin: (i) no person or firm has
been retained by or has acted on behalf of, pursuant to any agreement,
arrangement or understanding with, or under the authority of, Yadkin or its
Board of Directors, as a broker, finder or agent or has performed similar
functions or otherwise is or may be entitled to receive or claim a brokerage fee
or other commission in connection with or as a result of the transactions
described herein; and, (ii) Yadkin has not agreed, and has no obligation, to pay
any brokerage fee or other commission to any person or entity in connection with
or as a result of the transactions described herein.
3.15. Insurance. Yadkin currently maintains a blanket bond and policies of
liability insurance and other insurance (the "Yadkin Policies"), which provide
coverage in such amounts and against such liabilities, casualties, losses or
risks as is customary or reasonable for entities engaged in the businesses of
Yadkin or as is required by applicable law or regulation; and, in the reasonable
opinion of management of Yadkin, the insurance coverage provided under the
Yadkin Policies is reasonable and adequate in all material respects for Yadkin.
Each of the Yadkin Policies is in full force and effect and is valid and
enforceable in accordance with its terms, and is underwritten by an insurer of
recognized financial responsibility and which is qualified to issue those
policies in North Carolina; and, Yadkin has complied in all material respects
with requirements (including the giving of required notices) under each of their
Yadkin Policies in order to preserve all rights thereunder with respect to all
material matters. Yadkin is not in default under the provisions of, has not
received notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of or any premium increase on, and
has not failed to pay any premium on any of the Yadkin Policies, and, to the
Best Knowledge of management of Yadkin, there has not been any inaccuracy in any
application for any of the Yadkin Policies. There are no pending claims with
respect to any of the Yadkin Policies, and, to the Best Knowledge of management
of Yadkin, there currently are no conditions, and there has occurred no event,
that is reasonably likely to form the basis for any such claim.
3.16. Insurance of Deposits. All deposits of Yadkin are insured by the
Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC to the maximum extent permitted by law, all
deposit insurance premiums due from Yadkin to the FDIC have been paid in full in
a timely fashion, and no proceedings have been commenced or, to the Best
Knowledge of management of Yadkin, are contemplated, by the FDIC or otherwise,
to terminate such insurance.
3.17. Obstacles to Regulatory Approval. To the Best Knowledge of
management of Yadkin, there exists no fact or condition (including Yadkin's
record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act) relating to Yadkin
that may reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impede or delay HC
Financial, High Country or Yadkin from obtaining the regulatory approvals
required in order to consummate the transactions described in this Agreement;
and, if any such fact or condition becomes known to Yadkin, Yadkin shall
promptly (and in any event within three days after obtaining such Knowledge)
give notice of such fact or condition to HC Financial in the manner provided
herein.
3.18. Tax Returns and Other Tax Matters. (i) Yadkin has timely filed or
caused to be filed all federal, state and local income tax returns and reports
which are required by law to have been filed, and all such returns and reports
were true, correct and complete and contained all material information required
to be contained therein; (ii) all federal, state and local income, profits,
franchise, sales, use, occupation, property, excise, withholding, employment and
other taxes (including interest and penalties), charges and assessments which
have become due from or been assessed or levied against Yadkin or its properties
have been fully paid or, if not yet due, a reserve or accrual, which is adequate
in all material respects for the payment of all such taxes to be paid and the
obligation for such unpaid taxes, is reflected on the Yadkin Interim Financial
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Statements; (iii) the income, profits, franchise, sales, use, occupation,
property, excise, withholding, employment and other tax returns and reports of
Yadkin have not been subjected to audit by the Internal Revenue Service (the
"IRS") or the North Carolina Department of Revenue, and Yadkin has not received
any indication of the pendency of any audit or examination in connection with
any such tax return or report and, to the Best Knowledge of management of
Yadkin, no such return or report is subject to adjustment; and (iv) Yadkin has
not executed any waiver or extended the statute of limitations (or been asked to
execute a waiver or extend a statute of limitations) with respect to any tax
year, the audit of any such tax return or report, or the assessment or
collection of any tax.
3.19. Real Properties.
(a) With respect to each parcel of real property owned by Yadkin
(including Yadkin's banking facilities and all other real estate or foreclosed
properties, including improvements thereon, owned by Yadkin) (collectively, the
"Yadkin Real Property"), Yadkin has good and marketable fee simple title to the
Yadkin Real Property and owns the same free and clear of all mortgages, liens,
leases, encumbrances, title defects and exceptions to title other than: (i) the
lien of current taxes not yet due and payable; and (ii) such imperfections of
title and restrictions, covenants and easements (including utility easements)
which do not materially affect the value of the Yadkin Real Property or which do
not and will not materially detract from, interfere with or restrict the present
use of the Yadkin Real Property or any future use consistent therewith. With
respect to each lease pertaining to any such Real Property to which Yadkin is a
party (the "Real Property Leases): (A) such lease is valid and enforceable in
accordance with its terms; (B) there currently exists no circumstance or
condition which constitutes an event of default by Yadkin (as lessor or lessee)
or its respective lessor or which, with the passage of time or the giving of
required notices will or could constitute such an event of default; and (C) the
execution and delivery of this Agreement does not constitute an event of default
thereunder.
(b) The Yadkin Real Property complies in all material respects with
all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances or orders
of any governmental agency or regulatory authority (excluding Environmental Laws
which are addressed by Paragraph 3.23 below), including those relating to
zoning, building and use permits, and the parcels of the Yadkin Real Property
upon which Yadkin's banking or other offices are situated, or which are used by
Yadkin in conjunction with their banking or other offices or for other purposes,
may, under applicable zoning ordinances, be used for the purposes for which they
currently are used as a matter of right rather than as a conditional or
nonconforming use.
(c) All improvements and fixtures included in or on the Yadkin Real
Property are in good condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and
there does not exist any condition which in any material respect interferes with
Yadkin's respective use or affects the economic value thereof.
3.20. Loans, Accounts, Notes and Other Receivables.
(a) All loans, accounts, notes and other receivables reflected as
assets on Yadkin's books and records (i) have resulted from bona fide business
transactions in the ordinary course of operations; (ii) in all material respects
were made in accordance with Yadkin's standard practices and procedures; and
(iii) are owned by Yadkin free and clear of all liens, encumbrances,
assignments, participation or repurchase agreements or other exceptions to title
or to the ownership or collection rights of any other person or entity.
(b) All records of Yadkin regarding all outstanding loans, accounts,
notes and other receivables, and all other real estate owned, are accurate in
all material respects, and each loan which Yadkin's loan documentation indicates
is secured by any real or personal property or property rights ("Loan
Collateral") is secured by valid, perfected and enforceable liens on all such
Loan Collateral having the priority described in Yadkin's records of such loan.
(c) Each loan reflected as an asset on Yadkin's books, and each
guarantee therefor, is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the obligor or
guarantor thereon, and no defense, offset or counterclaim has been asserted with
respect to any such loan or guarantee.
(d) To the Best Knowledge of management of Yadkin, each of the loans
and other extensions of credit of Yadkin (with the exception of those loans and
extensions of credit which Yadkin has designated as a special asset or for
special handling or placed on any "watch list" because of concerns regarding the
ultimate collectibility or deteriorating condition of such asset or any obligor
or Loan Collateral therefor) is collectible in the ordinary course of business
in an amount which is not less than the amount at which it is carried on
Yadkin's books and records.
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(e) Yadkin's reserve for possible loan losses (the "Loan Loss
Reserve") has been established in conformity with GAAP, sound banking practices
and all applicable requirements, rules and policies of the Commissioner and the
FDIC and, in the best judgment of management of Yadkin, is reasonable in view of
the size and character of Yadkin's loan portfolio, current economic conditions
and other relevant factors, and is adequate to provide for losses relating to or
the risk of loss inherent in Yadkin's loan portfolios and other real estate
owned.
3.21. Securities Portfolio and Investments. All securities owned, of
record or beneficially, by Yadkin are held free and clear of all mortgages,
liens, pledges, encumbrances or any other restriction or rights of any other
person or entity, whether contractual or statutory (other than customary pledges
in the ordinary course of their business to secure public funds deposits), which
would materially impair the ability of Yadkin to dispose freely of any such
security or otherwise to realize the benefits of ownership thereof at any time.
There are no voting trusts or other agreements or undertakings to which Yadkin
is a party with respect to the voting of any such securities. With respect to
all "repurchase agreements" under which Yadkin has "purchased" securities under
agreement to resell, Yadkin has a valid, perfected first lien or security
interest in the government securities or other collateral securing the
repurchase agreement, and the value of the collateral securing each such
repurchase agreement equals or exceeds the amount of the debt owed to Yadkin, as
the case may be, which is secured by such collateral.
Since June 30, 2003, there has been no material deterioration or
adverse change in the quality, or any material decrease in the value, of the
securities portfolio of Yadkin considered as one enterprise.
3.22. Personal Property and Other Assets. All banking equipment, data
processing equipment, vehicles, and other personal property used by Yadkin and
material to the operation of the business of Yadkin are owned by Yadkin free and
clear of all liens, encumbrances, leases, title defects or exceptions to title.
All personal property of Yadkin material to their business is in good operating
condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
3.23. Environmental Matters.
(a) As used in this Agreement, "Environmental Laws" shall mean,
without limitation:
(i) all federal, state and local statutes, regulations,
ordinances, orders, decrees, and similar provisions having the force or effect
of law for the protection of human health, natural resources, or the environment
(including without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act; the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act;
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act; the Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Clean Water
Act; the Clean Air Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Oil Pollution Act;
the Coastal Zone Management Act; any "Superfund" or "Superlien" law; the North
Carolina Oil Pollution and Hazardous Substances Control Act; the North Carolina
Water and Air Resources Act; and the North Carolina Occupational Safety and
Health Act, including any amendments thereto from time to time); and,
(ii) all common law concerning public health and safety,
worker health and safety, and pollution or protection of the environment,
including without limitation all standards of conduct and bases of obligations
relating to the presence, use, production, generation, handling, transportation,
treatment, storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, reporting, testing,
processing, discharge, release, threatened release, control, or clean-up of any
"Hazardous Substances" (as defined below).
As used in this Agreement, "Hazardous Substance" shall mean any
materials, substances, wastes, chemical substances, or mixtures presently
listed, defined, designated, or classified as hazardous, toxic, or dangerous, or
otherwise regulated, under any Environmental Laws, whether by type, quantity or
concentration, including without limitation pesticides, pollutants,
contaminants, toxic chemicals, oil, or other petroleum products, byproducts or
additives, asbestos or materials containing (or presumed to contain) asbestos,
polychlorinated biphenyls, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, lead, radon,
methyl tertiary butyl ether ("MTBE") or radioactive material.
(b) Yadkin has Previously Disclosed to HC Financial and High Country
copies of all written reports, correspondence, notices or other information or
materials, if any, in their possession pertaining to environmental surveys or
assessments of the Yadkin Real Property, and any improvements thereon, or
pertaining to any violation or alleged violation of Environmental Laws on,
affecting or otherwise involving the Yadkin Real Property or involving Yadkin.
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(c) To the Best Knowledge of management of Yadkin after reasonable
inquiry, there has been no presence, use, production, generation, handling,
transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, emission, discharge, release, or
threatened release of any Hazardous Substances by any person on, from or
relating to the Yadkin Real Property which constitutes a violation of any
Environmental Laws, or would require any removal, clean-up or remediation of any
Hazardous Substances from, on or relating to the Yadkin Real Property under any
Environmental Laws.
(d) Yadkin has not violated any Environmental Laws which violation
would have a material adverse effect on Yadkin, and, to the Best Knowledge of
management of Yadkin after reasonable inquiry, there has been no violation of
any Environmental Laws by any other person or entity for whose liability or
obligation with respect to any particular matter or violation Yadkin is or may
be responsible or liable which would have a material adverse effect on Yadkin
considered as one enterprise.
(e) Yadkin is not is subject to any claims, demands, causes of
action, suits, proceedings, losses, damages, penalties, liabilities,
obligations, costs or expenses of any kind and nature which arise out of, under
or in connection with, or which result from or are based upon the presence, use,
production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal,
distribution, labeling, reporting, testing, processing, emission, discharge,
release, threatened release, control, removal, clean-up or remediation of any
Hazardous Substances on, from or relating to the Yadkin Real Property or by any
person or entity.
(f) To the Best Knowledge of management of Yadkin after reasonable
inquiry, no facts, events or conditions relating to the Yadkin Real Property or
the operations of Yadkin at any of its office locations, will prevent, hinder or
limit continued substantial compliance with Environmental Laws, or give rise to
any investigatory, emergency removal, remedial or corrective actions,
obligations or liabilities pursuant to Environmental Laws.
(g) To the Best Knowledge of management of Yadkin (it being
understood by Yadkin that, for purposes of this representation, management of
Yadkin has not undertaken a review of each of Yadkin's loan files with respect
to all Loan Collateral), (i) there has been no violation of any Environmental
Laws by any person or entity (including any violation with respect to any Loan
Collateral) for whose liability or obligation with respect to any particular
matter or violation Yadkin is or may be responsible or liable; (ii) Yadkin is
not subject to any claims, demands, causes of action, suits, proceedings,
losses, damages, penalties, liabilities, obligations, costs or expenses of any
kind and nature which arise out of, under or in connection with, or which result
from or are based upon, the presence, use, production, generation, handling,
transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, reporting,
testing, processing, emission, discharge, release, threatened release, control,
removal, clean-up or remediation of any Hazardous Substances on, from or
relating to any Loan Collateral, by any person or entity; and (iii) there are no
facts, events or conditions relating to any Loan Collateral that will give rise
to any investigatory, emergency removal, remedial or corrective actions,
obligations or liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated
or otherwise) pursuant to Environmental Laws.
3.24. Employment Matters; Employee Relations. Yadkin (i) has in all
material respects paid in full to or accrued on behalf of all its directors,
officers and employees all wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, fees and other
direct compensation for all labor or services performed by them to the date of
this Agreement, and all vacation pay, sick pay, severance pay, overtime pay and
other amounts for which it is obligated under applicable law or Yadkin's
existing agreements, benefit plans, policies or practices; and (ii) is in
compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, statutes, rules
and regulations with regard to employment and employment practices, terms and
conditions, and wages and hours and other compensation matters; and, no person
has asserted that Yadkin is liable in any amount for any arrearage in wages or
employment taxes or for any penalties for failure to comply with any of the
foregoing.
There is no action, suit or proceeding by any person pending or, to
the Best Knowledge of management of Yadkin, threatened, against Yadkin (or any
employees of Yadkin), involving employment discrimination, sexual harassment,
wrongful discharge or similar claims.
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Yadkin is not party to or bound by any collective bargaining
agreement with any of its employees, any labor union or any other collective
bargaining unit or organization. There is no pending or, to the Best Knowledge
of management of Yadkin, threatened labor dispute, work stoppage or strike
involving Yadkin and any of its employees, or any pending or, to the Best
Knowledge of management of Yadkin, threatened proceeding in which it is asserted
that Yadkin has committed an unfair labor practice; and, to the Best Knowledge
of management of Yadkin, there is no activity involving Yadkin, or its employees
seeking to certify a collective bargaining unit or engaging in any other labor
organization activity.
3.25. Compliance with Existing Obligations. Yadkin has performed in all
material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under, and it
is not in default in any material respect under, or in violation in any material
respect of, the terms and conditions of its Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws,
material contracts, agreements, leases, mortgages, notes, bonds, indentures,
licenses, obligations, understandings or other undertakings (whether oral or
written) to which it is bound or by which its business, operations, capital
stock or any property or asset may be affected.
3.26. Disclosure. To the Best Knowledge of management of Yadkin, no
written statement, certificate, schedule, list or other written information
furnished by or on behalf of Yadkin to HC Financial or High Country in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions described herein, when
considered as a whole, contains or has contained any untrue statement of a
material fact or omits or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading.
3.27. Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Yadkin does not have any
material liabilities or obligations, whether known or unknown, matured or
unmatured, accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, whether due or to become
due (including without limitation tax liabilities or unfunded liabilities under
employee benefit plans or arrangements), other than (i) those reflected in the
Yadkin Audited Financial Statements or Yadkin Interim Financial Statements, (ii)
increases in deposit accounts in the ordinary course of business since June 30,
2003, or (iii) loan commitments in the ordinary course of business since June
30, 2003.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS OF HC FINANCIAL AND HIGH COUNTRY
4.01. Affirmative Covenants of HC Financial and High Country. HC Financial
and High Country hereby covenant and agree as follows with Yadkin:
(a) High Country Shareholders' Meeting. HC Financial agrees to cause
a meeting of its shareholders (the "High Country Shareholders Meeting") to be
duly called and held as soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement for
the purpose of voting by HC Financial's shareholders on the approval of this
Agreement and the Merger. In connection with the call and conduct of, and all
other matters relating to the High Country Shareholders Meeting (including the
solicitation of proxies), HC Financial will comply in all material respects with
all provisions of applicable law and regulations and with its Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws.
Unless, due to a material change in circumstances after the
date hereof, HC Financial's Board of Directors reasonably believes in good
faith, based on the written opinion of its legal counsel, that such a
recommendation would violate the directors' duties or obligations as such to HC
Financial or to its shareholders, HC Financial covenants that its Board of
Directors will recommend and actively encourage HC Financial's shareholders to
vote their shares of HC Financial Common Stock at the High Country Shareholders
Meeting in favor of approval of this Agreement, the Merger, and the Proxy
Statement will so indicate and state that HC Financial's Board of Directors
considers the Merger to be advisable and in the best interests of HC Financial
and its shareholders. In furtherance of such covenant, each director of HC
Financial will execute this Agreement as an inducement to Yadkin to enter into
this Agreement and by the execution hereof, each HC Financial director agrees,
absent the aforesaid opinion of counsel, to vote his or her shares to approve
this Agreement and the Merger.
(b) Conduct of Business Prior to Effective Time. While the parties
recognize that the operation of HC Financial until the Effective Time is the
responsibility of HC Financial's Board of Directors and officers and that the
operation of High Country until the Effective Time is the responsibility of High
Country's Board of Directors and officers, HC Financial and High Country agree
that, between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, and except as
otherwise provided herein or expressly agreed to in writing by Yadkin's
President, HC Financial and High Country will carry
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on their business in and only in the regular and usual course in substantially
the same manner as such business heretofore was conducted, and, to the extent
consistent with such business and within its ability to do so, HC Financial and
High Country each agrees that it will:
(i) preserve intact its present business organization, keep
available its present officers and employees, and preserve its relationships
with customers, depositors, creditors, correspondents, suppliers, and others
having business relationships with it;
(ii) maintain all of its properties and equipment in customary
repair, order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted;
(iii) maintain its books of account and records in the usual,
regular and ordinary manner in accordance with sound business practices applied
on a consistent basis;
(iv) comply in all material respects with all laws, rules and
regulations applicable to it, its properties, assets or employees and to the
conduct of its business;
(v) not change its policies or procedures, including existing
loan underwriting guidelines, in any material respect except as may be required
by law;
(vi) continue to maintain in force insurance such as is
described in Paragraph 2.26 hereof; not modify any bonds or policies of
insurance in effect as of the date hereof unless the same, as modified, provides
substantially equivalent coverage; and, not cancel, allow to be terminated or,
to the extent available, fail to renew, any such bond or policy of insurance
unless the same is replaced with a bond or policy providing substantially
equivalent coverage; and,
(vii) promptly provide to Yadkin such information about its
financial condition, results of operations, prospects, businesses, assets, loan
portfolio, investments, properties, employees or operations, as Yadkin
reasonably shall request.
(c) Periodic Financial and Other Information. Following the date of
this Agreement and until the Effective Time, HC Financial and High Country will
deliver to Yadkin, promptly after each is available:
(i) an income statement and a statement of condition after
each month end;
(ii) a copy of all interim financial statements after each
quarter end;
(iii) a copy of each report, registration, statement, or other
communication or regulatory filing made with or to any Regulatory Authority
simultaneous with the filing or making thereof;
(iv) information regarding each new extension of credit in
excess of $250,000 (other than a loan secured by a first lien on a one-to-four
family principal residence which is being made for the purchase or refinancing
of that residence) after issuance of a commitment on such loan;
(v) an analysis of the Loan Loss Reserve and management's
assessment of the adequacy of the Loan Loss Reserve, which analysis and
assessment shall include a list of all classified or "watch list" loans, along
with the outstanding balance and amount specifically allocated to the Loan Loss
Reserve for each such classified or "watch list" Loan, all within ten business
days after each calendar month end; and,
(vi) the following information with respect to loans and other
extensions of credit (such assets being referred to in this Agreement as
"Loans") as of, and within ten business days following, each calendar month end:
(A) a list of Loans past due for 30 days or more as to principal or
interest;
(B) a list of Loans in nonaccrual status;
(C) a list of all Loans without principal reduction for a period of
longer than one year;
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(D) a list of all foreclosed real property or other real estate
owned and all repossessed personal property;
(E) a list of each reworked or restructured Loan still outstanding,
including original terms, restructured terms and status; and
(F) a list of any actual or threatened litigation by or against HC
Financial or High Country pertaining to any Loan or credit, which list shall
contain a description of circumstances surrounding such litigation, its present
status and management's evaluation of such litigation.
(d) Notice of Certain Changes or Events. Following the execution of
this Agreement and up to the Effective Time, HC Financial or High Country
promptly will notify Yadkin in writing of and provide to it such information as
it shall request regarding (i) any material adverse change in HC Financial's or
High Country's financial condition, results of operations, prospects, business,
assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or operations, or of the actual
or prospective occurrence of any condition or event which, with the lapse of
time or otherwise, is likely to cause, create or result in any such material
adverse change; or of (ii) the actual or prospective existence or occurrence of
any condition or event which, with the lapse of time or otherwise, has caused or
is likely to cause any statement, representation or warranty of HC Financial or
High Country herein to be or become inaccurate, misleading or incomplete in any
material respect, or which has resulted or is likely to cause, create or result
in the breach or violation in any material respect of any of HC Financial's or
High Country's covenants or agreements contained herein or in the failure of any
of the conditions described in Paragraphs 7.01 or 7.02 hereof.
(e) Accruals for Loan Loss Reserve and Expenses. HC Financial and
High Country will cooperate with Yadkin and will make such appropriate
accounting entries in their books and records and take such other actions as HC
Financial and High Country shall, in their sole discretion, deem to be necessary
or desirable in anticipation of the Merger, including without limitation
additional provisions to High Country's Loan Loss Reserve or accruals or the
creation of reserves for employee benefits and expenses related to the
transactions described in this Agreement; provided, however, that
notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, and except as
otherwise agreed to by HC Financial and Yadkin, HC Financial and High Country
shall not be required to make any such accounting entries until immediately
prior to the Effective Time.
(f) Consents to Assignment of Leases. HC Financial and High Country
will use its best efforts to obtain all required consents of their lessors to
the assignment to Yadkin of HC Financial's and High Country's rights and
obligations under any personal property leases, each of which consents shall be
in such form as shall be specified by Yadkin.
(g) Access. HC Financial and High Country each agrees that,
following the date of this Agreement and to and including the Effective Time, it
will provide Yadkin and its employees, accountants, legal counsel, environmental
consultants or other representatives access to all its books, records, files and
other information (whether maintained electronically or otherwise), to all its
properties and facilities, and to all its employees, accountants, legal counsel
and consultants, as Yadkin shall, in its sole discretion, consider to be
necessary or appropriate; provided, however, that any investigation or reviews
conducted by or on behalf of Yadkin shall be performed in such a manner as will
not interfere unreasonably with HC Financial's or High Country's normal
operations or with their relationships with their customers or employees, and
shall be conducted in accordance with procedures established by the parties.
(h) Deposit Liabilities. Following the date of this Agreement and up
to the Effective Time, High Country will make pricing decisions with respect to
its deposit accounts in a manner consistent with its past practices based on
competition and prevailing market rates in its banking markets and will give
Yadkin three days notice after any changes in the pricing of its deposit
accounts.
(i) Further Action; Instruments of Transfer. HC Financial and High
Country each covenants and agrees with Yadkin that it: (i) will use its best
efforts in good faith to take or cause to be taken all action required of it
under this Agreement as promptly as practicable so as to permit the consummation
of the transactions described herein at the earliest possible date; (ii) shall
perform all acts and execute and deliver to Yadkin all documents or instruments
required herein, or as otherwise shall be reasonably necessary or useful to or
requested by Yadkin, in consummating such transactions;
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and, (iii) will cooperate with Yadkin in every way in carrying out, and will
pursue diligently the expeditious completion of, such transactions.
4.02. Negative Covenants of HC Financial and High Country. Except as
Previously Disclosed or as may otherwise be required by governmental or
regulatory authority or law, HC Financial and High Country hereby covenant and
agree that, between the date hereof and the Effective Time, neither will do any
of the following things or take any of the following actions without the prior
written consent and authorization of Yadkin's President.
(a) Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. Neither HC
Financial nor High Country will amend its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.
(b) Change in Capital Stock. Neither HC Financial nor High Country
will (i) make any change in its authorized capital stock, or create any other or
additional authorized capital stock or other securities; or (ii) issue
(including any issuance of shares pursuant to a stock dividend or any issuance
of any securities convertible into capital stock), sell, purchase, redeem,
retire, reclassify, combine or split any shares of its capital stock or other
securities, or enter into any agreement or understanding with respect to any
such action. However, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary,
HC Financial shall be permitted to issue shares of HC Financial Common Stock in
conjunction with the exercise of outstanding options and warrants referred to in
Paragraph 2.05 hereof.
(c) Options, Warrants and Rights. HC Financial will not grant or
issue any options, warrants, calls, puts or other rights of any kind relating to
the purchase, redemption or conversion of shares of its capital stock or any
other securities (including securities convertible into capital stock) or enter
into any agreement or understanding with respect to any such action.
(d) Dividends. HC Financial will not declare or pay any dividends on
its outstanding shares of capital stock or make any other distributions on or in
respect of any shares of its capital stock or otherwise to its shareholders.
(e) Employment, Benefit or Retirement Agreements or Plans. Except as
required by law, neither HC Financial nor High Country will: (i) enter into or
become bound by any oral or written contract, agreement or commitment for the
employment or compensation of any director, officer, employee or consultant
which is not immediately terminable by HC Financial or High Country without cost
or other liability on no more than 30 days' notice; (ii) adopt, enter into or
become bound by any new or additional profit-sharing, bonus, incentive, change
in control or "golden parachute," stock option, stock purchase, pension,
retirement, insurance (hospitalization, life or other), paid leave (sick leave,
vacation leave or other) or similar contract, agreement, commitment,
understanding, plan or arrangement (whether formal or informal) with respect to
or which provides for benefits for any of its current or former directors,
officers, employees or consultants; or (iii) enter into or become bound by any
contract with or commitment to any labor or trade union or association or any
collective bargaining group.
(f) Increase in Compensation; Bonuses. Neither HC Financial nor High
Country will increase the compensation or benefits of, or pay any bonus or other
special or additional compensation to, any of its directors, officers, employees
or consultants. However, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the
contrary, prior to the Effective Time HC Financial and High Country may make
routine increases in the salaries of their employees at such times and in such
amounts as shall be consistent with their customary salary administration and
review policies and procedures.
(g) Accounting Practices. Neither HC Financial nor High Country will
make any changes in its accounting methods, practices or procedures or in
depreciation or amortization policies, schedules or rates heretofore applied
(except as required by GAAP or governmental regulations).
(h) Acquisitions; Additional Branch Offices. Neither HC Financial
nor High Country will directly or indirectly (i) acquire or merge with, or
acquire any branch or all or any significant part of the assets of, any other
person or entity; (ii) open any new branch office; or (iii) enter into or become
bound by any contract, agreement, commitment or letter of intent relating to, or
otherwise take or agree to take any action in furtherance of, any such
transaction or the opening of a new branch office.
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(i) Changes in Business Practices. Except as may be required by
Regulatory Authorities or any other governmental or regulatory agency, or as
shall be required by applicable law, regulation or this Agreement, HC Financial
and High Country will not (i) change in any material respect the nature of their
business or the manner in which they conduct their business; (ii) discontinue
any material portion or line of their business; or (iii) change in any material
respect their lending, investment, asset-liability management or other material
banking or business policies.
(j) Exclusive Merger Agreement. Unless, due to a material change in
circumstances after the date hereof, HC Financial's Board of Directors
reasonably believes in good faith, based on the written opinion of its legal
counsel, that any such action or inaction would violate the directors' duties or
obligations as such to HC Financial or to its shareholders, HC Financial will
not, directly, or indirectly through any person or entity: (i) encourage,
solicit or attempt to initiate or procure discussions, negotiations or offers
with or from any person or entity (other than Yadkin) relating to a merger or
other acquisition of HC Financial or High Country or the purchase or acquisition
of any stock of HC Financial or High Country, any branch office of High Country
or all or any significant part of HC Financial's or High Country's assets (any
of the above being a "Transaction"), or provide assistance to any person in
connection with any such offer; (ii) except to the extent required by law,
disclose to any person or entity any information not customarily disclosed to
the public concerning HC Financial or its business or High Country or its
business, or afford to any other person or entity (other than Yadkin) access to
its properties, facilities, books or records; (iii) enter into or become bound
by any contract, agreement, commitment or letter of intent relating to, or
otherwise take or agree to take any action in furtherance of, any such
Transaction; or (iv) consummate a Transaction.
(k) Acquisition or Disposition of Assets. Neither HC Financial nor
High Country will:
(i) Sell or lease (as lessor), or enter into or become bound
by any contract, agreement, option or commitment relating to the sale, lease (as
lessor) or other disposition of, any real estate in any amount;
(ii) Sell or lease (as lessor), or enter into or become bound
by any contract, agreement, option or commitment relating to the sale, lease (as
lessor) or other disposition of, any equipment or any other fixed or capital
asset (other than real estate) having a book value or a fair market value,
whichever is greater, of more than $10,000 for any individual item or asset, or
more than $25,000 in the aggregate for all such items or assets;
(iii) Purchase or lease (as lessee), or enter into or become
bound by any contract, agreement, option or commitment relating to the purchase,
lease (as lessee) or other acquisition of, any real property in any amount;
(iv) Purchase or lease (as lessee), or enter into or become
bound by any contract, agreement, option or commitment relating to the purchase,
lease (as lessee) or other acquisition of, any equipment or any other fixed
asset (other than real estate) having a purchase price, or involving aggregate
lease payments, in excess of $10,000 for any individual item or asset, or more
than $25,000 in the aggregate for all such items or assets;
(v) Enter into any purchase or other commitment or contract
for supplies or services which obligates HC Financial or High Country for a
period longer than six (6) months;
(vi) Except in the ordinary course of its business consistent
with its past practices, sell, purchase or repurchase, or enter into or become
bound by any contract, agreement, option or commitment to sell, purchase or
repurchase, any loan or other receivable or any participation in any loan or
other receivable; or
(vii) Except in the ordinary course of its business consistent
with its past practices, sell or dispose of, or enter into or become bound by
any contract, agreement, option or commitment relating to the sale or other
disposition of, any other asset (whether tangible or intangible, and including
without limitation any trade name, trademark, copyright, service mark or
intellectual property right or license), or assign its right to or otherwise
give any other person its permission or consent to use or do business under the
corporate name of HC Financial or High Country or any name similar thereto, or
release, transfer or waive any license or right granted to it by any other
person or entity to use any trademark, trade name, copyright, service mark or
intellectual property right.
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(l) Debt; Liabilities. Except in the ordinary course of its business
consistent with its past practices, neither HC Financial nor High Country will:
(i) enter into or become bound by any promissory note, loan agreement or other
agreement or arrangement pertaining to the borrowing of money; (ii) assume,
guarantee, endorse or otherwise become responsible or liable for any obligation
of any other person or entity; or (iii) incur any other liability or obligation
(absolute or contingent).
(m) Liens; Encumbrances. Neither HC Financial nor High Country will
mortgage, pledge or subject any of its assets to, or permit any of its assets to
become or, except for those liens or encumbrances Previously Disclosed to
Yadkin, remain subject to, any lien or any other encumbrance (other than in the
ordinary course of business consistent with its past practices in connection
with securing public funds deposits or repurchase agreements).
(n) Waiver of Rights. Neither HC Financial nor High Country will
waive, release or compromise any rights in its favor against or with respect to
any of its officers, directors or shareholders or members of families of
officers, directors or shareholders, nor will HC Financial or High Country
waive, release or compromise any material rights against or with respect to any
other person or entity except in the ordinary course of business and in good
faith for fair value in money or money's worth.
(o) Other Contracts. Neither HC Financial nor High Country will
enter into or become bound by any contracts, agreements, commitments or
understandings (other than those permitted elsewhere in this Paragraph 4.02):
(i) for or with respect to any charitable contributions exceeding $5,000 in the
aggregate; (ii) with any governmental agency or Regulatory Authority; (iii)
pursuant to which HC Financial or High Country would assume, guarantee, endorse
or otherwise become liable for the debt, liability or obligation of any other
person or entity; (iv) which is entered into other than in the ordinary course
of its business; or (v) which, in the case of any one contract, agreement,
commitment or understanding, and whether or not in the ordinary course of its
business, would obligate or commit HC Financial or High Country to make
expenditures over any period of time of more than $5,000 (other than contracts,
agreements, commitments or understandings entered into in the ordinary course of
High Country's lending operations).
(p) Aggregate Deposit Liabilities. High Country will not take any
actions designed to materially increase or decrease the aggregate level of its
deposits as they exist on the date of this Agreement.
(q) Foreclosures. Except in ordinary course of business in
connection with any foreclosure of a mortgage or deed of trust securing a loan,
neither HC Financial nor High Country will bid for or purchase any real property
which is covered by that mortgage or deed of trust or which is the subject of
that foreclosure.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF YADKIN
5.01. Affirmative Covenants of Yadkin. Yadkin hereby covenants and agrees
as follows with HC Financial and High Country:
(a) Yadkin Shareholders' Meeting. Yadkin agrees to cause a meeting
of its shareholders (the "Yadkin Shareholders Meeting") to be duly called and
held as soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement for the purpose of
voting by Yadkin's shareholders on the approval of this Agreement and the
Merger. In connection with the call and conduct of, and all other matters
relating to the Yadkin Shareholders Meeting (including the solicitation of
proxies), Yadkin will comply in all material respects with all provisions of
applicable law and regulations and with its Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws.
Unless, due to a material change in circumstances after the
date hereof, Yadkin's Board of Directors reasonably believes in good faith,
based on the written opinion of its legal counsel, that such a recommendation
would violate the directors' duties or obligations as such to Yadkin or to its
shareholders, Yadkin covenants that its Board of Directors will recommend and
actively encourage Yadkin's shareholders to vote their shares of Yadkin Common
Stock at the Yadkin Shareholders' Meeting in favor of approval of this Agreement
and the Merger, and the Proxy Statement will so indicate and state that Yadkin's
Board of Directors considers the Merger to be advisable and in the best
interests of Yadkin and its shareholders.
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(b) Access. Yadkin agrees that, following the date of this Agreement
and to and including the Effective Time, it will provide HC Financial and High
Country and their respective employees, accountants, legal counsel,
environmental consultants or other representatives access to all its books,
records, files and other information (whether maintained electronically or
otherwise), to all its properties and facilities, and to all its employees,
accountants, legal counsel and consultants, as HC Financial or High Country
shall, in their respective sole discretion, consider to be necessary or
appropriate; provided, however, that any investigation or reviews conducted by
or on behalf of HC Financial or High Country shall be performed in such a manner
as will not interfere unreasonably with Yadkin's normal operations or with its
relationship with its customers or employees, and shall be conducted in
accordance with procedures established by the parties; and, provided further,
that neither HC Financial nor High Country shall have any right of access to
Yadkin's personnel files and records.
(c) Further Action; Instruments of Transfer. Yadkin covenants and
agrees with HC Financial and High Country that it (i) will use its best efforts
in good faith to take or cause to be taken all action required of it under this
Agreement as promptly as practicable so as to permit the consummation of the
transactions described herein at the earliest possible date; (ii) shall perform
all acts and execute and deliver to HC Financial and High Country all documents
or instruments required herein, or as otherwise shall be reasonably necessary or
useful to or requested by HC Financial or High Country, in consummating such
transactions; (iii) will cooperate with HC Financial and High Country in every
way in carrying out, and will pursue diligently the expeditious completion of,
such transactions; and, (iv) shall take such corporate action as is necessary to
authorize the issuance of additional shares of Yadkin Stock as necessary to
complete the Merger.
(d) Employment of Other HC Financial and High Country Employees. In
the case of employees of HC Financial and High Country other than those
employees of HC Financial and High Country that are party to an employment
agreement set forth in Paragraph 2.25(a) hereof, and provided they remain
employed by HC Financial or High Country at the Effective Time, Yadkin will
attempt in good faith to locate positions with Yadkin for which employment may
be offered, and Yadkin will offer employment to as many of those employees as
Yadkin, in its discretion, considers to be feasible. However, except as provided
in Paragraphs 1.08 and 6.09, notwithstanding anything contained in this
Agreement to the contrary, Yadkin shall not have any obligation to employ or
provide employment to any employee of HC Financial or High Country or to any
particular number of such employees. Any employment so offered to an employee of
HC Financial or High Country shall be in such a position, at such location
within Yadkin's branch system, and for such rate of compensation, as Yadkin
shall determine in its sole discretion. Each such person's employment shall be
on an "at-will" basis, and nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to
constitute an employment agreement with any such person or to obligate Yadkin to
employ any such person for any specific period of time or in any specific
position or to restrict Yadkin's right to terminate the employment of any such
person at any time and for any reason satisfactory to it. Any employee of HC
Financial or High Country who is not offered employment by Yadkin at the
Effective Time ("Non-Continuing Employee") will be paid such severance as the
parties shall mutually determine on a case-by-case basis, but in no event shall
such severance be less than two (2) weeks salary of the Non-Continuing Employee.
(e) Employee Benefits. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, any employee of HC Financial or High Country who becomes an employee
of Yadkin at the Effective Time (a "New Employee") shall be entitled to receive
all employee benefits and to participate in all benefit plans provided by Yadkin
on the same basis (including cost) and subject to the same eligibility and
vesting requirements, and to the same conditions, restrictions and limitations,
as generally are in effect and applicable to other newly hired employees of
Yadkin, except that New Employees shall be immediately eligible to participate
in all benefit plans as of the Effective Date. Each New Employee shall be given
credit for his or her full years of service with HC Financial or High Country
for: (i) eligibility for participation and vesting in Yadkin's Section 401(k)
savings plan; and (ii) all purposes under Yadkin's other benefit plans
(including entitlement to vacation and sick leave). For purposes of Yadkin's
health insurance coverage, a New Employee's participation will be without regard
to pre-existing condition requirements under Yadkin's health insurance plan,
provided that any such pre-existing condition at the Effective Time was covered
under HC Financial's or High Country's health insurance plan(s) at the Effective
Time and the New Employee provides evidence of such previous coverage in a form
satisfactory to Yadkin's health insurance carrier.
Any Non-Continuing Employee will be permitted to obtain
continued health insurance coverage through the exercise of his or her COBRA
rights offered under Yadkin's health insurance coverage; and Yadkin will give
any required COBRA notices.
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For the calendar year during which the Effective Time occurs,
Yadkin will grant to each New Employee a number of days of sick leave and
vacation leave, respectively, equal, in each case, to (i) the full number of
such days to which the New Employee would be entitled for that year, based on
his or her credited years of service and in accordance with Yadkin's standard
leave policies, less (ii) the number of days of sick leave and vacation leave
used by the New Employee as an employee of HC Financial or High Country during
that calendar year.
(f) Directors. In accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 1.08
hereof, at the Effective Time Yadkin will cause Harry M. Davis, Larry V. Hughes
and C. Kenneth Wilcox, provided each is in office as a director of HC Financial
and High Country at the Effective Time to be appointed a director of Yadkin. In
the event one or more of these named directors is not in office as a director of
HC Financial and High Country at the Effective Time, Yadkin will appoint another
director of HC Financial and High Country in office at the Effective Time, as
selected by the Presidents of Yadkin and HC Financial, to serve as a director of
Yadkin; provided that not more than three former HC Financial directors shall be
appointed to the Board of Yadkin at the Effective Time (each a "Continuing
Director"). Each Continuing Director's continued service as a director of Yadkin
will be subject to the normal nomination and election processes. Immediately
after the appointment of these individuals, the board of directors of Yadkin
will consist of fourteen (14) directors. Each member of the Board of Directors
of HC Financial and High Country serving at the Effective Time who will not
serve as a Continuing Director shall be appointed to serve on the advisory board
of Yadkin for the Watauga County region of North Carolina ("Advisory Director").
Provided any such Advisory Director does not serve as a director, officer,
employee or consultant to an entity reasonably deemed to compete with Yadkin,
each such Advisory Director shall be entitled to receive from Yadkin, for the
three years following the Effective Time, fees in an amount equal to $600 per
month, paid, at the election of the Advisory Director, either in lump sum at the
Closing or in monthly installments. In lieu of such fees, each such Advisory
Director may choose to be compensated through the purchase of an annuity for the
benefit of such director, the terms of such annuity prohibiting the beneficiary
from competing with Yadkin for the three years following the Effective Time.
Following expiration of this three-year period, any Advisory Director who elects
to continue as an advisory board member shall be compensated in the same manner
as other advisory board members of Yadkin.
(g) "Blue Sky" Approvals. Yadkin shall use its best efforts to take
all actions, if any, required by applicable state securities or "blue sky" laws:
(i) to cause the Yadkin Common Stock issued at the Effective Time, at the time
of the issuance thereof, to be duly qualified or registered (unless exempt)
under such laws, or to cause all conditions to any exemptions from qualification
or registration thereof under such laws to have been satisfied; and (ii) to
obtain any and all other approvals or consents to the issuance of the Yadkin
Common Stock that are required under state or federal law.
(h) Available Funds. By Closing, Yadkin will have transferred to the
Exchange Agent the funds necessary to satisfy its obligations under Article I of
this Agreement.
(i) Nasdaq Notification. By Closing, Yadkin shall file with the
National Association of Securities Dealers such notifications and other
materials (and shall pay such fees) as shall be required for the listing on
Nasdaq National Market of the shares of Yadkin Common Stock to be issued to HC
Financial's shareholders pursuant to the Merger.
5.02. Negative Covenants of Yadkin. Yadkin hereby covenants and
agrees that, between the date hereof and the Effective Time, it will not do any
of the following things or take any of the following actions without the prior
written consent and authorization of HC Financial's President.
(a) Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. Yadkin will
not amend its Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.
(b) Change in Capital Stock. Yadkin will not: (i) make any change in
its authorized capital stock, or create any other or additional authorized
capital stock or other securities; or (ii) issue (including any issuance of
shares pursuant to a stock dividend or any issuance of any securities
convertible into capital stock), sell, purchase, redeem, retire, reclassify,
combine or split any shares of its capital stock or other securities, or enter
into any agreement or understanding with respect to any such action. However,
notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Yadkin shall be
permitted to issue shares of Yadkin Common Stock in conjunction with the
exercise of outstanding options referred to in Paragraph 3.05 hereof, or
pursuant to its stock purchase or dividend reinvestment plan.
(c) Options, Warrants and Rights. Yadkin will not grant or issue any
options, warrants, calls, puts or other rights of any kind relating to the
purchase, redemption or conversion of shares of its capital stock or any other
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securities (including securities convertible into capital stock) or enter into
any agreement or understanding with respect to any such action. However,
notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, following the date of
this Agreement Yadkin may grant additional options to purchase shares of Yadkin
Common Stock pursuant to its existing employee and/or director stock option
plans.
(d) Dividends. Yadkin will not declare or pay any dividends on its
outstanding shares of capital stock or make any other distributions on or in
respect of any shares of its capital stock or otherwise to its shareholders.
(e) Accounting Practices. Yadkin will not make any changes in its
accounting methods, practices or procedures or in depreciation or amortization
policies, schedules or rates heretofore applied (except as required by GAAP or
governmental regulations).
(f) Changes in Business Practices. Except as may be required by the
Regulatory Authorities or any other governmental agency, or as shall be required
by applicable law, regulation or this Agreement, Yadkin will not: (i) change in
any material respect the nature of its business; (ii) discontinue any material
portion or line of its business; or (iii) change in any material respect its
lending, investment, asset-liability management or other material banking or
business policies.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
6.01. Preparation and Distribution of Proxy Statement/Offering Circular.
Yadkin and HC Financial jointly will prepare a joint proxy statement/offering
circular (the "Proxy Statement/Offering Circular") for distribution to Yadkin's
and HC Financial's shareholders as Yadkin's proxy statement relating to Yadkin's
solicitation of proxies for use at the Yadkin Shareholders Meeting, HC
Financial's proxy statement relating to HC Financial's solicitation of proxies
for use at the High Country Shareholders Meeting and as Yadkin's offering
circular relating to its offer and distribution of Yadkin Common Stock to HC
Financial's shareholders as described in this Agreement. The Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular shall, in all material respects, be prepared in such
form and contain or be accompanied by such information regarding the Yadkin
Shareholders Meeting, the High Country Shareholders Meeting, this Agreement, the
parties hereto, the Merger, the Bank Merger and other transactions described
herein as is required by regulations of the FDIC applicable to Yadkin and the
SEC as applicable to HC Financial or otherwise as shall be agreed upon by Yadkin
and HC Financial.
Yadkin and HC Financial will mail the Proxy Statement/Offering
Circular to their shareholders on a date mutually agreed upon by Yadkin and HC
Financial not less than twenty (20) business days prior to the scheduled date of
the Yadkin Shareholders' Meeting and the scheduled date of the High Country
Shareholders Meeting, whichever is earlier; provided, however, that no such
materials shall be mailed to Yadkin's shareholders or HC Financial's
shareholders unless and until Yadkin shall have received the authorization of
the FDIC, HC Financial shall have received the authorization of the SEC, and HC
Financial and Yadkin shall have agreed on the form and content of such
materials.
6.02. Regulatory Approvals. Yadkin, High Country and HC Financial each
agrees with the others that, as soon as practicable following the date of this
Agreement, it will prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, all
applications required to be filed by it under applicable law and regulations for
approvals by Regulatory Authorities of the Merger, the Bank Merger or other
transactions described in this Agreement, including without limitation any
required applications for the approval of the Commissioner, the FDIC, the FRB
and the North Carolina Banking Commission (the "Commission"). Yadkin, High
Country and HC Financial each agrees (i) to use its best efforts in good faith
to obtain all necessary approvals of Regulatory Authorities required for
consummation of the Merger and other transactions described herein; and (ii)
before the filing of any such application required to be filed, to give each
other party an opportunity to review and comment on the form and content of such
application. Should the appearance of any of the officers, directors, employees,
financial advisors or counsel of Yadkin, High Country or HC Financial be
requested by each other or by any Regulatory Authority at any hearing in
connection with any such application, it will use its best efforts to arrange
for such appearance.
6.03. Information for Proxy Statement/Offering Circular and Applications
for Regulatory Approvals. Yadkin, High Country and HC Financial each covenants
with the other that (i) it will cooperate with the other parties in the
preparation of the Proxy Statement/Offering Circular, and applications for
required approvals of Regulatory Authorities, and it will promptly respond to
requests by the other parties and their legal counsel for information, and will
provide all
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information, documents, financial statements or other material, that is required
for, or that may be reasonably requested by any other party for inclusion in,
any such document; and (ii) none of the information provided by it for inclusion
in any of such documents, at the time of the mailing of those materials to HC
Financial's and Yadkin's shareholders, or at the time of receipt of any such
required approval of a Regulatory Authority, as the case may be, will contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements contained therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
6.04. Expenses. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 8.03, and whether
or not this Agreement shall be terminated or the Merger or the Bank Merger shall
be consummated, Yadkin, High Country and HC Financial each agrees to pay its own
legal, accounting and financial advisory fees and all its other costs and
expenses incurred or to be incurred in connection with the execution and
performance of its obligations under this Agreement, or otherwise in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions described herein (including without
limitation all accounting fees, legal fees, consulting or advisory fees, filing
fees, printing and mailing costs, and travel expenses). For purposes of this
Agreement, expenses associated with the printing and mailing of the Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular described in Paragraph 6.01, and with the Tax
Opinion described in Paragraph 6.11, shall be deemed to have been incurred by
Yadkin and HC Financial equally. Expenses owed to Smith Capital, including its
fees for rendering the "HC Financial Fairness Opinion" described in Paragraph
7.01(d)(ii), shall be deemed to have been incurred solely by HC Financial.
Expenses owed to The Carson Medlin Company, including its fees for rendering the
"Yadkin Fairness Opinion" described in Paragraph 7.01(d)(i), shall be deemed to
have been incurred solely by Yadkin.
6.05. Announcements. Yadkin, High Country and HC Financial each agrees
that no persons other than the parties to this Agreement are authorized to make
any public announcements or statements about this Agreement or any of the
transactions described herein, and that, without the prior review and consent of
the other parties (which consent shall not unreasonably be denied or delayed),
it will not make any public announcement, statement or disclosure as to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement or the transactions described herein,
except for such disclosures as may be required incidental to obtaining the
required approval of any Regulatory Authority to the consummation of the
transactions described herein. However, notwithstanding anything contained
herein to the contrary, neither Yadkin, High Country nor HC Financial shall be
required to obtain the prior consent of the other parties for any such
disclosure which it, in good faith and upon the advice of its legal counsel,
believes is required by law.
6.06. Real Property Matters.
(a) Yadkin, at its own option or expense, may cause to be conducted:
(i) a title examination, physical survey, zoning compliance review, and
structural inspection of the High Country Real Property and improvements thereon
(the "Property Examination"); and (ii) site inspections, historic reviews,
regulatory analyses, and Phase 1 environmental assessments of the High Country
Real Property, together with such other studies, testing and intrusive sampling
and analyses as Yadkin shall deem necessary or desirable (the "Environmental
Survey").
(b) If, in the course of the Property Examination or Environmental
Survey, Yadkin discovers a "Material Defect" (as defined below) with respect to
the High Country Real Property which has not been Previously Disclosed, Yadkin
will give prompt written notice thereof to HC Financial describing the facts or
conditions constituting the Material Defect, and Yadkin shall have the option,
exercisable upon written notice to HC Financial, to either: (i) waive the
Material Defect; or (ii) terminate this Agreement.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, a "Material Defect" shall
include:
(i) the existence of any lien (other than the lien of real
property taxes not yet due and payable), encumbrance, zoning restriction,
easement, covenant, or other restriction, title imperfection or title
irregularity, or the existence of any facts or conditions that constitute a
breach of HC Financial's or High Country's representations and warranties
contained in Paragraph 2.16 or 2.21, in either such case that Yadkin reasonably
believes will materially affect its use of any parcel of the High Country Real
Property for the purpose for which it currently is used or the value or
marketability of any parcel of the High Country Real Property, or as to which
Yadkin otherwise objects; or
(ii) the existence of any structural defects or conditions of
disrepair in the improvements on the High Country Real Property (including any
equipment, fixtures or other components related thereto) that Yadkin
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reasonably believes would cost an aggregate of $200,000 or more to repair,
remove or correct as to all such High Country Real Property; or
(iii) the existence of facts or circumstances relating to any
of the High Country Real Property reflecting that (A) there likely has been a
discharge, disposal, release, threatened release, or emission by any person of
any Hazardous Substance (as such term is defined in Paragraph 2.21(a)(ii)
hereof) on, from, under, at, or relating to the High Country Real Property; or
(B) any action has been taken or not taken, or a condition or event likely has
occurred or exists, with respect to the High Country Real Property which
constitutes or would constitute a violation of any Environmental Laws or any
contract or other agreement between HC Financial or High Country and any other
person or entity, as to which, in either such case, Yadkin reasonably believes,
based on the advice of legal counsel or other consultants, that HC Financial or
High Country could become responsible or liable, or that HC Financial or High
Country could become responsible or liable following the Effective Time, for
assessment, removal, remediation, monetary damages, or civil, criminal or
administrative penalties or other corrective action and in connection with which
the amount of expense or liability which HC Financial or High Country could
incur, or for which HC Financial or High Country could become responsible or
liable, following consummation of the Merger at any time or over any period of
time could equal or exceed an aggregate of $50,000 or more as to all such High
Country Real Property.
6.07. Treatment of High Country Options and Warrants.
(a) Yadkin and HC Financial agree that, as of the Effective Time, holders
of HC Financial's 206,250 outstanding options to purchase shares of HC Financial
Common Stock referenced in Paragraph 2.05 (each a "High Country Option" and
collectively the "High Country Options") and 276,322 outstanding warrants to
purchase shares of HC Financial Common Stock referenced in Paragraph 2.05 (each
a "High Country Warrant" and collectively the "High Country Warrants") shall
have the option to surrender their High Country Options or High Country Warrants
and receive solely a cash payment amount equal to (A) the excess of $24.02 over
the exercise price per share of HC Financial Common Stock covered by the High
Country Option or High Country Warrant, (B) multiplied by the total number of
shares of HC Financial Common Stock covered by the High Country Option or High
Country Warrant. HC Financial and High Country will obtain from each person who
holds a High Country Option, and will deliver to Yadkin at the Closing, a
written agreement in a form specified by Yadkin confirming and agreeing to the
surrender of such person's High Country Option upon payment of the amounts
described above.
(b) Yadkin and HC Financial agree that, as of the Effective Time, all High
Country Options that are not surrendered shall be assumed by Yadkin on their
then current terms and conditions and be converted into options to purchase
shares of Yadkin Common Stock, such conversion to be made such that following
the Effective Time each High Country Option will represent an option to purchase
a number of shares of Yadkin Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio for every
one (1) share of HC Financial Common Stock covered by such High Country Option
prior to the Effective Time with an appropriate adjustment to the exercise price
for such High Country Option. In addition, each High Country Option which is an
"incentive stock option" shall be adjusted as required by Section 424 of the
Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder so as to continue as an
incentive stock option under Section 424(a) of the Code, and so as not to
constitute a modification, extension, or renewal of the option, within the
meaning of Section 424(h) of the Code. Yadkin and HC Financial shall take all
necessary steps to effectuate the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph
6.07(b), including appropriate amendments to the HC Financial option plans if
necessary.
(c) The HC Financial Board of Directors agrees, if requested by Yadkin, to
accelerate, in accordance with the High Country Warrant agreement, the exercise
date of the High Country Warrants to the Effective Time.
6.08. Treatment of 401(k) Plan. High Country agrees that, prior to the
Closing Date, it will take or cause to be taken such actions as Yadkin shall
reasonably consider necessary or desirable in connection with or to effect or
facilitate termination of High Country's 401(k) Plan (the "Plan") in accordance
with the Plan and applicable law. Each participant in the Plan on such
termination date may elect, upon completion of the termination and the final
liquidation of the Plan, to receive a distribution of the assets credited to his
or her Plan account at that time or, if the participant has become a participant
in Yadkin's Section 401(k) plan ("Yadkin Plan"), to have those assets credited
as a "roll-over" to the participant's account under the Yadkin Plan. Yadkin
agrees that it will assume, as of the Effective Time, any and all administrative
and fiduciary duties of High Country with respect to the duties related to
termination and final liquidation of the Plan. Yadkin shall not assume any other
duties with regard to the Plan other than those necessary to complete the
termination and liquidation of the Plan.
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6.09. Officer Employment Agreements. Effective with the execution of this
Agreement, John M. Brubaker and Robert Furches have entered into Employment
Agreements with Yadkin that will become effective on the Closing Date of the
Merger.
6.10. Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance. Yadkin and HC
Financial agree that, to the extent the same can be purchased at a cost to which
they both agree, then immediately prior to the Effective Time HC Financial shall
purchase "tail" coverage, effective at the Effective Time, under and in the same
amount of coverage, and insuring the same persons and entities as is provided by
its then current directors' and officers' liability insurance policy. To the
extent reasonably possible, Yadkin shall attempt to obtain such "tail" coverage
for a period of three years.
6.11 Tax Opinion. Yadkin and HC Financial agree to use their best efforts
to cause the Bank Merger, the Merger, and the conversion of outstanding shares
of HC Financial Common Stock into shares of Yadkin Common Stock, on the terms
contained in this Agreement, to be treated as a tax-free reorganization within
the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and to obtain from
Maupin Taylor, P.A., a written opinion (the "Tax Opinion"), addressed jointly to
the Boards of Directors of Yadkin and HC Financial, to the foregoing effect.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO MERGER
7.01. Conditions to all Parties' Obligations. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the obligations of each of the
parties to this Agreement to consummate the transactions described herein shall
be conditioned upon the satisfaction of each of the following conditions
precedent on or prior to the Closing Date.
(a) Approval by Regulatory Authorities; Disadvantageous Conditions.
(i) The Merger, the Bank Merger and other transactions described in this
Agreement shall have been approved, to the extent required by law, by the FDIC,
the FRB, the Commissioner, the Commission, and by all other Regulatory
Authorities having jurisdiction over such transactions; (ii) no Regulatory
Authority shall have objected to or withdrawn its approval of such transactions
or imposed any condition on such transactions or its approval thereof, which
condition is reasonably deemed by HC Financial or Yadkin to so adversely impact
the economic or business benefits of this Agreement to HC Financial, High
Country or Yadkin as to render it inadvisable for HC Financial, High Country or
Yadkin to consummate the Merger or the Bank Merger; (iii) the 15-day or 30-day
waiting period, as applicable, required following necessary approvals by the
FDIC and the FRB for review of the transactions described herein by the United
States Department of Justice shall have expired, and, in connection with any
such review, no objection to the Merger or the Bank Merger shall have been
raised; and (iv) all other consents, approvals and permissions, and the
satisfaction of all of the requirements prescribed by law or regulation,
necessary to the carrying out of the transactions contemplated herein shall have
been procured.
(b) Adverse Proceedings, Injunction, Etc. There shall not be: (i)
any order, decree or injunction of any court or agency of competent jurisdiction
which enjoins or prohibits the Merger, the Bank Merger or any of the other
transactions described in this Agreement or any of the parties hereto from
consummating any such transaction; (ii) any pending or threatened investigation
of the Merger, the Bank Merger or any of such other transactions by the United
States Department of Justice, or any actual or threatened litigation under
federal antitrust laws relating to the Merger, the Bank Merger or any other such
transaction; (iii) any suit, action or proceeding by any person or entity
(including any governmental, administrative or regulatory agency), pending or
threatened before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to
restrain or prohibit Yadkin, High Country or HC Financial from consummating the
Merger or the Bank Merger or carrying out any of the terms or provisions of this
Agreement; or (iv) any other suit, claim, action or proceeding pending or
threatened against Yadkin, High Country or HC Financial or any of their
respective officers or directors which shall reasonably be considered by Yadkin,
High Country or HC Financial to be materially burdensome in relation to the
proposed Merger or Bank Merger or materially adverse in relation to the
financial condition, results of operations, prospects, businesses, assets, loan
portfolio, investments, properties or operations of any party hereto, and which
has not been dismissed, terminated or resolved to the satisfaction of all
parties hereto within 90 days of the institution or threat thereof.
(c) Approval by Boards of Directors and Shareholders. The respective
Boards of Directors of Yadkin, High Country and HC Financial shall have duly
adopted this Agreement and the Merger by appropriate resolutions, the
shareholders of Yadkin shall have duly approved this Agreement and the Merger at
the Yadkin Shareholders Meeting, the
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shareholders of HC Financial shall have duly approved this Agreement and the
Merger at the High Country Shareholders Meeting and HC Financial, acting in its
capacity as the sole shareholder of High Country, shall have duly approved this
Agreement and the Merger, all to the extent required by and in accordance with
the provisions of this Agreement, applicable law, and applicable provisions of
their respective Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
(d) Fairness Opinions.
(i) Yadkin shall have received from The Carson Medlin Company
a written opinion (the "Yadkin Fairness Opinion") to the effect that the Merger
is fair, from a financial point of view, to Yadkin and its shareholders; and,
The Carson Medlin Company shall have delivered a letter to Yadkin, dated as of a
date within five business days following the date of determination of the
Exchange Ratio pursuant to Paragraph 1.05(b), to the effect that it remains its
opinion that the terms of the Merger are fair, from a financial point of view,
to Yadkin and its shareholders.
(ii) HC Financial shall have received from Smith Capital, a
written opinion (the "HC Financial Fairness Opinion") to the effect that the
consideration received by HC Financial's shareholders is fair, from a financial
point of view, to HC Financial and its shareholders; and Smith Capital shall
have delivered a letter to HC Financial, dated as of a date within five business
days following the date of determination of the Exchange Ratio pursuant to
Paragraph 1.05(b), to the effect that it remains its opinion that the terms of
the Merger are fair, from a financial point of view, to HC Financial and its
shareholders.
(e) Tax Opinion. Yadkin and HC Financial shall have received the Tax
Opinion in form satisfactory to each of them.
(f) No Termination or Abandonment. This Agreement shall not have
been terminated or abandoned by any party hereto.
(g) Articles of Merger; Other Actions. Separate Articles of Merger
described in Paragraph 1.09 of this Agreement pertaining to the Merger and the
Bank Merger shall have been duly executed by Yadkin and filed with the North
Carolina Secretary of State as provided in that Paragraph.
7.02. Additional Conditions to Yadkin's Obligations. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Yadkin's separate obligation
to consummate the transactions described herein shall be conditioned upon the
satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent on or before the
Closing Date:
(a) Material Adverse Change. There shall not have occurred any
material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition or results of
operations of HC Financial, and there shall not have occurred any event or
development, and there shall not exist any condition or circumstance which, with
the lapse of time or otherwise, is likely to cause, create or result in any such
material adverse change.
(b) Compliance with Laws. HC Financial and High Country shall have
complied in all material respects with all federal and state laws and
regulations applicable to them in connection with the transactions described in
this Agreement where the violation of or failure to comply with any such law or
regulation is likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition, results of operations, prospects, businesses, assets, loan portfolio,
investments, properties or operations of HC Financial or High Country, or of
Yadkin after the Effective Time, or on HC Financial's or High Country's ability
to consummate the Merger or the Bank Merger.
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(c) HC Financial's and High Country's Representations and Warranties
and Performance of Agreements; Officers' Certificate. Unless waived in writing
by Yadkin as provided in Paragraph 10.02 hereof, each of the representations and
warranties of HC Financial and High Country contained in this Agreement shall
have been true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof, and
they shall remain true and correct on and as of the Closing Date with the same
force and effect as though made on and as of such date, except: (i) for changes
which are not, in the aggregate, material and adverse to the financial
condition, results of operations, prospects, businesses, assets, loan portfolio,
investments, properties or operations of HC Financial and High Country
considered as one enterprise or to HC Financial's and High Country's ability to
consummate the Merger or the Bank Merger, respectively, and other transactions
described herein; and (ii) as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement; and HC
Financial and High Country each shall have performed in all material respects
all of its obligations, covenants and agreements hereunder to be performed by it
on or before the Closing Date.
Yadkin shall have received a certificate dated as of the Closing
Date and executed by the President and CEO and the Chief Financial Officer of HC
Financial and High Country to the effect that the conditions of this
subparagraph have been met and as to such other matters as may be reasonably
requested by Yadkin.
(d) Legal Opinion of HC Financial's and High Country's Counsel.
Yadkin shall have received the written legal opinion of Brooks, Pierce,
McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, L.L.P., counsel for HC Financial and High Country,
dated as of the Closing Date and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to Yadkin.
(e) Other Documents and Information. HC Financial and High Country
shall have provided to Yadkin correct and complete copies (certified by their
respective Secretaries) of resolutions of their respective Boards of Directors
and shareholders pertaining to approval of this Agreement, the Merger and the
Bank Merger and other transactions contemplated herein, together with a
certificate of the incumbency of their officers who executed this Agreement or
any other documents delivered to Yadkin in connection with the Closing.
(f) Acceptance by Yadkin's Counsel. The form and substance of all
legal matters described in this Agreement or related to the transactions
contemplated herein shall be reasonably acceptable to Yadkin's legal counsel.
(g) Option Plan Matters. HC Financial and High Country shall have
delivered to Yadkin the written agreement of each individual holder of the High
Country Options, as required by Paragraph 6.07(a).
(h) Consents to Assignment of Property Leases. HC Financial and High
Country shall have obtained all required consents to the assignment to Yadkin of
its rights and obligations under any personal property lease and any Real
Property Lease material to the business of HC Financial and High Country, and
such consents shall be in such form and substance as shall be satisfactory to
Yadkin; and each of the lessors of HC Financial and High Country shall have
confirmed in writing that HC Financial and High Country is not in default under
the terms and conditions of any personal property lease or any Real Property
Lease.
(i) Officer Agreements. John M. Brubaker and Robert Furches shall
have entered into the Employment Agreements set forth in Paragraph 6.09 hereof.
7.03. Additional Conditions to HC Financial's and High Country's
Obligations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, HC Financial's and High Country's separate obligations to consummate
the transactions described herein shall be conditioned upon the satisfaction of
each of the following conditions precedent on or before the Closing Date:
(a) Material Adverse Change. There shall not have occurred any
material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operations,
prospects, businesses, assets, loan portfolio, investments, properties or
operations of Yadkin, and there shall not have occurred any event or
development, and there shall not exist any condition or circumstance which, with
the lapse of time or otherwise, is likely to cause, create or result in any such
material adverse change.
(b) Compliance with Laws. Yadkin shall have complied in all material
respects with all federal and state laws and regulations applicable to it in
connection with the transactions described in this Agreement and where the
violation of or failure to comply with any such law or regulation is likely to
have a material adverse effect on the financial
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condition, results of operations, prospects, businesses, assets, loan portfolio,
investments, properties or operations of Yadkin after the Effective Time, or on
Yadkin's ability to consummate the Merger or the Bank Merger.
(c) Yadkin's Representations and Warranties and Performance of
Agreements; Officers' Certificate. Unless waived in writing by HC Financial or
High Country as provided in Paragraph 10.02, each of the representations and
warranties of Yadkin contained in this Agreement shall have been true and
correct in all material respects as of the date hereof, and they shall remain
true and correct at and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as
though made on and as of such date, except: (i) for changes which are not, in
the aggregate, material and adverse to the financial condition, results of
operations, prospects, businesses, assets, loan portfolio, investments,
properties or operations of Yadkin or to Yadkin's ability to consummate the
Merger, the Bank Merger and other transactions described herein: and (ii) as
otherwise contemplated by this Agreement; and, Yadkin shall have performed in
all material respects all of its obligations, covenants and agreements hereunder
to be performed by it on or before the Closing Date.
HC Financial and High Country shall have received a certificate
dated as of the Closing Date and executed by Yadkin's President and CEO and
Chief Financial Officer to the effect that the conditions of this subparagraph
have been met and as to such other matters as may be reasonably requested by HC
Financial and High Country.
(d) Legal Opinion of Yadkin's Counsel. HC Financial shall have
received the written legal opinion of Maupin Taylor, P.A., counsel to Yadkin,
dated as of the Closing Date and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to HC Financial.
(e) Other Documents and Information. Yadkin shall have provided to
HC Financial and High Country correct and complete copies (all certified by
Yadkin's Secretary) of Yadkin's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, and
resolutions of its Board of Directors and shareholders pertaining to approval of
this Agreement, the Merger and the Bank Merger and other transactions
contemplated herein, together with a certificate as to the incumbency of
Yadkin's officers who executed this Agreement or any other documents delivered
to HC Financial or High Country in connection with the Closing.
(f) Acceptance by HC Financial's Counsel. The form and substance of
all legal matters described in this Agreement or related to the transactions
contemplated herein shall be reasonably acceptable to HC Financial's legal
counsel.
(g) Merger Expenses. Expenses incurred by HC Financial and High
Country in connection with this Agreement and the Merger (including without
limitation the entire amount of fees payable to Smith Capital for the Fairness
Opinion and fees payable to HC Financial and High Country's accountants and
attorneys) shall not exceed an aggregate of $150,000. If HC Financial and High
Country determine in good faith that its expenses could exceed $150,000, Yadkin
will negotiate in good faith with HC Financial and High Country on increasing
the amount allocated for HC Financial and High Country's merger expenses.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION; BREACH; REMEDIES
8.01. Mutual Termination. At any time prior to the Effective Time (and
whether before or after approval hereof by the shareholders of Yadkin or HC
Financial), this Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of HC
Financial, High Country and Yadkin. Upon any such mutual termination, all
obligations of Yadkin, High Country and HC Financial hereunder shall terminate
and each party shall pay its own costs and expenses as provided in Paragraph
6.04.
8.02. Unilateral Termination. Prior to the Effective Time, this Agreement
may be terminated by either HC Financial or Yadkin (whether before or after
approval hereof by Yadkin's shareholders or HC Financial's shareholders) upon
written notice to the other parties in the manner provided herein and under the
circumstances described below.
(a) Termination by HC Financial and High Country. This Agreement may
be terminated by HC Financial by action of its Board of Directors:
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(i) if any of the conditions to the obligations of HC
Financial or High Country set forth in Paragraphs 7.01 and 7.03 shall not have
been satisfied in all material respects or effectively waived in writing by HC
Financial within 15 days of receipt of all shareholder and regulatory approvals
(except to the extent that the failure of such condition to be satisfied has
been caused by the failure of HC Financial or High Country to satisfy any of its
obligations, covenants or agreements contained herein);
(ii) if Yadkin shall have violated or failed to fully perform
any of its obligations, covenants or agreements contained in Articles V or VI
herein in any material respect;
(iii) if HC Financial or High Country determines at any time
that any of Yadkin's representations or warranties contained in Article III
hereof or in any other certificate or writing delivered pursuant to this
Agreement shall have been false or misleading in any material respect when made
or would have been false or misleading in any material respect except for the
fact that the representation or warranty was limited to or qualified based on
the Best Knowledge of any person, or that there has occurred any event or
development or that there exists any condition or circumstance which has caused
or, with the lapse of time or otherwise, is likely to cause any such
representations or warranties to become false or misleading in any material
respect or that would cause any such representation or warranty to become false
or misleading in any material respect except for the fact that the
representation or warranty was limited to or qualified based on the Best
Knowledge of any person;
(iv) if, notwithstanding HC Financial's and High Country's
satisfaction of their respective obligations under Paragraphs 6.01 and 6.03, HC
Financial's shareholders do not approve this Agreement and the Merger at the
High Country Shareholders Meeting, or if the Yadkin Shareholders Meeting is not
held by December 31, 2003;
(v) if the Merger shall not have become effective on or before
March 31, 2004 or such later date as shall be mutually agreed upon in writing by
HC Financial, High Country and Yadkin;
(vi) if the Yadkin Average Price is less than $13.50; or
(vii) if one or more persons or entities other than Yadkin
makes a bona fide proposal for a Transaction (as defined in Paragraph
4.02(j)(i)) and the HC Financial Board of Directors determines, in its good
faith judgment and in the reasonable exercise of its fiduciary duties, with
respect to legal matters on the written opinion of its legal counsel and as to
financial matters on the written opinion of Smith Capital or other investment
banking firm of national reputation: (A) that the Transaction is more favorable
to HC Financial's shareholders than the transaction contemplated by this
Agreement; and (B) that the failure to terminate this Agreement and accept such
alternative Transaction proposal would be inconsistent with the proper exercise
of its fiduciary duties.
However, before HC Financial may terminate this Agreement for
any of the reasons specified above in (i), (ii) or (iii) of this Paragraph
8.02(a), it shall give written notice to Yadkin in the manner provided herein
stating its intent to terminate and a description of the specific breach,
default, violation or other condition giving rise to its right to so terminate,
and, such termination by HC Financial shall not become effective if, within 30
days following the giving of such notice, Yadkin shall cure such breach, default
or violation or satisfy such condition to the reasonable satisfaction of HC
Financial. In the event Yadkin cannot or does not cure such breach, default or
violation or satisfy such condition to the reasonable satisfaction of HC
Financial within such notice period, termination of this Agreement by HC
Financial thereafter shall be effective upon its giving of written notice
thereof to Yadkin in the manner provided herein.
(b) Termination by Yadkin. Prior to the Effective Time, this
Agreement may be terminated by Yadkin:
(i) if any of the conditions to the obligations of Yadkin set
forth in Paragraphs 7.01 and 7.02 shall not have been satisfied in all material
respects or effectively waived in writing by Yadkin within 15 days of receipt of
all shareholder and regulatory approvals (except to the extent that the failure
of such condition to be satisfied has been caused by the failure of Yadkin to
satisfy any of its obligations, covenants or agreements contained herein);
(ii) if HC Financial or High Country shall have violated or
failed to fully perform any of their respective obligations, covenants or
agreements contained in Articles IV or VI herein in any material respect;
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(iii) if Yadkin determines that any of HC Financial's or High
Country's respective representations and warranties contained in Article II
hereof or in any other certificate or writing delivered pursuant to this
Agreement shall have been false or misleading in any material respect when made
or would have been false or misleading in any material respect except for the
fact that the representation or warranty was limited to or qualified based on
the Best Knowledge of any person, or that there has occurred any event or
development or that there exists any condition or circumstance which has caused
or, with the lapse of time or otherwise, is likely to cause any such
representations or warranties to become false or misleading in any material
respect or that would cause any such representation or warranty to become false
or misleading in any material respect except for the fact that the
representation or warranty was limited to or qualified based on the Best
Knowledge of any person;
(iv) if, notwithstanding Yadkin's satisfaction of its
obligations contained in Paragraphs 6.01 and 6.03, its shareholders do not
approve this Agreement and the Merger at the Yadkin Shareholders Meeting, or the
High Country Shareholders Meeting is not held by December 31, 2003;
(v) if the Merger shall not have become effective on or before
March 31, 2004, or such later date as shall be mutually agreed upon in writing
by HC Financial, High Country and Yadkin;
(vi) if the Yadkin Average Price is greater than $22.50; or
(vii) if the Yadkin Board of Directors determines, in its good
faith judgment and in the reasonable exercise of its fiduciary duties, based on
the written opinion of its legal counsel, that the failure to terminate this
Agreement would be inconsistent with the proper exercise of its fiduciary
duties.
However, before Yadkin may terminate this Agreement for any of the reasons
specified above in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of this Paragraph 8.02(b), it shall
give written notice to HC Financial in the manner provided herein stating its
intent to terminate and a description of the specific breach, default, violation
or other condition giving rise to its right to so terminate, and, such
termination by Yadkin shall not become effective if, within 30 days following
the giving of such notice, HC Financial or High Country shall cure such breach,
default or violation or satisfy such condition to the reasonable satisfaction of
Yadkin. In the event HC Financial or High Country cannot or does not cure such
breach, default or violation or satisfy such condition to the reasonable
satisfaction of Yadkin within such notice period, termination of this Agreement
by Yadkin thereafter shall be effective upon its giving of written notice
thereof to HC Financial and High Country in the manner provided herein.
8.03. Breach; Remedies.
(a) Except as otherwise provided below: (i) in the event of a breach
by Yadkin of any of its representations or warranties contained in Article III
of this Agreement or in any other certificate or writing delivered pursuant to
this Agreement, or in the event of its failure to perform or violation of any of
its obligations, agreements or covenants contained in Articles V or VI of this
Agreement, then HC Financial's and High Country's sole right and remedy shall be
to terminate this Agreement prior to the Effective Time as provided in Paragraph
8.02(a) or, in the alternative, in the case of a failure to perform or violation
of any obligations, agreements or covenants, to seek specific performance
thereof; and (ii) in the event of any such termination of this Agreement by HC
Financial or High Country due to a failure by Yadkin to perform any of its
obligations, agreements or covenants contained in Articles V or VI of this
Agreement, then Yadkin shall be obligated to reimburse HC Financial and High
Country for up to (but not more than) $150,000 in expenses described in
Paragraph 6.04 which actually have been incurred by HC Financial and High
Country.
(b) Except as otherwise provided below: (i) in the event of a breach
by HC Financial or High Country of any of its representations or warranties
contained in Article II of this Agreement, or in the event of its failure to
perform or violation of any of its obligations, agreements or covenants
contained in Articles IV or VI of this Agreement, then Yadkin's sole right and
remedy shall be to terminate this Agreement prior to the Effective Time as
provided in Paragraph 8.02(b), or, in the case of a failure to perform or
violation of any obligations, agreements or covenants, to seek specific
performance thereof; and (ii) in the event of any such termination of this
Agreement by Yadkin due to a failure by HC Financial or High Country to perform
any of its obligations, agreements or covenants contained in Articles IV or VI
of this Agreement, then HC Financial or High Country shall be obligated to
reimburse Yadkin for up to (but not more than) $150,000 in expenses described in
Paragraph 6.04 which actually have been incurred by Yadkin, plus the amount set
forth in Paragraph 8.03(c) below, should the provisions of that Paragraph be
applicable.
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(c) As a condition of Yadkin's willingness, and in order to induce
Yadkin to enter into this Agreement and to reimburse Yadkin for incurring the
costs and expenses related to entering into this Agreement and consummating the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, HC Financial hereby agrees to pay
Yadkin and Yadkin shall be entitled to payment of a fee of $1,000,000 (the
"Fee"), if this Agreement is terminated for the reason specified in Paragraph
8.02(a)(vii). The Fee shall be due and payable to Yadkin at the time HC
Financial or High Country takes any of the actions described in Paragraph
4.02(j)(iii) or (iv) within 12 months after termination of this Agreement and
shall be in addition to any amounts payable by HC Financial pursuant to
subparagraph (b) above. If demand for payment of the Fee is made pursuant to
this Paragraph 8.03(c) and payment is timely made, then Yadkin will not have any
other rights or claims against HC Financial or High Country and their officers,
directors, attorneys and financial advisors under this Agreement, it being
agreed that the acceptance of the Fee under this Paragraph 8.03(c) and the
payment due under Paragraph 8.03(b) will constitute the sole and exclusive
remedy of Yadkin against HC Financial and High Country.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary,
if any party to this Agreement breaches this Agreement by willfully or
intentionally failing to perform or violating any of its obligations, agreements
or covenants contained in Articles IV, V or VI of this Agreement, such party
shall be obligated to pay all expenses of the other parties described in
Paragraph 6.04, and (except as contemplated in Paragraph 8.02(a)vii)) such other
damages as may be recoverable at law or in equity.
ARTICLE IX
INDEMNIFICATION
9.01. Indemnification Following Termination of Agreement.
(a) By Yadkin. Yadkin agrees that, in the event this Agreement is
terminated for any reason and the Merger is not consummated, it will indemnify,
hold harmless and defend HC Financial and High Country and their respective
officers, directors, attorneys and financial advisors from and against any and
all claims, disputes, demands, causes of action, suits or proceedings of any
third party (including any Regulatory Authority), together with all losses,
damages, liabilities, obligations, costs and expenses of every kind and nature
in connection therewith (including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees
and legal costs and expenses in connection therewith), whether known or unknown,
and whether now existing or hereafter arising, which may be threatened against,
incurred, undertaken, received or paid by HC Financial or High Country:
(i) in connection with or which arise out of, result from, or
are based upon: (A) Yadkin's operations or business transactions or its
relationship with any of its employees; or (B) Yadkin's failure to comply with
any statute or regulation of any federal, state or local government or agency
(or any political subdivision thereof) in connection with the transactions
described in this Agreement;
(ii) in connection with or which arise out of, result from, or
are based upon any fact, condition or circumstance that constitutes a breach by
Yadkin of, or any inaccuracy, incompleteness or inadequacy in, any of its
representations or warranties under or in connection with this Agreement, or any
failure of Yadkin to perform any of its covenants, agreements or obligations
under or in connection with this Agreement; or,
(iii) in connection with or which arise out of, result from,
or are based upon any information provided by Yadkin which is included in the
Proxy Statement/Offering Circular and which information causes the Proxy
Statement/Offering Circular, at the time of its mailing to Yadkin's shareholders
and HC Financial's shareholders, to contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or to omit any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in
order to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not false or misleading.
(b) By HC Financial and High Country. HC Financial and High Country
agree that, in the event this Merger is not consummated, it will indemnify, hold
harmless and defend Yadkin and its officers, directors, attorneys and financial
advisors from and against any and all claims, disputes, demands, causes of
action, suits, proceedings of any third party (including any Regulatory
Authority), together with all losses, damages, liabilities, obligations, costs
and expenses of every kind and nature in connection therewith (including without
limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and legal costs and expenses in connection
therewith), whether known or unknown, and whether now existing or hereafter
arising, which may be threatened against, incurred, undertaken, received or paid
by Yadkin:
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(i) in connection with or which arise out of, result from, or
are based upon: (A) HC Financial's or High Country's operations or business
transactions or its relationship with any of its employees; (B) HC Financial's
or High Country's failure to comply with any statute or regulation of any
federal, state or local government or agency (or any political subdivision
thereof) in connection with the transactions described in this Agreement; or (C)
actions, suits, proceedings, injunctions or any other type of legal action
brought by shareholders of HC Financial in connection with the Merger;
(ii) in connection with or which arise out of, result from, or
are based upon any fact, condition or circumstance that constitutes a breach by
HC Financial or High Country of, or any inaccuracy, incompleteness or inadequacy
in, any of its representations or warranties under or in connection with this
Agreement, or any failure of HC Financial or High Country to perform any of its
covenants, agreements or obligations under or in connection with this Agreement;
or,
(iii) in connection with or which arise out of, result from,
or are based upon any information provided by HC Financial or High Country which
is included in the Proxy Statement/Offering Circular and which information
causes the Proxy Statement/Offering Circular, at the time of its mailing to
Yadkin's shareholders and HC Financial's shareholders, to contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or to omit any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements contained therein, in light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not false or misleading.
9.02. Procedure for Claiming Indemnification. If any matter subject to
indemnification under this Article IX arises in the form of a claim (herein
referred to as a "Third Party Claim") against HC Financial, High Country or
Yadkin, or their respective successors and assigns, or any of their respective
subsidiary corporations, officers, directors, attorneys or financial advisors
(collectively, the "Indemnitees"), the Indemnitee promptly shall give notice and
details thereof, including copies of all pleadings and pertinent documents, to
the party obligated for indemnification hereunder (the "Indemnitor"). Within 15
days of such notice, the Indemnitor either: (i) shall pay the Third Party Claim
either in full or upon agreed compromise; or (ii) shall notify the applicable
Indemnitee that the Indemnitor disputes the Third Party Claim and intends to
defend against it, and thereafter shall so defend and pay any adverse final
judgment or award in regard thereto. Such defense shall be controlled by the
Indemnitor and the cost of such defense shall be borne by it, except that the
Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in such defense at its own
expense and provided that the Indemnitor shall have no right in connection with
any such defense or the resolution of any such Third Party Claim to impose or
agree to any liability, cost, restriction, limitation or condition of any kind
that compromises the Indemnitee hereunder. In the case of an Indemnitee that is
an officer, director, financial advisor or attorney of a party to this
Agreement, then that party agrees that it shall cooperate in all reasonable
respects in the defense of any such Third Party Claim, including making
personnel, books and records relevant to the Third Party Claim available to the
Indemnitor without charge therefor except for out-of-pocket expenses. Any
settlement to a Third Party Claim agreed to by an Indemnitor shall provide for
an unconditional release of the Indemnitee unless the Indemnitee agrees in
writing otherwise. If the Indemnitor fails to take action within 15 days as
hereinabove provided or, having taken such action, thereafter fails diligently
to defend and resolve the Third Party Claim, the Indemnitee shall have the right
to pay, compromise or defend the Third Party Claim and to assert the
indemnification provisions hereof. The Indemnitee also shall have the right,
exercisable in good faith, to take such action as may be necessary to avoid a
default prior to the assumption of the defense of the Third Party Claim by the
Indemnitor.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
10.01. Survival of Representations, Warranties, Indemnification and Other
Agreements.
(a) Representations, Warranties and Other Agreements. None of the
representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement shall
survive the Effective Time, and no party shall have any right after the
Effective Time to recover damages or any other relief from any other party to
this Agreement by reason of any breach of representation or warranty, any
nonfulfillment or nonperformance of any agreement contained herein, or
otherwise.
(b) Indemnification. The parties' indemnification agreements and
obligations pursuant to Paragraph 9.01 shall become effective only in the event
this Agreement is terminated and shall survive any such termination,
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and neither of the parties shall have any obligations under Paragraph 9.01 in
the event of or following consummation of the Merger and the Bank Merger.
10.02. Waiver. Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived
(except as to matters of required regulatory approvals and other approvals
required by law), either in whole or in part, at any time by the party which is,
and whose shareholders are, entitled to the benefits thereof; provided, however,
that any such waiver shall be effective only upon a determination by the waiving
party (through action of its Board of Directors) that such waiver would not
materially adversely affect the interests of the waiving party or its
shareholders; and, provided further, that no waiver of any term or condition of
this Agreement by any party shall be effective unless such waiver is in writing
and signed by the waiving party, nor shall any such waiver be construed to be a
waiver of any succeeding breach of the same term or condition or a waiver of any
other or different term or condition. No failure or delay of any party to
exercise any power, or to insist upon a strict compliance by any other party of
any obligation, and no custom or practice at variance with any terms hereof,
shall constitute a waiver of the right of any party to demand full and complete
compliance with such terms.
10.03. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented
at any time or from time to time prior to the Effective Time, and either before
or after its approval by the shareholders of Yadkin or the shareholders of HC
Financial, by an agreement in writing approved by the Boards of Directors of HC
Financial, High Country and Yadkin executed in the same manner as this
Agreement; provided however, that, except with the further approval of Yadkin's
shareholders and HC Financial's shareholders of that change or as otherwise
provided herein, following approval of this Agreement by Yadkin's shareholders
and HC Financial's shareholders no change may be made in the amount of Merger
Consideration into which each share of HC Financial Common Stock will be
converted.
10.04. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or
by courier or overnight delivery service, or by U.S. mail, first class postage
prepaid, and addressed as follows:
If to Yadkin: With copy to:
William A. Long Ronald D. Raxter, Esq.
President and CEO Maupin, Taylor, P.A.
Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company Highwoods Tower One, Suite 500
209 North Bridge Street 3200 Beachleaf Court
Elkin, NC 28621-3404 Raleigh, NC 27604
Fax: 336-835-8858 Fax: 919-981-4300
With copy to:
If to HC Financial or High Country:
Edward C. Winslow, III, Esq.
John M. Brubaker Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey &
High Country Bank Leonard, L.L.P.
High Country Financial Corporation 2000 Renaissance Plaza
149 Jefferson Road 230 North Elm Street (27401)
Boone, North Carolina 28607 Greensboro, NC 27420-6000
Fax: 828-265-2045 Fax: 336-378-1001
10.05. Further Assurance. Yadkin, High Country and HC Financial each
agrees to furnish to each other party such further assurances with respect to
the matters contemplated in this Agreement and their respective agreements,
covenants, representations and warranties contained herein, including the
opinion of legal counsel, as such other party may reasonably request.
10.06. Headings and Captions. Headings and captions of the Paragraphs of
this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and do not
constitute a part hereof.
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10.07. Gender and Number. As used herein, the masculine gender shall
include the feminine and neuter, the singular number, the plural, and vice
versa, whenever such meanings are appropriate.
10.08. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including all schedules and
exhibits attached hereto and all documents incorporated herein by reference)
contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the transactions
described herein and supersedes any and all other oral or written agreement(s)
heretofore made, and there are no representations or inducements by or to, or
any agreements between, any of the parties hereto other than those contained
herein in writing.
10.09. Severability of Provisions. The invalidity or unenforceability of
any term, phrase, clause, paragraph, restriction, covenant, agreement or other
provision hereof shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any
other provision or part hereof.
10.10. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party hereto
except with the prior written consent of each of the other parties hereto.
10.11. Counterparts. Any number of counterparts of this Agreement may be
signed and delivered, each of which shall be considered an original and which
together shall constitute one agreement.
10.12. Governing Law. This Agreement is made in and shall be construed and
enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina.
10.13. Previously Disclosed Information. As used in this Agreement,
"Previously Disclosed" shall mean the disclosure of information by Yadkin to HC
Financial and High Country, or by HC Financial and High Country to Yadkin, in a
letter delivered by the disclosing party or parties to the other parties prior
to the date hereof, specifically referring to this Agreement, and arranged in
paragraphs corresponding to the Paragraphs, Subparagraphs and items of this
Agreement applicable thereto. Information shall be deemed Previously Disclosed
for the purpose of a given Paragraph, Subparagraph or item of this Agreement
only to the extent that a specific reference thereto is made in connection with
disclosure of such information at the time of such delivery.
10.14 Best Knowledge. The term "Best Knowledge" as used in this Agreement
with reference to certain facts or information shall be deemed to refer to facts
or information of which officers of Yadkin, or officers of HC Financial or High
Country, as the case may be, are consciously aware or of which they should have
become consciously aware in the ordinary course of business and the performance
of their management duties.
10.15. Inspection.
(a) Any right of HC Financial or High Country under this Agreement
to investigate or inspect the assets, books, records, files and other
information of Yadkin in no way shall establish any presumption that HC
Financial or High Country should have conducted any investigation or that such
right has been exercised by HC Financial or High Country, their respective
agents, representatives or others. Any investigations or inspections actually
made by HC Financial or High Country or their respective agents, representatives
or others prior to the date of this Agreement or otherwise prior to the
Effective Time shall not be deemed in any way in derogation or limitation of the
covenants, representations and warranties made by or on behalf of Yadkin in this
Agreement.
(b) Any right of Yadkin under this Agreement to investigate or
inspect the assets, books, records, files and other information of HC Financial
or High Country in no way shall establish any presumption that Yadkin should
have conducted any investigation or that such right has been exercised by
Yadkin, its respective agents, representatives or others. Any investigations or
inspections actually made by Yadkin or its respective agents, representatives or
others prior to the date of this Agreement or otherwise prior to the Effective
Time shall not be deemed in any way in derogation or limitation of the
covenants, representations and warranties made by or on behalf of HC Financial
or High Country in this Agreement.
[The remainder of this page was left blank intentionally.
Signatures are on the following page.]
A-44
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Yadkin, High Country and HC Financial each has caused
this Agreement to be executed in its name by its duly authorized officers and
its corporate seal to be affixed hereto as of the date first above written.
YADKIN VALLEY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
[CORPORATE SEAL]
By: /s/ William A. Long
----------------------------
William A. Long
CEO and President
ATTEST:
/s/ Patricia H. Wooten
- -----------------------------
Secretary
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
[CORPORATE SEAL]
By: /s/ John M. Brubaker
----------------------------
John M. Brubaker
CEO and President
ATTEST:
/s/ Larry V. Hughes
- -----------------------------
Secretary
HIGH COUNTRY BANK
[CORPORATE SEAL]
By: /s/ John M. Brubaker
----------------------------
John M. Brubaker
CEO and President
ATTEST:
/s/ Larry V. Hughes
- -----------------------------
Secretary
A-45
As an inducement to Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company to enter into
this Agreement, each of the undersigned directors of High Country Financial
Corporation executes this Agreement and in so doing agrees to vote all share of
common stock of High Country Financial Corporation in favor of this Agreement
and the Merger contemplated hereby, unless advised in writing by High Country
Financial Corporation's counsel that such a vote is a breach of the directors'
fiduciary duties as contemplated by Paragraph 4.01(a) of this Agreement.
/s/ John M. Brubaker
-------------------------------
John M. Brubaker
Director
/s/ Faye E. Cooper
-------------------------------
Faye E. Cooper
Director
/s/ John H. Councill
-------------------------------
John H. Councill
Director
/s/ Harry M. Davis
-------------------------------
Harry M. Davis
Director
/s/ James C. Furman
-------------------------------
James C. Furman
Director
/s/ Cecil M. Greene
-------------------------------
Cecil M. Greene
Director
/s Dale L. Greene
-------------------------------
Dale L. Greene
Director
/s/ Larry V. Hughes
-------------------------------
Larry V. Hughes
Director
/s/ Reba S. Moretz
-------------------------------
Reba S. Moretz
Director
/s C. Kenneth Wilcox
-------------------------------
C. Kenneth Wilcox
Director
/s Roger D. Wright
-------------------------------
Roger D. Wright
Director
A-46
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
Document Exhibit
-------- -------
Plan of Merger A
Plan of Bank Merger B
A-47
Exhibit A
PLAN OF MERGER
By and Between
YADKIN VALLEY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
and
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
1.01. Names of Merging Corporations. The names of the corporations
proposed to be merged are Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company ("Yadkin") and
High Country Financial Corporation ("HC Financial").
1.02. Nature of Transaction; Plan of Merger. At the "Effective Time"
specified in the Articles of Merger filed with the North Carolina Secretary of
State, HC Financial will be merged into and with Yadkin (the "Merger") as
provided in this Plan of Merger.
1.03 Effect of Merger; Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, and
by reason of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of HC Financial shall
cease while the corporate existence of Yadkin, as the surviving corporation in
the Merger, shall continue with all of its purposes, objects, rights,
privileges, powers and franchises, all of which shall be unaffected and
unimpaired by the Merger. Following the Merger, Yadkin shall continue to operate
as a North Carolina banking corporation and will conduct its business at its
then legally established branch and main offices. The duration of the corporate
existence of Yadkin, as the surviving corporation in the Merger, shall be
perpetual and unlimited.
1.04. Assets and Liabilities of HC Financial. At the Effective Time, and
by reason of the Merger, and in accordance with applicable law, all of the
property, assets and rights of every other kind and character of HC Financial
(including without limitation all real, personal or mixed property, all debts
due on whatever account, all other choses in action and every other interest of
or belonging to or due to HC Financial, whether tangible or intangible) shall be
transferred to and vest in Yadkin, and Yadkin shall succeed to all the rights,
privileges, immunities, powers, purposes and franchises of a public or private
nature of HC Financial, all without any conveyance, assignment or further act or
deed; and, Yadkin shall become responsible for all of the liabilities, duties
and obligations of every kind, nature and description of HC Financial as of the
Effective Time. By virtue of the Merger, HC Financial's interest in and
ownership of the outstanding shares of common stock of its wholly-owned
subsidiary, High Country Bank ("High Country"), shall be transferred to and vest
in Yadkin, and High Country shall become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yadkin.
1.05. Terms and Conditions of the Merger. The Merger shall be effected
pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Plan of Merger and of the Agreement
and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of August __, 2003, by and among
HC Financial, High Country and Yadkin (the "Agreement").
1.06. Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
of Yadkin in effect at the Effective Time shall be the Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws of Yadkin as the surviving corporation in the Merger. Three directors
of HC Financial, as provided in the Agreement, shall be appointed to the Board
of Directors of Yadkin, each to hold such office until removed as provided by
law or until the election or appointment of their respective successors. The
directors of Yadkin in office at the Effective Time shall continue to hold such
offices until removed as provided by law or until the election or appointment of
their respective successors. The officers of HC Financial in office at the
effective time shall be named to positions with Yadkin as provided in the
Agreement.
1.07. Closing; Effective Time. The closing of the Merger and other
transactions contemplated by this Plan of Merger (the "Closing") shall take
place at the offices of Yadkin, in Elkin, North Carolina, or at such other place
as Yadkin and HC Financial may agree, on a date mutually agreeable to Yadkin and
HC Financial (the "Closing Date") after expiration of any and all required
waiting periods following the effective date of required approvals of the Merger
by governmental or regulatory authorities (but in no event more than sixty (60)
days following the expiration of all such required waiting periods).
A-48
Exhibit B
PLAN OF BANK MERGER
By and Between
YADKIN VALLEY BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
and
HIGH COUNTRY Bank
1.01. Names of the Merging Corporations. The names of the banking
corporations proposed to be merged are Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company
("Yadkin") and High Country Bank ("High Country"). Yadkin, as parent corporation
of High Country, is the owner of all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of High Country.
1.02. Nature of Transaction; Plan of Bank Merger. Subject to the
provisions of this Plan of Merger, at the "Effective Time" specified in the
Articles of Merger filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State, High
Country will be merged into and with Yadkin (the "Bank Merger").
1.03. Effect of Bank Merger; Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time,
and by reason of the Bank Merger, the separate corporate existence of High
Country shall cease while the corporate existence of Yadkin, as the surviving
corporation in the Bank Merger, shall continue with all of its purposes,
objects, rights, privileges, powers and franchises, all of which shall be
unaffected and unimpaired by the Bank Merger. The duration of the corporate
existence of Yadkin, as the surviving corporation in the Bank Merger, shall be
perpetual and unlimited.
1.04. Assets and Liabilities of High Country. At the Effective Time, and
by reason of the Bank Merger, and in accordance with applicable law, all
property, assets and rights of every kind and character of High Country
(including without limitation all real, personal or mixed property, all debts
due on whatever account, all other choses in action and every other interest of
or belonging to or due to High Country, whether tangible or intangible) shall be
transferred to and vest in Yadkin, and Yadkin shall succeed to all the rights,
privileges, immunities, powers, purposes and franchises of a public or private
nature of High Country (including all trust and other fiduciary properties,
powers and rights), all without any conveyance, assignment or further act or
deed; and, Yadkin shall become responsible for all other liabilities, duties and
obligations of every kind, nature and description of High Country (including
duties as trustee or fiduciary) as of the Effective Time.
1.05. Cancellation of High Country Stock. At the Effective Time, all
rights of Yadkin as sole shareholder of all of High Country's issued and
outstanding shares of $5.00 par value common stock shall cease to exist and
Yadkin shall receive no consideration for such shares of High Country, with such
shares and all rights related thereto being canceled, terminated and
extinguished.
1.06. Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Management. The Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of Yadkin in effect at the Effective Time shall be the
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Yadkin as the surviving corporation in
the Bank merger.
1.07. Closing; Effective Time. The closing of the Bank Merger and other
transactions contemplated by this Plan of Merger (the "Closing") shall take
place at the offices of Yadkin, in Elkin, North Carolina, or at such other place
as Yadkin shall designate, on such date as Yadkin shall designate (the "Closing
Date") after the expiration of any and all required waiting periods following
the effective date of required approvals of the Bank Merger by governmental or
regulatory authorities (but in no event more than sixty (60) days following the
expiration of all such required waiting periods).
A-49
APPENDIX B
ARTICLE 13 OF THE NORTH CAROLINA BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT
Dissenters' Rights
Part 1. Right to Dissent and Obtain Payment for Shares.
ss. 55-13-01. Definitions.
In this Article:
(1) "Corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter
before the corporate action, or the surviving or acquiring corporation by merger
or share exchange of that issuer.
(2) "Dissenter" means a shareholder who is entitled to dissent from
corporate action under G.S. 55-13-02 and who exercises that right when and in
the manner required by G.S. 55-13-20 through 55-13-28.
(3) "Fair value", with respect to a dissenter's shares, means the value of
the shares immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action to which
the dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
anticipation of the corporate action unless exclusion would be inequitable.
(4) "Interest" means interest from the effective date of the corporate
action until the date of payment, at a rate hat is fair and equitable under all
the circumstances, giving due consideration to the rate currently paid by the
corporation on its principal bank loans, if any, but not less than the rate
provided in G.S. 24-1.
(5) "Record shareholder" means the person in whose name shares are
registered in the records of a corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to
the extent of the rights granted by a nominee certificate on file with a
corporation.
(6) "Beneficial shareholder" means the person who is a beneficial owner of
shares held in a voting trust or by a nominee as the record shareholder.
(7) "Shareholder" means the record shareholder or the beneficial
shareholder. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371,
s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1.)
ss. 55-13-02. Right to dissent.
(a) In addition to any rights granted under Article 9, a shareholder is
entitled to dissent from, and obtain payment of the fair value of his shares in
the event of, any of the following corporate actions:
(1) Consummation of a plan of merger to which the corporation (other
than a parent corporation in a merger whose shares are not affected under G.S.
55-11-04) is a party unless (i) approval by the shareholders of that corporation
is not required under G.S. 55-11-03(g) or (ii) such shares are then redeemable
by the corporation at a price not greater than the cash to be received in
exchange for such shares;
(2) Consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the
corporation is a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired, unless
such shares are then redeemable by the corporation at a price not greater than
the cash to be received in exchange for such shares;
(2a) Consummation of a plan of conversion pursuant to Part 2 of
Article 11A of this Chapter;
(3) Consummation of a sale or exchange of all, or substantially all,
of the property of the corporation other than as permitted by G.S. 55-12-01,
including a sale in dissolution, but not including a sale pursuant to court
order or a sale pursuant to a plan by which all or substantially all of the net
proceeds of the sale will be distributed in cash to the shareholders within one
year after the date of sale;
B-1
(4) An amendment of the articles of incorporation that materially
and adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's shares because it (i)
alters or abolishes a preferential right of the shares; (ii) creates, alters, or
abolishes a right in respect of redemption, including a provision respecting a
sinking fund for the redemption or repurchase, of the shares; (iii) alters or
abolishes a preemptive right of the holder of the shares to acquire shares or
other securities; (iv) excludes or limits the right of the shares to vote on any
matter, or to cumulate votes; (v) reduces the number of shares owned by the
shareholder to a fraction of a share if the fractional share so created is to be
acquired for cash under G.S. 55-6-04; or (vi) changes the corporation into a
nonprofit corporation or cooperative organization; or
(5) Any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the
extent the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the board of
directors provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are entitled to dissent
and obtain payment for their shares.
(b) A shareholder entitled to dissent and obtain payment for his shares
under this Article may not challenge the corporate action creating his
entitlement, including without limitation a merger solely or partly in exchange
for cash or other property, unless the action is unlawful or fraudulent with
respect to the shareholder or the corporation.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, there shall be no
right of shareholders to dissent from, or obtain payment of the fair value of
the shares in the event of, the corporate actions set forth in subdivisions (1),
(2), or (3) of subsection (a) of this section if the affected shares are any
class or series which, at the record date fixed to determine the shareholders
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting at which the plan of
merger or share exchange or the sale or exchange of property is to be acted on,
were (i) listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national
market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or (ii) held by at least 2,000 record
shareholders. This subsection does not apply in cases in which either:
(1) The articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the
board of directors of the corporation issuing the shares provide otherwise; or
(2) In the case of a plan of merger or share exchange, the holders
of the class or series are required under the plan of merger or share exchange
to accept for the shares anything except:
a. Cash;
b. Shares, or shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares of
the surviving or acquiring corporation, or of any other corporation which, at
the record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice
of and vote at the meeting at which the plan of merger or share exchange is to
be acted on, were either listed subject to notice of issuance on a national
securities exchange or designated as a national market system security on an
interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., or held by at least 2,000 record shareholders; or
c. A combination of cash and shares as set forth in
sub-subdivisions a. and b. of this subdivision. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; c. 235;
1929, c. 269; 1939, c. 279; 1943, c. 270; G.S., ss. 55-26, 55-167; 1955, c.
1371, s. 1; 1959, c. 1316, ss. 30, 31; 1969, c. 751, ss. 36, 39; 1973, c. 469,
ss. 36, 37; c. 476, s. 193; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c.
1024, s. 12.18; 1991, c. 645, s. 12; 1997-202, s. 1; 1999-141, s. 1; 2001-387,
s. 26.)
ss. 55-13-03. Dissent by nominees and beneficial owners.
(a) A record shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer than
all the shares registered in his name only if he dissents with respect to all
shares beneficially owned by any one person and notifies the corporation in
writing of the name and address of each person on whose behalf he asserts
dissenters' rights. The rights of a partial dissenter under this subsection are
determined as if the shares as to which he dissents and his other shares were
registered in the names of different shareholders.
(b) A beneficial shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to shares
held on his behalf only if:
(1) He submits to the corporation the record shareholder's written
consent to the dissent not later than the time the beneficial shareholder
asserts dissenters' rights; and
B-2
(2) He does so with respect to all shares of which he is the
beneficial shareholder. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955,
c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s.
1.)
ss.ss.55-13-04 through 55-13-19. Reserved for future codification purposes.
Part 2. Procedure for Exercise of Dissenters' Rights.
ss. 55-13-20. Notice of dissenters' rights.
(a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under G.S.
55-13-02 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, the meeting notice
must state that shareholders are or may be entitled to assert dissenters' rights
under this Article and be accompanied by a copy of this Article.
(b) If corporate action creating dissenters' rights under G.S. 55-13-02 is
taken without a vote of shareholders or is taken by shareholder action without
meeting under G.S. 55-7-04, the corporation shall no later than 10 days
thereafter notify in writing all shareholders entitled to assert dissenters'
rights that the action was taken and send them the dissenters' notice described
in G.S. 55-13-22. A shareholder who consents to shareholder action taken without
meeting under G.S. 55-7-04 approving a corporate action is not entitled to
payment for the shareholder's shares under this Article with respect to that
corporate action.
(c) If a corporation fails to comply with the requirements of this
section, such failure shall not invalidate any corporate action taken; but any
shareholder may recover from the corporation any damage which he suffered from
such failure in a civil action brought in his own name within three years after
the taking of the corporate action creating dissenters' rights under G.S.
55-13-02 unless he voted for such corporate action. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; c. 235;
1929, c. 269; 1939, c. 5; c. 279; 1943, c. 270; G.S., ss. 55-26, 55-165, 55-167;
1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c.
265, s. 1; 2002-58, s. 2.)
ss. 55-13-21. Notice of intent to demand payment.
(a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under G.S.
55-13-02 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, a shareholder who
wishes to assert dissenters' rights:
(1) Must give to the corporation, and the corporation must actually
receive, before the vote is taken written notice of his intent to demand payment
for his shares if the proposed action is effectuated; and
(2) Must not vote his shares in favor of the proposed action.
(b) A shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (a)
is not entitled to payment for his shares under this Article. (1925, c. 77, s.
1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39;
1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1.)
ss. 55-13-22. Dissenters' notice.
(a) If proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under G.S.
55-13-02 is approved at a shareholders' meeting, the corporation shall mail by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, a written dissenters'
notice to all shareholders who satisfied the requirements of G.S. 55-13-21.
(b) The dissenters' notice must be sent no later than 10 days after
shareholder approval, or if no shareholder approval is required, after the
approval of the board of directors, of the corporate action creating dissenters'
rights under G.S. 55-13-02, and must: (1) State where the payment demand must be
sent and where and when certificates for certificated shares must be deposited;
(2) Inform holders of uncertificated shares to what extent transfer
of the shares will be restricted after the payment demand is received;
(3) Supply a form for demanding payment;
B-3
(4) Set a date by which the corporation must receive the payment
demand, which date may not be fewer than 30 nor more than 60 days after the date
the subsection (a) notice is mailed; and
(5) Be accompanied by a copy of this Article. (1925, c. 77, s. 1;
1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973,
c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 1997-485, s. 4; 2001-387, s. 27;
2002-58, s. 3.)
ss. 55-13-23. Duty to demand payment.
(a) A shareholder sent a dissenters' notice described in G.S. 55-13-22
must demand payment and deposit his share certificates in accordance with the
terms of the notice.
(b) The shareholder who demands payment and deposits his share
certificates under subsection (a) retains all other rights of a shareholder
until these rights are cancelled or modified by the taking of the proposed
corporate action.
(c) A shareholder who does not demand payment or deposit his share
certificates where required, each by the date set in the dissenters' notice, is
not entitled to payment for his shares under this Article. (1925, c. 77, s. 1;
1943, c. 70; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c.
469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1.)
ss. 55-13-24. Share restrictions.
(a) The corporation may restrict the transfer of uncertificated shares
from the date the demand for their payment is received until the proposed
corporate action is taken or the restrictions released under G.S. 55-13-26.
(b) The person for whom dissenters' rights are asserted as to
uncertificated shares retains all other rights of a shareholder until these
rights are cancelled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.
(1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c.
751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1.)
ss. 55-13-25. Payment.
(a) As soon as the proposed corporate action is taken, or within 30 days
after receipt of a payment demand, the corporation shall pay each dissenter who
complied with G.S. 55-13-23 the amount the corporation estimates to be the fair
value of his shares, plus interest accrued to the date of payment.
(b) The payment shall be accompanied by:
(1) The corporation's most recent available balance sheet as of the
end of a fiscal year ending not more than 16 months before the date of payment,
an income statement for that year, a statement of cash flows for that year, and
the latest available interim financial statements, if any;
(2) An explanation of how the corporation estimated the fair value
of the shares;
(3) An explanation of how the interest was calculated;
(4) A statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment under
G.S. 55-13-28; and
(5) A copy of this Article. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S.,
s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37;
1989, c. 265, s. 1; c. 770, s. 69; 1997-202, s. 2.)
ss. 55-13-26. Failure to take action.
(a) If the corporation does not take the proposed action within 60 days
after the date set for demanding payment and depositing share certificates, the
corporation shall return the deposited certificates and release the transfer
restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares.
B-4
(b) If after returning deposited certificates and releasing transfer
restrictions, the corporation takes the proposed action, it must send a new
dissenters' notice under G.S. 55-13-22 and repeat the payment demand procedure.
(1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c.
751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1.)
ss. 55-13-27. Reserved for future codification purposes.
ss.55-13-28. Procedure if shareholder dissatisfied with corporation's payment or
failure to perform.
(a) A dissenter may notify the corporation in writing of his own estimate
of the fair value of his shares and amount of interest due, and demand payment
of the amount in excess of the payment by the corporation under G.S. 55-13-25
for the fair value of his shares and interest due, if:
(1) The dissenter believes that the amount paid under G.S. 55-13-25
is less than the fair value of his shares or that the interest due is
incorrectly calculated;
(2) The corporation fails to make payment under G.S. 55-13-25; or
(3) The corporation, having failed to take the proposed action, does
not return the deposited certificates or release the transfer restrictions
imposed on uncertificated shares within 60 days after the date set for demanding
payment.
(b) A dissenter waives his right to demand payment under this section
unless he notifies the corporation of his demand in writing (i) under
subdivision (a)(1) within 30 days after the corporation made payment for his
shares or (ii) under subdivisions (a)(2) and (a)(3) within 30 days after the
corporation has failed to perform timely. A dissenter who fails to notify the
corporation of his demand under subsection (a) within such 30-day period shall
be deemed to have withdrawn his dissent and demand for payment. (1925, c. 77, s.
1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39;
1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 1997-202, s. 3.)
ss. 55-13-29. Reserved for future codification purposes.
Part 3. Judicial Appraisal of Shares.
ss. 55-13-30. Court action.
(a) If a demand for payment under G.S. 55-13-28 remains unsettled, the
dissenter may commence a proceeding within 60 days after the earlier of (i) the
date payment is made under G.S. 55-13-25, or (ii) the date of the dissenter's
payment demand under G.S. 55-13-28 by filing a complaint with the Superior Court
Division of the General Court of Justice to determine the fair value of the
shares and accrued interest. A dissenter who takes no action within the 60-day
period shall be deemed to have withdrawn his dissent and demand for payment.
(a1) Repealed by Session Laws 1997-202, s. 4.
(b) Reserved for future codification purposes.
(c) The court shall have the discretion to make all dissenters (whether or
not residents of this State) whose demands remain unsettled parties to the
proceeding as in an action against their shares and all parties must be served
with a copy of the complaint. Nonresidents may be served by registered or
certified mail or by publication as provided by law.
(d) The jurisdiction of the superior court in which the proceeding is
commenced under subsection (a) is plenary and exclusive. The court may appoint
one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend decision on
the question of fair value. The appraisers have the powers described in the
order appointing them, or in any amendment to it. The parties are entitled to
the same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings. The proceeding
shall be tried as in other civil actions. However, in a proceeding by a
dissenter in a corporation that was a public corporation immediately prior to
consummation of the corporate action giving rise to the right of dissent under
G.S. 55-13-02, there is no right to a trial by jury.
B-5
(e) Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment
for the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value of his shares,
plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the corporation. (1925, c. 77, s. 1;
1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973,
c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 1997-202, s. 4; 1997-485, ss. 5, 5.1.)
ss. 55-13-31. Court costs and counsel fees.
(a)The court in an appraisal proceeding commenced under G.S. 55-13-30
shall determine all costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable
compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by the court, and shall assess
the costs as it finds equitable.
(b) The court may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts
for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:
(1) Against the corporation and in favor of any or all dissenters if
the court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with the
requirements of G.S. 55-13-20 through 55-13-28; or
(2) Against either the corporation or a dissenter, in favor of
either or any other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the
fees and expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good
faith with respect to the rights provided by this Article.
(c) If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were
of substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated, and that the fees
for those services should not be assessed against the corporation, the court may
award to these counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded the
dissenters who were benefited. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s.
55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37;
1989, c. 265, s. 1.)
B-6
APPENDIX C
FAIRNESS OPINION OF THE CARSON MEDLIN COMPANY
C-1
October 28, 2003
Board of Directors
Yadkin Valley Bank & Trust Company
209 North Bridge St.
Elkin, NC 28621
Members of the Board:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, to the shareholders of Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company ("Yadkin") of
the consideration to be paid to the shareholders of High Country Financial
Corporation and its subsidiary High Country Bank (collectively "High Country")
under the terms of a certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger
dated August 27, 2003 (the "Agreement") pursuant to which High Country would be
merged with and into Yadkin (the "Merger"). Under the terms of the Agreement,
each of the outstanding common shares of High Country shall cease to exist and,
as consideration for and to effect the Merger, each such outstanding share will
be converted into the right to receive either (i) cash in the amount of $24.02;
or (ii) 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock, subject to certain limitations and
modification under certain conditions. The foregoing summary of the Merger is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Agreement.
The Carson Medlin Company is a National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(NASD) member investment banking firm, which specializes in the securities of
financial institutions in the United States. As part of our investment banking
activities, we are regularly engaged in the valuation of financial institutions
in the United States and transactions relating to their securities. We regularly
publish our research on independent community banks regarding their financial
and stock price performance. We are familiar with the commercial banking
industry in North Carolina and the major commercial banks operating in that
market. We have been retained by Yadkin in a financial advisory capacity to
render our opinion hereunder, for which we will receive compensation.
In reaching our opinion, we have analyzed the respective financial positions,
both current and historical, of Yadkin and High Country. We have reviewed: (i)
the Agreement; (ii) audited financial statements of Yadkin for the five years
ended December 31, 2002; (iii) audited financial statements of High Country for
the four years ended December 31, 2002; (iv) unaudited interim financial
statements of Yadkin for the six months ended June 30, 2003; (v) unaudited
interim financial statements of High Country for the six months ended June 30,
2003; and (vi) certain financial and operating information with respect to the
business, operations and prospects of Yadkin and High Country. We also: (a) held
discussions with members of management of Yadkin and High Country regarding
historical and current business operations, financial condition and future
prospects of their respective companies; (b) reviewed the historical market
prices and trading activity for the common stocks of Yadkin and High Country and
compared them with those of certain publicly-traded companies which we deemed to
be relevant; (c) compared the results of operations of Yadkin and High Country
with those of certain banking companies which we deemed to be relevant; (d)
compared the proposed financial terms of the Merger with the financial terms, to
the extent publicly available, of certain other recent business combinations of
commercial banking organizations; and (e) conducted such other studies,
analyses, inquiries and examinations as we deemed appropriate.
We have relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy
and completeness of all information provided to us. We have not performed or
considered any independent appraisal or evaluation of the assets of Yadkin or
High Country. The opinion we express herein is necessarily based upon market,
economic and other relevant considerations as they exist and can be evaluated as
of the date of this letter.
Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the consideration to be paid to
the shareholders of High Country Financial Corporation as provided for in the
Agreement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of Yadkin
Valley Bank & Trust Company.
Very truly yours,
/s/ The Carson Medlin Company
THE CARSON MEDLIN COMPANY
C-2
APPENDIX D
FAIRNESS OPINION OF SMITH CAPITAL
D-1
Smith Capital, Inc.
200 Hargett Court
Charlotte, North Carolina 28211
Tel 704 362 1563 Fax 704 364 3451
The Board of Directors
High Country Financial Corporation
149 Jefferson Road
Boone, North Carolina 28607
Attention: Mr. John M. Brubaker
President and CEO
August 26, 2003
Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point
of view, to the shareholders of High Country Financial Corporation, ("High
Country") of the consideration to be paid to them in connection with an
Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the Agreement") dated August
27, 2003 between High Country, and Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company
("Yadkin"). Pursuant to the Agreement each outstanding share of High Country no
par value common stock shall be converted into the right to receive
("Consideration") (A) cash in the amount of $24.02 per share of High Country
common stock; (B)or 1.3345 shares of Yadkin common stock for each share of High
Country common stock, which is subject to adjustment based on the average
closing price of Yadkin common stock and a minimum and maximum and further
subject to the terms and limitations set forth in the Agreement.
In arriving at our updated opinion, we have reviewed (i) the Agreement;
(ii) the Registration Statement and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus; (iii) the
audited financial statements of High Country and Yadkin for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2000 through 2002, (iv) certain publicly available
information concerning the business of High Country, Yadkin and of certain other
companies engaged in businesses comparable to those of High Country and Yadkin,
and the reported market prices for certain other companies' securities deemed
comparable; (v) publicly available terms of certain transactions involving
companies comparable to High Country and the consideration received for such
companies; (vi) reported trades in the shares of Yadkin; and (vii) certain
internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by High Country and Yadkin
and their respective managements.
In addition, we have held discussions with certain members of the
management of High Country and Yadkin with respect to certain aspects of the
Merger, and the past and current business operations of High Country and Yadkin,
the financial condition and future prospects and operations of High Country and
Yadkin, the effects of the Merger on the financial condition and future
prospects of High Country and Yadkin, and certain other matters we believed
necessary or appropriate to our inquiry. We have reviewed such other financial
studies and analyses and considered such other information as we deemed
appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.
In giving our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed, without
independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information that
was publicly available or was furnished to us by High Country and Yadkin or
otherwise reviewed by us, and we have not assumed any responsibility or
liability therefore. We have not conducted any valuation or appraisal of any
assets or liabilities, nor have any such valuations or appraisals been provided
to us. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to us, we have
assumed that they have been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting
the best currently available estimates and judgments by management as to the
expected future results of operations and financial condition of High Country
and Yadkin to which such analyses or forecasts relate. We have also assumed that
the Merger will have the tax and accounting consequences described in
discussions with, and materials furnished to us by, representatives of High
Country, and that the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement will be
consummated as described in the Agreement.
D-2
Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions
as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date
hereof. It should be understood that subsequent developments might affect this
opinion. We are expressing no opinion herein as to the price at which Yadkin's
stock will trade at any future time.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as of the
date hereof that the Consideration in the proposed Merger is fair, from a
financial point of view, to High Country's stockholders.
This letter is provided to the Board of Directors of High Country in
connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the Merger. This
opinion may not be disclosed, referred to, or communicated (in whole or in part)
to any third party for any purpose whatsoever except with our prior written
consent in each instance. This opinion may be reproduced in full in any proxy or
information statement mailed to stockholders of High Country but may not
otherwise be disclosed publicly in any manner without our prior written approval
and must be treated as confidential.
Very truly yours,
Smith Capital, Inc.
By: /s/ Alison Smith
---------------------
Name: Alison J. Smith
Title: President
D-3
REVOCABLE PROXY
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
PLEASE MARK VOTES
AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
December 18, 2003 - 10:00 aM
The undersigned hereby appoints the official proxy committee of High Country
Financial Corporation (the "Company") comprised of all of the members of the
Board of Directors of the Company, each with full power of substitution, to act
as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned, and to vote all shares of Common
Stock of the Company that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Thursday, December 18, 2003
at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, Blue Ridge Room, 2030 Blowing Rock Road, Boone,
North Carolina, at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any and all adjournments
thereof, as follows:
For Against Abstain
[_] [_] [_]
1. The approval of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger
dated August 27, 2003 by and among Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust
Company, High Country Financial Corporation and High Country Bank.
For Against Abstain
[_] [_] [_]
2. Authority to Vote on Adjournments of Special Meeting: In the event
there are insufficient votes present at the Special Meeting, in person
or by proxy, to approve the merger agreement and plan of merger, the
Board of Directors may propose one or more adjournments of the Special
Meeting to allow time for further solicitation of proxies.
PLEASE CHECK BOX IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER. THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY
EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED BY THE UNDERSIGNED
SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR
APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION AND MERGER. IF ANY
OTHER BUSINESS THAT FALLS WITHIN THE PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THE NOTICE OF
SPECIAL MEETING IS PRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROXY COMMITTEE'S BEST JUDGMENT.
Please be sure to sign and date
this Proxy in the box below. Date
Stockholder sign above Co-holder (if any) sign above
Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.
HIGH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy card, date and
return this card promptly using the enclosed envelope. Executors,
administrators, guardians, officers of corporations, and others signing in
a fiduciary capacity should state their full title. The above signed
acknowledges receipt from the Company, prior to the election of this Proxy,
of a Notice of Special Meeting and a Joint Proxy Statement/Offering
Circular dated October 31, 2003. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE
ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY. SIGN, DATE & MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD
TODAY, USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
If your address has changed, please correct the address in the space
provided below and return this portion with the proxy in the envelope
provided.