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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 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[_] CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE
COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
RULE 14A-6(E)(2))
[_] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S) 240.14a-11(c) or (S) 240.14a-12
VDI MULTIMEDIA
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[_] No fee required.
[X] 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:
COMMON STOCK
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
9,166,653 outstanding shares of common stock (excluding 44,044
shares that will survive the mergers) plus options that will
be surrendered with an aggregate value of up to $5,224,983
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
$15.00 per share. The proposed maximum aggregate value of the
transaction is $142,064,118, which is the sum of (1) the product of
9,166,653 outstanding shares of common stock (excluding 44,044
shares that will survive the mergers) and $15.00 per share plus,
(2) cash consideration of up to $5,224,983 to be paid for options
being surrendered in the mergers. The filing fee equals 1/50 of
one percent of the maximum aggregate value of the transaction.
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
$142,064,118
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(5) Total fee paid:
$28,414.00
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[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] 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:
N/A
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
N/A
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(3) Filing Party:
N/A
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(4) Date Filed:
N/A
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Notes:
Reg. (S) 240.14a-101.
SEC 1913 (3-99)
[VDI Logo and address]
To our shareholders:
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of shareholders of VDI
MultiMedia to be held on , 2000, 10:00 a.m., local time, at VDI's
corporate offices, 7083 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California 90028.
VDI MultiMedia, a California corporation ("VDI"), has signed a merger
agreement providing for two mergers. In the first merger, which we refer to as
the "reorganization merger," VDI will merge with and into its wholly owned
subsidiary, VDI MultiMedia, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("VDI Delaware"). As a
result of the reorganization merger, shareholders of VDI will become
stockholders of VDI Delaware. In the second merger, which we refer to as the
"acquisition merger," VMM Merger Corp., a Delaware corporation newly formed by
Bain Capital, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), will be merged with and into VDI Delaware
and VDI Delaware will be the surviving corporation.
If both of the mergers are completed, each share of VDI common stock
outstanding before the mergers will be canceled and converted automatically
into the right to receive $15.00 in cash, other than (1) shares of common stock
held by the rollover shareholders designated by Merger Sub, as described in the
attached proxy statement, whose shares will be converted into shares of common
stock of VDI Delaware and (2) shares held by shareholders who are entitled to
and who have perfected their dissenters rights. As a result of the acquisition
merger, all of the outstanding common stock of VDI Delaware will be owned by
investment funds associated with Bain Capital, the rollover shareholders and
certain other co-investors.
Before we can complete these mergers, a majority of the VDI shareholders
must affirmatively approve the principal terms of the reorganization merger and
the merger agreement. The acquisition merger, which has already been approved
by VDI, as the sole stockholder of VDI Delaware, is conditioned on VDI
shareholder approval of the reorganization merger and the merger agreement.
Consequently, your vote on the reorganization merger will effectively be a vote
on both mergers.
The attached proxy statement provides you with detailed information about
the proposed mergers and the merger agreement. You can also get information
about VDI from documents that have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. We encourage you to read this entire document carefully.
After careful consideration, your board of directors has determined that the
mergers are advisable and in the best interests of VDI and its shareholders.
Your board of directors has approved and adopted the merger agreement, the
reorganization merger and the acquisition merger, and it recommends that you
vote for approval and adoption of the principal terms of the reorganization
merger and the merger agreement at the special meeting.
R. Luke Stefanko
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of this transaction, or passed upon
the fairness or merits of this transaction or the adequacy or accuracy of
the attached proxy statement. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The attached proxy statement is dated , 2000, and was first
mailed to shareholders on or about , 2000.
We have not authorized anyone to give any information or make any
representation about the mergers, VDI or VDI Delaware that differs from or
adds to the information in the attached proxy statement or in our documents
that are publicly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Therefore, if anyone does give you different or additional information, you
should not rely on it.
If you are in a jurisdiction where it is unlawful to ask for proxies, or if
you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct such activities, then the
offer presented by the attached proxy statement does not extend to you.
The information contained in the attached proxy statement speaks only as of
its date unless the information specifically indicates that another date
applies.
A Warning About Forward-Looking Statements
VDI and VDI Delaware make forward-looking statements in this document and
in the VDI public documents to which we refer you. These forward-looking
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and there can be no
assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. Forward-looking
statements include some of the statements set forth under "SUMMARY--Reasons
for the Mergers; Recommendations to Shareholders," "SPECIAL FACTORS--
Background of the Mergers," "SPECIAL FACTORS--Reasons for the Mergers;
Recommendations to Shareholders," "SPECIAL FACTORS--Fairness Opinion of
Financial Advisor," "--Certain Effects of the Mergers; Nasdaq National Market
Delisting; Operations of VDI Delaware After the Mergers," "CERTAIN FINANCIAL
ESTIMATES" and "THE MERGERS--Acquisition Merger Financing." In addition, when
we use any of the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "plans,"
"intends," "hopes," "will" or similar expressions, we are making forward-
looking statements. Many possible events or factors could affect the future
financial results and performance of VDI Delaware after the mergers. This
could cause results or performance to differ materially from those expressed
in our forward-looking statements. You should consider these risks when you
vote on the reorganization merger and the merger agreement. These possible
events or factors include, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this
document and those discussed in our public documents filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, the following:
1. the past production services industry is a highly competitive, service-
oriented business and some of VDI's competitors have long-standing
relationships with clients and have greater resources than VDI,
2. a significant portion of VDI's revenues are derived from a limited
number of motion picture studios,
3. VDI may not be successful in its expansion strategy, either through
internal growth or acquisitions,
4. any future growth by VDI will place increased demands on its management
personnel, operational and financial systems, and resources,
5. VDI may not be successful in continuing to meet the current and future
demands of its customers, which demands include reliability, timeliness,
quality and price, and
6. VDI's operating results have varied in the past and may vary in the
future, depending on factors such as the volume of advertising in response to
seasonal buying patterns, the timing of new product and service introductions,
increased competition, general economic factors, and other factors.
VDI MULTIMEDIA
7083 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held on, 2000
VDI MultiMedia will hold a special meeting of shareholders at 7083 Hollywood
Boulevard, Hollywood, California 90028 at 10:00 a.m. local time on ,
2000, for the following purposes:
. To consider and vote on a proposal to approve and adopt the principal
terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 24,
1999, between VDI, VDI Delaware, a Delaware corporation and wholly
owned subsidiary of VDI, and Merger Sub, and to approve the principal
terms of the proposed reorganization merger whereby VDI will be
merged with and into VDI Delaware, pursuant to which VDI Delaware
will be the surviving corporation. The consummation of the
reorganization merger is a condition precedent to the acquisition
merger and the other transactions contemplated in the Agreement and
Plan of Merger, which have already been approved by VDI, as sole
stockholder of VDI Delaware, subject to consummation of the
reorganization merger. A copy of the Agreement and Plan of Merger is
attached as Appendix A to and is described in the accompanying proxy
statement.
. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
special meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the special
meeting.
Record holders of VDI common stock at the close of business on ,
2000 will receive notice of and will be entitled to vote at the special
meeting, including any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
VDI common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting is required for
approval of the principal terms of the reorganization merger and the merger
agreement.
Your vote is important and we urge you to complete, sign, date and return
your proxy card as promptly as possible, whether or not you expect to attend
the special meeting. If you are unable to attend in person and you return your
proxy card, your shares will be voted at the special meeting in accordance with
your proxy. A return envelope is included for your convenience. If your shares
are held in "street name" by your broker or other nominee, only that holder can
vote your shares. You should follow the directions provided by your broker or
nominee regarding how to instruct them to vote your shares.
Donald R. Stine
Secretary
Los Angeles, California
, 2000
Please mark, sign, date and return your proxy promptly, whether or not you
plan to attend the special meeting.
Your Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR approval of the
principal terms of the reorganization merger and the Agreement and Plan of
Merger, which are described in detail in the accompanying proxy statement.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGERS................................... 1
SUMMARY................................................................... 4
The Companies........................................................... 4
The Mergers............................................................. 4
Merger Financing........................................................ 5
Interests of Certain Persons Involved in the Mergers That Are Different
from Yours............................................................. 5
Fairness of the Mergers................................................. 6
The Special Meeting..................................................... 6
Percentage of Shares Held by Directors and Executive Officers........... 6
The Non-Compete Agreements.............................................. 7
The Escrow Agreement.................................................... 7
Conditions to Completion of the Mergers................................. 7
Termination of the Merger Agreement..................................... 8
Termination Fees and Expenses........................................... 9
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences................................ 10
Accounting Treatment.................................................... 10
Dissenters' Rights...................................................... 10
Regulatory Approvals.................................................... 10
Comparison of Rights of VDI Common Stock and VDI Delaware Common Stock.. 10
Description of Capital of VDI Delaware.................................. 10
Market Price and Dividend Information................................... 11
Selected Historical Condensed Financial Data............................ 12
SPECIAL FACTORS........................................................... 14
Background of the Mergers............................................... 14
Purpose and Structure for the Mergers................................... 22
Reasons for the Mergers; Recommendations to Shareholders................ 22
Reorganization Merger................................................. 22
Reasons for the Board's Recommendation of the Acquisition Merger...... 23
Fairness Opinion of Financial Advisor................................... 26
Opinion of Morgan Stanley............................................. 26
Fee Arrangement....................................................... 29
Interests of Certain Persons in the Mergers; Conflicts of Interests..... 30
Certain Effects of the Mergers; Nasdaq National Market Delisting;
Operations of VDI After the Mergers.................................... 32
Accounting Treatment.................................................... 33
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences................................ 33
CERTAIN FINANCIAL ESTIMATES............................................... 36
THE MERGERS............................................................... 37
Merger Consideration.................................................... 37
Conversion/Retention of Shares; Procedures for Exchange of
Certificates........................................................... 38
Rollover Shareholders................................................... 39
Governmental and Regulatory Approval.................................... 39
Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal......................................... 39
Treatment of Options.................................................... 42
Board of Directors and Officers of VDI Delaware Following the Mergers... 42
Other Information Regarding Directors and Executive Officers............ 43
Acquisition Merger Financing............................................ 43
i
THE MERGER AGREEMENT....................................................... 46
The Mergers.............................................................. 46
Closing of the Mergers; Effective Time of the Mergers; Surviving
Corporations............................................................ 46
Representations and Warranties........................................... 47
Certain Covenants........................................................ 48
No Solicitation.......................................................... 49
Employee Benefits........................................................ 50
Access to Information.................................................... 50
Indemnification and Insurance............................................ 50
Conditions to the Consummation of the Mergers............................ 51
Termination.............................................................. 51
Amendment and Waiver..................................................... 52
Termination Fees and Expenses............................................ 52
THE SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT................................................. 54
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS...................................................... 54
The Employment Agreements................................................ 54
Donald R. Stine Employment Agreement................................... 54
Robert C. Semmer Employment Agreement.................................. 55
The Non-Compete Agreements............................................... 55
The Termination Agreement................................................ 56
The Consulting Agreement................................................. 56
The Stine Agreements..................................................... 57
The Escrow Agreement..................................................... 57
THE SPECIAL MEETING........................................................ 58
General.................................................................. 58
Matters to be Considered................................................. 58
Proxies.................................................................. 58
Solicitation of Proxies.................................................. 59
Record Date and Voting Rights............................................ 59
Recommendation of the VDI Board.......................................... 60
COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF VDI COMMON STOCK AND
VDI DELAWARE COMMON STOCK................................................. 61
Dividends and Repurchases of Shares...................................... 61
Special Meetings of Shareholders; Quorum; Shareholder Action by Written
Consent................................................................. 62
Certain Voting Rights.................................................... 62
Size and Classification of the Board of Directors........................ 63
Election of Directors.................................................... 64
Removal of Directors; Filling Vacancies on the Board of Directors........ 64
Amendment of Charter and Bylaws.......................................... 64
Dissenters' Appraisal Rights............................................. 65
Certain Business Combinations and Reorganizations........................ 66
Limitation on Directors' Liability....................................... 67
Indemnification of Officers and Directors; Insurance..................... 68
Loans to Officers and Employees.......................................... 69
Inspection of Shareholders' List......................................... 69
Interested Director Transactions......................................... 69
Voting By Ballot......................................................... 70
Shareholder Derivative Suits............................................. 70
ii
Dissolution............................................................. 71
Rights Plan............................................................. 71
Doctrine of Independent Legal Significance.............................. 71
Application of The General Corporation Law of California To Delaware
Corporations........................................................... 71
CERTAIN PENDING LITIGATION................................................ 72
INFORMATION ABOUT VDI AND VDI DELAWARE.................................... 72
General................................................................. 72
Initial Public Offering of VDI.......................................... 72
Management and Additional Information................................... 72
VDI Delaware............................................................ 73
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT............ 73
DESCRIPTION OF VDI DELAWARE CAPITAL STOCK................................. 74
PURCHASE OF SHARES........................................................ 74
CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING MERGER SUB, BAIN CAPITAL, DONALD R. STINE
AND ROBERT C. SEMMER..................................................... 75
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION....................................... 76
VDI Incorporated Documents.............................................. 76
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS............................................ 77
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS..................................................... 77
OTHER MATTERS............................................................. 77
APPENDIX A--Agreement and Plan of Merger.................................. A-1
APPENDIX B--Opinion of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.................. B-1
APPENDIX C--Dissenters' Rights............................................ C-1
iii
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGERS
Q: Why is VDI proposing the mergers?
A: Your board of directors believes that, taken together, the proposed mergers
are in the best interests of VDI shareholders in light of the value to be
paid to the shareholders in the acquisition merger and recommend that you
approve and adopt the principal terms of the merger agreement and the
reorganization merger. However, we make no recommendation as to the
shareholders who will rollover their shares into the surviving corporation
of the mergers (as described below). (See Page 22)
Q: What will VDI shareholders receive for each VDI share of common stock?
A: Each VDI shareholder will receive in exchange for each share of VDI common
stock $15.00 in cash, except for certain shareholders who will rollover
their shares and except for shareholders who are entitled to and who perfect
their dissenters rights. (See Page 37)
Q: If the mergers are approved, how will my cash payment be treated under
federal tax laws?
A: We expect that you will receive a gain or loss in the amount equal to the
difference between $15.00 per share and the tax basis of your shares of VDI
common stock. There may be other material federal income tax consequences,
which are discussed below. (See Page 33)
Q: Which VDI shareholders will rollover their shares of common stock?
A: Donald R. Stine, President of VDI, has agreed to rollover his equity
(including shares and options) in VDI. In accordance with the merger
agreement, Merger Sub may designate certain other existing VDI shareholders
willing to rollover their shares of VDI common stock at any time prior to
the effective time of the reorganization merger. No VDI shareholders other
than members of management and certain institutional holders are expected to
be designated as rollover shareholders. (See Page 39)
Q: What will the VDI shareholders who rollover their shares of common stock
receive in exchange for their VDI common stock?
A: The shareholders who rollover their shares of common stock will receive
shares of common stock of VDI Delaware, as the surviving corporation in the
acquisition merger, in exchange for their shares of VDI common stock rolled
over. As a result, these rollover shareholders as a group are expected to
own between 5% and 10% of VDI Delaware. (See Page 39)
Q: Can I choose to be a rollover shareholder?
A: No, the rollover shareholders will be Donald R. Stine and a limited number
of other shareholders selected by Merger Sub before the effective time of
the reorganization merger. (See Page 39)
Q: If the VDI shareholders do not approve the reorganization merger, will VDI
consummate the acquisition merger?
A: No. The consummation of the reorganization merger is a condition to the
consummation of the acquisition merger. (See Page 51)
Q: How many shares need to vote in favor of the principal terms of the
reorganization merger and the merger agreement?
A: The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of VDI common
stock entitled to vote on the reorganization merger and the merger agreement
is required to approve and adopt the reorganization merger and to approve
the merger agreement. (See Page 58)
1
Q: How many shares have already been committed to vote in favor of the
reorganization merger and merger agreement?
A: R. Luke Stefanko and Julia Stefanko, in the aggregate, own the right to vote
approximately 58% of the shares outstanding of VDI on the record date. They
have entered into a shareholders agreement pursuant to which they have
agreed to vote all of their shares in favor of the reorganization merger and
the merger agreement and have granted a proxy to Merger Sub to so vote their
shares. As a result, unless their shareholders agreement is terminated and
as long as the special meeting is held, it is expected that the principal
terms of the reorganization merger and the merger agreement will be approved
by VDI shareholders. (See Page 54)
Q: If the VDI shareholders approve the reorganization merger but the conditions
to the acquisition merger are not satisfied, will VDI consummate the
reorganization merger?
A: No.
Q: Will I have the right to vote on the acquisition merger?
A: No. VDI, as the sole stockholder of VDI Delaware, has approved the
acquisition merger and the board of directors and stockholders of Merger Sub
have approved the acquisition merger. No further approval of the acquisition
merger is required and neither the shareholders of VDI nor the stockholders
of VDI Delaware after the reorganization merger will have the right to vote
on the acquisition merger. As a result, your vote in favor of the
reorganization merger will effectively be a vote in favor of both mergers.
(See Page 58)
Q: Will the shares of VDI Delaware be listed on the Nasdaq National Market
after the consummation of the acquisition merger?
A: No. Once the mergers are completed, it is expected that VDI Delaware will
delist the VDI common stock from the Nasdaq National Market. We do not
expect to list the shares of common stock of VDI Delaware on any national
securities exchange or any inter-dealer quotation system. In addition, we
expect to terminate VDI's registration of VDI common stock under the
Exchange Act. After such registration is terminated, VDI Delaware will no
longer be required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. (See Page 32)
Q: Do certain insiders have material interest in the mergers that are different
from mine?
A: Yes. Certain executive officers and directors of VDI have material interests
in the mergers, other than the right to receive $15.00 for each share of VDI
common stock that they own. These interests include, among other things, the
right to receive options in the company that survives the mergers,
additional salary under new employment agreements, and cash payments. (See
Pages 5 and 30)
Q: Did the VDI board of directors rely on the opinion of any financial
advisors?
A: Yes, in deciding to approve the mergers, your board of directors considered
the opinion delivered to it by Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated that, as of
the date of the opinion and based on and subject to the assumptions,
limitations and qualifications set forth in the opinion, the consideration
to be received by the holders of VDI common stock pursuant to the mergers
was fair from a financial point of view to such holders (other than the
rollover shareholders). We have attached as Appendix B the written opinion
of Morgan Stanley, dated December 24, 1999. You should read this document
carefully to understand the assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations of the review undertaken by Morgan Stanley in providing its
opinion. (See Page 26)
2
Q: Who are the persons who are required by the Securities and Exchange
Commission to provide to VDI shareholders the information required by
Schedule 13E-3 of the Exchange Act as a result of the mergers meeting the
definition of a "going private transaction"?
A: The proposed mergers meet the definition of a "going private transaction" as
a result of the arrangements entered into between Messrs. Stine and Semmer,
executive officers of VDI, and Bain Capital. As a result, VDI, VDI Delaware,
Merger Sub, Bain Capital, Donald R. Stine and Robert C. Semmer are all
required to file a Schedule 13E-3 with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. (See Pages 4, 72 and 75)
Q: What do I need to do now?
A: After carefully reading and considering the information contained in this
document, please fill out, date and sign your proxy card. Then mail your
completed, dated and signed proxy card in the enclosed return envelope as
soon as possible so that your shares can be voted at the VDI special
meeting.
Q: If my shares are held in "street name" by my broker, will my broker vote my
shares for me?
A: Your broker will not be able to vote your shares without instructions from
you. You should follow the directions provided by your broker to vote your
shares. (See Page 59)
Q: How do I change my vote after I have mailed my signed proxy card?
A: You may change your vote by sending a written notice stating that you would
like to revoke your proxy or by completing and submitting a new, later dated
proxy card to the Corporate Secretary of VDI. You also can attend the VDI
special meeting and vote in person. (See Page 58)
Q: Should I send in my stock certificates now?
A: No. After the mergers are completed, VDI shareholders other than rollover
shareholders will receive written instructions for exchanging their VDI
stock certificates for cash. (See Page 38)
Q: When do you expect the mergers to be completed?
A: We are working toward completing the mergers as quickly as possible after
the VDI special meeting. We hope to complete the mergers in late March or
early April 2000. (See Page 46)
Q: Who can help answer my questions?
A: If you have more questions about the mergers, you should contact:
VDI MultiMedia
7083 Hollywood Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Hollywood, California 90028
(323) 957-7990
Attention: Clarke W. Brewer, Chief Financial Officer
3
SUMMARY
This Summary, together with the "QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGERS" on
the preceding pages, highlights important selected information from this Proxy
Statement and may not contain all of the information that is important to you.
To understand fully the mergers and related transactions and for a more
complete description of the legal terms of the mergers and related
transactions, you should read carefully this entire document and the other
documents to which we have referred you. For more information about VDI see
"WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION (page 73)." We have included page
references parenthetically to direct you to more complete descriptions of the
topics presented in this summary.
The Companies (See Pages 72 and 75)
VDI MultiMedia
7083 Hollywood Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Hollywood, California 90028
(323) 957-7990
VDI is a California corporation and a leading provider of video, audio and
film asset management services to owners, producers and distributors of
entertainment and advertising content. VDI provides the services necessary to
edit, master, reformat, archive, duplicate, manipulate and ultimately
distribute its clients' video and audio content, including television
programming, spot advertising and movie trailers.
VDI MultiMedia, Inc.
7083 Hollywood Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Hollywood, California 90028
(323) 957-7990
VDI Delaware is a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of VDI.
As a result of the reorganization merger, VDI will merge with and into VDI
Delaware with VDI Delaware surviving and shareholders of VDI will become
stockholders of VDI Delaware. VDI Delaware currently conducts business under
the name of Fast Forward.
VMM Merger Corp.
c/o Bain Capital, Inc.
Two Copley Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(617) 572-3000
Merger Sub is a Delaware corporation newly formed by Bain Capital for the
sole purpose of effecting the mergers. Bain Capital is one of the most
experienced and successful private equity investors in the United States. Since
its founding in 1984, Bain Capital has invested in more than 130 companies and
currently manages more than $7 billion of assets. Bain Capital's investment
strategy is to acquire businesses in partnership with exceptional management
teams and improve the long-term value of those businesses.
The Mergers (See Page 37)
The merger agreement is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement. We
encourage you to read the merger agreement as it is the legal document that
governs the mergers.
4
If the principal terms of the reorganization merger and the merger agreement
are approved by VDI shareholders and all other conditions to the reorganization
merger and the acquisition merger are satisfied or, where permissible, waived,
VDI will consummate the mergers as follows:
1. The Reorganization Merger. VDI will merge with and into VDI Delaware,
with VDI Delaware surviving the reorganization merger. As a result, VDI
shareholders will become stockholders of VDI Delaware.
2. The Acquisition Merger. Immediately after the reorganization merger,
Merger Sub will merge with and into VDI Delaware, with VDI Delaware surviving
the acquisition merger.
For each share of VDI common stock owned before the mergers, a VDI
shareholder who has not exercised his or her dissenters' rights in the
reorganization merger and who is not a rollover shareholder will be entitled to
receive $15.00 in cash. Each share of VDI common stock held by a rollover
shareholder will be converted into shares of common stock of VDI Delaware in
the acquisition merger.
When we complete the mergers, a holder of outstanding options to purchase
VDI common stock will either receive a cash payment for each option equal to
the excess of $15.00 over the exercise price per share of VDI common stock
subject to his or her options, whether or not such options are then
exercisable, or will have his or her options canceled and reissued as options
to purchase shares of VDI Delaware. Shareholders who will receive options to
purchase shares of VDI Delaware in the acquisition merger will consist
primarily of existing management of VDI.
As a result of the mergers, VDI Delaware will be owned by investment funds
associated with Bain Capital, the rollover shareholders and certain other co-
investors. Assuming the approval of the principal terms of the reorganization
merger and the merger agreement, VDI anticipates completing the mergers as
promptly as practicable after the VDI special meeting.
Acquisition Merger Financing (See Page 43)
The total amount of funds necessary to fund the acquisition merger and
related transactions is expected to be approximately $193.0 million. We expect
VDI Delaware to incur approximately $82.2 million in senior secured debt and
$25.0 million in senior subordinated debt to finance the acquisition merger.
Bain Capital has received a financing commitment letter from Credit Suisse
First Boston to provide the senior secured debt and from Sankaty High Yield
Asset Partners, L.P., an affiliate of Bain Capital, to provide the senior
subordinated debt. In addition, Bain Capital Fund VI, L.P. has committed to
invest up to $85.8 million in cash to purchase the common equity of Merger Sub
prior to the acquisition merger. The actual amount of the equity investment
will depend on the aggregate number of shares of common stock held by the
rollover shareholders.
Interests of Certain Persons Involved in the Mergers That Are Different from
Yours (See Page 30)
In considering the recommendation of the VDI board regarding the merger
agreement and the reorganization merger, you should be aware of the interests
that certain executive officers and directors of VDI have in the mergers that
are different from your and their interests as shareholders. Some of these
interests are listed below.
1. If both of the mergers are completed, Donald R. Stine will rollover
44,044 shares of VDI common stock into shares of common stock of VDI Delaware.
It is expected that Mr. Stine will own approximately 9% of VDI Delaware after
the mergers, in addition to receiving options to purchase shares representing
approximately 3.3% of the common stock of VDI Delaware.
2. Donald R. Stine and Robert C. Semmer have entered into employment
agreements with Merger Sub that will become effective on consummation of the
mergers. Under the terms of his agreement, Mr. Stine will serve as the
President and Chief Executive Officer of VDI Delaware for a term ending
December 31, 2003
5
unless terminated earlier. His salary will be a minimum of $350,000 per year
plus specified benefits and annual bonuses. Under the terms of Mr. Semmer's
employment agreement, Mr. Semmer will serve as the Executive Vice President of
Operations for a term ending December 31, 2002 unless terminated earlier. His
salary will be a minimum of $200,000 per year plus specified benefits and
bonuses. All of the existing stock options of Mr. Stine and certain of the
existing stock options of Mr. Semmer will be canceled and each will receive
stock and/or option arrangements with VDI Delaware as described herein.
3. R. Luke Stefanko has entered into a termination agreement with Merger Sub
pursuant to which Mr. Stefanko's current employment agreement will be
terminated effective on consummation of the mergers. Mr. Stefanko will continue
to earn his salary and benefits plus his normal bonus through the date of
consummation of the mergers. In addition, he will continue to receive health
insurance benefits for a period of two years after consummation of the mergers.
However, upon consummation of the mergers, Mr. Stefanko will not be entitled to
any further base salary or bonus (having a value in excess of $300,000), which
he will be required to waive. Mr. Stefanko also entered into a consulting
agreement with Merger Sub effective upon consummation of the mergers pursuant
to which he has agreed to provide certain consulting services to VDI Delaware
for which he will receive a consulting fee of $1,000 per hour of services
rendered plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses. No consulting fees will be
payable under the consulting agreement unless his services are requested by VDI
Delaware.
4. In addition to the foregoing, Donald R. Stine will receive a lump sum
payment in an amount equal to approximately $90,000, which represents deferred
compensation owed to him under his current employment agreement with VDI.
5. In consideration for Mr. Stine's facilitation of the merger agreement and
the related transactions, including by entering into an employment agreement
with VDI Delaware and agreeing to rollover his shares and his options to
purchase shares of VDI common stock R. Luke Stefanko and Julia Stefanko,
separately, have agreed that, following the consummation of the mergers, they
will pay Mr. Stine an aggregate of $10 million.
6. Mr. Stine will be appointed to the board of directors of VDI Delaware
after the mergers.
7. All executive officers of VDI, other than R. Luke Stefanko, whose
employment agreement will be terminated as described above, will have the
opportunity to rollover their existing options into options to purchase shares
of common stock of VDI Delaware.
Fairness of the Mergers (See Page 22)
Each of VDI, VDI Delaware, Merger Sub, Bain Capital and Messrs. Stine and
Semmer believes that the mergers are both procedurally and substantively fair
to the stockholders of VDI (other than the rollover shareholders, as to which
they express no opinion).
The Special Meeting (See Page 58)
At the special meeting, the holders of VDI common stock will be asked to
approve and adopt the principal terms of the merger agreement and to approve
the principal terms of the reorganization merger. You may vote at the special
meeting if you were the record owner of VDI common stock at the close of
business on, , 2000. You will have one vote for each share of VDI
common stock you own.
Percentage of Shares Held by Directors and Executive Officers (See Page 73)
On the record date, directors and executive officers of VDI, excluding R.
Luke Stefanko, owned and had the right to vote 52,794 shares of VDI common
stock (less than 1% of the shares of VDI common stock then outstanding). We
expect that they will vote all of their shares in favor of the reorganization
merger and the merger agreement. On the record date, R. Luke Stefanko and Julia
Stefanko, in the aggregate, owned and had the right to vote 5,321,400 shares of
VDI common stock (approximately 58% of the shares of VDI common
6
stock then outstanding). R. Luke Stefanko and Julia Stefanko have entered into
a shareholders agreement (described below) pursuant to which they have agreed
to vote all of their shares in favor of the reorganization merger and the
merger agreement and have granted a proxy to Merger Sub to so vote their
shares.
Non-Compete Agreements (See Page 55)
Donald R. Stine and R. Luke Stefanko have each entered into non-compete
agreements with Merger Sub. Mr. Stefanko's non-compete agreement will be in
effect for a period of five years after the acquisition merger is effected and
Mr. Stine's non-compete agreement will be in effect for a period of two years
after the later of the date of termination of his employment or the effective
date of the acquisition merger. Both agreements require that the individuals
not compete with the business of VDI. In addition, both agreements provide
that, for the specified time, they will not directly or indirectly induce an
employee to leave VDI, hire or employ a person who was an employee of VDI at
any time during the non-compete period, or interfere with VDI's relationship
with any customer, supplier, or other business relation.
Escrow Agreement (See Page 57)
Donald R. Stine and R. Luke Stefanko have agreed to enter into an escrow
agreement with an escrow agent and Merger Sub as a condition to consummation of
the mergers. According to the terms of the escrow agreement, Mr. Stine and Mr.
Stefanko will deposit an aggregate of $2,500,000 in an escrow account to be
held for a period of two years. It is expected that Mr. Stefanko will provide
$2,250,000 of the escrow, and the balance will be funded by Mr. Stine. If,
during the term of the agreement, either Mr. Stine or Mr. Stefanko breaches
their respective non-compete agreements, or if Mr. Stine breaches certain
similar provisions of his employment agreement, then, in addition to any other
rights or remedies that Merger Sub may have against the breaching party, the
entire amount in the escrow account will be paid to Merger Sub. At the end of
the two year period, any amount remaining in the escrow account (and not
subject to a pending claim) will be returned to Mr. Stine and Mr. Stefanko. Mr.
Stine has agreed to hold Mr. Stefanko harmless against any losses under the
Escrow Agreement caused by Mr. Stine. Mr. Stefanko has agreed to provide
reciprocal protection to Mr. Stine against any losses under the Escrow
Agreement caused by Mr. Stefanko.
Conditions to Completion of the Mergers (See Page 51)
The completion of the mergers depends on the satisfaction of a number of
conditions, including without limitation, the following:
1. VDI shareholders must adopt and approve the merger agreement and the
reorganization merger;
2. any waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act must have
terminated or expired;
3. there must be no governmental order in effect that has the effect of
blocking completion of the mergers, or imposing material limitations on the
ability of Merger Sub effectively to acquire or hold the business of VDI
and its subsidiaries;
4. as to the acquisition merger, the reorganization merger must have
become effective;
5. we must receive all material consents and approvals of governmental
bodies and all consents and approvals of other specified third parties, on
terms reasonably satisfactory to Merger Sub;
6. Merger Sub or VDI Delaware must have received the debt financing
proceeds for the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, unless
the failure to receive financing is solely the result of Merger Sub's or
Bain Capital's material breach of the terms of any debt commitment letters;
7
7. the representations and warranties made by VDI in the merger
agreement must be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the mergers except
for changes specifically contemplated by the merger agreement and except
for representations and warranties that address matters only as of a
particular date, and in each case except where the failure to be true and
correct would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect;
8. the enforceability of the non-compete agreements entered into by R.
Luke Stefanko and Donald R. Stine shall not have been challenged by either
Mr. Stefanko or Mr. Stine, the termination agreement with Mr. Stefanko
shall be valid, binding and enforceable and in full force and effect, and
the escrow agreement with Messrs. Stefanko and Stine shall have been
executed and delivered; and
9. Merger Sub shall have delivered to VDI and VDI Delaware an opinion
from a nationally recognized valuation firm regarding the solvency of the
surviving corporation immediately following the mergers.
Unless prohibited by law, VDI, VDI Delaware or Merger Sub could elect to
waive a condition that has not been satisfied and complete the mergers anyway.
We cannot be certain whether or when any of these conditions will be satisfied,
or, where permissible, waived, or that we will complete the mergers. In
addition, we will not complete the reorganization merger unless all conditions
to the acquisition merger are satisfied or, where permissible, waived.
Termination of the Merger Agreement (See Page 51)
Merger Sub and VDI may agree at any time to terminate the merger agreement
before completing the reorganization merger, even if the VDI shareholders have
already approved the reorganization merger.
Either party may also terminate the merger agreement if:
1. the parties do not complete the mergers by April 25, 2000 or, under
certain circumstances, May 30, 2000;
2. there is any law that makes consummating the mergers illegal or
otherwise prohibited or any order that is final and nonappealable
preventing the consummation of the mergers;
3. VDI shareholders do not approve the reorganization merger at the VDI
special shareholders meeting; or
4. the other party is in material breach of any of its representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements under the merger agreement and the
breach is not cured within 20 days after notice of the breach is provided
to the breaching party.
In addition, Merger Sub may terminate the merger agreement if prior to the
approval of the reorganization merger by the VDI shareholders:
1. our board has withdrawn, modified or changed in a manner adverse to
Merger Sub its recommendation of the reorganization merger, the merger
agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;
2. our board has approved or recommended to our shareholders a proposal
involving a competing transaction;
3. our board fails to reconfirm its recommendation of the reorganization
merger or the merger agreement within ten days after a reasonable written
request by Merger Sub for such confirmation; or
4. VDI or our board resolves to do any of the foregoing.
8
Finally, VDI may terminate the merger agreement if:
1. our board has withdrawn, modified or changed its recommendation of
the reorganization merger, the merger agreement or the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement; or
2. our board has approved or recommended to our shareholders any
proposal involving a competing transaction;
or resolved to do either of the foregoing after consultation with independent
legal counsel, having determined in good faith that such action is required for
the VDI board to comply with its fiduciary duties to shareholders under
applicable law.
Termination Fees and Expenses (See Page 52)
VDI has agreed to pay Merger Sub a termination fee of up to $2.25 million
if:
1. Merger Sub terminates the merger agreement because prior to VDI
shareholder approval of the reorganization merger (a) the VDI board
withdraws, modifies or changes its recommendation regarding the
reorganization merger, the merger agreement or the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement in a manner adverse to Merger Sub, (b)
the VDI board approves or recommends a competing transaction to VDI's
shareholders, (c) the VDI board fails to reconfirm its recommendation
within ten days after a reasonable written request by Merger Sub for such
confirmation or (d) VDI or our board resolves to do any of the foregoing;
or
2. VDI terminates the merger agreement because prior to VDI shareholder
approval of the reorganization merger (a) the VDI board withdraws, modifies
or changes its recommendation regarding the reorganization merger, the
merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement,
(b) approves or recommends a competing transaction to VDI's shareholders,
or (c) resolves to do either of the foregoing after consultation with
independent legal counsel, having determined in good faith that such action
is required for the VDI board to comply with its fiduciary duties to
shareholders under applicable law.
The termination fee payable will be increased to a total of $4.5 million if:
1. in addition to the requirements above, a competing transaction is
consummated (or a legally binding contract regarding the competing
transaction is entered into) within nine months, if such competing
transaction was the basis for such termination, or within six months, if
such competing transaction was not the basis for the termination;
2. either Merger Sub or VDI terminates the merger agreement because
VDI's shareholders do not approve the reorganization merger and a competing
transaction in existence at the time of the termination is consummated (or
a legally binding contract regarding the competing transaction is entered
into) within nine months following the termination date; or
3. Merger Sub terminates the merger agreement because prior to VDI
shareholder approval of the reorganization merger, the VDI board withdraws,
modifies or changes its recommendation regarding the reorganization merger,
the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement, and there is no competing transaction in existence on the
termination date.
In addition, in the event of such a termination or a termination because of
the failure to obtain the required vote at the VDI special shareholders
meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, VDI will reimburse Merger
Sub for its reasonable documented out-of-pocket expenses up to a limit of $1
million, if the termination occurs before February 8, 2000, or $1.5 million, if
the termination occurs thereafter.
9
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences (See Page 33)
The mergers are intended to be taxable to VDI shareholders to the extent
cash received exceeds your tax basis in VDI shares. No opinions are being
issued and no rulings from the IRS are being sought concerning the tax
treatment of the mergers.
Tax matters can be complicated and the tax consequences of the mergers to
you will depend on the facts of your own situation. You should consult your own
tax advisors to understand fully the tax consequences of the mergers to you.
Accounting Treatment (See Page 33)
The acquisition merger is intended to be accounted for as a recapitalization
under generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, it is expected
that the historical basis of VDI's assets and liabilities will not be impacted
by the transaction. It is not a condition to the consummation of the mergers
that the acquisition merger be accounted for as a recapitalization.
Dissenters' Rights (See Page 39)
If holders of five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of VDI
common stock dissent from the reorganization merger and comply with certain
requirements of California law, California law permits those holders to have
the fair value of their stock appraised and paid to them in cash. If enough
holders of VDI common stock dissent and you dissent from the reorganization
merger and follow the required formalities, you will not receive the $15.00
cash price. Instead, your only right will be to receive the appraised value of
your VDI shares of common stock, in cash, which may be lower than $15.00.
Although VDI shareholders will have dissenters' rights with respect to the
reorganization merger, they will not have dissenters' rights with respect to
the acquisition merger.
Regulatory Approvals (See Page 39)
The acquisition merger is subject to the notification and reporting
requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Except for the foregoing, VDI is not
aware of any approval or other action by any state, federal or foreign
government or governmental agency that would be required prior to effecting the
merger agreement.
Comparison of Rights of VDI Common Stock and VDI Delaware Common Stock (See
Page 61)
The rights of VDI's shareholders are governed by California law and by VDI's
restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, whereas the rights of VDI
Delaware's stockholders will be governed by Delaware law and by VDI Delaware's
amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated
bylaws. As a result of these different governing laws and organizational
documents, VDI shareholders will have different rights as holders of VDI
Delaware common stock than they currently have as holders of VDI common stock.
Description of VDI Delaware Capital Stock (See Page 74)
VDI Delaware currently is authorized to issue up to 200 shares of common
stock, par value $.01 per share. Dividends may be paid on the VDI Delaware
common stock out of funds legally available therefor, when and if declared by
VDI Delaware's board of directors. If the reorganization merger is approved by
the requisite vote of the VDI shareholders and all other conditions to the
mergers are satisfied or waived, the certificate of incorporation of VDI
Delaware will be amended to, among other things, increase the number of shares
of VDI Delaware common stock to 50,000,000 shares.
10
Holders of the VDI Delaware common stock are entitled to share ratably in
assets available for distribution on liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
subject, if preferred stock of VDI Delaware is then authorized and outstanding,
to any preferential rights of such preferred stock. Each share of the VDI
Delaware common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote at all meetings
of share owners, and such votes are non-cumulative. The VDI Delaware common
stock is not redeemable, has no subscription or conversion rights and does not
entitle the holders thereof to any pre-emptive rights.
Market Price and Dividend Information
Shares of VDI common stock are traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "VDIM." The table below sets forth, for the fiscal quarters
indicated, the high and low closing prices of shares of VDI common stock as
reported by the Nasdaq National Market. Other than distributions to
shareholders of record prior to the initial public offering in respect of taxes
relating to VDI's then status as an S corporation, VDI did not pay any
dividends for the period commencing January 1, 1998 through the present.
Low High
----- ------
Year Ended December 31, 1998:
First Quarter................................................... $9.38 $16.50
Second Quarter.................................................. 9.75 19.63
Third Quarter................................................... 7.25 11.88
Fourth Quarter.................................................. 7.50 9.81
Year Ended December, 31 1999:
First Quarter................................................... 4.31 10.00
Second Quarter.................................................. 5.25 7.88
Third Quarter................................................... 6.50 10.75
Fourth Quarter.................................................. 8.94 14.06
Year Ending December 31, 2000:
First Quarter (through January 20, 2000)........................ 12.81 13.81
On July 23, 1999, the last full trading day prior to the public announcement
that VDI had hired Morgan Stanley to explore strategic alternatives, the
reported closing price of VDI common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was
$8.25 per share.
On December 23, 1999, the last full trading day prior to the public
announcement of the proposed mergers, the reported closing price of VDI common
stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $12.25 per share.
On , 2000, the most recent practicable date prior to the printing
of this proxy statement, the reported closing price of VDI common stock on the
Nasdaq National Market was $ per share.
VDI's ability to pay dividends depends upon limitations under applicable
law, certain covenants under its line of credit and other factors your board of
directors deems relevant, including results of operations, financial condition
and capital and surplus requirements. VDI does not intend to pay dividends in
the foreseeable future.
11
Selected Historical Condensed Financial Data
The following table sets forth selected historical condensed consolidated
financial data of VDI. The selected historical condensed consolidated financial
data for the three years ended December 31, 1998, December 31, 1997 and
December 31, 1996 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 and
September 30, 1998 are derived from the historical consolidated financial
statements of VDI and related notes thereto, which are incorporated by
reference in this document. The selected historical condensed consolidated
financial data for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 and December
31, 1994 are derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of
VDI, which are not incorporated by reference in this document. See "WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION" on page 72.
Selected Historical Condensed Financial Data
(In thousands, except per share data)
Nine Months Nine Months
Year Ended December 31, Ended Ended
------------------------------------------- Sept. 30, Sept. 30,
1994(1) 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 1999
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ----------- -----------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA
Revenues............... $14,468 $18,538 $24,780 $40,772 $59,697 $42,312 $58,808
Cost of goods sold..... 10,042 11,256 14,933 24,898 36,454 25,578 34,967
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Gross profit........... 4,426 7,282 9,847 15,874 23,243 16,734 23,841
Selling, general and
administrative
expense............... 3,545 5,181 5,720 9,253 13,201 8,953 13,271
Costs related to
establishing a new
facility.............. 981 -- -- -- -- -- --
Dispute settlement..... 458 -- -- -- -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income
(loss)................ (558) 2,101 4,127 6,621 10,042 7,781 10,570
Interest expense, net.. 271 333 223 68 976 564 1,623
Provision for income
tax(2)................ -- 26 68 2,572 3,756 2,959 3,668
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)...... $ (829) $ 1,742 $ 3,836 $ 3,981 $ 5,310 $ 4,258 $ 5,279
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Earnings per Share(3):
Basic.................. $ (0.12) $ 0.26 $ 0.58 $ 0.44 $ 0.55 $ 0.44 $ 0.56
Diluted................ $ (0.12) $ 0.26 $ 0.58 $ 0.43 $ 0.54 $ 0.43 $ 0.55
Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding(3):
Basic.................. 6,660 6,660 6,660 9,123 9,737 9,725 9,360
Diluted................ 6,660 6,660 6,660 9,208 9,816 9,827 9,543
OTHER DATA
EBITDA(4).............. $ 2,209 $ 3,680 $ 5,781 $10,343 $14,918 $11,334 $14,242
Cash flows provided by
operating activities.. 1,121 2,553 6,306 6,317 6,420 3,151 8,207
Cash flows (used in)
provided by financing
activities............ 977 (1,061) (4,966) 9,945 26,712 17,201 (2,174)
Capital expenditures... 2,071 1,137 1,191 1,686 6,798 4,576 5,772
Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges(5)...... -- 6.3x 18.5x 97.4x 10.3x 13.8x 6.1x
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET
DATA
(at end of period)
Cash and cash
equivalents........... $ 60 $ 415 $ 564 $ 2,921 $ 2,048 $ 2,261 $ 508
Working capital
(deficit)............. (1,329) 1,079 1,925 5,354 8,863 (5,130) 3,895
Property and equipment,
net................... 4,402 3,992 3,520 7,808 17,655 14,211 20,987
Total assets........... 8,189 9,340 11,178 32,907 64,849 51,657 70,089
Borrowings under
revolving credit
agreements............ 1,644 100 -- 1,086 233 17,964 5,888
Long-term debt, net of
current portion....... 1,457 2,150 1,177 1,279 22,448 279 17,961
Shareholders' equity... 1,706 3,019 5,241 21,532 28,910 51,657 31,160
Book value per share... 0.26 0.45 0.79 2.25 2.96 2.82 3.38
12
- --------
(1) The 1994 results of operations reflect (i) the disposition of VDI's
telecine (film-to- videotape transfer) business during the first quarter of
1994, (ii) one-time start-up costs of $1.0 million related to establishing
the Tulsa Control Center, which costs were in addition to capital
expenditures of $0.9 million and (iii) one-time costs of $0.5 million in
connection with a settlement of a dispute.
(2) Prior to its initial public offering, VDI was exempt from payment of
federal income taxes and had paid certain state income taxes at a reduced
rate as a result of its S corporation election. Prior to the closing of its
initial public offering, VDI's shareholders elected to terminate VDI's S
corporation status. As a result, VDI was required to record a one-time,
non-cash charge against historical earnings for additional deferred taxes
based upon the increase in the effective tax rate from VDI's S Corporation
status (1.5%) to C Corporation status (40%). This charge of $184,000
occurred in the quarter ending March 31, 1997.
(3) Earnings per Share is calculated after giving effect to a 333-for-1 common
stock split in May 1996 and restatement for the adoption of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share."
(4) "EBITDA" represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,
amortization and non-recurring charges. VDI's non-recurring charges include
costs related to establishing a new facility and the settlement of a
dispute of $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, both of which were
recorded during the year ended December 31, 1994. EBITDA does not represent
cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP, is not to
be considered as an alternative to net income or any other GAAP
measurements as a measure of operating performance and is not necessarily
indicative of cash available to fund all cash needs. While all companies do
not calculate EBITDA in the same fashion and therefore EBITDA as presented
may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other
companies, management believes that EBITDA is a useful measure of cash flow
available to VDI to pay interest, repay debt, make acquisitions or invest
in new technologies. VDI is currently committed to use a portion of its
cash flows to service existing debt, if outstanding, and, furthermore,
anticipates making certain capital expenditures as part of its business
plan.
(5) For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
earnings are defined as earnings before income taxes and extraordinary
items, plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense,
including amortization of debt issuance costs and a portion of operating
lease rental expense deemed to be representative of the interest factor.
Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $829,000 in 1994.
13
SPECIAL FACTORS
Background of the Mergers
The board of directors and management of VDI from time to time have
considered strategic alternatives for VDI, including the possible sale of VDI
or a strategic merger. Since January 1, 1998, members of VDI's management had
preliminary separate discussions with several companies concerning the
possibility of combining VDI with such other entities. These discussions were
abandoned or not pursued by VDI because the parties were in substantial
disagreement concerning relative valuations of the combining entities or
because the discussions were extremely preliminary and speculative.
VDI received an inquiry from another third party in early 1999 wishing to
acquire VDI at a price below the then public trading price of VDI's common
stock. VDI was not willing to pursue a transaction on such basis. Also, in
early 1999, an investment banking firm approached Mr. Stine concerning the
possibility of Mr. Stine's leading a management buy-out of VDI which it
believed would be backed by an entertainment industry partner. Mr. Stine was
unwilling to pursue the transaction proposed by the investment banking firm.
In June and early July 1999, VDI interviewed several investment banking
firms with respect to a possible engagement relating to a review of strategic
alternatives, including the possible sale of VDI. The board and management of
VDI believed that VDI would not be able to maximize shareholder value in the
public markets in the medium term and believed that it was in the best
interests of VDI and its shareholders to explore a possible transaction in an
organized manner through an auction process, rather than dealing with limited
contacts as they arose. In addition, the board and management of VDI believed
that it was appropriate to consider a possible transaction in light of VDI's
upcoming need for significant capital expenditures for material investments in
technology.
In July 1999, the board of directors and management of VDI determined to
retain Morgan Stanley to assist VDI's exploration of its strategic alternatives
to maximize shareholder value, principally through the sale of VDI or its
assets. The VDI board retained Morgan Stanley, pursuant to an engagement letter
dated July 9, 1999, to act as VDI's financial advisor based upon Morgan
Stanley's qualifications, experience and expertise and its knowledge of VDI's
industry.
During the period commencing with the retention of Morgan Stanley, each of
the directors was regularly apprised of material developments during the
process at and in addition to formal board meetings. In consultation with
Morgan Stanley, VDI determined that an auction would have the best opportunity
of maximizing shareholder value and that, therefore, Morgan Stanley should
conduct an auction of VDI.
On July 26, 1999, VDI issued a press release announcing that it had retained
Morgan Stanley to explore strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value.
In such press release, Mr. Stine stated that VDI's "Board of Directors reviews
on an ongoing basis its strategic options. We believe that VDI MultiMedia is an
attractive business, and we are currently reviewing options for realizing the
value inherent in this business for our shareholders."
On July 30, 1999, Liberty Media Corporation ("Liberty Media"), a media,
entertainment and communications company owned by AT&T Corp., announced that it
had entered into letters of intent to acquire controlling interests in Todd-AO
Corporation and Soundelux Entertainment Group, two companies engaged, among
other things, in providing post production services.
Following the issuance of VDI's press release, Morgan Stanley, on VDI's
behalf, initiated several contacts and also received a number of inquiries with
respect to possible transactions involving VDI. In August 1999, Morgan Stanley
distributed a non-confidential summary descriptive sheet containing a brief
business overview and key investment highlights relating to VDI to
approximately 55 potential strategic and financial buyers identified by Morgan
Stanley and VDI management. The contacted parties were chosen based on their
financial resources, record for completing transactions and potential interest
in VDI's line of business. Recipients were
14
not required to sign a confidentiality letter prior to receiving this summary
descriptive sheet. This approach was designed by Morgan Stanley in order to
expedite the process and maximize potential interest in VDI. The summary
descriptive sheet contained pro forma 1999 annualized results calculated by
doubling first-half performance adjusted for publicly announced cost savings
resulting from VDI's acquisition of Dubs, Inc. and one-time charges, and
deducting the salary paid to Mr. Stefanko.
Following delivery of the summary descriptive sheet, a total of 20 potential
buyers interested in receiving confidential information relating to VDI signed
confidentiality agreements and received a Confidential Information Memorandum
dated August 1999. Bain Capital was one of these companies.
Bain Capital signed a confidentiality agreement with VDI on August 30, 1999.
This confidentiality agreement, based on VDI's standard form of confidentiality
agreement, contained a "standstill agreement" by Bain Capital in which Bain
Capital agreed that it would not, for a period of one year from August 30,
1999, seek to acquire any voting securities of VDI or seek to influence or gain
control of VDI without the approval of the board of directors of VDI. The
confidentiality agreement also restricted Bain Capital from soliciting for
employment any VDI employee with whom it would have contact during the process.
In September 1999, representatives of Morgan Stanley advised VDI that Morgan
Stanley's efforts had not generated any significant interest in the purchase of
VDI by a strategic buyer. Morgan Stanley's efforts with potential financial
buyers had led to the receipt of seven preliminary indications of interest.
Each of these financial buyers, one of which was Bain Capital, Inc., indicated
that it would be interested in further exploration of a possible transaction
with VDI. The potential financial buyers continued their diligence of VDI
through September and October 1999.
Each of the above preliminary indications of interest was subject to various
contingencies, including due diligence and financing. Bain Capital's
preliminary indication of interest mentioned an enterprise purchase price
(inclusive of debt repayment and funding of transaction expenses) for VDI
between $225 million and $275 million, representing, according to Bain Capital,
Inc., a valuation of between 8.5x and 10.5x of VDI's estimated EBITDA for
fiscal 1999. Bain Capital's letter further indicated that the actual valuation
would be subject to further investigation of (1) VDI's facilities and operating
capabilities, (2) its customer base and book of business and (3) the intentions
of its management team. The six other potential financial buyers providing
preliminary indications of interest mentioned ranges specified on a net to VDI
shareholders per share basis as low as $12.50 to $13.50 in one case to as high
as $16.50 to $18.00 in another case and averaging $14.33 to $15.71 per share.
Based on these preliminary indications, Bain Capital and five of the other
interested parties (excluding one party which dropped out prior to due
diligence) were invited to attend presentations conducted by members of VDI
management, to visit a data room containing information relative to VDI and to
conduct site visits at several of VDI locations in the Los Angeles area.
On October 5, 1999, David Dominik, a managing director of Bain Capital and
several other Bain Capital representatives met with Mr. Stine and other members
of the VDI management team and representatives of Morgan Stanley to hear a
presentation by the VDI management team about VDI. In addition to the ongoing
discussions with Bain Capital, members of VDI management and representatives of
Morgan Stanley had similar meetings with several other parties during late
September and early October 1999.
By letter dated October 11, 1999, each of the six potentially interested
parties was asked by Morgan Stanley to submit a firm written offer to acquire
VDI on or prior to October 29, 1999. The request for final bids referenced a
draft merger agreement relating to the proposed sale which was provided by
VDI's counsel, Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays & Handler, LLP. Morgan Stanley
requested that the offer by an interested party must state that such party will
execute the merger agreement in the form provided, or else be accompanied by a
copy of the merger agreement marked to show any proposed alterations. The
proposed merger agreement provided by Kaye Scholer contemplated that all of
VDI's outstanding common stock would be acquired through a cash
15
tender offer, followed by a second step merger providing VDI shareholders the
same consideration per share to be offered in the tender offer. Morgan
Stanley's letter indicated that interested parties could also propose an
alternative offer together with their all-cash 100% offer preferred by VDI.
On October 29, 1999, Bain Capital submitted an offer pursuant to which it or
its affiliates would acquire the capital stock of VDI by merger of a newly-
formed corporation controlled by Bain Capital with and into VDI for
approximately $14.00 per share net to the VDI shareholders. No other party
submitted a written offer. Two of the other potential financial buyers orally
indicated a continuing interest in a potential transaction with VDI at a lower
price per share, but did not submit a written proposal. With respect to the
results of the second round, Morgan Stanley advised representatives of VDI that
it was not atypical for interested parties in an auction process to provide a
high preliminary indication of interest to enable them to enter the second
round and to lower their valuation to represent their true offer after they
performed due diligence on the target. Bain Capital's letter set forth
aggregate consideration to be distributed to VDI's shareholders of
approximately $140 million, or approximately $14.00 per share (with additional
amounts funding repayment of VDI's bank debt and payment of estimated
transaction fees and expenses).
In its offer, Bain Capital stated that its strong desire would be to
structure the transaction as a recapitalization for financial accounting
purposes. Bain Capital noted VDI's desire to complete the transaction on an
expedited basis and indicated that it was ready to discuss a potential tender
offer to achieve such objective. Bain Capital's offer was subject to (1) VDI
and Mr. Stefanko agreeing to exclusively negotiate with Bain Capital for a
three week period, (2) completion by Bain Capital of confirmatory due diligence
and (3) execution of definitive agreements. Bain Capital's obligations would be
further subject to (1) receipt of financing pursuant to financing letters from
Bain Capital's financing sources, (2) execution of satisfactory employment and
equity arrangements with certain existing members of VDI's senior management
(including Mr. Stine), (3) execution by Mr. Stefanko of a satisfactory voting
agreement and purchase option with respect to his shares and (4) execution of
non-competition agreements with Messrs. Stefanko and Stine.
Bain Capital's letter provided under separate cover a mark-up of the
proposed merger agreement by Kirkland & Ellis, Bain Capital's counsel. Such
mark-up indicated that the transaction would be effected by merger in a single
step after the VDI shareholders' meeting with respect to the merger, and not
via the potentially more expeditious process of a tender offer followed by a
second-step merger. The mark-up also provided that certain VDI management
shareholders would be required to receive a portion of their merger
consideration in rollover common stock rather than cash. Further, in the event
VDI's board of directors terminated the merger agreement under certain
circumstances relating to its fiduciary obligations under applicable law, the
mark-up provided that VDI would be required to pay to Merger Sub a cash
termination fee equal to $10 million and all of Merger Sub's reasonably
documented expenses. The mark-up also provided that Merger Sub would not be
obligated to consummate the merger if Merger Sub does not obtain the proceeds
from its financing sources or in the event holders of more than a specified
percentage of VDI's shares shall have exercised dissenters' rights under the
applicable California law.
Discussions commenced the week of November 1 between representatives of Bain
Capital and its counsel, Kirkland & Ellis, and representatives of VDI,
including Morgan Stanley and Kaye Scholer. Morgan Stanley indicated to
representatives of Bain Capital that its initial $14.00 per share offer was not
adequate and that VDI was not prepared to agree to negotiate exclusively with
Bain Capital
On November 1, 1999, another of VDI's competitors, Four Media Company,
announced that it had entered into a letter of intent to sell all of its issued
and outstanding common stock to Liberty Media in consideration of shares of
Class A Liberty Media Group common stock.
On November 8, 1999 and November 9, 1999, Mr. Stine and other members of VDI
management, along with representatives of Morgan Stanley, participated in due
diligence sessions with representatives of Bain Capital and potential financing
sources.
16
On November 10, 1999, representatives of Bain Capital indicated by phone to
Morgan Stanley that it would be prepared to increase its offer to $14.25 or
$14.50 per share. However, based on its due diligence, Bain Capital required a
mechanism for per share price reductions of the purchase price in the event
VDI's transaction expenses or management bonuses exceeded specified amounts, or
if VDI were required to make any earn-out payments to sellers under certain
prior acquisitions by VDI.
Face to face negotiations between representatives of Bain Capital, Kirkland
& Ellis, Morgan Stanley and Kaye Scholer commenced on November 11, 1999. During
these discussions, VDI's representatives indicated that VDI was unwilling to
agree to any per share price mechanism to reduce the purchase price. Bain
Capital and its representatives indicated that, as a financial buyer, Bain
Capital was unwilling to proceed without a financing condition to its
obligations under the merger agreement. Bain Capital also indicated that its
willingness to proceed with the transactions was subject to Bain Capital's
reaching an agreement with Mr. Stine on a three-year employment agreement,
which would take effect at the closing. At such meeting, Bain Capital agreed to
provide a separate agreement in which it would agree to be responsible for the
pre-closing obligations of Merger Sub and commit to providing the equity
portion of the purchase price, subject to the terms and conditions of the
merger agreement.
At the meeting on November 11, 1999, VDI's representatives, following
consultation with Mr. Stefanko, told Bain Capital's representatives that there
would be no further progress in negotiating a transaction unless Bain Capital
was willing to increase its offer to or above the $15.00 per share level and
agree to effect the transaction by a tender offer followed by a second step
merger. Representatives of Bain Capital concluded the meeting by stating that
they were not certain that Bain Capital would agree to or be able to obtain the
necessary debt financing for any such increase or for such a transaction
structure. Bain Capital subsequently invited Mr. Stine to make a presentation
to its credit committee in Boston, Massachusetts on November 15, 1999.
On November 12, 1999, a representative of Morgan Stanley was contacted by an
investment banking firm representing a strategic buyer inquiring about the
status of VDI's auction. The representative indicated that his client had
substantial net operating tax losses which could shelter VDI's income and that
his client might be interested in a transaction in which the consideration
would be partly or completely in common stock. The investment banker speculated
that given the recent rise in the price of VDI's common stock as a result of
speculation about the imminent sale of VDI, the transaction price his client
would have to agree to would have to be in the $15 to $20 per share range.
Morgan Stanley subsequently responded, without discouraging any proposal that
might be forthcoming, that VDI had a preference for cash or liquid securities.
Morgan Stanley added that VDI was close to signing a transaction with a third
party and that, if interested, the third party represented by such banker
should be encouraged to immediately sign a confidentiality agreement, make a
proposal and otherwise act quickly.
On November 14, 1999, Joseph Pretlow of Bain Capital and Mr. Stine had a
preliminary discussion by telephone relating to the equity structure of Merger
Sub and the management equity program contemplated by Bain Capital In this
conversation, Mr. Stine indicated that he was unwilling to negotiate the terms
of his or any other member of management's participation in the transaction
until the principal terms of the transaction, particularly price per share,
were agreed upon with VDI.
On November 15, 1999, Mr. Stine made a presentation to the Bain Capital
credit committee at a meeting in Boston, Massachusetts concerning VDI's
business and prospects. Later that day, Bain Capital indicated by phone to a
Morgan Stanley representative that Bain Capital would be prepared to increase
its offer to $15.00 per share. However, Bain Capital advised Morgan Stanley
that it was unwilling to proceed with the transaction as a tender offer in
light of accounting issues relating to recapitalization treatment and Bain
Capital's financing requirements. Bain Capital further advised that it was
willing to reduce the termination fee from $10 million to $6 million and to
limit reimbursable expenses payable in the event of a termination at $1.5
million. It was also willing to limit its proposed option on Mr. Stefanko's
shares to equally share the upside on a 50/50 basis of any gains from an
alternate transaction above $15.00 per share. Finally, Bain Capital indicated
that it would now
17
require four-year employment contracts from both Mr. Stine and Robert Semmer.
Certain issues relating to per share price reductions, when the termination fee
would be payable and the details of the management arrangements and equity
rollover remained unresolved.
On November 16, 1999, the strategic buyer whose investment banker had
contacted Morgan Stanley on November 12, 1999 signed a confidentiality
agreement and was immediately provided the Confidential Information Memorandum
concerning VDI.
On November 17, 1999, Credit Suisse First Boston informally agreed with Bain
Capital to arrange for senior credit facilities and subordinated debt financing
to finance the proposed transaction. On the same day, representatives of VDI
received a draft of such lender's commitment letter to arrange both facilities
and to provide the entire amount of both facilities subject to certain terms
and conditions. Kaye Scholer and Morgan Stanley coordinated their comments
concerning limiting or obtaining greater specificity in the language relating
to the conditions to the lender's obligations.
On or about November 17, 1999, in consideration for Mr. Stine's work in
facilitating the proposed sale of VDI, Mr. Stefanko agreed in principle to
enter into an agreement pursuant to which he would personally pay Mr. Stine
$10 million after closing. Over the ensuing weeks, agreements were negotiated
by Mr. Stine and his counsel, Irell & Manella LLP, with Mr. Stefanko and his
counsel, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, and with Julia Stefanko and her counsel
(collectively, the "Stine Agreements").
On November 18, 1999, following discussions with members of VDI's board of
directors and management, VDI's advisors responded to Bain Capital's revised
November 15 proposal. In its response, VDI's representatives continued to
insist on a tender offer structure in order to expedite closing of the
transaction. VDI's representatives proposed a $3.5 million termination fee
payable upon consummation of a superior transaction plus reimbursement of
expenses capped at $1.0 million in the event of VDI's termination of the
agreement in compliance with its fiduciary duties to VDI's shareholders. VDI's
representatives further stated that VDI was unwilling to agree to any mechanism
for a purchase price reduction and that VDI expected that the lender's
commitment letter would be revised to further limit certain termination rights
with respect to such lender's commitment as previously discussed with Kirkland
& Ellis. They also reported that Mr. Stefanko was unwilling to provide even a
partial stock option on his shares of VDI common stock.
Following further discussions between Morgan Stanley and Bain Capital on
November 19, 1999, Morgan Stanley indicated that VDI agreed, after obtaining
input from independent accountants and in light of Bain Capital's goals and
requirements with respect to accounting and financing considerations, that the
transaction would be structured as a single step merger. Bain Capital agreed
that the termination fee to be paid by VDI in the event VDI's board withdraws,
modifies or changes in a manner adverse to Merger Sub its recommendation of the
merger agreement or approves or recommends a competing proposal in order to
comply with fiduciary duties would be reduced to $4.5 million, and the timing
of such payment was specified under various scenarios. The expenses
reimbursable by VDI were limited to $1.0 million if the transaction is
terminated within 45 days of signing and thereafter limited to $1.5 million in
the aggregate. Bain Capital agreed that it would not require any per share
price reduction mechanism or any form of option on Mr. Stefanko's shares. The
parties agreed to meet in order to expedite the resolution of the remaining
open issues and to review all the necessary documentation for the transaction.
On November 23, 1999, a special meeting of VDI's board of directors was held
with all directors in attendance, two of whom participated by telephone
conference. At the meeting, representatives of Morgan Stanley and Kaye Scholer
reviewed in detail the events which had occurred since Morgan Stanley's
retention, the negotiations with Bain Capital and the contacts by an investment
banking firm on behalf of a potential strategic buyer. Representatives of Kaye
Scholer reviewed with the VDI board in detail the terms of the latest draft
merger agreement and financing commitment letters relating to the Bain Capital
proposal provided to VDI board members prior to the meeting and the legal
standards applicable to the VDI board's deliberations.
18
At the special meeting, the VDI board conducted a review and open disclosure
and discussion of all potential conflicts among the directors and determined
(1) that with the possible exception of Mr. Stine (who would be excused from
portions of the deliberations as appropriate), the potential conflicts in the
possible transaction (assuming a transaction with Bain Capital) did not appear
to prevent individual directors from acting in the best interests of the VDI
shareholders, (2) any transaction would require the approval of Mr. Stefanko
and Julia Stefanko, who together controlled approximately 58% of the
outstanding shares, and that the interests of Mr. Stefanko and Ms. Stefanko
were materially aligned with VDI's public shareholders, and (3) that proceeding
through the VDI board was desirable in the interest of efficiency and in order
to have the full input and judgment of all of the directors. In addition, the
VDI board noted that VDI was represented by independent financial advisors,
Morgan Stanley, and by independent legal advisors, Kaye Scholer. The VDI board
determined that the alternative of forming a special committee would be
impracticable under the circumstances.
At the special meeting, representatives of Morgan Stanley reviewed with the
VDI board certain financial considerations in connection with the Bain Capital
proposal. The VDI board then met in executive sessions without Mr. Stine. Mr.
Stefanko discussed his views on certain possible arrangements with Mr. Stine
under the Stine Agreements which had not been finalized. Each of the other
directors noted that these arrangements would not affect the price paid to
public shareholders of VDI.
In plenary session, the VDI board instructed its representatives to continue
negotiations to complete the Bain Capital transaction as soon as practicable.
Members of the VDI board expressed doubt as to the seriousness of the contact
by an investment banking firm on behalf of a strategic party inasmuch as the
strategic party had not requested access to the due diligence data room.
However, the board instructed Morgan Stanley to actively pursue discussions
with the strategic buyer in a manner believed to advance the receipt of a
proposal if such contact was in fact serious.
After the VDI board meeting, representatives of Morgan Stanley and Kaye,
Scholer met with representatives of Bain Capital and Kirkland & Ellis at the
offices of Morgan Stanley on November 23 and 24, 1999, and on subsequent days
that month held numerous conference calls regarding open issues, including
issues relating to the extent of Bain Capital's obligations and the timing with
respect to the financing necessary to consummate the transaction. Mr. Stine and
his counsel, Irell & Manella LLP, had numerous conversations with
representatives of Bain Capital and Kirkland & Ellis concerning the terms of
management's employment and equity arrangements.
During the first week of December, Mr. Stine advised Mr. Pretlow of Bain
Capital of the proposed Stine Agreements and the parties continued to negotiate
the amount Mr. Stine would rollover into the transaction in light of such
proposed transaction.
On December 6, 1999, representatives of Morgan Stanley were advised by the
investment banking representative of the strategic buyer that its client was
not interested in making any proposal to acquire VDI.
During the weeks of December 6 and 13, Mr. Stine and his counsel, Irell &
Manella LLP, and Bain Capital and its counsel, Kirkland & Ellis, negotiated the
terms of an arrangement whereby Mr. Stine would rollover 100% of his existing
equity in VDI in the transaction, retain all of the proceeds he would receive
under the Stine Agreements without being required to invest such proceeds in
the transaction and agree to enhanced non-competition and forfeiture provisions
in the event Mr. Stine were to prematurely leave VDI Delaware's employment
after the closing. Included in such restrictions was a new requirement that
$2.5 million be placed in escrow to assure that both Mr. Stine and Mr. Stefanko
comply with the terms of their respective non-compete agreements and Mr. Stine
complies with certain of the terms of his employment agreement. Although the
obligation to fund the escrow is joint and several, as between Mr. Stine and
Mr. Stefanko, Mr. Stefanko agreed to provide $2,250,000 of the $2.5 million
total (with the balance to be funded by Mr. Stine) subject to a reimbursement
obligation from Mr. Stine if the loss of Mr. Stefanko's funds were caused by
Mr. Stine. Mr. Stefanko agreed to provide a reciprocal reimbursement obligation
if the loss of Mr. Stine's funds were caused by Mr. Stefanko.
19
During the weeks of December 13 and 20, Mr. Stine and representatives of
Irell & Manella LLP, and Mr. Stefanko and representatives of Gibson, Dunn &
Crutcher LLP negotiated the terms of Mr. Stine's and Mr. Stefanko's non-
compete agreements and related documentation with representatives of Bain
Capital, Inc. and Kirkland & Ellis. During the week of December 20, 1999, VDI
and its advisors and Bain Capital, Inc. and its advisors completed their
negotiations of the draft merger agreement and related documentation.
On December 24, 1999, the board of directors of VDI conducted a board
meeting to discuss the proposed transaction. At the meeting of the board,
there was a detailed discussion of recent developments in the transaction,
followed by a full review of the merger documents, the financing documents and
ancillary documentation provided to the board members in advance of the
meeting. At such meeting, Morgan Stanley delivered its oral opinion to the
Board, subsequently confirmed in writing, that, as of December 24, 1999 and
subject to the considerations in its opinion, the consideration to be received
in the mergers by the holders of common stock pursuant to the merger agreement
is fair from a financial point of view to such holders (other than the
rollover shareholders). Following discussion, the board (with Mr. Stine and
Mr. Ennis abstaining) unanimously resolved to approve the transaction.
Following such approval, VDI's entire board of directors unanimously resolved
to approve the transaction. See "SPECIAL FACTORS--Reasons for the Board's
Recommendation of the Acquisition Merger."
After execution of the documentation for the transaction on December 24,
1999, VDI issued a press release after Nasdaq halted trading of VDI common
stock on December 27, 1999, the ensuing trading day. The full text of the
press release is set forth below:
"VDI MultiMedia Enters Definitive Agreement with Bain Capital, Inc.
Public to Receive $15 Per Share
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 27, 1999--VDI MultiMedia
(Nasdaq:VDIM--news) and Bain Capital, Inc. today announced the signing of a
definitive merger agreement between VDI and a newly-formed acquisition
vehicle of Bain Capital, Inc.
Under the terms of the agreement, substantially all of the shares of
VDI's outstanding common stock (other than certain rollover shares) will be
converted in a series of merger transactions into the right to receive $15
per share in cash. Certain shares held by continuing management and shares
held by certain other non-affiliated shareholders will remain outstanding
and rollover into common stock of VDI following the transaction.
The transaction is valued at approximately $200 million inclusive of
debt repayment, fees and expenses.
Bain, through its affiliated funds, has agreed to provide equity
financing for the transaction. In addition, Credit Suisse First Boston has
agreed to arrange an additional $150 million of debt financing in
connection with the transaction.
VDI entered into the merger agreement following its approval by a
unanimous vote of the Board of Directors following the recommendation of
the entire board with management directors abstaining. The committee
received a fairness opinion from Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. As
previously publicly announced, Morgan Stanley was retained by VDI in July,
1999 to advise the Board of Directors as to strategic alternatives to
maximize shareholder value.
R. Luke Stefanko, the company's founding shareholder and Chairman of the
Board stated, "I am pleased that VDI has structured a transaction designed
to bring immediate and substantial value to our shareholders. In addition,
with the backing of a major financial sponsor, VDI will now have the
opportunity to grow to the next level and to provide even better services
to our customer base."
Joe Pretlow, a Managing Director of Bain Capital Inc., said "We are
delighted to be partnering with VDI's exceptional management team. We
believe VDI's strategy of providing an integrated approach for managing and
distributing programming across both traditional and emerging distribution
channels will create significant long-term value for VDI and its customers.
Bain Capital, Inc. is one of the most
20
experienced private equity investment firms, having invested in over 130
companies since its founding in 1984. Bain Capital, Inc. currently manages
over $7 billion in assets with a focus on investing in businesses with
strong strategic positions and exceptional management. VDI is part of our
continuing focus on investing in the media and entertainment industries."
At the closing, Donald Stine, president of the company, will assume the
position of Chief Executive Officer. Stine stated "I am very excited about
the future of our Company with Bain as our partner. Bain has an excellent
reputation among our customer base and its substantial financial resources
will allow us to accelerate our entry into high definition television
services and Internet-based video as well as continuing our growth through
acquisitions."
Stefanko and an additional family member who collectively beneficially
own approximately 57% of the outstanding common stock of the company have
agreed to vote their shares in favor of the merger transaction at the VDI
shareholders meeting to be held prior to the closing. Stefanko will
continue to be available to the company after the closing on a consulting
basis. Following the transaction, it is expected that the company's shares
will be delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions
including VDI shareholder approval, receipt of necessary financing and
expiration of a regulatory waiting period. Shareholder approval will only
be solicited and securities will only be offered by means of a proxy
statement, which will be mailed to shareholders upon the completion of the
required Securities and Exchange Commission filing and review process. VDI
currently anticipates completing the transaction in late March or early
April 2000.
VDI is one of the largest providers of video and film asset management
services to owners, producers and distributors of entertainment and
advertising content. VDI provides the services necessary to edit, master,
reformat, archive and ultimately distribute its clients' film and video
content, including television programming, spot advertising, feature films
and movie trailers.
The company provides worldwide electronic distribution, using fiber
optics and satellites, through its Broadcast One(R) network. The company
delivers commercials, movie trailers, electronic press kits, infomercials
and syndicated programming, by both physical and electronic means, to
hundreds of broadcast outlets worldwide.
This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant
to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Words such as "intents," "believes" and similar expressions
reflecting something other than historical facts are intended to identify
forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying
such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks
and uncertainties, including the risk that the transaction will not be
consummated due to the purchaser's financing condition or the other
conditions to completion as well as the other factors described in VDI's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its 1997
Prospectus and 1998 10-K. The actual results that occur may differ
materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and
uncertainties. VDI undertakes no obligations to revise or update any
forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that
may arise after the date of this release."
Other than as described above, neither VDI nor any of its affiliates has
engaged in any negotiations or material contacts during the past two years
concerning any merger, consolidation, acquisition, tender offer for or
other acquisition of VDI's common stock, election of VDI's directors or
sale or other transfer of a material amount of VDI's assets.
21
Purpose and Structure for the Mergers
The purpose of the mergers is for investment funds associated with Bain
Capital to acquire control of VDI Delaware through a recapitalization.
If the reorganization merger is approved by VDI shareholders and all other
conditions to the reorganization merger and the acquisition merger are
satisfied or, where permissible, waived, VDI will consummate the mergers as
follows:
1. The Reorganization Merger. VDI will merge with and into VDI Delaware,
with VDI Delaware surviving the reorganization merger. As a result VDI
shareholders will become stockholders of VDI Delaware.
2. The Acquisition Merger. Immediately after the reorganization merger,
Merger Sub will merge with and into VDI Delaware with VDI Delaware surviving
the acquisition merger.
Following the mergers, VDI Delaware will be owned by investment funds
associated with Bain Capital, the rollover shareholders and certain other co-
investors.
The VDI board of directors believe that the proposed mergers are in the best
interests of shareholders in light of the value to the shareholders represented
by the mergers. The structure of the mergers is known as a "leveraged
recapitalization." VDI expects that VDI Delaware will incur substantial
indebtedness to pay the cash consideration in the acquisition merger and the
transaction costs and fees. VDI Delaware will incur approximately $107.2
million in long-term debt, consisting of approximately $82.2 million of
borrowings under a senior secured credit facility and approximately $25.0
million of borrowings through the issuance of senior subordinated notes. In
addition, investment funds associated with Bain Capital and certain other co-
investors will make an equity cash contribution of up to $85.8 million. The
actual amount of the equity contribution will depend on the aggregate number of
shares of common stock held by the rollover shareholders.
If the mergers are consummated, VDI shareholders, other than the rollover
shareholders, will no longer have an equity interest in VDI and will therefore
not share in the future earnings and potential growth of VDI Delaware.
The approval of the principal terms of the reorganization merger, which is a
condition to the acquisition merger, requires the vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of VDI common stock entitled to vote at the
special meeting. R. Luke Stefanko and Julia Stefanko currently own in the
aggregate approximately 58% of the outstanding shares of VDI common stock and
have entered into a shareholders agreement pursuant to which they have agreed
to vote, and have given to Merger Sub a proxy to vote, their shares in favor of
the reorganization merger. As a result, unless the shareholders agreement is
terminated and as long as the special meeting is held, the reorganization
merger will be approved by the VDI shareholders.
Reasons for the Mergers; Recommendations to Shareholders
Reorganization Merger
Merger Sub intends that the acquisition merger be treated as a
recapitalization for accounting purposes and the parties to the acquisition
merger intend that certain shareholders of VDI receive differing treatment in
the acquisition merger, as described below. Based upon the advice of legal
counsel and accountants, the VDI board has concluded that these plans can
better be implemented if Delaware law were to be applied to the acquisition
merger for the following reasons:
1. California statutory law does not permit differing treatment of holders
of the same class of shares in a merger transaction unless all holders of that
class of shares approve the differing treatment. It is unclear under California
law whether the fact that the rollover shareholders will receive capital stock
in the surviving corporation instead of cash for their VDI common stock would
require such approval.
22
2. California statutory law does not permit the payment of dividends or the
redemption or repurchase by a corporation of its shares if, among other things,
the total payout would exceed the corporation's retained earnings. It is
unclear under California law whether the acquisition of VDI by merger of Merger
Sub with and into VDI in a recapitalization transaction would violate this
statute. Under certain circumstances, it is possible that the directors of VDI
approving such a transaction could be personally liable for the total payments
made.
VDI has concluded that if VDI were reorganized such that VDI Delaware, a
Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of VDI, would be the surviving
corporation and would consummate the acquisition merger, the desired results
can be better implemented for the following reasons:
1. Delaware merger statutes do not require that all stockholders of VDI
Delaware receive the same consideration in a merger.
2. Delaware's statutory restrictions on the payment of dividends and stock
redemptions or repurchases would not apply to the merger consideration payments
when the acquisition merger is effected pursuant to the provisions of
Delaware's merger statutes.
Despite the belief of the board that the reorganization merger is in the
best interests of VDI and its shareholders, it should be noted that Delaware
law has been criticized by some commentators on the grounds that it does not
afford minority shareholders the same substantive rights and protections as are
available in a number of other states. While it is anticipated that VDI
shareholders will be stockholders of a Delaware corporation for only a moment
in time before the acquisition merger is effected, VDI shareholders should
carefully consider the significant differences between the corporation laws of
California and Delaware and the differences between the charter and bylaws of
VDI and VDI Delaware. For a comparison of shareholders' rights under California
and Delaware laws, see "COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF VDI COMMON STOCK
AND VDI DELAWARE COMMON STOCK" on page 58.
The proposed reorganization merger will not result in any change in the
business, management, fiscal year, location of the principal facilities, assets
or liabilities of VDI. However, VDI will cease to exist and will be replaced by
VDI Delaware.
Reasons for the Board's Recommendation of the Acquisition Merger
At its December 24, 1999 meeting, the board, following a presentation by
Morgan Stanley and the oral delivery of their fairness opinion, determined that
the mergers are fair to, and in the best interests of, VDI and its shareholders
and resolved to recommend to VDI shareholders that they approve and adopt the
principal terms of the reorganization merger and the merger agreement. VDI's
board of directors (with Donald R. Stine and Thomas J. Ennis abstaining)
unanimously approved the mergers, the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including as the sole stockholder of VDI Delaware.
Following such approval, VDI's entire board of directors unanimously approved
the mergers, the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including as the sole stockholder of VDI Delaware.
The VDI board considered a number of factors in recommending and approving
the mergers, the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby,
including those listed below. In its consideration of these factors, the board
met several times and members of the board discussed these matters informally
by telephone on various other occasions between July 9, 1999 and December 24,
1999. The board's recommendations are the product of the business judgment of
its respective members, exercised in light of their fiduciary duties to VDI
shareholders.
1. The board considered the presentation made by Morgan Stanley and its oral
opinion (which was subsequently confirmed in writing) that, as of the date of
such opinion, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations and
qualifications reviewed with the board, the consideration to be received by the
holders of common stock of VDI pursuant to the mergers was fair from a
financial point of view to such holders (other than the rollover shareholders).
23
2. The board considered the extensive solicitation process and the auction
conducted by Morgan Stanley in seeking a buyer for VDI.
3. The board considered the fact that since VDI had issued a press release
on July 26, 1999, announcing it had retained Morgan Stanley to assist in its
exploration of strategic alternatives, including the possible sale of VDI, no
prospective buyer offered to complete a transaction with a price of or
exceeding $15.00 per share.
4. The board considered the recent trading activity of shares of VDI's
common stock and the fact that the cash consideration paid in the merger would
enable shareholders to realize an approximately 22% premium over the closing
price for shares of VDI's common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on the
trading day preceding the prospective announcement of the transaction and an
approximately 82% premium over the closing price for shares of VDI's common
stock on the Nasdaq National Market on the trading day preceding the date VDI
announced it had retained Morgan Stanley to assist in its exploration of
strategic alternatives. The fact that the cash consideration to be paid in the
mergers represents a significant premium over such values gave the board one
indication that the per share price in the mergers represents an attractive
value for VDI shareholders.
5. The board considered information with respect to the financial condition,
results of operations, business and prospects of VDI, including the risks
involved in achieving these prospects, including the substantial capital
expenditures which would be needed for VDI to pursue its business plan in the
area of high-definition television and other new businesses. The Board also
considered the purchase price in light of current industry, economic and market
conditions.
6. The board considered the substantially increased competitive risks
relating to Liberty Media's acquisition, announced on July 30, 1999, of
controlling interests in Todd-AO Corporation and Soundelux Entertainment Group,
two companies engaged, among other things, in providing post production
services.
7. The board reviewed the possible alternatives to the mergers, including
continuing to operate VDI as a publicly-owned entity. The board rejected
continued operation of VDI as a public company as an acceptable alternative to
the proposed mergers in light of the value to be paid to the shareholders in
the mergers. In addition, the board confirmed that VDI had contacted more than
fifty potential buyers of VDI during the summer and fall of 1999. No superior
proposal was received despite the public announcement of VDI's desire to seek
strategic alternatives and VDI's and Morgan Stanley's efforts in exploring such
alternatives.
8. The board also considered the fact that the terms of the merger agreement
permit the board to negotiate and consummate unsolicited third party proposals
submitted after December 24, 1999 if, among other factors, the board, after
consultation with independent legal counsel, determines in good faith that such
negotiations are required in order for the board to act in a manner consistent
with its fiduciary duties under applicable law and if VDI pays, under certain
conditions, a termination fee of up to $4.5 million plus expenses capped at
$1.0 million if such a transaction is consummated during the 45-day period
after the execution of the merger agreement or capped at an aggregate of $1.5
million thereafter.
9. The board considered the fact that it is a condition to the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement that the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of VDI entitled to vote at the special
shareholders meeting approve the merger agreement and the reorganization merger
and that holders of greater than 50% of the outstanding shares of VDI support
the transactions and have agreed to enter into shareholder voting agreements
with respect to the transactions (see "THE SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT," page 52 for
additional information). The board also noted that, as a result of the Stine
Agreements and, in the case of Mr. Stefanko, the release of compensation under
the termination agreement, R. Luke Stefanko and Julia Stefanko, holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of VDI common stock were receiving on a net
basis substantially less per share than public shareholders of VDI who would
not be bearing any of the burdens under the Stine Agreement or the employment
termination agreement.
10. The board considered the nature of the financing arrangements made by
Bain Capital with respect to the merger, including the receipt by Bain Capital
of a commitment letter from Credit Suisse First Boston to provide all the debt
financing without a syndication condition, as well as the conditions to the
obligations of such institution to fund such financing arrangements and to
complete the mergers.
24
11. The board considered the experience and past success of Bain Capital in
structuring and closing transactions similar to the mergers.
12. The board considered the fact that the negotiations between VDI and Bain
Capital led to an increase in the cash price offered to be paid in the mergers
for substantially all of the outstanding VDI common stock from approximately
$14.00 per share to a range of $14.25 to $14.50 per share to $15.00 per share.
13. The board evaluated the mergers in light of the following factors:
price, availability of financing, ability to consummate the proposed mergers,
the proposed structure of the mergers and its anticipated closing date, the
amount of equity being invested by Bain Capital and the fiduciary obligations
of the board.
14. The board considered that the merger agreement permits the board to
withdraw its recommendation of the mergers to the extent required in order to
comply with the fiduciary duties of its members and applicable law.
15. The board considered the fact that the terms of the merger agreement and
the price paid to VDI shareholders were determined through arm's-length
negotiations between Bain Capital and VDI, where VDI was assisted by
independent investment banking advisors and independent legal advisors.
16. The board noted that the terms of the merger agreement provided for
accelerated vesting of options held by senior management and members of the
board of directors but noted that since such options by their terms would
survive the mergers as required to be structured under any circumstances, such
vesting did not, as a practical matter, decrease the amount payable to VDI's
shareholders.
In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the mergers, the board did not find it practicable to, and did
not, quantify or otherwise assign relative weight to the individual factors
considered in reaching its determinations. Also of importance was the fact that
the consideration represented a substantial premium over, among other things,
the price of shares of VDI common stock prior to the first public announcement
of VDI's retention of Morgan Stanley to assist its exploration of strategic
alternatives and the execution of the merger agreement, although the premium
was lower in the latter case due, in part, in the board's judgment, to
speculation as to a potential sale of VDI.
The rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission require that each of VDI
Delaware, Merger Sub, Bain Capital and Messrs. Stine and Semmer, who we
collectively refer to as the "filing persons" express their belief as to the
fairness of the mergers to the holders of VDI common stock. Mr. Stine, a member
of the board of directors of VDI, approved and expressly adopts the analysis
and conclusions of the VDI board as to the fairness of the mergers. VDI
Delaware and Mr. Semmer also believe that the mergers are fair to the holders
of VDI common stock. These filing persons based their belief on the following
facts: (1) the fact that the VDI board, based on the factors noted above,
concluded that the mergers were fair to, and in the best interests of, the VDI
shareholders, (2) the fact that the board received an opinion from Morgan
Stanley that, as of December 24, 1999 and based upon and subject to the
considerations set forth in the opinion, the consideration to be received in
the mergers by the holders of VDI common stock is fair from a financial point
of view to such holders (other than the rollover shareholders) and (3) the
negotiations between Bain Capital and VDI were conducted on an arms-length
basis.
Merger Sub and Bain Capital, as the parties proposing to acquire control of
VDI, did not participate in the deliberations of the VDI board regarding the
fairness of the mergers nor did they receive any advice from VDI's financial
advisor as to the fairness of the mergers. As a result, Merger Sub and Bain
Capital are not in a position to specifically adopt the analysis or conclusions
of the VDI board as to the fairness of the mergers. However, for the reasons
stated below, Merger Sub and Bain Capital also believe that the mergers are
fair to VDI's stockholders. First, each have considered the factors noted above
which were taken into account by the VDI board. In addition, each considered
the fact that the cash price represented an approximately 22% premium over the
price of shares of VDI common stock prior to the first public announcement of
the execution of the merger agreement, and an approximately 82% premium over
the price of shares of VDI common stock prior to VDI's public announcement of
the retention of Morgan Stanley to advise VDI on its strategic
25
alternatives to be particularly important to their analysis. Furthermore, each
considered the extensive solicitation process and the auction conducted by
Morgan Stanley in seeking a buyer for VDI and that the cash purchase price was
agreed upon before any significant discussions regarding management's
participation in the acquisition occurred between Bain Capital and members of
management.
None of the filing persons found it practicable to assign, nor did they
assign, relative weights to the individual factors considered in reaching their
conclusions as to fairness. The filing persons did not consider the net book
value, going concern value or liquidation value to be material factors in
determining the fairness of the mergers because they believed that these
factors do not have any significant impact on the market trading prices of
VDI's common stock.
Because the merger agreement and the price paid to VDI shareholders were
determined through arm's-length negotiations between Bain Capital and VDI,
which was assisted by independent investment banking advisors and an
independent legal advisor, the unaffiliated directors of VDI did not consider
it necessary to retain an unaffiliated representative to act solely on behalf
of unaffiliated VDI shareholders for the purpose of negotiating the merger
agreement or to prepare a report concerning the fairness of the mergers.
The VDI board, including its unaffiliated directors, has unanimously
approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The
VDI board believes that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby are in the best interests of VDI and VDI shareholders, and recommend
that VDI shareholders vote "FOR" adoption and approval of the principal terms
of the merger agreement and approval of the principal terms of the
reorganization merger.
Fairness Opinion of Financial Advisor
Opinion of Morgan Stanley
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated July 9, 1999, Morgan Stanley was
engaged to provide financial advisory services in connection with a potential
sale of VDI. Morgan Stanley was selected by the VDI board of directors to act
as VDI's financial advisor based on Morgan Stanley's qualifications, expertise,
reputation and its knowledge of VDI's business. At a meeting of VDI's board on
December 24, 1999, Morgan Stanley rendered to the board its oral opinion,
subsequently confirmed in writing that, as of December 24, 1999 and based upon
and subject to the considerations set forth in the opinion, the consideration
to be received in the mergers by the holders of common stock pursuant to the
merger agreement is fair from a financial point of view to such holders (other
than the rollover shareholders).
The full text of Morgan Stanley's written opinion, dated as of December 24,
1999, which sets forth, among other things, assumptions made, procedures
followed, matters considered and limitations on the scope of the review
undertaken, is attached as Appendix B to this proxy statement. You are urged
to, and should, read the opinion carefully and in its entirety. Morgan
Stanley's opinion is directed to the VDI board, addresses only the fairness of
the consideration to be received pursuant to the merger agreement from a
financial point of view to holders of common stock (other than the rollover
shareholders), and does not address any other aspect of the merger or
constitute a recommendation to any VDI shareholder as to how to vote at the
special meeting. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
full text of Morgan Stanley's opinion.
In connection with rendering its opinion, Morgan Stanley, among other
things:
. reviewed certain publicly available financial statements and other
information concerning VDI;
. reviewed certain internal financial statements and other financial and
operating data concerning VDI prepared by the management of VDI;
. reviewed certain financial projections prepared by the management of VDI;
. discussed the past and current operations and financial condition and the
prospects of VDI with senior executives of VDI;
26
. reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the common stock;
. compared financial performance of VDI and the prices and trading activity
of the common stock with those of certain other comparable publicly
traded companies and their securities;
. reviewed the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of
certain comparable acquisition transactions;
. participated in discussions and negotiations among the representatives of
VDI, Bain Capital, Inc. and their financial and legal advisors;
. reviewed the execution form of the merger agreement and certain related
documents;
. reviewed the commitment letters provided to Bain Capital, Inc. by Credit
Suisse First Boston; and
. performed such other analyses and considered such other factors as Morgan
Stanley deemed appropriate.
Morgan Stanley assumed and relied upon without independent verification the
accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by it for the purposes of
its opinion. With respect to the financial projections, Morgan Stanley assumed
that they had been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best then
currently available estimates and judgments of the future financial performance
of VDI. In addition, Morgan Stanley has assumed that the mergers will be
consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the merger agreement.
Morgan Stanley has not made any independent valuation or appraisal of the
assets or liabilities of VDI, nor was Morgan Stanley furnished with any such
appraisals. Morgan Stanley's opinion is necessarily based on financial,
economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made
available to it as of, December 24, 1999.
The following is a brief summary of certain analyses performed by Morgan
Stanley in connection with its oral opinion and the preparation of its written
opinion letter dated December 24, 1999.
Trading Range Analysis. Morgan Stanley reviewed the closing stock price of
VDI on each trading day from December 24, 1998 to December 23, 1999. Using this
methodology, Morgan Stanley observed that the value per share of VDI common
stock ranged from a high of $14.00 per share on November 26, 1999 to a low of
$4.31 per share on February 25, 1999. Morgan Stanley also noted that the price
on July 23, 1999 (the last full trading day prior to the public announcement
that VDI had hired Morgan Stanley) was $8.25 per share and the price on
December 23, 1999 (the last full trading day prior to the public announcement
of the proposed mergers) was $12.25 per share.
Comparable Company Analysis. Using publicly available information, Morgan
Stanley performed an analysis comparing the current trading value and the
implied multiples for a variety of operating statistics, both historical and
projected, of VDI to the corresponding information of the following companies
as of December 24, 1999:
. Four Media Company;
. Todd-AO Corporation;
. Applied Graphics Technologies, Inc.; and
. Digital Generation Systems, Inc.
Using this methodology, Morgan Stanley observed that the implied value per
share of VDI common stock ranged from $8.08 to $12.12 without a control premium
and $10.60 to $15.41 with a 30% control premium. Morgan Stanley noted that the
merger consideration was $15.00 per share. No company used in the foregoing
analysis is identical to VDI. In evaluating comparable companies, Morgan
Stanley made judgments and assumptions with regard to industry performance,
general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters,
many of which are beyond the control of VDI, including the impact of
competition on VDI and the industry generally, industry growth and the absence
of any adverse material change in the financial conditions and prospects of VDI
or its industry or in the financial markets in general.
27
Selected Transaction Analysis. Using publicly available information, Morgan
Stanley examined the terms of certain transactions involving acquisitions of
companies in businesses that were similar in some characteristics to the VDI
MultiMedia business. The following is a list of the primary transactions
reviewed by Morgan Stanley:
. Liberty Media Group's proposed acquisition of Four Media Company;
. Liberty Media Group's acquisition of Todd-AO Corporation; and
. Warburg, Pincus Equity Partners' acquisition of a controlling interest
in Four Media Company.
Morgan Stanley observed that the implied value per share of VDI common stock
using this methodology ranged from $14.70 to $17.17. No transaction utilized in
the analysis of selected precedent transactions is identical to the mergers in
timing and size, and, accordingly, an analysis of the results of the foregoing
necessarily involves complex considerations and judgments concerning the
financial and operating characteristics and other factors of VDI that would
affect the acquisition value of companies to which VDI is being compared. In
evaluating the precedent transactions, Morgan Stanley made judgments and
assumptions with regard to industry performance, general business, economic,
market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the
control of VDI, including the impact of competition on VDI and the industry
generally, industry growth and the absence of any adverse material change in
the financial condition and prospects of VDI or its industry or in the
financial markets in general.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Morgan Stanley conducted a ten-year
discounted cash flow analysis of VDI utilizing calculated unlevered free cash
flows based upon publicly available information, equity research estimates and
financial projections prepared by VDI. Morgan Stanley also prepared a "synergy"
case based on VDI management's estimated cost savings from the integration of
recent acquisitions and other non-recurring costs. Morgan Stanley used a
terminal value multiple of aggregate value to EBITDA of between 5.5x and 7.5x,
and discounted the unlevered free cash flows and terminal values to present
values utilizing discount rates ranging from 11.5% to 13.5%. Using this
methodology, Morgan Stanley calculated values ranging from $10.19 to $14.79 per
share for VDI common stock, and values ranging from $12.31 to $17.45 per share
for VDI common stock in the case with the synergies included.
LBO Analysis. Morgan Stanley performed a leveraged buyout analysis to
determine, under current market conditions and based on past practice, the
price per share that a leveraged buyout purchaser, such as Bain Capital, Inc.
might theoretically pay for VDI. In performing this analysis, Morgan Stanley
assumed that acquisition financing could be obtained in the subordinated and
bank finance market in an amount of approximately 4.8x 1999 EBITDA (earnings
before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization), equivalent to
approximately 4.0x estimated 1999 EBITDA with adjustments for the synergies
identified by VDI management described above under the Discounted Cash Flow
Analysis, and that a minimum internal rate of return from 25% to 30% on equity
invested during a three to five year period would be required by such potential
purchaser. Using this methodology, Morgan Stanley calculated values ranging
from $11.85 to $15.35 per share for VDI common stock.
In connection with the review of the mergers by the VDI board, Morgan
Stanley performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses for purposes
of its opinion given in connection therewith. The preparation of a fairness
opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to a partial
analysis or summary description. In arriving at its opinion, Morgan Stanley
considered the results of all of its analyses as a whole and did not attribute
any particular weight to any analysis or factor considered by it. Furthermore,
Morgan Stanley believes that selecting portions of its analysis, without
considering all its analyses, would create an incomplete view of the process
underlying its analysis and opinion. In addition, Morgan Stanley may have given
various analyses and factors more or less weight than other analyses and
factors and may have deemed various assumptions more or less probable than
other assumptions, so that the range of valuations resulting from any
particular analysis described above should therefore not be taken to be Morgan
Stanley's view of the actual value of VDI.
28
In performing its analysis, Morgan Stanley made numerous assumptions with
respect to industry performance, general business and economic conditions and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of VDI. Any estimates
contained in Morgan Stanley's analysis are not necessarily indicative of future
results or actual values, which may be significantly more or less favorable
than those suggested by such estimates. The analyses performed were prepared
solely as a part of Morgan Stanley's analysis of the fairness from financial
point of view of the consideration to be paid pursuant to the merger agreement
to the common stock holders (other than the rollover shareholders) and were
conducted in connection with the delivery of Morgan Stanley's opinion dated
December 24, 1999 to the VDI board. Morgan Stanley's analyses do not purport to
be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which shares of VDI common stock
might actually trade. The consideration to be paid pursuant to the merger
agreement was determined through arm's-length negotiations between VDI and Bain
Capital and was approved by the VDI board. Morgan Stanley did not recommend any
specific consideration to VDI management or board or that any specific
consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the mergers.
In addition, as described above, Morgan Stanley's opinion and presentation
to the VDI board was one of many factors taken into consideration by the board
in making its determination to recommend approval of the merger agreement.
Consequently, the Morgan Stanley analyses described above should not be viewed
as determinative of the opinion of the board or the view of VDI management with
the respect to the value of VDI or of whether the board would have been willing
to agree to different consideration.
Morgan Stanley is an internationally recognized investment banking and
advisory firm. Morgan Stanley, as part of its investment banking and financial
advisory business, is continuously engaged in the valuation of businesses and
their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated
underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for corporate and other
purposes. In the ordinary course of Morgan Stanley's trading and brokerage
activities, Morgan Stanley or its affiliates may at any time hold long or short
positions, trade or otherwise effect transactions, for its own account or for
the account of customers, in the securities of VDI. In the past, Morgan Stanley
has provided financial advisory and financing services on a limited basis for
Bain Capital and its affiliates and has received fees for the rendering of
these services.
Fee Arrangement
Pursuant to the provisions contained in an engagement letter dated July 9,
1999 between VDI and Morgan Stanley, VDI MultiMedia will pay to Morgan Stanley
a fee of approximately $2.7 million upon the consummation of the mergers and to
reimburse Morgan Stanley for its expenses incurred in performing its services
limited to $50,000. VDI has also agreed to indemnify Morgan Stanley and its
affiliates, their respective directors, officers, agents and employees and each
person, if any, controlling Morgan Stanley or any of its affiliates against
certain liabilities and expenses, including certain liabilities under federal
securities laws, related to or arising out of Morgan Stanley's engagement and
any related transactions.
29
Interests of Certain Persons in the Mergers; Conflicts of Interests
Certain directors and executive officers of VDI may have interests which
present them with potential conflicts of interest in connection with the
mergers. The VDI board was aware of the potential conflicts described below and
considered them in addition to the other matters described under "--Reasons for
the Mergers; Recommendations to Shareholders."
General
As part of the merger agreement, certain current directors and officers of
VDI will receive consideration as follows:
R. Luke Stefanko . will receive $2,308,760 in exchange for his existing
options to purchase shares of VDI common stock.
. entered into consulting agreement with the surviving
corporation for which he will receive $1,000 per hour, if
any, for his services.
. will, however, be required to terminate his employment
agreement, fund an escrow of $2,250,000 in favor of Merger
Sub and make a payment of $5,834,000 to Mr. Stine.
Donald R. Stine . will rollover 44,044 shares of VDI common stock into shares
of common stock of VDI Delaware.
. will have his existing 679,000 options in VDI common stock
canceled and reissued as options to purchase shares of
common stock of VDI Delaware.
. will receive stock options that vest over four years
representing approximately 1.67% of the common stock of VDI
Delaware and, subject to certain performance criteria, will
receive additional stock options that vest over ten years,
subject to accelerated vesting in certain circumstances,
representing approximately 1.67% of the common stock of VDI
Delaware.
. entered into an employment agreement with the surviving
corporation to act as President and Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to which he will receive an annual salary of
$350,000 plus a bonus based on specific targets (see "THE
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS--Donald R. Stine Employment
Agreement" on page 52).
. will be appointed to the board of directors of VDI
Delaware.
. will receive a cash payment of $5,834,000 from R. Luke
Stefanko and $4,166,000 from Julia Stefanko.
. will, however, be required to fund an escrow of $250,000 in
favor of Merger Sub.
Robert C. Semmer . will receive stock options under certain executive stock
option arrangements.
. entered into an employment agreement with the surviving
corporation to act as Executive Vice President of
Operations pursuant to which he will receive an annual
salary of $200,000 plus a bonus up to 50% of his base
salary based on specific targets (see "THE EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENTS--Robert Semmer" on page 53).
. will receive $500,992 in exchange for certain of his
existing options to purchase shares of VDI common stock.
. will have existing options to purchase 25,000 shares of VDI
common stock canceled and reissued as options to purchase
shares of VDI Delaware.
Thomas J. Ennis . will receive $176,600 in exchange for certain of his
existing options to purchase shares of VDI common stock.
. will have existing options to purchase 20,000 shares of VDI
common stock canceled and reissued as options to purchase
shares of VDI Delaware.
30
Clarke W. Brewer . will receive $354,400 in exchange for certain of his
existing options to purchase shares of VDI common stock.
. will have existing options to purchase 25,000 shares of
VDI common stock canceled and reissued as options to
purchase shares of VDI Delaware.
Fred S. Teng . will receive $120,000 in exchange for his existing
options to purchase shares of VDI common stock.
Robert S. Feuerman . will receive $120,000 in exchange for his existing
options to purchase shares of VDI common stock.
Bain Capital . will receive an advisory fee of $2.2 million in
connection with the mergers.
. will enter into an advisory agreement providing for an
annual advisory fee of $1.0 million.
Options and Common Stock
Certain members of VDI's management, including Donald R. Stine and Robert C.
Semmer, will have all or certain of their existing options to purchase VDI
common stock canceled and reissued as options to purchase shares of VDI
Delaware common stock following the mergers. These options will have an
exercise price equal to 25% of the price paid by Bain Capital for shares of
common stock of Merger Sub.
In accordance with a term sheet agreed to by Merger Sub and Donald R. Stine,
immediately following the mergers, Mr. Stine will be granted new options to
acquire shares of VDI Delaware common stock representing 9% of the total shares
of VDI Delaware common stock following the mergers on a fully diluted basis.
These options will have a nominal exercise price. In addition, these options
will become exercisable, subject to certain terms and conditions (including the
passage of time and VDI's achievement of certain performance criteria) over
periods from 4 to 10 years and may provide for the acceleration of
exercisability upon certain events.
Certain members of senior management, including Mr. Semmer, also will
receive options to acquire shares of VDI Delaware common stock following the
mergers that will have an exercise price as agreed to by the parties and other
terms similar to those provided to Mr. Stine. Mr. Stefanko will not receive
options as a result of the termination of his employment agreement.
Options to purchase 15,000 shares of VDI common stock previously issued to
each of Robert S. Feuerman and Fred S. Teng, directors of VDI, will accelerate
as a result of the mergers, and each of these directors will receive a cash
payment equal to $120,000 for his accelerated options (representing the
aggregate value of such options, based on the $15.00 purchase price, less the
aggregate exercise price for such options) upon consummation of the mergers. In
addition, options to purchase 234,000 shares of VDI common stock issued to R.
Luke Stefanko, a director and executive officer of VDI, will accelerate as a
result of the mergers, and Mr. Stefanko will receive a cash payment equal to
$2,308,760 for his accelerated options (representing the aggregate value of
such options, based on the $15.00 purchase price, less the aggregate exercise
price for such options).
Ownership of VDI Delaware
It is currently expected that members of existing management of VDI will own
approximately a % interest in VDI Delaware following the acquisition merger.
The remaining interest in VDI Delaware will be held by investment funds
associated with Bain Capital, including Bain Capital Fund VI, L.P., and certain
other co-investors.
31
Indemnification and Insurance
Following the mergers, VDI Delaware's certificate of incorporation and
bylaws will contain provisions identical to those existing prior to the
acquisition merger with respect to elimination of personal liability and to
indemnification. Such provisions will not be amended, repealed or otherwise
modified for a period of six years in any manner that would adversely affect
the rights of any person who was entitled to such protection at or prior to the
time of the acquisition merger, unless otherwise required by applicable law.
In addition, VDI has agreed to maintain for not less than six years,
directors' and officers' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance
policies on terms and conditions which are at least as favorable as those in
effect on December 24, 1999, covering events occurring prior to the mergers. In
no event will VDI Delaware be required to spend in any year more than 200% of
the annual premium paid by VDI for its coverage as of December 24, 1999.
Other Interests
Bain Capital will receive an advisory fee from VDI Delaware upon the
consummation of the mergers in the amount of $2.2 million and will reimburse
Bain Capital for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
mergers. In addition, Bain Capital will enter into an advisory agreement with
VDI Delaware pursuant to which Bain Capital will agree to render certain
management and advisory services to VDI Delaware from time to time. For these
services, the advisory agreement will provide that VDI Delaware will pay Bain
Capital an annual fee of $1.0 million and will reimburse Bain Capital for all
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Bain Capital in respect to providing such
services. In addition, the advisory agreement will provide that Bain Capital
receive a fee of 1% of the aggregate value for any acquisition, divesture or
financing by VDI Delaware. The advisory agreement will have an initial term of
10 years.
Certain Effects of the Mergers; Nasdaq National Market Delisting; Operations of
VDI Delaware After the Mergers
As a result of the mergers, investment funds associated with Bain Capital
will collectively own approximately % of VDI Delaware and, as a result, will
have the power to control the direction and policies of VDI Delaware, the
election of a majority of its directors and the outcome of any matter requiring
stockholder approval, including adopting amendments to VDI Delaware's
certificate of incorporation and approving mergers or sales of all or
substantially all of VDI Delaware's assets.
As a result of the mergers, VDI shareholders who receive only cash for their
VDI common stock and do not retain any shares will no longer have an equity
interest in VDI, and will therefore not share in any of the future earnings and
potential growth of VDI Delaware. Instead, each such VDI shareholder will have
the right to receive $15.00 in cash, without interest, for each share held.
Following the mergers, the equity investors in VDI Delaware common stock after
the mergers will have the opportunity to benefit from any earnings and growth
of VDI Delaware, and will bear the risk of any decrease in VDI Delaware's
value.
As a result of the borrowings to be incurred to finance the acquisition
merger and VDI Delaware's post-merger operations, the consolidated indebtedness
of VDI Delaware will be substantially greater than current levels. In addition,
interest rates on the new indebtedness are expected to be generally higher than
VDI's current rates and the covenants applicable to the new indebtedness are
expected to be more restrictive than current covenants. As a result, VDI
Delaware's financial and operating flexibility will be reduced.
Although an investment in VDI Delaware following the consummation of the
mergers involves substantial risk resulting from the limited liquidity of such
investment and the high debt-to-equity ratio, if the estimates made by VDI
Delaware are realized, such investment could be worth considerably more. Except
as otherwise described in this proxy statement, VDI currently expects that VDI
Delaware will initially be operated after the mergers in a manner similar to
that of VDI's current operations. See "CERTAIN FINANCIAL ESTIMATES" on page 36.
32
Upon consummation of the mergers, VDI common stock will be delisted from the
Nasdaq National Market and deregistered under the Exchange Act. In addition,
VDI does not expect that the VDI Delaware common stock will be listed or that
it will be registered under the Exchange Act after consummation of the mergers.
The deregistration of VDI and VDI Delaware common stock under the Exchange Act
will make certain of the provisions of the Exchange Act, such as the short-
swing profit recovery provisions of Section 16(b) and the requirement of
furnishing a proxy or information statement in connection with shareholder
meetings, no longer applicable.
Accounting Treatment
The acquisition merger is intended to be accounted for as a recapitalization
under generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, it is expected
that the historical basis of VDI's assets and liabilities will not be impacted
by the transaction. Treatment of the transactions as a recapitalization for
accounting purposes is not, however, a condition to the completion of the
mergers.
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion summarizes the material United States federal
income tax consequences of the reorganization merger and the acquisition merger
to VDI Delaware and the shareholders of VDI (other than the rollover
shareholders). The discussion deals only with shareholders that hold shares of
VDI's common stock as capital assets (generally, property held for investment).
The discussion does not address all aspects of federal income taxation that may
be relevant to particular shareholders in light of their personal circumstances
or to certain types of shareholders subject to special treatment under the
federal income tax laws (including certain financial institutions, broker
dealers, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, foreign persons and
persons acquiring shares of VDI's common stock pursuant to the exercise of
employee stock options or otherwise as compensation). In addition, the
discussion does not address any state, local or foreign tax consequences of any
aspect of the mergers. The discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), applicable Treasury regulations promulgated
thereunder, judicial decisions and current administrative pronouncements, all
as in effect as of the date hereof and which are subject to change at any time,
potentially with retroactive effect. No ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service will be applied for with respect to the federal income tax consequences
discussed herein and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Internal
Revenue Service will agree with the conclusions stated herein.
Although this discussion sets forth all material U.S. federal income tax
considerations generally applicable to shareholders of VDI as a consequence of
their receipt of cash pursuant to the mergers, the discussion does not address
every U.S. federal income tax concern that may be applicable to a particular
holder of VDI common stock in light of such holder's particular circumstances.
All shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the
particular tax consequences to them of the mergers and as to income tax
considerations applicable to them under state law or under the law of any other
applicable jurisdiction.
Characterization of the Mergers for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes
The merger agreement contemplates a series of transactions, which, taken as
a whole, are intended to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as (1)
an exchange of VDI common stock for stock of VDI Delaware qualifying under
Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code, (2) a sale of a portion of the VDI Delaware
stock to Bain Capital and (3) a redemption of the balance of the VDI Delaware
stock. VDI intends to report the transactions consistently with such treatment.
Tax Consequences to the VDI Shareholders (Other Than the Rollover
Shareholders)
If the mergers constitute an exchange of VDI Delaware stock for cash, the
material federal income tax consequences to the VDI shareholders (other than
the rollover shareholders) will include the following:
1. Except as provided below, no gain or loss will be recognized by the
VDI shareholders on their receipt of VDI Delaware stock, if any, in
exchange for their respective shares of VDI common stock.
33
2. Subject to the discussion in paragraph 5 below, the tax basis of the
shares of VDI Delaware, if any, received by each shareholder in such
exchange will be the same as such shareholder's tax basis in the stock of
VDI exchanged therefor, and the holding period of the VDI Delaware stock in
the hands of each shareholder will include the holding period of such
shareholder's VDI stock.
3. The federal income tax treatment of the cash received upon the
acquisition merger depends upon whether the VDI Delaware stock is deemed to
have been sold to Bain Capital or redeemed by VDI Delaware. There is no
authority directly addressing the method of allocating the proceeds
received by a VDI shareholder between the portion treated as received from
Bain Capital and the portion treated as received from VDI Delaware. VDI
intends to take the position that (a) the percentage of VDI Delaware shares
disposed of by shareholders that will be treated as if sold to Bain Capital
will be equal to (i) the cash consideration provided by Bain Capital in the
acquisition merger divided by (ii) the aggregate amount of cash paid to the
VDI shareholders in exchange for their shares of VDI Delaware pursuant to
the acquisition merger, and that (b) the remainder of the shares of VDI
Delaware disposed of by a shareholder in exchange for cash will be treated
as redeemed by VDI Delaware. However, the Internal Revenue Service could
determine such percentage under a different approach or could treat all of
the cash paid to the shareholders as having been paid by VDI Delaware, and,
in such event, the shareholders' tax consequence would be as described in
paragraph 5, below.
4. Shareholders will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the
difference between (i) the portion of the total cash consideration that is
deemed to be received from Bain Capital and (ii) the shareholder's adjusted
tax basis for the shares of VDI Delaware (as determined under paragraph 2
above) deemed sold to Bain Capital by such shareholder. Such gain or loss
will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares of VDI Delaware were
held for more than one year (as determined under paragraph 2 above), and if
recognized by individual shareholders will be subject to a maximum federal
income tax rate of 20%. There are limitations on the deductibility of
capital losses.
5. In addition to the gain or loss described in paragraph 4 above,
subject to the discussion below, each shareholder generally will recognize
either capital gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the portion
of the total cash consideration that is deemed to be received from VDI
Delaware in the deemed redemption and (ii) the shareholder's adjusted tax
basis in such shares (as determined under paragraph 2 above). A shareholder
of VDI who is not related to any rollover shareholder and who has no direct
or indirect interest in Bain Capital should derive the gain or loss
treatment (i.e., from an exchange) described in the preceding sentence. A
shareholder who is related to a rollover shareholder or who has a direct or
indirect interest in Bain Capital will derive such gain or loss treatment
if the deemed redemption by VDI Delaware meets the requirements of Code
Section 302(b). Under Code Section 302(b), cash received will be treated as
a payment in exchange for shares if the payment completely terminates the
shareholder's direct and indirect interest in VDI Delaware, if there is a
"substantially disproportionate" reduction in the equity ownership of the
shareholder in VDI Delaware, or if the payment is deemed to be "not
essentially equivalent to a dividend." For purposes of certain of these
tests, shareholders must take into account not only shares they actually
own, but also shares they are deemed to own under the constructive
ownership rules of Code Section 318. For those shareholders who do not meet
the requirements of Code Section 302 with respect to stock deemed to have
been redeemed by VDI Delaware, the amount received will be treated as a
distribution taxable as ordinary income to the extent of VDI's and VDI
Delaware's earnings and profits and, thereafter, as in exchange for the VDI
Delaware shares. Because the complex rules under Code Section 302 and Code
Section 318 apply on a shareholder-by-shareholders basis, shareholders
should consult with their individual tax advisors to determine whether a
deemed sale of their shares would be impacted by the limitations of Code
Section 302 on capital gain treatment.
6. VDI shareholders who exercise dissenters' rights under applicable
state law will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the
proceeds received in connection with such rights and the shareholders'
stock basis, with such capital gain or loss treated as described above.
34
Tax Consequences to VDI Delaware
VDI Delaware will not recognize any gain or loss upon the receipt of the VDI
stock in exchange for the issuance of its own stock.
Backup Withholding Tax
Under certain circumstances, U.S. persons (as defined under Section 7701 of
the Code) may be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 31% on payments
made with respect to, or cash proceeds of a sale or exchange of a capital
asset. Backup withholding will apply only if the holder (1) fails to furnish
his or her taxpayer identification number, or TIN (which, for an individual,
would be his or her Social Security Number), (2) furnishes an incorrect TIN,
(3) is notified by the Internal Revenue Service that he or she has failed
properly to report payments of interest and dividends or is otherwise subject
to backup withholding or (4) under certain circumstances, fails to certify,
under penalties of perjury, that he or she has furnished a correct TIN and (a)
that he or she has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that he or
she is subject to backup withholding for failure to report interest and
dividend payments or (b) that he or she has been notified by the Internal
Revenue Service that he or she is no longer subject to backup withholding.
Backup withholding will not apply with respect to payments made to certain
exempt recipients, such as corporations and tax-exempt organizations.
U.S. persons should consult their own tax advisors regarding their
qualifications for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for
obtaining such an exemption. Backup withholding is not an additional tax.
Rather, the amount of any backup withholding with respect to a payment to a
U.S. person will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. person's United States
federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. person to a refund,
provided that required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue
Service.
Additional issues may arise pertaining to information reporting and backup
withholding for VDI shareholders who are not U.S. persons. Non-U.S. persons
should consult their tax advisors with regard to U.S. information reporting and
backup withholding.
Shareholders Should Seek Their Own Tax Advice
The preceding is a brief summary of the tax considerations potentially
affecting VDI shareholders and VDI Delaware. This discussion is based on the
current state of the law, which is subject to legislative, administrative or
judicial actions, which may apply retroactively. Moreover, the discussion does
not address considerations that may adversely affect the treatment of certain
shareholders (including certain financial institutions, broker dealers,
insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, foreign persons and persons
acquiring shares of VDI's common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee
stock options or otherwise as compensation). In these circumstances, and
particularly because the ultimate tax impact may vary depending upon the
personal circumstances of each investor. ALL SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR
OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE TAX ASPECTS OF THE MERGERS.
35
CERTAIN FINANCIAL ESTIMATES
In connection with solicitation of preliminary indications of interest, VDI
provided a Confidential Information Memorandum dated August 1999 to interested
parties, which contained certain nonpublic estimates reflecting the possible
future performance of VDI. Thereafter, in connection with discussions with
parties conducting due diligence of VDI after having expressed preliminary
indications of interest, management discussed the material assumptions
underlying these estimates, and that there was no assurance that the estimates
could be achieved or that such assumptions would be realized.
The material assumptions underlying these estimates were that:
--there would be additional acquisitions made during such periods, although
management has no agreement or understanding with any third party to enter into
any such acquisitions;
--revenues would grow at an annual rate of 14.5% to 16.6% between 2000 and
2003, although without acquisitions, revenue growth could reasonably be
expected to be between 5% to 10% per annum;
--gross margins would increase from their historical rate of 39% in 1996,
1997 and 1998 to 47% in 1999 to 55.8% in 2003, reflecting the impact of
substantial revenue growth, acquisitions and penetration of new businesses,
including high definition television, DVD services, electronic distribution and
E-commerce, all of which would require substantial investment and as to which
there was no assurance of success.
The estimates provided to Merger Sub were not updated in light of subsequent
developments after August 1999, including VDI's reporting of revenues of $
million for the year (compared to the 1999 estimate of $80.4 million), gross
margins of % (compared to the 1999 estimate of 47.1%) and EBITDA of $
million (compared to the 1999 estimate of $26.3 million). VDI believes that
neither Merger Sub nor any of the other parties which conducted due diligence,
relied on the estimates included in the Confidential Information Memorandum.
The inclusion of these estimates should not be regarded as an indication
that Merger Sub or VDI or their respective financial advisors considered or
consider them to be a reliable prediction of future events, and they should not
be relied upon as such. None of VDI, Merger Sub or any of their financial
advisors intends to update or otherwise revise these estimates to reflect
circumstances existing after the date when they were made or to reflect the
occurrence of future events even in the event that any or all of the
assumptions underlying these estimates are shown to be in error.
Projected Fiscal Year
-----------------------------------------------
1999/(1)/ 2000 2001 2002 2003
--------- ------- -------- -------- --------
(amounts in thousands)
Revenues....................... $80,442 $92,113 $107,384 $124,342 $144,693
% Growth..................... 34.7% 14.5% 16.6% 15.8% 16.4%
Gross Profit................... 37,888 46,886 57,114 68,285 80,808
% of Revenues................ 47.1% 50.9% 53.2% 54.9% 55.8%
EBITDA......................... $26,305 $35,493 $ 44,930 $ 54,304 $ 64,777
% of Revenues................ 32.7% 38.5% 41.8% 43.7% 44.8%
Net Income..................... $11,343 $16,567 $ 22,320 $ 28,260 $ 35,289
% of Revenues................ 14.1% 18.0% 20.8% 22.7% 24.4%
Capital Expenditures........... 5,469 9,500 11,000 5,500 6,000
- --------
Note: (1) Adjusted for cost savings resulting from Dubs acquisition and one-
time charges and deducting salary paid to controlling shareholder.
VDI does not usually publicly disclose estimates of future revenues,
earnings or other financial information. These estimates were not prepared with
a view towards public disclosure, and investors should not rely on them. VDI is
not including these estimates in this proxy statement to influence your vote
with respect to
36
the reorganization merger or the merger agreement but because these estimates
were made available to Bain Capital and other interested parties in August 1999
at the outset of the auction process. These estimates were based on numerous
variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain and may be beyond the
control of VDI's management. In particular, the estimates may be affected by
the assumptions set forth above and our ability to achieve strategic goals,
objectives and targets over the applicable periods. These assumptions involved
judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and
regulatory conditions, financial market conditions and future business
decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and
many of which are beyond our control or, after the mergers, VDI Delaware's
control. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those set
forth in the estimates. In addition, the estimates were not prepared with a
view to use in this proxy statement or compliance with published guidelines of
the Securities and Exchange Commission, the guidelines established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and
presentation of financial projections, or generally accepted accounting
principles, and in the opinion of VDI's counsel are included in this proxy
statement only because they were provided to Bain Capital.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, VDI's independent accountants, has neither examined
nor compiled these estimates and accordingly, PricewaterhouseCoopers does not
express an opinion on or provide any other form of assurance with respect to
them. The PricewaterhouseCoopers report incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement relates to VDI's historical financial information. It does not extend
to the estimates and should not be read to do so. None of VDI or its
subsidiaries, VDI's advisors, agents or representatives, VDI's board, Bain
Capital or any of Bain Capital's advisors, agents or representatives assumes
any responsibility for the accuracy of these estimates, nor do they assume any
obligation to update or revise these estimates. In the past, we have made
estimates which we did not achieve. Shareholders are cautioned not to rely on
the estimates.
Following the merger, VDI expects VDI Delaware to continue VDI's strategy of
growth through acquisitions of various companies in the fragmented post
production industry and achieving synergies through the impact of economies of
scale and elimination of redundant personnel. During the three years ended
December 31, 1999, VDI completed seven acquisitions, resulting in an increase
of revenues from approximately $40.8 million in 1997 to approximately $80.4
million in 1999. VDI currently has no agreement, understanding or commitment to
acquire any other company or business and, according to the terms of the merger
agreement, VDI may not acquire or agree to acquire another business without the
approval of Merger Sub. The above estimates assume that we are able to complete
one or more future acquisitions. In addition, following the mergers, VDI
expects VDI Delaware to invest heavily in capital expenditures, primarily to
enter the high definition television business. Projected capital expenditures
are expected to be approximately $9.5 million in 2000 and $11 million in 2001.
There is no assurance that VDI will achieve satisfactory returns from such
capital expenditures.
Bain Capital has identified the post production industry as an area for
additional investments and acquisitions and believes that it has attractive
consolidation economics. Towards that end, Bain Capital has had discussions
with and evaluated a number of post production companies for possible
acquisition, including VDI. Following the merger, both VDI and Bain Capital
expect to continue the strategy of growth through acquisitions of various
companies in the fragmented post production industry and achieving synergies
through the impact of economies of scale and other operating synergies.
THE MERGERS
The following summary of the material terms and provisions of the merger
agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement,
which is incorporated herein by reference and, with the exception of certain
schedules and exhibits, is attached as Appendix A to this document.
Merger Consideration
Reorganization Merger Consideration
As a result of the reorganization merger, each issued and outstanding share
of VDI common stock prior to the reorganization merger (other than those as to
which the holders are entitled to and have perfected their dissenters rights)
will be converted into one share of common stock of VDI Delaware.
37
Acquisition Merger Consideration
Subject to the provisions described in this Proxy Statement with respect to
dissenting shares and shares owned by VDI Delaware and the rollover
shareholders, each issued and outstanding share of VDI Delaware common stock
will be converted into the right to receive $15.00 in cash.
Conversion/Retention of Shares; Procedures for Exchange of Certificates
Reorganization Merger
Your shares of common stock of VDI Delaware will be represented and
evidenced by the same stock certificates that previously represented shares of
VDI common stock.
Acquisition Merger
The conversion of shares of VDI Delaware common stock into the right to
receive cash will occur at the effective time of the acquisition merger.
As soon as practicable after the effective time of the acquisition merger,
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, VDI's exchange agent will send a
letter of transmittal to each holder of VDI Delaware common stock. The letter
of transmittal will contain instructions with respect to the surrender of
certificates representing shares of VDI Delaware common stock in exchange for
the cash merger consideration.
You should not forward stock certificates to the exchange agent until you
have received the letter of transmittal.
As soon as practicable after the effective time of the acquisition merger
and once you surrender your outstanding certificates representing shares of VDI
Delaware common stock to the exchange agent and the exchange agent accepts
those certificates, you will be entitled to receive the merger consideration.
The exchange agent will accept such certificates upon compliance with such
reasonable terms and conditions as the exchange agent may impose to effect an
orderly exchange in accordance with normal exchange practices. After the
effective time of the reorganization merger, there will be no further transfer
on the records of VDI or its transfer agent of certificates representing shares
of stock which have converted pursuant to the reorganization merger. After the
effective time of the acquisition merger, there will be no further transfer on
the records of VDI Delaware or its transfer agent of certificates representing
shares of stock which have been converted pursuant to the acquisition merger.
If such certificates are presented to VDI or VDI Delaware for transfer, they
will be canceled against delivery of the cash merger consideration. Until
surrendered as contemplated by the merger agreement, each certificate for
shares of VDI common stock will be deemed at any time after the effective time
of the acquisition merger to represent only the right to receive upon such
surrender the acquisition consideration contemplated by the merger agreement.
No interest will be paid or will accrue on any cash payable as consideration in
the acquisition merger.
No dividends or other distributions with respect to retained VDI common
stock or VDI Delaware common stock with a record date after the effective time
of the acquisition merger will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered
certificate for shares of VDI common stock or VDI Delaware common stock with
respect to the shares of retained VDI common stock or VDI Delaware common stock
represented thereby until the surrender of such certificate in accordance with
the merger agreement. Subject to the effect of applicable laws, following
surrender of any such certificate, there will be paid to the holder of the
certificate representing whole shares of retained VDI common stock issued in
connection with such certificates, without interest, at the time of such
surrender or as promptly as practicable thereafter, the amount of any cash to
which such holder is entitled pursuant to the merger agreement.
38
Rollover Shareholders
The VDI shareholders who rollover their shares of common stock will receive
shares of common stock of VDI Delaware, as the surviving corporation in the
acquisition merger, in exchange for each share of VDI common stock rolled over.
These rollover shareholders as a group, are expected to own between 5% and 10%
of VDI Delaware. Donald R. Stine, VDI's president, has agreed to rollover his
equity (including shares and options to purchase shares) in VDI. In accordance
with the merger agreement, Merger Sub may designate other existing VDI
shareholders to rollover their shares of VDI common stock at any time prior to
the effective time of the reorganization merger subject to the following
limitations:
1. the aggregate number of shares being rolled over may not exceed 10% of
VDI Delaware's outstanding common stock; and
2. without VDI's prior written consent, the rollover shareholders may not
include any affiliate of VDI other than Donald R. Stine, Robert Semmer
or any other executive officer of VDI (who does not otherwise serve on
the VDI board of directors).
No VDI shareholder other than members of management and certain
institutional holders are expected to be designated as rollover shareholders.
Merger Sub intends to obtain rollover equity investments in VDI Delaware in an
amount sufficient to allow the acquisition merger to be accounted for as a
recapitalization under generally accepted accounting principals. Treatment of
the transaction as a recapitalization for accounting purposes is not, however,
a condition to the completion of the mergers.
Governmental and Regulatory Approval
Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Improvements Act of 1996, or "HSR Act," and the
rules promulgated thereunder by the Federal Trade Commission, or "FTC," certain
acquisition transactions may not be completed until notifications have been
given and certain information has been furnished to the FTC and the Antitrust
Division of the Department of Justice and specified waiting period requirements
have been satisfied. VDI and Merger Sub have concluded that the acquisition
merger is subject to the notification and reporting requirements of the HSR Act
and are currently preparing the required filing materials. At any time before
or after consummation of the acquisition merger, the Antitrust Division, the
FTC or state attorneys' general could take such action under the antitrust laws
as they deem necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking
to enjoin the consummation of the merger. Private parties may also seek to take
legal action under the antitrust laws under certain circumstances.
Based on the information available to them, VDI and Merger Sub believe that
the mergers can be effected in compliance with federal and state antitrust
laws. However, there is no assurance that a challenge to the consummation of
the mergers on antitrust grounds will not be made or that, if such challenge
were made, VDI and Merger Sub would prevail or would not be required to accept
certain conditions, including the divestitures of certain assets, in order to
consummate the mergers.
Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal
The rights of shareholders of VDI to dissent from approval of the
reorganization merger and demand payment for their shares are governed by
Chapter 13 of the California General Corporation Law, or "CGCL," the full text
of which is reprinted as Appendix C to this proxy statement. The summary of
these rights set forth below is not intended to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to Appendix C.
Although shareholders of VDI will have dissenters' rights with respect to
the reorganization merger, they will have no dissenters' rights with respect to
the acquisition merger.
Under the CGCL, shareholders of VDI will not have any dissenters' rights
with respect to the reorganization merger unless demands for payment are duly
filed with respect to five percent (5%) or more of
39
the outstanding shares of VDI common stock. If the holders of five percent (5%)
or more of the outstanding shares of VDI common stock duly file demands for
payment and fully comply with Chapter 13 of the CGCL, they will have the right
to be paid in cash the fair market value of their shares, which may be lower
than the $15.00 offered pursuant to the merger agreement, in accordance with
Chapter 13 of the CGCL.
Under the CGCL, "fair market value" is determined as of the day before the
first announcement of the terms of the proposed transaction, excluding any
appreciation or depreciation as a consequence of the transaction, but adjusted
for any stock split, reverse stock split, or share dividend which becomes
effective thereafter. If the parties are unable to agree on a fair market
value, the dissenting shareholder may request the Superior Court for Los
Angeles County to determine the fair market value of the shares. The court's
decision would be subject to appellate review.
The terms of the proposed transaction were initially publicly announced on
December 27, 1998. On December 23, 1999, the last full trading day prior to the
public announcement of the proposed transaction, the reported closing price of
VDI common stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $12.25 per share. On that
day, the high and low sales prices for VDI common stock were $12.625 and
$11.75, respectively.
Dissenters' rights cannot be validly exercised by persons other than
shareholders of record regardless of the beneficial ownership of the shares.
Persons who are beneficial owners of shares held of record by another person,
such as a broker, a bank or a nominee, should instruct the record holder to
follow the procedures outlined below if such beneficial owners wish to dissent
from the approval of the reorganization merger.
As described more fully below, in order to perfect their dissenters' rights,
shareholders of record must: (1) make written demand for the purchase of their
dissenting shares to VDI or its transfer agent on or before the date of the
special meeting, (2) vote their dissenting shares against approval of the
reorganization merger, and (3) within 30 days after the mailing to shareholders
by VDI of notice of approval of the reorganization merger, submit the
certificates representing their dissenting shares to VDI or its transfer agent,
for notation on such certificates that they represent dissenting shares.
Failure to follow any of these procedures may result in the loss of statutory
dissenters' rights.
Demand for Purchase
Dissenting shareholders of VDI must submit to VDI at its principal office,
7083 Hollywood Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Hollywood, California 90028, Attention:
Clarke W. Brewer, Chief Financial Officer, or to its transfer agent, American
Stock Transfer and Trust, a written demand that VDI purchase for cash those
shares with respect to which they wish to act as dissenting shareholders.
The demand must state the number and class of shares held of record which
the shareholder demands to be purchased and the amount claimed to be the "fair
market value" of those shares on December 26, 1999. That statement of fair
market value will constitute an offer by the dissenting shareholder to sell
such shares at that price. Such demand will not be effective unless it is
received by not later than the date of the special meeting.
Dissenting shareholders may not withdraw their demand for payment without
the consent of the VDI Board. The rights of dissenting shareholders to demand
payment terminate (1) if the reorganization merger is abandoned (although
dissenting shareholders are entitled upon demand in such a circumstance to
reimbursement of expenses incurred in a good faith assertion of their
dissenters' rights), (2) if the shares are transferred prior to submission for
endorsement as dissenting shares, or (3) if VDI and the dissenting shareholders
do not agree upon the status of the shares as dissenting shares or upon the
purchase price, and neither files a complaint or intervenes in a pending action
within six months after the date on which notice of approval of the
reorganization merger was mailed to the shareholders.
No shareholder who has a right to demand payment in cash of the "fair market
value" for such shareholder's shares will have any right to attack the validity
of the reorganization merger or have the
40
reorganization merger set aside or rescinded, except in an action to test
whether VDI has received the affirmative vote of the number of shares required
to approve the reorganization merger.
Vote Against Approval of the Reorganization Merger
Dissenting shareholders must vote their dissenting shares against approval
of the reorganization merger. Record shareholders may vote part of the shares
that they are entitled to vote in favor of the reorganization merger or abstain
from voting a part of such shares without jeopardizing their dissenters' rights
as to other share. However, if record shareholders vote part of the shares they
are entitled to vote in favor of the reorganization merger and fail to specify
the number of shares they are so voting, it is conclusively presumed under
California law that their approving vote is with respect to all shares that
they are entitled to vote. Voting against the reorganization merger will not of
itself, absent compliance with the provisions of Chapter 13 of the CGCL
summarized herein, satisfy the requirement of the CGCL for exercise and
perfection of dissenters' rights.
Notice of Approval
If shareholders have a right to require VDI to purchase their shares in cash
for the "fair market value" thereof under the dissenters' rights provisions of
the CGCL, VDI Delaware on behalf of VDI will mail to each such shareholder a
notice of approval of the reorganization merger within ten days after the date
of shareholder approval, stating the price determined by it to represent the
"fair market value" of the dissenting shares. The statement of price will
constitute an offer to purchase any dissenting shares at that price.
Submission of Stock Certificates
Within 30 days after the mailing of the notice of approval of the
reorganization merger, dissenting shareholders must submit to VDI Delaware on
behalf of VDI or its transfer agent, at the address set forth above,
certificates representing the dissenting shares to be purchased, to be stamped
or endorsed with a statement that the shares are dissenting shares or are to be
exchanged for certificates of appropriate denomination so stamped or endorsed.
The notice of approval of the reorganization merger will specify the date by
which the submission of certificates for endorsement must be made and a
submission made after that date will not be effective for any purpose.
Purchase of Dissenting Shares
If a dissenting shareholder and VDI Delaware on behalf of VDI agree that the
shares are dissenting shares and agree upon the price of the shares, VDI
Delaware will, upon surrender of the certificates, make payment of that amount,
plus interest on such amount at the legal rate on judgments from the date of
such agreement, within 30 days after the agreement on price. Any agreement
between dissenting shareholders and VDI Delaware as behalf of VDI fixing the
"fair market value" of any dissenting shares must be filed with the Corporate
Secretary of VDI Delaware on behalf of VDI.
If VDI Delaware on behalf of VDI denies that the shares are dissenting
shares, or VDI Delaware on behalf of VDI and a dissenting shareholder fail to
agree upon the "fair market value" of the shares, the dissenting shareholder
may, within six months after the date on which notice of approval of the
reorganization merger was mailed to the shareholder, but not thereafter, file a
complaint, or intervene in a pending action, if any, in the Superior Court for
Los Angeles County, State of California, requesting that the Superior Court
determine whether the shares are dissenting shares and the "fair market value"
of such dissenting shares. The Superior Court may determine, or appoint one or
more impartial appraisers to determine, the "fair market value" per share of
the dissenting shares. The costs of the action, including reasonable
compensation to the appraisers to be fixed by the court, will be assessed or
apportioned as the Superior Court considers equitable, but if the "fair market
value" is determined to exceed the price offered to the shareholder by VDI,
then VDI Delaware on behalf of VDI will be required to pay such costs
(including, in the discretion of the Superior Court, attorneys'
41
fees, fees of expert witnesses and interest at the legal rate on judgments, if
such "fair market value" is determined to exceed 125% of the price offered by
VDI). A dissenting shareholder must bring this action within six months after
the date on which notice of approval of the reorganization merger was mailed to
the shareholder whether or not the corporation responds within such time to the
shareholder's written demand that VDI purchase in cash for "the fair market
value" shares voted against the approval of the reorganization merger.
Treatment of Options
At the effective time of the reorganization merger, VDI Delaware will assume
all of VDI's obligations with respect to any then-outstanding options to
acquire shares of VDI common stock, including under the 1996 Stock Incentive
Plan of VDI Media, as amended. After consummation of the reorganization merger,
each holder of an outstanding option to acquire shares of common stock of VDI
immediately prior to the reorganization merger will have the right to acquire,
on the same terms and conditions that were applicable under the corresponding
VDI option, the number of shares of VDI Delaware common stock identical to the
number of shares of VDI common stock that were subject to such corresponding
option at the same price applicable to the respective shares of VDI common
stock that were subject to such corresponding option.
After consummation of the acquisition merger, each outstanding option to
acquire VDI Delaware common stock will be adjusted to reflect the capital
structure of VDI Delaware to the extent of, and in accordance with, the terms
of the applicable option plans or agreements under which such options were
granted. However, to the extent that a holder of an option agrees in writing,
at the effective time of the acquisition merger, each outstanding option to
acquire shares of VDI Delaware common stock held by such holder will either (1)
be canceled and replaced with the right to receive a cash payment equal to the
excess of $15.00 over the exercise price per share of VDI Delaware common stock
previously subject to such option or (2) canceled and converted into an option
to acquire common stock of VDI Delaware with such terms so as to retain the
equity value of such option at the effective time of the acquisition merger
(i.e. the difference is between the exercise price and $15.00 per share).
Board of Directors and Officers of VDI Delaware Following the Mergers
The merger agreement provides that the directors of Merger Sub and the
officers of VDI Delaware will continue as the directors and officers,
respectively, of the surviving corporation. Joseph J. Pretlow and Blair Ford
are the directors of Merger Sub. After the effective time of the acquisition
merger, the board of directors of Merger Sub will be subject to change from
time to time. According to the terms of Donald R. Stine's employment agreement,
Merger Sub has agreed to nominate, and use its best efforts to elect, Mr. Stine
as a member of its board of directors during his employment. Upon termination
of his employment, Mr. Stine has agreed to resign as a director. See "THE
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS -- Donald R. Stine Employment Agreement" on page 54.
The directors of VDI are presently R. Luke Stefanko, Donald R. Stine, Thomas
J. Ennis, Robert S. Feuerman and Fred S. Teng. Other than Mr. Stine, none of
the existing directors will be directors of VDI Delaware upon consummation of
the mergers.
We have provided information regarding the directors of Merger Sub after the
mergers:
Donald R. Stine
Donald R. Stine is the President and Secretary of VDI. From 1994 to 1999, he
was VDI's Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Stine became a director in May 1996. Mr.
Stine was a Director of Finance for The Walt Disney Company from 1989 to 1994.
Mr. Stine is a director of Sight Effects, Inc., a special effects and computer
animation company based in Santa Monica, California. Mr. Stine is a general
partner and managing director of Cahill Venture Capital, LLC, a venture capital
fund company and is chairman of the board of directors of Industry Aspect, LLC,
a technology consulting firm based in San Francisco, California.
42
Joseph Pretlow
Joseph Pretlow joined Bain Capital in 1992 and has been Managing Director of
Bain Capital since 1999. Mr. Pretlow also serves as a director of Artisan
Entertainment, Inc., a leading independent film studio, Labtec, Inc., a leading
developer and marketer of multimedia peripherals for the personal computer and
workstation industries, Anthony Crane Rental Holdings, L.P., the largest crane
rental company in the United States, as well as a number of other privately-
held companies.
Blair Ford
Blair Ford joined Bain Capital in 1995 and has been an associate with the
firm since 1996. Prior to joining Bain Capital, Mr. Ford was an investment
banker with Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated from 1993 to 1995.
Other Information Regarding Directors and Executive Officers
Information concerning directors and executive officers of VDI and executive
compensation is contained in VDI's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and is incorporated herein by
reference. See "WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION" on page 75.
Acquisition Merger Financing
General
The total amount of funds necessary to finance the mergers and related
transactions is expected to be approximately $193 million. These funds are
expected to come from the following sources: (1) an equity investment made by
Bain Capital Fund VI, other related investment funds and certain co-investors
of $85.8 million, (2) a rollover equity investment on the part of certain
management in an amount to be determined, (3) a rollover equity investment by
certain other existing shareholders in an amount sufficient to allow the
acquisition merger to be accounted for as a recapitalization under generally
accepted accounting principles, (4) borrowings by VDI Delaware of approximately
$82.2 million under a senior secured credit facility described below and (5)
the issuance by VDI Delaware of $25 million of senior subordinated notes with
terms as described below. The actual amount of the equity investment to be made
by the Bain Capital funds will be reduced by the size of the equity rollover.
Bain Capital has obtained a commitment from Credit Suisse First Boston to
provide VDI Delaware with a senior secured credit facility in an aggregate
amount of $110 million. This senior secured credit facility will be comprised
of (1) a $65 million term facility maturing seven years from the closing date
of the mergers and (2) $40 million revolving credit facility maturing five
years from the closing date of the mergers. The revolving credit facility will
have a sublimit available for the issuance of letters of credit.
VDI Delaware will be the borrower under the senior secured credit facility
and all existing and subsequently acquired/organized domestic subsidiaries of
VDI Delaware will guarantee the senior secured credit facility. In addition,
the senior secured credit facility will be secured by (1) substantially all of
the assets of VDI Delaware and its existing and subsequently acquired/organized
domestic subsidiaries and (2) a pledge of all of the capital stock of such
domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of VDI Delaware's material
foreign subsidiaries.
The interest rates under the senior secured credit facility will be, at VDI
Delaware's option, either (1) the Base Rate (higher of the prime lending rate
or of 1% in excess of the Federal funds effective rate) plus a margin or (2)
Adjusted LIBOR plus a margin. The initial margin on the loan made under the
term facility will be 3% for the Base Rate and 4% for Adjusted LIBOR, and the
initial margin on the loan made under the revolving credit facility will be
2.5% for the Base Rate and 3.5% for Adjusted LIBOR. These margins will vary
according to a pricing grid which has yet to be determined, but that will be
based upon VDI Delaware's consolidated leverage ratio.
43
The documents for the senior secured credit facility will contain
affirmative, negative and financial covenants and events of default customary
for credit facilities of a size and type similar to the senior secured credit
facility and the funding thereunder will be subject to numerous customary terms
and conditions.
Senior Subordinated Notes Financing
Bain Capital has obtained a commitment from Sankaty High Yield Asset
Partners, L.P., an affiliate of Bain Capital, pursuant to which Sankaty High
Yield Asset Partners, L.P. has agreed to purchase from VDI Delaware up to $25
million of senior subordinated notes to assist in financing of the acquisition
merger and related transactions. The proceeds from these senior subordinated
notes will be made available to VDI Delaware, as borrower. The senior
subordinated notes will be guaranteed by each of the domestic subsidiaries of
VDI Delaware that guarantees the senior secured credit facility. The senior
subordinated notes will mature on the eighth anniversary of the closing of the
mergers.
The senior subordinated notes will bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum
of cash pay interest plus an additional 3% per annum of pay-in-kind interest,
payable quarterly in arrears until maturity. In addition, if VDI Delaware fails
to meet its financial plan that will be delivered to Sankaty High Yield Asset
Partners, L.P. on or prior to the closing of the mergers to the lenders under
the senior secured credit facility, an additional 3% per annum of pay-in-kind
interest will also accrue on the senior subordinated notes. The senior
subordinated notes will have affirmative and negative covenants and events of
default customary for a facility of a similar size and type and the funding
thereunder will be subject to numerous customary terms and conditions.
The holders of senior subordinated notes will receive warrants to purchase
4.5% of the common stock of VDI Delaware. The exercise price of warrants
representing 2.5% of each class of fully diluted equity of VDI Delaware as of
the closing of the mergers, will have a nominal exercise price, the exercise
price of 1% of each class of fully diluted equity of VDI Delaware as of the
closing of the mergers will have an exercise price equal to three times the
value at which such equity is purchased by equity investors in connection with
the mergers and the remaining 1% will have an exercise price equal to five
times the value at which equity is purchased by equity investors in connection
with the mergers. The expiration date of these warrants will be the tenth
anniversary of the closing of the mergers. The warrants will have other terms
customary for an investment of this type, such as piggy back registration
rights, tag-along rights and anti-dilution provisions.
Estimated Fees and Costs
VDI Delaware expects to pay reasonable fees and expenses in connection with
the mergers in an amount not to exceed $14 million. The financing commitment by
Credit Suisse First Boston is subject, among other conditions, to estimated
fees and costs in connection with the transaction not exceeding $14 million.
The estimated fees and costs in connection with the mergers, the related
financing and related transactions, are estimated as follows:
Financial advisory fees.......................................... $2,764,000
Financing fees................................................... 7,200,000
Legal fees....................................................... 3,000,000
Accounting fees.................................................. 225,000
Printing and mailing fees........................................ 100,000
SEC filing fees.................................................. 30,000
Other regulatory filing fees..................................... 50,000
Miscellaneous.................................................... 621,000
----------
Total............................................................ 14,000,000
The merger agreement generally sets forth the amount of expenses which may
be incurred by VDI and VDI Delaware in connection with the transactions without
the consent of Bain Capital, subject to certain
44
exceptions. The amounts set forth in the foregoing table include the estimated
expenses of VDI, VDI Delaware and Merger Sub in connection with the
transactions.
Arrangements to Repay Borrowings
After the mergers are consummated, VDI Delaware plans to rely principally on
cash flow from operations to meet its debt service requirements.
Conditions to the Financing
The funding of the senior secured credit facility and the senior
subordinated notes are each subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions
for debt financings, including, without limitation, the following:
(1) preparation, execution and delivery of definitive documentation in
connection with the senior secured facility and the senior subordinated
notes and warrants;
(2) satisfaction with the material terms and conditions of the
agreements related to the mergers;
(3) no (x) general suspension of trading in securities on the New York
or American Stock Exchange or in the Nasdaq National Market System (other
than circuit breakers), (y) declaration of a banking moratorium or any
suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United States or (z)
material adverse change in banking or capital markets conditions that has a
material adverse effect on the syndication of leveraged bank credit
facilities or high yield offerings that makes it impracticable to
successfully syndicate the senior secured credit facility or consummate the
closing of the senior subordinated notes;
(4) delivery of appropriate financial statements of VDI and its
subsidiaries, including those statements covering the three fiscal-year
periods most recently ended and delivery of appropriate projections;
(5) payment of fees and expenses;
(6) closing of the mergers prior to April 30, 2000; and
(7) since December 31, 1998, the absence of one or more events, changes
or conditions which would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on (x) the business, results of operations, financial condition or
prospects of VDI and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or (y) the validity
or enforceability of any of the documents entered into in connection with
the mergers or any of the related transactions, including the senior
secured credit facility or the senior subordinated notes and warrants.
45
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The merger agreement contemplates the acquisition of control of VDI and VDI
Delaware by investment funds associated with Bain Capital, the rollover
shareholders and certain other co-investors. This section of the document
describes material provisions of the merger agreement. Because the description
of the merger agreement in this document is a summary, it does not contain all
the information that may be important to you and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to the merger agreement. You should read carefully the entire copy
of the merger agreement attached as Appendix A to this document before you
decide how to vote.
The Mergers
The merger agreement requires that VDI shareholders approve the
reorganization merger by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
VDI common stock entitled to vote on the reorganization merger. Subject to the
terms of the merger agreement, following receipt of this approval and the
satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions to the mergers, VDI will
consummate the reorganization merger followed by the acquisition merger.
In the reorganization merger, VDI will merge with and into VDI Delaware with
VDI Delaware surviving the reorganization merger. VDI Delaware is a Delaware
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of VDI. As a result of the
reorganization, VDI shareholders will become stockholders of VDI Delaware. In
the acquisition merger, Merger Sub will merge with and into VDI Delaware with
VDI Delaware surviving the acquisition merger. Merger Sub is currently wholly
owned by an investment fund associated with Bain Capital.
As a result of the mergers, VDI Delaware will be owned by investment funds
associated with Bain Capital, the rollover shareholders and certain other co-
investors. VDI anticipates that the mergers will occur as promptly as
practicable after the VDI special meeting assuming the approval of the
reorganization merger and the merger agreement by the VDI shareholders.
You may find more information regarding the merger consideration in the
following sections of this Proxy Statement: "THE MERGERS--Acquisition Merger
Consideration" on page 37 and "--Conversion/Retention of Shares; Procedures for
Exchange of Certificates" on page 38.
You may find information regarding the treatment in the mergers of
outstanding VDI stock options under "THE MERGERS--Treatment of Options" on page
41.
Closing of the Mergers; Effective Time of the Mergers; Surviving Corporations
Closing of the Mergers
Unless the parties agree otherwise, the closing of the mergers will take
place as soon as practicable after the date on which all closing conditions
have been satisfied or waived. The closing of the mergers is expected to take
place shortly after the approval of the reorganization merger and the merger
agreement by the VDI shareholders at the special meeting, which is expected to
occur in late March or early April 2000.
Effective Time of the Mergers
The reorganization merger will become effective upon the filing of a
certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
Assuming the approval of the reorganization merger and the merger agreement by
the VDI shareholders, the filing of the certificate of merger will occur as
soon as practicable after the special meeting. The certificate of merger
contains the principal terms of the reorganization merger found in the merger
agreement to be approved and adopted by VDI shareholders at the special
meeting. The acquisition merger will become effective upon the filing of a
certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The
filing of the certificate of merger for the acquisition merger will occur as
soon as practicable after the effective time of the acquisition merger.
46
Surviving Corporations
VDI Delaware will be the surviving corporation of both the reorganization
merger and the acquisition merger. The certificate of incorporation of VDI
Delaware that will be in effect following the mergers is set forth in an
attachment to the merger agreement. In addition, the bylaws of Merger Sub as in
effect immediately prior to the acquisition merger will continue to be the
bylaws of the surviving corporation until thereafter further lawfully amended.
The initial directors and executive officers of the surviving corporation
following the mergers will be as described in "THE MERGERS--Board of Directors
and Officers of the Surviving Corporation Following the Mergers" on page 41.
Representations and Warranties
The merger agreement contains customary representations and warranties of
VDI relating to VDI and its subsidiaries, including as to the following
matters:
1. organization, qualification, standing and similar corporate matters,
and subsidiaries;
2. charter documents and bylaws;
3. capital structure;
4. the authorization, approval, execution, delivery, performance and
enforceability of the obligations under the merger agreement, and the VDI
board's approval and adoption of the merger agreement and its determination
to recommend that its shareholders approve and adopt the merger agreement;
5. the absence of conflicts between the merger agreement and VDI's
governing documents, applicable laws and other documents by which VDI is
bound, and the absence of approvals necessary to consummate the mergers
which have not been obtained;
6. the accuracy of information contained in documents filed by VDI with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (including financial reports) and
the absence of undisclosed liabilities;
7. the absence of indebtedness by VDI to its officers and directors or
other transactions between VDI and its officers and directors;
8. the accuracy of information supplied by VDI in connection with this
Proxy Statement;
9. the absence of any event, change or circumstance that has or is
likely to have a material adverse effect (as defined in the merger
agreement) from December 31, 1998 to December 24, 1999 except as
contemplated or permitted by the merger agreement or as disclosed in a
report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
10. intellectual property matters;
11. the absence of material defaults in the performance of any
obligations under material contracts and other matters involving VDI's
material contracts;
12. environmental matters;
13. benefit plans and other related employment matters;
14. filing of tax returns and payment of taxes;
15. the absence of pending or threatened material litigation;
16. the receipt of an opinion of VDI's financial advisor;
17. brokers' fees and expenses;
18. real property and other real-estate related matters;
19. insurance policies;
20. customers and suppliers;
47
21. expenses to be incurred by VDI in connection with the mergers;
22. the vote required to approve the mergers;
23. the inapplicability of state anti-takeover laws; and
24. necessary government approvals to transact business.
The merger agreement also contains customary representations and warranties
of Merger Sub relating to, among other things:
1. organization, qualification, standing and similar corporate matters;
2. charter documents and bylaws;
3. the authorization, approval, execution, delivery, performance and
enforceability of the obligations under the merger agreement;
4. the absence of required filings, consents and conflicts in
connection with Merger Sub's consummation of the mergers;
5. the ownership and prior conduct of business of Merger Sub;
6. the absence of litigation relating to Merger Sub;
7. financing commitments obtained from third parties in connection with
the mergers;
8. brokers' fees and expenses;
9. necessary government approvals to transact business; and
10. board approval and adoption of the merger agreement and no
requirement of stockholder approval.
All the representations and warranties are subject to various qualifications
and limitations.
Certain Covenants
VDI has agreed that, prior to the mergers, it will conduct its business only
in the ordinary course and in compliance with applicable laws, and will use its
commercially reasonable efforts to preserve its business organization intact
and to maintain its existing relationships with customers, suppliers and
business associates.
Accordingly, VDI has agreed that, subject to certain exceptions in the
merger agreement as described generally below, it will not, prior to the
effective time of the reorganization merger, without the prior written consent
of Merger Sub:
1. sell, transfer or pledge any stock owned by VDI in any of its
subsidiaries;
2. amend its articles of incorporation or bylaws;
3. split, combine or reclassify its outstanding shares;
4. pay any dividend or make any other distribution;
5. issue, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire its securities;
6. increase the compensation of directors and officers, or other highly
compensated employees other than in accordance with existing employment
agreements and bonuses payable in the ordinary course, or provide any new
or change any existing employment agreements or benefit plans, or enter
into or amend any material agreement or transaction with any officer,
director or employee;
7. acquire the stock or assets of any business;
48
8. dispose, license or encumber material assets outside its ordinary
course of business;
9. incur indebtedness for borrowed money outside the ordinary course
(subject to certain maximum amounts set forth in the merger agreement);
10. make loans, advances or guarantees outside the ordinary course;
11. merge or consolidate with any person or entity;
12. liquidate or dissolve or effect a recapitalization or other
reorganization;
13. enter into, amend, modify or supplement any material contract
outside the ordinary course or fail to comply in all material respects with
its obligations under its material contracts;
14. make capital expenditures above certain thresholds;
15. fail to maintain adequate insurance in effect consistent with past
practices;
16. enter into, amend, modify or supplement any material agreement,
transaction, commitment or arrangement with any officer, director or other
affiliate;
17. establish or acquire any subsidiary that is organized outside the
United States or is not wholly owned by VDI or its subsidiaries; or
18. agree to take any of the above actions.
These restrictions are subject to certain exceptions, including, without
limitation, certain provisions which permit VDI to make certain capital
expenditures and certain borrowings, and take other actions without Merger
Sub's prior written consent.
No Solicitation
The merger agreement provides that neither VDI nor any of its subsidiaries,
directly or indirectly, may initiate, solicit or encourage, including by way
of furnishing information or assistance, or take any other action to
facilitate, any inquiries or the making of proposals from any person relating
to any "competing transaction" (as defined below) enter into or maintain any
discussions or negotiations regarding any transaction proposal, or agree to or
endorse a competing transaction. The merger agreement defines a competing
transaction to mean any of the following involving VDI or any of its
subsidiaries:
1. any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination,
recapitalization, reclassification or other similar transaction or any
issuance or purchase of securities which results in VDI's shareholders
immediately prior to the transaction (excluding any shareholders that may
be proposing the competing transaction to VDI) beneficially owning less
than a majority of the voting power or common equity after the transaction;
2. any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other
disposition of 30% or more of the fair market value of the assets of VDI
and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or series
of transactions;
3. any tender offer or exchange offer for more than 45% of the
outstanding shares of VDI common stock; or
4. any public announcement of an agreement, proposal, plan or intention
to do any of the above.
The merger agreement provides that these restrictions will not prohibit
VDI, prior to the approval by its shareholders of the mergers, from:
1. furnishing information to, or engaging in discussions or negotiations
with, any person that makes an unsolicited proposal (believed by the VDI
board to be bona fide) regarding a potential competing transaction if:
49
(a) VDI's board, after consulting with independent legal counsel,
determines in good faith that such action is required for the board to
comply with its fiduciary duties to shareholders under applicable law,
(b) the competing transaction is or is reasonably likely to result in
a "superior proposal," and
(c) prior to furnishing such information to such person or entity,
VDI receives from such person or entity an executed confidentiality
agreement with terms materially no less favorable to VDI than those
contained in the confidentiality agreement entered into with Bain
Capital, Inc.; or
2. complying with Rule 14d-9 and Rule 14e-2 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 1203 of the CGCL (including, without
limitation, the making of public disclosure as may be necessary or
advisable under applicable securities laws), which rules require a target
company to respond publicly to a tender offer.
In addition, VDI agreed that it will promptly inform Merger Sub if its
board receives any such proposal or offer, or inquiry or contact is made with
any person or entity with respect thereto, and will inform Merger Sub of the
material terms and conditions of such proposal or offer for a competing
transaction and, to the extent not prohibited by the terms of such proposal,
the identity of the person or entity making the offer. VDI also agreed to
cease immediately, and to cause its subsidiaries and representatives to cease,
and cause to be terminated all activities, discussions and negotiations, if
any, with any person or entity conducted prior to December 24, 1999 with
respect to any competing transaction.
For purposes of this covenant, the term "superior proposal" means any bona
fide proposal relating to a competing transaction with respect to which VDI's
board has determined in good faith, after having received the advice of its
legal counsel and independent financial advisors of nationally recognized
reputation, is on terms which are more favorable from a financial point of
view to VDI shareholders than the mergers and the transactions contemplated by
the merger agreement, and is reasonably capable of being consummated in a
timely manner and for which financing, to the extent required, is then
committed or reasonably capable (in the good faith judgment of VDI's board) of
being financed by such third party.
Employee Benefits
Under the merger agreement, the surviving corporation will assume all
obligations of VDI under existing employee benefit arrangements. In addition,
for at least 12 months following the mergers, the surviving corporation will
provide to its employees benefits that are no less favorable, in the
aggregate, than those provided to employees as of December 24, 1999, other
than under plans relating to VDI common stock and certain bonus plans. So long
as the surviving corporation complies with this covenant, it or its
subsidiaries may amend or terminate their respective benefit plans and may
terminate employees at any time, provided that the surviving corporation
continue to comply with its obligation to assume obligations under VDI's
existing employee benefit arrangements.
Access to Information
Subject to existing confidentiality obligations, VDI has agreed to afford
Merger Sub and its representatives and the potential financing sources for the
mergers reasonable access during normal business hours to its properties,
books, contracts and records and appropriate individuals such as employees,
attorneys, accountants and other professionals. In addition, VDI has agreed to
furnish Merger Sub and its financing sources with information concerning
business, properties and personnel as they may from time to time reasonably
request.
Indemnification and Insurance
You may find information regarding the indemnification of our directors,
other employees and agents, and the maintenance of our directors' and
officers' liability insurance, under "SPECIAL FACTORS--Interests of Certain
Persons in the Mergers; Conflicts of Interests," on page 29.
50
Conditions to the Consummation of the Mergers
The respective obligations of VDI, VDI Delaware and Merger Sub to effect
the mergers are subject to various conditions which include, in addition to
certain other customary closing conditions, the following:
1. the VDI shareholders must adopt and approve the reorganization merger
and the merger agreement;
2. any waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act must have
terminated or expired;
3. there must be no governmental order in effect that has the effect of
blocking completion of the mergers, or imposing material limitations on the
ability of Merger Sub effectively to acquire or hold the business of VDI
and its subsidiaries; and
4. with respect to the parties' obligations to effect the acquisition
merger, the reorganization merger must have become effective in accordance
with the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Merger Sub's obligations to effect the acquisition merger are also subject,
in addition to certain other customary conditions, to the following additional
conditions:
1. the representations and warranties made by VDI in the merger
agreement must be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the mergers except
for changes specifically contemplated by the merger agreement and except
for representations and warranties that address matters only as of a
particular date, and in each case except where the failure to be true and
correct would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect;
2. Merger Sub or VDI Delaware must have received the debt financing
proceeds for the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, unless
the failure to receive financing is solely the result of Merger Sub's or
Bain Capital's material breach of the terms of any debt commitment letters;
3. VDI must have obtained all material consents and approvals of
governmental bodies and all consents and approvals of other specified third
parties, on terms reasonably satisfactory to Merger Sub; and
4. the enforceability of the non-compete agreements entered into by R.
Luke Stefanko and Donald R. Stine shall not have been challenged by either
Mr. Stefanko or Mr. Stine, the termination agreement with Mr. Stefanko
shall be valid, binding and enforceable and in full force and effect, and
the escrow agreement with Messrs. Stefanko and Stine shall have been
executed and delivered.
The obligations of VDI and VDI Delaware to effect the acquisition merger
are subject to customary closing conditions in addition to the following:
1. the representations and warranties made by Merger Sub in the merger
agreement must be true and correct in all material respects as of the date
of the merger agreement and as of the effective time of the mergers except
for changes specifically contemplated by the merger agreement and except
for representations and warranties that address matters only as of a
particular date, and in each case except where the failure to be true and
correct would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect;
and
2. Merger Sub must deliver to VDI and VDI Delaware an opinion from a
nationally recognized valuation firm regarding the solvency of the
surviving corporation immediately following the mergers.
Termination
The merger agreement provides that at any time prior to the effective time
of the acquisition merger, the merger agreement may be terminated:
1. by mutual consent of Merger Sub and VDI by action taken by their
respective boards of directors;
51
2. by either Merger Sub or VDI if:
(a) The mergers have not been completed on or prior to April 25,
2000 (or, if the mergers have not occurred because of the failure to
get Hart-Scott-Rodino approval or consents from a third party, May 30,
2000), so long as the party seeking to terminate did not prevent
consummation by failing to fulfill any of its obligations under the
merger agreement;
(b) there is any law that makes the consummation of the mergers
illegal or otherwise prohibited or a final and non-appealable order
preventing consummation of the mergers;
(c) the VDI shareholders do not approve the reorganization merger at
the VDI special shareholders meeting; or
(d) the other party materially breaches any of its representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements in the merger agreement (and in the
case of a breach by VDI, such breach is reasonably likely to have a
material adverse effect on VDI), provided that such breach is not
remedied within 20 days after notice of the breach is provided to the
breaching party;
3. by Merger Sub, if prior to approval of the reorganization merger by
VDI's shareholders, VDI's board: (a) withdraws, modifies or changes in a
manner adverse to Merger Sub its recommendation of the merger agreement,
the reorganization merger or any of the transactions contemplated in the
merger agreement; (b) approves or recommends to VDI's shareholders any
proposal involving a competing transaction; (c) fails to confirm its
recommendation within ten days after Merger Sub reasonably requests it to
do so in writing; or (d) resolves to do any of the foregoing; or
4. by VDI, if prior to approval of the reorganization merger by its
shareholders, VDI's board: (a) withdraws, modifies or changes its
recommendation of the merger agreement, the reorganization merger or other
transactions contemplated in the merger agreement; or (b) approves or
recommends to VDI's shareholders any proposal involving a competing
transaction or resolves to do either of the foregoing after consultation
with independent legal counsel, having determined in good faith that such
action is required to comply with its fiduciary duties to VDI shareholders
under applicable law; and in either such case the termination will not be
effective until the close of business on the second full business day after
VDI provides notice of such termination to Merger Sub.
Amendment and Waiver
The merger agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing signed
by the parties to the merger agreement. The conditions to the obligations of
the parties contained in the merger agreement may be waived by VDI or Merger
Sub in writing.
Termination Fees and Expenses
The merger agreement provides that VDI will reimburse Merger Sub for its
reasonably documented out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the
transactions in the following circumstances:
1. Merger Sub terminates the merger agreement because prior to VDI
shareholder approval of the reorganization merger (a) the VDI board
withdraws, modifies or changes its recommendation of the reorganization
merger, the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement in a manner adverse to Merger Sub, (b) the VDI board approves or
recommends a competing transaction to VDI's shareholders, (c) the VDI board
fails to reconfirm its recommendation within ten days after a reasonable
written request by Merger Sub for such confirmation or (d) VDI or our board
resolves to do any of the foregoing; or
2. VDI terminates the merger agreement because prior to VDI shareholder
approval of the reorganization merger (a) the VDI board withdraws, modifies
or changes its recommendation of the merger agreement, the reorganization
merger or the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (b)
approves or recommends a competing transaction to VDI's shareholders, or
(c) resolves to do either of the foregoing after consultation with
independent counsel, having determined in good faith that such
52
action is required for the VDI board to comply with its fiduciary duties to
shareholders under applicable law; or
3. Either Merger Sub or VDI terminates the merger agreement because
VDI's shareholders do not approve the reorganization merger at the VDI
special shareholders meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
The reimbursement limit is $1 million, if the termination occurs before
February 8, 2000, or $1.5 million, if the termination occurs thereafter.
The merger agreement also provides that VDI will pay Merger Sub a
termination fee of $2.25 million if:
1. Merger Sub terminates the merger agreement because prior to VDI
shareholder approval of the reorganization merger (a) the VDI board
withdraws, modifies or changes its recommendation of the reorganization
merger, the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement in a manner adverse to Merger Sub, (b) the VDI board approves or
recommends a competing transaction to VDI's shareholders, (c) the VDI board
fails to reconfirm its recommendation within ten days after a reasonable
written request by Merger Sub for such confirmation or (d) VDI or our board
resolves to do any of the foregoing; or
2. VDI terminates the merger agreement because prior to VDI shareholder
approval of the reorganization merger (a) the VDI board withdraws, modifies
or changes its recommendation of the reorganization merger, the merger
agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement,
(b) approves or recommends a competing transaction to VDI's shareholders,
or (c) resolves to do either of the foregoing after consultation with
independent legal counsel, having determined in good faith that such action
is required for the VDI board to comply with its fiduciary duties to
shareholders under applicable law.
The termination fee payable will be increased to a total of $4.5 million
if:
1. in addition to the requirements above, a competing transaction is
consummated (or a legally binding contract regarding the competing
transaction is entered into) within nine months, if such competing
transaction was the basis for such termination, or within six months, if
such competing transaction was not the basis for the termination;
2. either Merger Sub or VDI terminates the merger agreement because
VDI's shareholders do not approve the reorganization merger and a competing
transaction in existence at the time of the termination is consummated (or
a legally binding contract regarding the competing transaction is entered
into) within nine months following the termination date; or
3. Merger Sub terminates the merger agreement because prior to VDI
shareholder approval of the reorganization merger, the VDI board withdraws,
modifies or changes its recommendation regarding the reorganization merger,
the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger
agreement, and there is no competing transaction in existence on the
termination date.
There is no fixed termination fee if the merger agreement is terminated by
reason of a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant by any of the
parties. In such event, however, the non-breaching party may have a claim for
damages against the breaching party.
53
THE SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT
As a condition to the willingness of Merger Sub to enter into the merger
agreement, R. Luke Stefanko and Julia Stefanko entered into a shareholders
agreement with Merger Sub dated as of December 24, 1999. Because the
description of the shareholders agreement contained in this document is a
summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the shareholders agreement.
You should read carefully the entire copy of the shareholders agreement, which
was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to VDI's
Transaction Statement filed on Schedule 13E-3.
Subject to certain exceptions and conditions, R. Luke Stefanko and Julia
Stefanko have agreed to vote, and have given Merger Sub their irrevocable proxy
to vote, all the shares of VDI common stock issued and outstanding and
beneficially owned by them as of the date of the shareholders agreement, as
well as any shares with respect to which any of them becomes the owner after
the date of the shareholders agreement and prior to the record date for the
special meeting:
1. in favor of the mergers, the merger agreement and the transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement;
2. against certain other actions or agreements that would result in a
breach by VDI of any covenant, representation or warranty or any other
obligation or agreement of VDI under the merger agreement; and
3. against any competing transaction and any action in furtherance of a
competing transaction.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the shareholders agreement, R. Luke
Stefanko and Julia Stefanko have each agreed (a) to refrain from soliciting or
responding to certain inquiries or proposals regarding VDI, (b) to refrain from
selling, pledging, encumbering, assigning or otherwise disposing of, including
by gift, any of their shares or from agreeing to do the same except under
certain limited specified exceptions where the party receiving the interest in
the shares agrees to be bound by the terms of the shareholders agreement, (c)
to waive any rights of appraisal available in the reorganization merger and (d)
to take or refrain from taking certain other actions.
If the merger agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, the
covenants and agreements contained in the shareholders agreement with respect
to R. Luke Stefanko and Julia Stefanko will terminate at the same time.
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
The Employment Agreements
As a condition to the willingness of Merger Sub to enter into the merger
agreement, each of Donald R. Stine and Robert C. Semmer have entered into an
employment agreement with Merger Sub dated as of December 24, 1999. Because the
description of Mr. Stine's employment agreements contained in this document is
a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to his employment agreement. You
should read carefully the entire copy of Donald R. Stine's employment
agreement, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
an exhibit to VDI's Transaction Statement filed on Schedule 13E-3. The summary
of Mr. Semmer's employment agreement below describes the material terms of his
agreement.
Donald R. Stine Employment Agreement
The employment agreement with Donald R. Stine provides that, upon
consummation of the acquisition merger, VDI Delaware will employ Mr. Stine as
its President and Chief Executive Officer. In addition, VDI Delaware agrees to
nominate, and use its best efforts to elect, Mr. Stine as a member of its board
of directors during his employment. Upon termination of his employment Mr.
Stine agrees to resign as a director.
54
Mr. Stine will receive a base salary of $350,000 per year, subject to review
by the board of directors for annual increases, plus specified benefits. Mr.
Stine will also be eligible for an annual bonus based on specific bonus targets
established in the employment agreement. In addition, Merger Sub will enter
into an executive stock and/or option arrangement with Mr. Stine.
The employment agreement provides that the term of Mr. Stine's employment
will begin on the effective date of the acquisition merger and will terminate
on December 31, 2003. The employment period will automatically renew for
successive one year periods unless either party delivers written notice of its
intention not to renew at least 90 days prior to the commencement of a renewal
period. Mr. Stine's employment may terminate as follows:
. upon Mr. Stine's resignation, death or disability; or
. by Merger Sub at any time for Cause (as defined in the employment
agreement) or without Cause.
If Mr. Stine's employment is terminated by VDI Delaware without Cause or if
Mr. Stine terminates his employment for Good Reason (as defined in the
employment agreement), Mr. Stine shall receive his base salary for the
remainder of his employment period plus the prorated portion of any bonus he
would have otherwise been entitled to receive in the year his employment is
terminated. If Mr. Stine's employment is terminated by Merger Sub for Cause,
upon his resignation without Good Reason, death or disability, Mr. Stine will
receive only his base salary earned through the date of termination.
Robert C. Semmer Employment Agreement
The employment agreement with Robert C. Semmer provides that, upon
consummation of the acquisition merger, VDI Delaware will employ Mr. Semmer as
its Executive Vice President of Operations. Mr. Semmer will receive a base
salary of $200,000 per year, subject to annual review by the board of directors
or its compensation committee, plus specified benefits. In addition, Mr. Semmer
will also be eligible for an annual bonus. Merger Sub will enter into an
executive stock and/or option arrangement with Mr. Semmer pursuant to which
certain of his existing options will be replaced with options to purchase
shares of the surviving corporation and additional options will be granted.
The employment agreement provides that the term of Mr. Semmer's employment
will begin on the effective date of the acquisition merger and will terminate
on December 31, 2002. The employment period will automatically renew for
successive one year periods unless either party delivers written notice of its
intention not to review at least 90 days prior to the commencement of a renewal
period. Mr. Semmer's employment may terminate as follows:
. upon Mr. Semmer's resignation, death or disability; or
. by Merger Sub at any time with or without Cause (as defined in the
employment agreement).
If Mr. Semmer's employment is terminated by Merger Sub without Cause, Mr.
Semmer shall receive his base salary for the remainder of his employment
period. If Mr. Semmer's employment is terminated by Merger Sub for Cause, or
upon his resignation, death or disability, Mr. Semmer will receive only his
base salary earned through the date of termination.
The Non-Compete Agreements
As a condition to the willingness of Merger Sub to enter into the merger
agreement, R. Luke Stefanko and Donald R. Stine have each entered into non-
compete agreements with Merger Sub. The summary below describes the material
terms of these non-compete agreements.
Mr. Stefanko's non-compete agreement provides that for a period of five
years after the acquisition merger is effected, Mr. Stefanko will not, directly
or indirectly, engage in any business which manufactures, designs, produces,
renders or sells products or services anywhere in the United States which
compete with the products
55
or services of VDI, its successors or subsidiaries, including the business of
providing post production services for video, audio, streamed video or streamed
audio or digitized video or digitized audio or any combination of the
foregoing.
Mr. Stine's non-compete agreement provides that for a period of two years
after the acquisition merger is effected, Mr. Stine will not, directly or
indirectly, engage in any business which manufactures, designs, produces,
renders or sells products or services anywhere in the United States which
compete with the products or services of VDI, its successors or subsidiaries,
including the business of providing post production services for video, audio,
streamed video or streamed audio or digitized video or digitized audio or any
combination of the foregoing.
In addition, the non-compete agreements for each of Mr. Stefanko and Mr.
Stine provide that, for a specified time they will not directly or indirectly
induce an employee to leave VDI, hire or employ a person who was an employee of
VDI, or interfere with VDI's relationship with any customer, supplier, or other
business relation. Each agreement also contains confidentiality provisions and
provisions regarding intellectual property matters.
The Termination Agreement
In order to induce Merger Sub to enter into the merger agreement, R. Luke
Stefanko entered into a termination agreement with Merger Sub dated as of
December 24, 1999. The summary below describes the material terms of the
termination agreement.
The termination agreement provides that Mr. Stefanko's current employment
agreement with VDI will be terminated as of the time the acquisition merger is
effective. At that time, VDI will pay to Mr. Stefanko any unpaid salary for his
services up to that date, plus all unpaid vacation and other accrued and unpaid
benefits, including a previously unpaid S corporation distribution in the
amount of $7,300 and any unpaid bonus, of which $15,000 is currently due. In
addition, Merger Sub agrees to cause the surviving corporation to pay health
insurance premiums to cover Mr. Stefanko and his family for an additional two
years after his termination. By waiving his rights under his currently existing
employment agreement after the acquisition merger is effective, Mr. Stefanko is
giving up approximately $300,000 in future guaranteed salary and approximately
$37,500 in future bonuses. Mr. Stefanko agrees to repay any amounts he owes to
VDI or any of its subsidiaries.
The Consulting Agreement
As a condition to the willingness of Merger Sub to enter into the merger
agreement, R. Luke Stefanko has entered into a consulting agreement with Merger
Sub dated as of December 24, 1999. The summary below describes the material
terms of the consulting agreement.
The consulting agreement provides that Mr. Stefanko will provide certain
consulting services to VDI Delaware as requested by VDI Delaware. The term of
the consulting agreement begins when the acquisition merger is effective and
ends two years later. Mr. Stefanko will be available for a minimum of ten hours
per month of consulting services during the first year of the consulting
agreement and four hours per month for the second year. In consideration for
his services, VDI Delaware will pay Mr. Stefanko a consulting fee of $1,000 per
hour for those hours, if any, he actually provides such consulting services,
plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses. No consulting fee will be payable
under the consulting agreement if his services are not requested by VDI
Delaware.
56
The Stine Agreements
In consideration for Donald R. Stine's work in facilitating the proposed
mergers, including by entering into an employment agreement with VDI Delaware
and agreeing to roll over his shares each of R. Luke Stefanko and Julia
Stefanko entered into agreements with Mr. Stine, dated as of December 24, 1999.
The summary below describes the material terms of the Stine Agreements.
The Stine Agreements provide that, upon consummation of the acquisition
merger, R. Luke Stefanko will pay Mr. Stine $5,834,000 and Julia Stefanko will
pay Mr. Stine $4,166,000. In addition, each of the Stefankos agrees to
indemnify Mr. Stine from any excise taxes pursuant to Section 4999 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and from any additional state and
federal income taxes, interest and penalties incurred as a result of any such
excise tax.
The Escrow Agreement
As a condition to the consummation of the mergers, Donald R. Stine and R.
Luke Stefanko have agreed to enter into an escrow agreement with an escrow
agent and VDI Delaware. The summary below describes the material terms of the
escrow agreement.
According to the terms of the escrow agreement Mr. Stine and Mr. Stefanko
will jointly deposit an aggregate of $2.5 million (of which Messrs. Stine and
Stefanko have agreed that $2,250,000 will come from Mr. Stefanko and $250,000
will come from Mr. Stine) in an escrow account to be held for a period of two
years, unless released earlier by VDI Delaware. During the term of the escrow
agreement, the escrow funds will be distributed as follows:
. if the escrow agent receives written instructions signed by Mr. Stine,
Mr. Stefanko and VDI Delaware, the escrow agent shall deliver the funds
in accordance with such instructions;
. two years after the date of the escrow agreement, the escrow agent shall
deliver the funds to Mr. Stine and Mr. Stefanko in accordance with their
joint written instructions, unless, prior to such date, the escrow agent
has received a claim notice from VDI Delaware as contemplated below;
. if, during the term of the agreement, either Mr. Stine or Mr. Stefanko
breaches the conditions of their respective non-compete agreements, or if
Mr. Stine violates certain conditions of his employment agreement, VDI
Delaware shall deliver notice of the breach to the escrow agent. If the
escrow agent does not receive an objection notice from Mr. Stine or Mr.
Stefanko within ten days following VDI Delaware's notice, the escrow
agent shall deliver the funds to VDI Delaware; and
. if the escrow agent receives an objection notice as described in the
previous paragraph, the funds shall be held until the escrow agent
receives either written instructions signed by Mr. Stine, Mr. Stefanko
and VDI Delaware, or a certified copy of a court order, which has become
final, directing how the funds should be paid.
57
THE SPECIAL MEETING
General
This Proxy Statement is accompanied by the Notice of Special Meeting and a
form of proxy that is solicited by the VDI Board of Directors for use at the
special meeting of VDI shareholders to be held on , 2000, at 10:00
a.m., local time, at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California 90028 and
at any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Matters to be Considered
At the special meeting, VDI shareholders will be asked to consider and vote
upon a proposal to approve and adopt the principal terms of the merger
agreement and to approve the principal terms of the reorganization merger.
The consummation of the reorganization merger is a condition to the
acquisition merger. The board of directors of VDI Delaware has approved the
acquisition merger. In addition, VDI, as sole stockholder of VDI Delaware, has
approved the acquisition merger. The board of directors of Merger Sub has
approved the acquisition merger and no vote of the shareholders of Merger Sub
is required. No further approval of the acquisition merger is required and
neither the shareholders of VDI nor the stockholders of VDI Delaware after the
reorganization merger will have the right to vote on the acquisition merger.
Consequently, your vote on the reorganization merger will effectively be a vote
on both mergers.
We anticipate that the mergers will occur as promptly as practicable after
the VDI special meeting. You may also be asked to vote upon a proposal to
adjourn or postpone the VDI special meeting, which adjournment or postponement
could be used for the purpose, among others, of allowing additional time for
the soliciting of additional votes to approve and adopt the principal terms of
the merger agreement and to approve the principal terms of the reorganization
merger.
Proxies
If you are a VDI shareholder, you may use the accompanying proxy if you are
unable to attend the special meeting in person or wish to have your shares
voted by proxy even if you do attend the special meeting. You may revoke any
proxy given by you pursuant to this solicitation by delivering to VDI, prior to
or at the special meeting, a written notice revoking the proxy or a duly
executed proxy relating to the same shares bearing a later date or by attending
the special meeting and electing to vote in person. However, your attendance at
the special meeting will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of a
proxy, you must vote in person at the meeting. You should address any written
notice of revocation and other communications with respect to the revocation of
VDI proxies to Clarke W. Brewer, Chief Financial Officer of VDI at 7083
Hollywood Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Hollywood, California 90028. In all cases, the
latest dated proxy revokes an earlier dated proxy, regardless of which method
is used to give or revoke a proxy, or if different methods are used to give and
revoke a proxy. For such notice of revocation or later proxy to be valid,
however, it must actually be received by VDI prior to the vote of the VDI
shareholders at the special meeting. If your broker has been instructed to vote
your shares, you must follow directions received from your broker in order to
change your vote.
All shares represented by valid proxies received pursuant to this
solicitation and not revoked before they are exercised will be voted in the
manner specified therein. If you do not specify how your proxy is to be voted,
it will be voted in favor of approval and adoption of the principal terms of
the merger agreement and approval of the principal terms of the reorganization
merger. The VDI Board is unaware of any other matters that may be presented for
action at the special meeting. If other matters do properly come before the
special meeting, however, it is intended that shares represented by proxies in
the accompanying form will be voted or not voted by the persons named in the
proxies in their discretion.
58
Solicitation of Proxies
The cost of soliciting the proxies from the VDI shareholders will be borne
by VDI. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, VDI will request
banks, brokers and other record holders to send proxies and proxy material to
the beneficial owners of shares of VDI and secure their voting instructions, if
necessary. VDI will reimburse such record holders for their reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses in doing so.
Record Date and Voting Rights
Record Date. The VDI Board has fixed , 2000 as the record date for
the determination of the VDI shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to
vote at the special meeting. Accordingly, only VDI shareholders of record at
the close of business on such date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at
the special meeting. At the close of business on the record date, there were
shares of VDI common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting
held by approximately holders of record.
Quorum Requirement. The presence, in person or by proxy, of shares of VDI
common stock representing a majority of the total voting power of the VDI
common stock entitled to vote on the record date is necessary to constitute a
quorum at the special meeting.
Voting Rights. Each share of VDI common stock outstanding on the record date
entitles its holder to one vote as to (1) the proposal to approve and adopt the
principal terms of the merger agreement and to approve the principal terms of
the reorganization merger and (2) any other proposal that may properly come
before the special meeting.
Vote Required. Under the California General Corporation Law, or the CGCL,
the adoption and approval of the principal terms of the merger agreement and
the approval of the principal terms of the reorganization merger require the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of VDI
common stock entitled to vote on the reorganization merger and on the merger
agreement. Please note, however, that R. Luke Stefanko and Julia Stefanko have
entered into a shareholders agreement pursuant to which they have agreed to
vote all of their shares in favor of the reorganization merger and the merger
agreement. As a result, unless the shareholders agreement is terminated and as
long as the special meeting is held, it is expected that the reorganization
merger and the merger agreement will be approved.
Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes. VDI intends to count shares of VDI common
stock present in person at the special meeting but not voting, and shares of
VDI common stock for which it has received proxies but with respect to which
holders of such shares have abstained, as present at the VDI special meeting
for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the
transaction of business. Brokers who hold shares of VDI common stock in
"street" name for customers who are the beneficial owners of such shares are
prohibited from giving a proxy to vote shares held for such customers with
respect to the matters to be considered and voted at the special meeting
without specific instructions from such customers. Shares of VDI common stock
represented by proxies returned by a broker holding such shares in nominee or
"street" name will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum
exists, even if such shares are broker non-votes.
Because approval of the merger agreement and the reorganization merger
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of outstanding shares of VDI common
stock, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as negative
votes. Accordingly, the VDI Board urges VDI shareholders to complete, date and
sign the accompanying proxy and return it promptly in the enclosed, postage-
paid envelope.
As of the record date, approximately shares of VDI common
stock, or approximately % of the shares entitled to vote at the special
meeting, were owned by directors and executive officers of VDI. It is currently
expected that each such director and executive officer will vote the shares of
the VDI common stock beneficially owned by him or her for approval of the
merger agreement and the reorganization merger. Furthermore, each of R. Luke
Stefanko and Julia Stefanko have agreed in the shareholders agreement to vote,
and have given a proxy to vote, their shares of VDI common stock, which in the
aggregate represent
59
approximately 57% of the shares outstanding as of the close of business on the
record date, in favor of the merger agreement and the reorganization merger.
Recommendation of the VDI Board
The VDI board has approved the mergers, the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby. The VDI board believes that the mergers, the
merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are in the best
interests of VDI and the VDI shareholders, and recommend that the VDI
shareholders vote "FOR" adoption and approval of the principal terms of the
merger agreement and approval of the principal terms of the reorganization
merger. See "SPECIAL FACTORS--Reasons for the Mergers; Recommendations to
Shareholders" on page 22.
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COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF VDI COMMON STOCK ANDVDI DELAWARE COMMON
STOCK
As a consequence of the consummation of the proposed reorganization merger,
the shareholders of VDI, a California corporation, will become shareholders of
VDI Delaware, a Delaware corporation. Delaware corporations are governed by the
Delaware General Corporation Law, or the "DGCL." California corporations are
governed by the California General Corporation Law, or the "CGCL." Thus, the
rights of former VDI shareholders will be governed by the DGCL rather than the
CGCL.
Differences between the CGCL and the DGCL and between the charters and
bylaws of VDI and VDI Delaware will result in several changes in the rights of
shareholders of VDI if the reorganization merger is effected. Certain
differences between the rights of holders of shares of VDI Delaware common
stock and shares of VDI common stock are summarized below. The following
summary does not purport to be a complete statement of the rights of holders of
VDI common stock under the CGCL, the restated articles of incorporation of VDI,
as amended, and the restated bylaws of VDI, as compared with the rights of
holders of VDI Delaware common stock under the DGCL, the restated certificate
of incorporation of VDI Delaware and the bylaws of VDI Delaware, or a complete
description of the specific provisions referred to herein. The identification
of specific differences is not meant to indicate that other equally or more
significant differences do not exist. In addition, the summary is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the CGCL, the DGCL and the governing corporate
instruments of VDI Delaware and VDI, to which shareholders are referred. Copies
of the VDI Delaware certificate of incorporation and VDI Delaware bylaws are
available for inspection at the offices of VDI Delaware and copies will be sent
to the holders of VDI common stock upon request. Pursuant to Sections 1500 and
213 of the CGCL, copies of the VDI articles of incorporation and the VDI bylaws
are available for inspection at the principal executive offices of VDI.
Dividends and Repurchases of Shares
VDI
California law dispenses with the concepts of par value of shares as well as
statutory definitions of capital, surplus and the like. Generally, a California
corporation may pay dividends or repurchase shares out of retained earnings.
Dividends or repurchases of shares may also be made if, immediately after
giving effect thereto, the sum of (1) the assets (excluding goodwill and
certain other assets) of the corporation is at least equal to 1.25 times its
liabilities (excluding certain deferred credits) and (2) the current assets of
such corporation is at least equal to its current liabilities or, if the
average of the earnings of the corporation before taxes and interest expense
for the two preceding fiscal years were less than the average of the interest
expense of such corporation for such fiscal years, at least equal to 1.25 times
its current liabilities. Under the CGCL, there are exceptions to the foregoing
rules for repurchases of shares in connection with certain rescission actions
or pursuant to certain employee stock plans.
VDI Delaware
The concepts of par value, capital and surplus are retained under Delaware
law. Under the DGCL, a corporation may declare and pay dividends out of surplus
or, if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the
dividend is declared and/or for the preceding fiscal year as long as the amount
of capital of the corporation following the declaration and payment of the
dividend is not less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented by
the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the
distribution of assets. In addition, the DGCL generally provides that a
corporation may redeem or repurchase its shares only if such redemption or
repurchase would not impair the capital of the corporation.
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Special Meetings of Shareholders; Quorum; Shareholder Action by Written Consent
VDI
Under the CGCL, a special meeting of shareholders may be called by the board
of directors, the chairman of the board, the president or the holders of shares
entitled to cast not less than 10% of the votes at the meeting or such
additional persons as may be provided in the charter or bylaws. The VDI
restated articles and restated bylaws do not provide for any such additional
persons.
A quorum for a meeting of shareholders of VDI is generally a majority of the
outstanding shares of VDI entitled to vote at such a meeting. An action by
shareholders of VDI requires a majority of votes cast at a meeting of
shareholders. The CGCL provides that these quorum requirements may be increased
or decreased by amendment of the charter, except that in no event shall a
quorum consist of less than one-third of the shares entitled to vote.
Under the CGCL, unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation,
any action which may be taken at a meeting of shareholders may also be taken by
the written consent of the holders of at least the same proportion of
outstanding shares as would be necessary to take such action at a meeting at
which all shares entitled to vote were present and voted, except that the
election of directors by written consent requires the unanimous consent of all
shares entitled to vote. The VDI restated articles contain provisions that
prohibit actions by written consent of its shareholders as long as VDI's stock
is registered under the Exchange Act.
VDI Delaware
Under the DGCL, a special meeting of stockholders may be called by the board
of directors or by any other person authorized to do so in the certificate of
incorporation or the bylaws. The bylaws of VDI Delaware grant the President for
any purpose and the President, if directed by the board of directors as
requested in writing by the holders of shares the capital stock of VDI Delaware
entitled to cast not less than a majority of votes at the meeting, the right to
call a special meeting.
The DGCL provides that, unless limited by the certificate of incorporation,
any action that could be taken by stockholders at a meeting may be taken
without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken,
is signed by the holders of record of outstanding stock having not less than
the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such
action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present
and voted. The VDI Delaware restated certificate of incorporation limits the
right of the stockholders to take action by written consent as long as VDI's
stock is registered under the Exchange Act.
Certain Voting Rights
VDI
California law generally requires approval of any reorganization, which
includes a merger, certain exchange reorganizations and certain sale-of-asset
reorganizations, or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of a
corporation, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority, unless the
charter requires a higher percentage, of the outstanding shares of each class
of capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote thereon. The VDI restated
articles do not require a higher percentage of the holders of shares of VDI
common stock to approve any such reorganization.
In general, under the CGCL, no approval of a reorganization is required by
the holders of the outstanding shares in the case of any corporation if such
corporation, or its shareholders immediately before such reorganization, or
both, own, immediately after such reorganization, equity securities, other than
warrants or rights, of the surviving or acquiring corporation, or the parent of
either of the constituent corporations, possessing more than five-sixths of the
voting power of such surviving or acquiring corporation or such parent.
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Under the CGCL, a parent corporation may, without shareholder approval,
merge a subsidiary into itself if the parent corporation owns at least 90% of
the outstanding shares of each class of stock of such subsidiary.
VDI Delaware
Delaware law provides that, unless otherwise specified in a corporation's
certificate of incorporation, a sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the corporation's assets, a merger or consolidation of the
corporation with another corporation or a dissolution of the corporation
requires the affirmative vote of the board of directors, except in certain
limited circumstances, plus with certain exceptions, the affirmative vote of a
majority of the outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon.
Under the DGCL, unless a corporation's certificate of incorporation
expressly provides otherwise, there is no requirement that the holders of the
outstanding shares approve a reorganization if certain conditions are met,
including: (1) the corporation and its subsidiary are the only constituent
corporations to the merger; (2) the corporation's stockholders receive in the
merger the same number of shares of stock in the new company as they owned
prior to the reorganization, and this stock must have, among other things, the
same voting powers as the stock of the corporation before the reorganization;
(3) the parent company after the reorganization must be a Delaware company with
the same certificate of incorporation and bylaws that the corporation had prior
to the reorganization, subject to limited exceptions; (4) after the
reorganization, the corporation or its successors becomes a subsidiary of the
parent; (5) the directors of the corporation immediately prior to the
reorganization become the directors of the parent following the reorganization;
and (6) the certificate of incorporation of the subsidiary is amended to
provide that any action involving the subsidiary that would have required the
vote of its stockholders prior to the merger will require, following the
merger, the approval of the stockholders of the parent.
The VDI Delaware restated certificate of incorporation does not contain vote
requirements for extraordinary corporate transactions in addition to or
different from the approvals mandated by law.
Size and Classification of the Board of Directors
VDI
Under the CGCL, although changes in the number of directors must in general
be approved by a majority of the outstanding shares, the board of directors may
fix the exact number of directors within a stated range set forth in the
articles of incorporation or bylaws, if that stated range has been approved by
the shareholders.
Under the CGCL, a listed corporation may, by amendment to its charter or
bylaws, divide its board of directors into as many as three classes, and
directors can be elected to serve staggered terms. The VDI articles of
incorporation and bylaws contain no such provision and, accordingly, all
directors are elected annually for a term of one year or until a successor is
elected. A "listed corporation" is defined under the CGCL as a corporation with
(1) securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock
Exchange or (2) securities designated as a National Market System security or
the Nasdaq National Market if the corporation has at least 800 holders of
equity securities.
VDI Delaware
Under the DGCL, directors are elected at each annual stockholders meeting,
unless their terms are staggered. The certificate of incorporation may
authorize the election of certain directors by one or more classes or series of
shares, and the certificate of incorporation, an initial bylaw or a bylaw
adopted by a vote of the stockholders may provide for staggered terms for the
directors. The certificate of incorporation or the bylaws also may allow the
stockholders or the board of directors to fix or change the number of
directors, but a corporation must have at least one director. The VDI Delaware
amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain no such
provision and accordingly, all directors will be elected annually for a term of
one year or until their successors are elected.
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Election of Directors
VDI
Under the CGCL, unless the corporate charter provides otherwise, any
shareholder of a listed corporation is entitled to cumulate his votes for the
election of directors provided that at least one shareholder has given notice
at the meeting prior to the voting of such shareholder's intention to cumulate
his votes and the corporation's charter does not specifically eliminate
cumulative voting.
VDI Delaware
Under the DGCL, stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights unless the
certificate of incorporation so provides. The VDI Delaware amended and restated
certificate does not contain such a provision.
Removal of Directors; Filling Vacancies on the Board of Directors
VDI
Under the CGCL, the holders of at least 10% of the number of outstanding
shares of any class of stock may initiate a court action to remove any director
for cause. In addition, any or all of the directors of a California corporation
may be removed without cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote. However, no director may be removed,
unless the entire board is removed, when the votes cast against removal would
be sufficient to elect the director if voted cumulatively at an election at
which the same total number of votes were cast and the entire number of the
directors authorized at the time of the director's most recent election were
then being elected. In the case of a corporation whose board is classified, a
director may not be removed if the votes cast against removal would be
sufficient to elect the director if voted cumulatively at an election at which
the same number of votes were cast.
Under the CGCL, unless otherwise provided in the charter or bylaws and
except for a vacancy created by the removal of a director, vacancies on the
board of directors may be filled by approval of the board. The VDI restated
articles of Incorporation and restated bylaws contain no provisions to the
contrary. In addition, any vacancy not filled by the directors and any
vacancies on the board resulting from the removal of directors may be filled by
approval of the shareholders.
VDI Delaware
Under the DGCL, a director of a corporation that does not have a classified
board of directors or cumulative voting may be removed, with or without cause,
with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. The
VDI Delaware amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide
for cumulative voting or for a classified board of directors. Consequently, any
director may be removed from office at any time with or without cause upon the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding voting
stock.
Under the DGCL, vacancies and newly created directorships may be filled by a
majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum,
unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws. The
VDI Delaware bylaws provide that any vacancy or newly created directorship
resulting from any increase in the number of directors may be filled by a
majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by
a sole remaining director.
Amendment of Charter and Bylaws
VDI
Under the CGCL, amendments to the charter of a corporation generally require
approval by vote of the directors and the holders of a majority of outstanding
shares entitled to vote thereon and, where their rights are affected, by the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of a class, whether or not such
class is entitled to vote thereon by the provision of the charter.
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Under the CGCL, bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed either by the
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares or by the approval of the board of
directors except (1) if the number of directors is set forth in the charter, in
which case such number may only be changed by an amendment to the charter, or
(2) if the charter requires a larger percentage of shareholder or director vote
to approve a given action.
VDI Delaware
Under the DGCL, unless a higher vote is required in the certificate of
incorporation, an amendment to the certificate of incorporation of a
corporation may be approved by a majority of the outstanding shares and a
majority of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote upon the
proposed amendment.
Delaware law provides that a corporation's bylaws may be amended by that
corporation's stockholders, or, if so provided in the corporation's certificate
of incorporation, by the corporation's directors.
Dissenters' Appraisal Rights
VDI
The provisions of the CGCL relating to dissenters' rights of appraisal are
described in "THE MERGERS--Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal" on page 39.
VDI Delaware
Under Delaware law, in certain circumstances, a stockholder of a Delaware
corporation is entitled to demand appraisal and obtain payment of the
judicially determined fair value of its shares in the event of any plan of
merger or consolidation to which the corporation, the shares of which it holds,
is a party, provided such stockholder continuously holds such shares through
the effective date of the merger, otherwise complies with the requirements of
Delaware law for the perfection of appraisal rights and does not vote in favor
of the merger. However, this right to demand appraisal does not apply to
stockholders if: (1) they are stockholders of a surviving corporation and if a
vote of the stockholders of such corporation is not necessary to authorize the
merger or consolidation; or (2) the shares held by the stockholders are of a
class or series listed on a national securities exchange, designated as a
national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the NASD
or are held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders on the date set to
determine the stockholders entitled to vote on the merger or consolidation.
Notwithstanding the above, appraisal rights are available for the shares of any
class or series of stock of a Delaware corporation if the holders thereof are
required by the terms of an agreement of merger or consolidation to accept for
their stock anything except: (1) shares of stock of the corporation surviving
or resulting from the merger or consolidation; (2) shares of stock of any other
corporation which at the effective date of the merger or consolidation will be
listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange,
designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation
system by the NASD or held of record by more than 2,000 shareholders; (3) cash
in lieu of fractional shares of the corporations described in (1) and (2); or
(4) any combination of the shares of stock and cash in lieu of fractional
shares described above.
A Delaware corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation that
appraisal rights will be available for the shares of any class or series of its
stock as the result of an amendment to its certificate of incorporation, any
merger or consolidation to which the corporation is a party or a sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the corporation. The VDI Delaware restated
certificate of incorporation does not contain any provision regarding appraisal
rights.
Although shareholders of VDI have dissenters' appraisal rights in the
reorganization merger, stockholders of VDI Delaware after the reorganization
merger will not have dissenters' appraisal rights in the acquisition merger.
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Certain Business Combinations and Reorganizations
VDI
The CGCL generally requires that, unless all shareholders of a class or
series consent, each share of such class or series of any party to a merger
must be treated equally with respect to any distribution of cash, property,
rights or securities. The CGCL also provides generally that if a corporation
that is party to a merger, or its parent, owns more than 50% but less than 90%
of the voting power of the other corporation that is party to such merger, the
nonredeemable shares of common stock of the controlled corporation may be
converted only into nonredeemable shares of the surviving corporation or a
parent party unless all of the shareholders of the class consent.
The CGCL also provides generally that if a tender offer or a written
proposal for certain business combinations is made to some or all of a
corporation's shareholders by an "interested party," an affirmative written
opinion as to the fairness of the consideration to such shareholders must be
delivered. An "interested party" is generally a control person of the target
corporation, an entity directly or indirectly controlled by an officer or
director of such corporation or an entity in which a material financial
interest is held by any director or executive officer of such corporation.
VDI Delaware
Under Section 203 of the DGCL, certain "business combinations" with
"interested stockholders" of Delaware corporations are subject to a three-year
moratorium unless specified conditions are met.
Section 203 prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business
combination" with an "interested stockholder" for three years following the
time that such person becomes an interested stockholder. With certain
exceptions, an interested stockholder is a person who or group which owns 15%
or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock, including any rights to
acquire stock pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon
the exercise of conversion or exchange rights, warrants or options, and stock
with respect to which the person has voting rights only, or is an affiliate or
associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of such voting
stock at any time within the previous three years.
For purposes of Section 203, the term "business combination" is defined
broadly to include mergers with or caused by the interested stockholder; sales
or other dispositions to the interested stockholder, except proportionately
with the corporation's other stockholders, of assets of the corporation or a
subsidiary equal 10% or more of the aggregate market value of the corporation's
consolidated assets or its outstanding stock; the issuance or transfer by the
corporation or a subsidiary of stock of the corporation or such subsidiary to
the interested stockholder, except for transfers in an conversion or exchange
or a pro rata distribution or certain other transactions, none of which
increase the interested stockholder's proportionate ownership of any class or
series of the corporation's or such subsidiary's stock; or any receipt by the
interested stockholder (except proportionately as a stockholder), directly or
indirectly, of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial
benefits provided by or through the corporation or a subsidiary.
The three-year moratorium imposed on business combinations by Section 203
does not apply if: (1) prior to the time at which such stockholder becomes an
interested stockholder the board of directors approves either the business
combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an
interested stockholder; (2) the interested stockholder owns at least 85% of the
corporation's voting stock upon consummation of the transaction which made it
an interested stockholder, excluding from the 85% calculation shares owned by
directors who are also officers of the target corporation and shares held by
employee stock plans which do not permit employees to decide confidentially
whether to accept a tender or exchange offer; or (3) on or after the time such
person becomes an interested stockholder, the board approves the business
combination and it is also approved at a stockholder meeting by 66-2/3% of the
voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder.
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Section 203 applies only to Delaware corporations which have a class of
voting stock that is listed on a national securities exchange, are quoted on an
interdealer quotation system such as Nasdaq, or are held of record by more than
2,000 stockholders. However, a Delaware corporation may elect not to be
governed by Section 203 by a provision in its original certificate of
incorporation or an amendment thereto or to the bylaws, which amendment must be
approved by a majority of the shares entitled to vote and, in the case of a
bylaw amendment, may not be further amended by the board of directors. VDI
Delaware has elected not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.
Limitation on Directors' Liability
VDI
The CGCL provides that a corporation's charter may contain a provision
eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director for monetary
damages in an action brought by or in the right of the corporation for breach
of a director's duties to the corporation and its shareholders. However, no
such provision may eliminate or limit the liability of directors:
1. for acts or omissions that involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing and culpable violation of law,
2. for acts or omissions that a director believes to be contrary to the
best interests of the corporation or its shareholders or that involve the
absence of good faith on the part of the director,
3. for any transaction from which a director derived an improper
personal benefit,
4. for acts or omissions that show a reckless disregard for the
director's duty to the corporation or its shareholders in circumstances in
which the director was aware, or should have been aware, in the ordinary
course of performing a director's duties, of a risk of serious injury to
the corporation or its shareholders,
5. for acts or omissions that constitute an unexcused pattern of
inattention that amounts to an abdication of the director's duty to the
corporation or its shareholders,
6. for any improper transaction between a director and a corporation in
which the director has a material financial interest,
7. for any unlawful distribution to the shareholders of a corporation or
any unlawful loan of money and property to, or guarantee of the obligations
of, any director or officer of the corporation,
8. for any act or omission occurring prior to September 27, 1987 when
Section 204 of the CGCL became effective, or
9. for the liability of an officer for any act or omission as an
officer, notwithstanding that the officer is also a director or that his or
her actions, if negligent or improper, have been ratified by the directors.
The VDI amended and restated articles provides that the liability of VDI
directors for monetary damages will be eliminated to the fullest extent
permissible under the CGCL.
VDI Delaware
Delaware law permits a corporation to adopt a provision in its certificate
of incorporation eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director
to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director, except that such provision shall not limit the
liability of a director for (1) any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to
the corporation or its shareholders, (2) acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3)
liability under Section 174 of the DGCL for unlawful payment of dividends or
stock purchases or redemptions, or (4) any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. The VDI Delaware amended and restated
certificate of incorporation provides that no director of VDI Delaware shall be
personally liable to it or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such an exemption from
liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL.
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Indemnification of Officers and Directors; Insurance
VDI
Under California law, a corporation has the power to indemnify, with certain
exceptions, any agent who is a party to any action, other than an action by or
in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, against
expenses, judgments, fines and settlements if that person acted in good faith
and in a manner that person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of
the corporation and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable
cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In addition, a corporation
has the power to indemnify, with certain exceptions, any agent who is a party
to any action by or in the right of the corporation, against expenses actually
and reasonably incurred by that person in connection with the defense or
settlement of the action if that person acted in good faith and in a manner
that person believed to be in the best interests of the corporation and its
shareholders. An agent of a corporation for purposes of the CGCL includes
directors, officers, employees and other agents of such corporation or anyone
who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or other agent of a foreign or domestic corporation, partnership,
joint ventures or other enterprises or a predecessor corporation. A corporation
must indemnify any agent who successfully defends himself in any threatened,
pending, or completed action by or in the right of the corporation by reason of
the fact that the person is or was an agent of the corporation, against
expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him. Expenses incurred by an agent
in defending any proceeding may be advanced by the corporation prior to the
final disposition of the proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on
behalf of the agent to repay that amount if it shall be determined ultimately
that the agent is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this section.
Under the CGCL, termination of any proceeding by judgment, order,
settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent
shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person is prohibited from
being indemnified.
The indemnification authorized by the CGCL is not exclusive and a
corporation may grant its directors certain additional rights to
indemnification. The VDI restated bylaws permit VDI to indemnify each of its
agents in excess of the indemnification otherwise permitted by the CGCL with
respect to actions for breach of duty to VDI, subject to certain limitations
imposed by the CGCL.
VDI Delaware
Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify any person made a party or
threatened to be made a party to any type of proceeding, other than action by
or in the right of the corporation, because he is or was an officer, director,
employee or agent of the corporation or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or
entity, against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such proceeding: (1) if he
acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation; or (2) in the case of a
criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was
unlawful. A corporation may indemnify any person made a party or threatened to
be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit brought
by or in the right of the corporation because he was an officer, director,
employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of
the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation or other entity, against expenses actually and reasonably incurred
in connection with such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the corporation, except that there may be no such indemnification if the person
is found liable to the corporation unless, in such a case, the court determine
the person is entitled thereto. A corporation must indemnify a director,
officer, employee or agent who successfully defends himself in a proceeding to
which he was a party because he was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the corporation against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him.
Expenses incurred by an officer or director, or other employees or agents as
deemed appropriate by the board of directors, in defending a civil or criminal
proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition
of such proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such
director or officer to repay such
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amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be
indemnified by the corporation. The Delaware law indemnification and expense
advancement provisions are not exclusive of any other rights which may be
granted by the VDI Delaware bylaws, a vote of shareholders or disinterested
directors, agreement or otherwise.
Under the DGCL, termination of any proceeding by conviction or upon a plea
of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption
that such person is prohibited from being indemnified.
The VDI Delaware bylaws provide for the indemnification to the fullest
extent permitted by law of any person made, or threatened to be made, a party
to an action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, by reason of the fact that he or a person of whom he is the
legal representative, is or was a director, officer or employee of VDI Delaware
or serves or served any other enterprise at the request of VDI Delaware.
Loans to Officers and Employees
VDI
Under California law, the directors of a California corporation are not
authorized to approve loans or guaranties to or on behalf of officers, whether
or not such officers are directors, unless (1) the outstanding shares of the
Corporation are held by 100 or more shareholders, (2) the corporation has a
bylaw approved by the outstanding shares authorizing the board alone to approve
such loans or guaranties and (3) if the board determines, without counting the
vote of any interested director or directors, that such loans or guaranties may
reasonably be expected to benefit the corporation.
VDI Delaware
Under Delaware law, a corporation, its officers or other employees may make
loans to, guarantee the obligations of or otherwise assist its officers or
other employees and those of its subsidiaries, including directors who are also
officers or employees, when such action, in the judgment of the directors, may
reasonably be expected to benefit the corporation, even without approval of the
stockholders.
Inspection of Shareholders' List
VDI
The CGCL allows any shareholder to inspect a corporation's shareholders'
list for a purpose reasonably related to such person's interest as a
shareholder. In addition, the CGCL provides an absolute right to inspect and
copy the corporation's shareholders' list to persons holding an aggregate of 5%
or more of a corporation's voting shares, or shareholders holding an aggregate
of 1% or more of such shares who have filed a Schedule 14A with the Securities
and Exchange Commission relating to the election of directors.
VDI Delaware
The DGCL allows any stockholder to inspect a corporation's stockholders'
list for a purpose reasonably related to such person's interest as a
stockholder. The DGCL does not provide for any absolute right of inspection,
and no such right is granted under the restated certificate of incorporation or
bylaws of VDI Delaware.
Interested Director Transactions
VDI
Under the CGCL certain contracts or transactions in which one or more of a
corporation's directors has an interest are not void or voidable solely because
of such interest provided that certain conditions, such as obtaining the
required approval and fulfilling the requirements of good faith and full
disclosure, are met. Under
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the CGCL, (1) either the shareholders or the board of directors must approve
any such contract or transaction after full disclosure of the material facts,
and in the case of board approval the contract or transaction must also be
"just and reasonable" to the corporation, or (2) the contract or transaction
must have been just and reasonable or fair, as applicable, to the corporation
at the time it was approved. In the latter case, the CGCL explicitly places the
burden of proof on the interested director. Under the CGCL, if shareholder
approval is sought, the interested director is not entitled to vote his shares
at a shareholder meeting with respect to any action regarding such contact or
transaction. If board approval is sought, the contract or transaction must be
approved by a majority vote of a quorum of the directors, without counting the
vote of any interested directors, except that interested directors may be
counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. Therefore, there are certain
transactions that the board of directors of VDI might not be able to approve
because of the number of interested directors, or the exclusion of interested
director shares. VDI is not aware of any plans to propose any transaction
involving directors of VDI which could not be so approved under the CGCL.
VDI Delaware
The DGCL is similar to the CGCL, except under the DGCL, board approval of
contracts in which directors have an interest require that the contract or
transaction must also be "fair" to the corporation. In addition, under the
DGCL, if board approval is sought, the contract or transaction must be approved
by a majority of the disinterested directors (even though less than a majority
of a quorum). Therefore, certain transactions could be approved by a majority
of the disinterested directors of VDI Delaware, although less than a majority
of a quorum, or by a majority of all voting shares, which might not include a
majority of the disinterested shares. VDI Delaware is not aware of any plans to
propose any transaction involving directors of VDI Delaware which could not be
so approved under the DGCL.
Voting By Ballot
VDI
The CGCL provides that the election of directors need not be by ballot
unless a shareholder demands election by ballot at the shareholders' meeting or
unless the bylaws require voting by ballot. VDI's bylaws provide that the
election of directors at a shareholders' meeting may be by voice vote or
ballot, unless prior to such vote a shareholder demands voting by ballot, in
which case such vote must be by ballot.
VDI Delaware
Under the DGCL, the right to vote by written ballot may be restricted if so
provided in the certificate of incorporation. The amended and restated
certificate of incorporation of VDI Delaware does not so provide for such a
restriction.
Shareholder Derivative Suits
VDI
The CGCL provides that a shareholder bringing a derivative action on behalf
of a corporation need not have been a shareholder at the time of the
transaction in question, provided that certain tests are met. The CGCL also
provides that the corporation or the defendant in a derivative suit may make a
motion to the court for an order requiring the plaintiff shareholder to furnish
a security bond.
VDI Delaware
Under the DGCL, a stockholder may only bring a derivative action on behalf
of the corporation if the stockholder was a stockholder of the corporation at
the time of the transaction in question or his or her stock thereafter devolved
upon him or her by operation of law. The DGCL does not have a bonding
requirement similar to that in California.
70
Dissolution
VDI
Under California law, shareholders holding 50% or more of the total voting
power may authorize a corporation's dissolution, with or without the approval
of the corporation's board of directors, and this right may not be modified by
the articles of incorporation.
VDI Delaware
Under Delaware law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to
dissolve, the dissolution must be approved by stockholders holding 100% of the
total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution of a Delaware
corporation is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved by a
simple majority of the corporation's stockholders. In the event of such a
board-initiated dissolution, the DGCL allows a Delaware corporation to include
in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in
connection with dissolutions. VDI Delaware's amended and restated certificate
of incorporation contains no such supermajority voting requirement, however,
and a majority of shares voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present would
be sufficient to approve a dissolution of VDI Delaware which had previously
been approved by its board of directors.
Rights Plan
VDI
The CGCL does not prohibit corporations from issuing stock purchase rights.
VDI has not adopted a shareholder rights agreement.
VDI Delaware
The DGCL does not prohibit corporations from issuing stock purchase rights.
VDI Delaware has not adopted a stockholder rights agreement.
Doctrine of Independent Legal Significance
The Delaware courts apply the traditional Delaware doctrine that a
corporation may choose among several possible ways to reach a result, and if it
chooses one way it need not observe statutory or common law requirements
applicable to the way not chosen. This is known as the doctrine of "independent
legal significance." The doctrine stands for the proposition that actions taken
pursuant to the authority of various sections of the law constitute acts of
independent legal significance and their validity is not dependent on other
sections of an act. The separate sections of the corporation law are considered
to be of equal dignity, and a corporation is allowed to resort to one section
without having to meet the requirements of a different section. The doctrine of
independent legal significance may not apply in California.
Application of The General Corporation Law of California To Delaware
Corporations
Under Section 2115 of the CGCL, certain foreign corporations (i.e.
corporations not organized under California law) are placed in a special
category if they have characteristics of ownership and operation which indicate
that they have significant contacts with California. So long as a Delaware or
other foreign corporation is in this special category, and it does not qualify
for one of the statutory exemptions, it is subject to a number of key
provisions of the CGCL applicable to corporations incorporated in California.
Among the more important provisions are those relating to the election and
removal of directors, cumulative voting, prohibition of classified boards of
directors, standards of liability and indemnification of directors,
distributions, dividends and repurchases of shares, shareholder meetings,
approval of certain corporation transactions, dissenters' and appraisal rights
and inspection of corporate records.
The provisions of Section 2115 are not applicable where a corporation has a
class of securities listed on the Nasdaq National Market and has more than 800
shareholders (whether or not of record). Section 2115 will not apply to VDI
Delaware following the reorganization merger, nor is it expected that it will
apply following the acquisition merger.
71
CERTAIN PENDING LITIGATION
VDI is party to two class action lawsuits that allege claims against VDI and
its directors for breach of fiduciary duty alleged to have arisen from the
transactions contemplated by the merger agreement including, but not limited
to, alleged failure to announce any active auction, open bidding or similar
procedure, taking actions designed to halt any other offers and deter higher
offers so as to protect the interests of the defendants at the expense of VDI's
shareholders, and failure to take action that would maximize shareholder value.
These lawsuits also name Bain Capital as an aider and abetter of these alleged
breaches of fiduciary duty. These lawsuits were filed in the Superior Court of
the State of California for the County of Los Angeles (Hanken v. VDI
MultiMedia, et al., Case No. BC 222355 and McAllister v. VDI MultiMedia, et
al., Case No. BC 222394). The principal relief sought is certification of the
putative class, an injunction against the mergers and damages and attorneys'
fees in an unspecified amount. The lawsuits were filed on December 28, 1999 and
December 29, 1999 prior to the time when much of the information about the
matters alleged was publicly available.
VDI believes that the allegations contained in the complaints are without
merit and intends to contest the actions vigorously, on behalf of itself and
its directors.
INFORMATION ABOUT VDI AND VDI DELAWARE
General
VDI is a leading provider of video, audio and film asset management services
to owners, producers and distributors of entertainment and advertising content.
VDI provides the services necessary to edit, master, reformat, archive,
duplicate, manipulate and ultimately distribute its clients' video and audio
content, including television programming, spot advertising, feature films and
movie trailers.
VDI provides worldwide electronic distribution, using fiber optics and
satellites, through its Broadcast One(R) network. VDI delivers commercials,
movie trailers, electronic press kits, infomercials and syndicated programming,
by both physical and electronic means, to thousands of broadcast outlets
worldwide.
VDI seeks to capitalize on growth in demand for the services related to the
distribution of entertainment content, without assuming the production or
ownership risk of any specific television program, feature film or other form
of content. The primary users of VDI's services are entertainment studios and
advertising agencies that generally choose to outsource such services, due to
the sporadic demand for such services and the fixed costs of maintaining a
high-volume physical plant.
Since its first acquisition in 1997, VDI has successfully completed seven
acquisitions of companies providing similar services. The latest of these
acquisitions occurred in November 1998 when VDI acquired the assets of Dubs,
Inc., one of VDI's largest direct competitors in Hollywood. VDI will continue
to evaluate acquisition opportunities to enhance its operations and
profitability. As a result of these acquisitions, VDI is one of the largest and
most diversified providers of technical and distribution services to the
entertainment industry, and therefore is able to offer its customers a single
source for such services at prices that reflect VDI's scale economies.
Initial Public Offering of VDI
On February 18, 1997, VDI completed its initial public offering of 3,100,000
shares of common stock at a price to the public of $7.00 per share. As a result
of the offering, VDI received aggregate proceeds of approximately $17,900,000
after deducting the underwriters' discounts and commissions and offering
expenses.
Management and Additional Information
Certain information relating to the identity and background of each of VDI's
directors and executive officers, executive compensation, various benefits
plans (including VDI's stock option plan), certain relationships and related
transactions and other related matters as to VDI is set forth in the VDI's
Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 1998, a
copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.
72
VDI Delaware
VDI Delaware is a wholly owned subsidiary of VDI. VDI Delaware was
originally incorporated in the state of Delaware on April 26, 1990 under the
name "Fast Forward, Inc." On December 23, 1999, VDI Delaware filed a
certificate of amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
to change its name to "VDI MultiMedia, Inc."
Upon consummation of the reorganization merger, VDI Delaware will be the
surviving corporation and VDI will cease to exist. The assets, liabilities and
businesses of VDI will transfer from VDI to VDI Delaware.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as of January 15, 2000 regarding
the beneficial ownership of VDI's common stock by each person who is known by
VDI to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of VDI's common
stock, each director of VDI, certain executive officers of VDI, and all
directors and executive officers as a group. VDI Delaware is a wholly owned
subsidiary of VDI and as a result may be deemed to be an affiliate of VDI. The
current directors and executive officers of VDI Delaware are R. Luke Stefanko
and Donald R. Stine.
Approximate
Number of
Shares
Beneficially Percentage
Name Owned (1) Owned
- ---- ------------ ----------
VMM Merger Corp.(2)................................... 5,376,400 58.0%
R. Luke Stefanko...................................... 5,381,066 58.4%
Massachusetts Financial Services Company(3)........... 630,452 6.5%
Donald R. Stine....................................... 103,710 1.1%
Thomas J. Ennis....................................... 7,500 *
Clarke W. Brewer...................................... 23,000 *
Robert C. Semmer...................................... 25,507 *
Robert S. Feuerman.................................... 4,000 *
Fred S. Teng.......................................... 0 *
All current directors and executive officers as a
group (seven persons)................................ 5,544,783 60.2%
- --------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes shares of common stock that can be acquired by exercise of vested
and exercisable stock options within 60 days of the record date, as
follows: Mr. Stefanko--114,666 shares; Mr. Stine--59,666 shares; Mr.
Ennis--7,500 shares; Mr. Brewer--20,000 shares; Mr. Semmer--23,757 shares.
In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the
percentage ownership of that person, options held by that person that are
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the record date are
deemed outstanding. Such shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for
the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of each other person.
(2) VMM Merger Corp. and certain of its affiliates filed a Schedule 13D filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2000 with respect
to the shares of VDI common stock that may be deemed to be beneficially
owned by them by virtue of the terms of the shareholders agreement
described in this proxy statement. Includes 55,000 shares of common stock
that can be acquired by Mr. Stefanko by exercise of vested and exercisable
stock options as of the date of the shareholder's agreement. The address
for VMM Merger Corp. and the other reporting persons with respect to such
Schedule 13D is c/o Bain Capital, Inc. Two Copley Place, Boston
Massachusetts 02116.
(3) As reported on Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on February 11, 1999 (the "MFS 13G/A") by Massachusetts
Financial Services Company ("MFS"). According to the MFS 13G/A, MFS has
sole voting power with respect to 621,552 shares of common stock and sole
dispositive power with respect to all 630,452 shares which are also
beneficially owned by certain other non-reporting entities. According to
the MFS 13G/A, MFS is located at 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02116.
The above table does not include shares of common stock issuable upon
exercise of outstanding stock options which have not vested or are not
exercisable and which will not vest or which will not be exercisable within 60
days of the record date as follows: Mr. Stefanko--119,334 shares; Mr. Stine--
619,334 shares; Mr. Ennis--30,000 shares; Mr. Brewer--45,000 shares; Mr.
Semmer--51,667 shares.
73
DESCRIPTION OF VDI DELAWARE CAPITAL STOCK
Set forth below is a description of the common stock of VDI Delaware. The
following statements are summaries of, and are subject to the detailed
provisions of, the VDI Delaware amended and restated certificate of
incorporation and bylaws, and to the relevant provisions of the DGCL.
VDI Delaware currently is authorized to issue up to 200 shares of common
stock, par value $.01 per share. Dividends may be paid on the VDI Delaware
common stock out of funds legally available therefor, when and if declared by
the VDI Delaware board.
Holders of VDI Delaware common stock are entitled to share ratably in the
assets available for distribution on liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
subject, if preferred stock of VDI Delaware is then authorized and outstanding,
to any preferential rights of such preferred stock. Each share of the VDI
Delaware common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote at all meetings
of stockholders, and such votes are noncumulative. The VDI Delaware common
stock is not redeemable, has no subscription or conversion rights and does not
entitle the holders thereof to any pre-emptive rights.
If the reorganization merger is approved by the requisite vote of the
shareholders of VDI and all of the conditions to the mergers are satisfied or
waived, immediately prior to the effective time of the reorganization merger,
we will amend and restate the certificate of incorporation of VDI Delaware.
Under the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, VDI Delaware will
be authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of common stock as compared to the 200
shares of common stock it was authorized to issue prior to the reorganization
merger. In addition, it will be authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of
preferred stock.
In addition, the bylaws of VDI Delaware as in effect at the effective time
will be the bylaws of VDI Delaware following the reorganization merger and the
bylaws of Merger Sub will be the bylaws of VDI Delaware following the
acquisition merger until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or
by applicable law.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
The following table indicates, with respect to any purchases of VDI common
stock made by VDI or any affiliate of VDI since January 1, 1997, the range of
prices paid for such stock, the amount of shares purchased and the average
purchase price for such shares for each quarterly period since January 1, 1997:
Amount of Average
Quarterly Shares Range of Purchase
Purchaser Period Purchased Prices Price
- --------- --------------- --------- ----------- --------
Donald R. Stine(1)............... 1/1/97-3/31/97 72,000 $7.00 $7.00
Robert C. Semmer(1).............. 1/1/97-3/31/97 10,424 $7.00 $7.00
VDI(2)........................... 1/1/98-3/31/98 461,700 $4.87-$5.77 $5.524
VDI(2)........................... 3/31/98-6/30/98 111,000 $5.31-$5.56 $5.467
Robert C. Semmer................. 1/1/99-3/31/99 1,750 $5.63 $5.63
- --------
(1) Represents purchases made pursuant to the exercise of options to purchase
shares of VDI common stock.
(2) Represents purchases made by VDI pursuant to its board approved share
repurchase program.
74
CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING MERGER SUB, BAIN CAPITAL
DONALD R. STINE AND ROBERT C. SEMMER
Merger Sub. Merger Sub is a Delaware corporation incorporated on December 3,
1999 at the direction of Bain Capital for the purpose of acquiring control of
VDI through a recapitalization. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement,
Merger Sub will not have any significant assets or liabilities prior to the
effective date of the mergers, nor engage in any activities other than those
involving the mergers. All of the outstanding capital stock of Merger Sub is
currently owned by Bain Capital Fund VI, L.P.
The services of Bain Capital and its affiliates in connection with the
mergers include the formation of Merger Sub, planning of the capital structure
of the Merger Sub and the surviving corporation, obtaining commitments and
negotiating definitive agreements with respect to the financing and negotiation
of the merger agreement.
Bain Capital, Inc. Bain Capital is one of the most experienced and
successful private equity investors in the United States. Since its founding in
1984, Bain Capital has invested in more than 130 companies and currently
manages more than $7 billion of assets. Bain Capital, Inc.'s investment
strategy is to acquire businesses in partnership with exceptional management
teams and improve the long-term value of those businesses.
The investment to be made in Merger Sub by Bain Capital is expected to be
made by Bain Capital Fund VI, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Fund VI"),
BCIP Associates II, BCIP Associates II-B and BCIP Associates II-C, each a
Delaware general partnership (collectively, the "BCIP Entities"). Bain Capital
Partners VI, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("BCPVI"), is the sole
general partner of Fund VI. Bain Capital Investors, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Bain Investors VI"), is the sole general partner of BCPVI. Bain
Capital is the sole managing partner of the BCIP Entities. Mr. W. Mitt Romney
is the sole stockholder, sole director, Chief Executive Officer and President
of Bain Investors VI and Bain Capital.
The other executive officers of Bain Investors VI and Bain Capital are as
follows:
Name Title
- ---- -----
Joshua Bekenstein............................................. Managing Director
Edward Conard................................................. Managing Director
John P. Connaughton........................................... Managing Director
David Dominik................................................. Managing Director
Paul B. Edgerley.............................................. Managing Director
Robert C. Gay................................................. Managing Director
Michael A. Krupka............................................. Managing Director
Jonathan A. Lavine............................................ Managing Director
Ronald P. Mika................................................ Managing Director
Mark E. Nunnelly.............................................. Managing Director
Stephen G. Pagliuca........................................... Managing Director
Dwight Polar.................................................. Managing Director
Joseph J. Pretlow............................................. Managing Director
Robert F. White............................................... Managing Director
Messrs. Ed Brakeman and Domenic Ferrante also serve as Managing Directors of
Bain Capital. Each of the executive officers of Bain Investors VI and Bain
Capital has served as a Managing Director and/or a Principal of Bain Capital
during the last five years. Each managing director and/or executive officer of
Bain Investors VI and Bain Capital is a citizen of the United States. Certain
of the Managing Directors of Bain Investors VI and Bain Capital hold similar
positions at other investment funds associated with Bain Capital. The address
for Fund VI, BCPVI, Bain Investors VI, Bain Capital, Mr. Mitt Romney and all of
the other executive officers of Bain Investors VI and Bain Capital is Two
Copley Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
75
The principal business and office address of Donald R. Stine and Robert C.
Semmer is c/o VDI MultiMedia, 7083 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 200, Hollywood,
CA 90028. Mr. Stine is President and Secretary of VDI and Mr. Semmer is Senior
Vice President of Operations of VDI. Each of Messrs. Stine and Semmer is a U.S.
citizen. The business telephone number for Messrs. Stine and Semmer is (323)
957-7990.
None of the filing persons or the other persons or entities discussed above
was, during the past five years, convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding
traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or was, during the past five years,
a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent
jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a
judgment, decree or final order enjoining further violations of, or prohibiting
activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any
violation of such laws.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
VDI files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy
any reports, statements or other information that the companies file with the
Commission at the Commission's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C.,
New York, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Commission at 1-800-
SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. These
Commission filings are also available to the public from commercial document
retrieval services at the Internet world wide web site maintained by the
Commission at "http://www.sec.gov." Reports, proxy statements and other
information filed by VDI are also available for inspection at the offices of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20006.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this proxy statement. VDI has not authorized anyone to provide you
with information that is different from what is contained in this proxy
statement. This proxy statement is dated , 2000. You should not assume
that the information contained in this proxy statement is accurate as of any
date other than that date or such other date as this proxy statement indicates.
The mailing of this proxy statement to VDI shareholders does not create any
implication to the contrary.
VDI Incorporated Documents
As allowed by the Commission rules, this proxy statement does not contain
all the information set forth in VDI's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended
for the year ended December 31, 1998. The Commission allows VDI to "incorporate
by reference" information into this proxy statement, which means that VDI can
disclose important information to you by referring you to another document
filed separately with the Commission. The information incorporated by reference
is considered part of this proxy statement, except for any information
superseded by information contained directly in this proxy statement or in
later filed documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement.
This proxy statement incorporates by reference the documents set forth below
that VDI has previously filed with the Commission. These documents contain
important information about VDI and its finances and should be reviewed
carefully and fully. Some of these filings have been amended by later filings,
which are also listed.
VDICommission Filings
(File No. 000-
21917) Period/As of Date
- ---------------------- -----------------
Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form
10-K/A............................... Year ended 12/31/98
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q......... Quarters ended 9/30/99, 6/30/99, 3/31/99
Current Report on Form 8-K............ 1/11/00
All documents filed by VDI under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, subsequent to the date hereof and
prior to the date of the special meeting will be deemed to be incorporated
herein by reference and to be a part hereof from the date of such filing. Any
statement
76
contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
herein by reference will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes
hereof to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated
herein by reference modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement
so modified or superseded will not be deemed to constitute a part hereof,
except as so modified or superseded.
Any documents filed by VDI with the Commission and incorporated by reference
(excluding exhibits, unless specifically incorporated in this proxy statement)
are available without charge upon written request to Clarke W. Brewer, Chief
Financial Officer, VDI MultiMedia, 7083 Hollywood Boulevard, 2nd Floor,
Hollywood, California 90028. Telephone requests may be directed to Clarke
Brewer at (323) 957-7990.
If you would like to receive documents from VDI, please request them by
, 2000, in order to receive them before the special meeting.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The consolidated financial statements of VDI at December 31, 1998 and
December 31, 1997, and for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1998, included in VDI's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the
year ended December 31, 1998 incorporated by reference in this proxy statement,
have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, as
stated in their report therein.
Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be present at
the special meeting. Such representatives will be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
VDI will hold its 2000 annual meeting of VDI shareholders only if the
mergers are not consummated. In the event that such a meeting is held, any
proposals of VDI shareholders intended to be presented at the 2000 annual
meeting of VDI shareholders must be received by the Corporate Secretary of VDI
no later than , 2000 in order to be considered for inclusion in the
VDI 2000 annual meeting proxy materials.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the VDI Board knows of no matters
that will be presented for consideration at the special meeting other than as
described in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters shall properly come
before either the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof
to be voted upon, the enclosed proxies will be deemed to confer discretionary
authority on the individuals named as proxies therein to vote the shares
represented by such proxies as to any such matters. The persons named as
proxies intend to vote or not to vote in accordance with the recommendation of
the VDI board.
77
APPENDIX A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
by and among
VDI MultiMedia,
VDI MultiMedia, Inc.,
and
VMM Merger Corp.
Dated as of December 24, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
ARTICLE I THE REORGANIZATION MERGER.............................. A-2
Section 1.1 The Reorganization Merger.............................. A-2
Section 1.2 Reorganization Closing................................. A-2
Section 1.3 Reorganization Effective Time.......................... A-2
Section 1.4 Subsequent Actions..................................... A-2
Section 1.5 Certificate of Incorporation........................... A-2
Section 1.6 The Bylaws............................................. A-3
Section 1.7 Officers and Directors................................. A-3
Section 1.8 Employee Benefit Plans................................. A-3
ARTICLE II CONVERSION OR CANCELLATION OF SHARES IN THE
REORGANIZATION MERGER.................................. A-3
Section 2.1 Conversion or Cancellation of Shares................... A-3
Section 2.2 Transfer of Company Shares After the Reorganization
Effective Time......................................... A-4
Section 2.3 Treatment of Options................................... A-4
ARTICLE III THE ACQUISITION MERGER................................. A-4
Section 3.1 The Acquisition Merger................................. A-4
Section 3.2 Acquisition Closing.................................... A-4
Section 3.3 Acquisition Effective Time............................. A-4
Section 3.4 Subsequent Actions..................................... A-4
Section 3.5 Certificate of Incorporation........................... A-5
Section 3.6 The Bylaws............................................. A-5
Section 3.7 Officers and Directors................................. A-5
ARTICLE IV CONVERSION OR CANCELLATION OF SHARES IN THE ACQUISITION
MERGER................................................. A-5
Section 4.1 Conversion or Cancellation of Shares................... A-5
Section 4.2 Payment for Company Sub Shares and Stock Options in the
Acquisition Merger..................................... A-6
Section 4.3 Transfer of Company Sub Shares After the Acquisition
Effective Time......................................... A-7
Section 4.4 No Liability........................................... A-7
Section 4.5 Lost Certificates...................................... A-7
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.......... A-7
Section 5.1 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries........... A-7
Section 5.2 Charter Documents and Bylaws........................... A-8
Section 5.3 Capitalization......................................... A-8
Section 5.4 Authority Relative to this Agreement................... A-9
Section 5.5 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents............. A-9
Section 5.6 SEC Filings; Financial Statements...................... A-10
Section 5.7 Absence of Certain Changes or Events................... A-11
Section 5.8 Intellectual Property.................................. A-11
Section 5.9 Material Contracts..................................... A-12
Section 5.10 Environmental Matters.................................. A-14
Section 5.11 Benefit Plans.......................................... A-14
Section 5.12 Tax Matters............................................ A-15
Section 5.13 Litigation............................................. A-16
Section 5.14 Opinion of Financial Advisor........................... A-16
Section 5.15 Brokers................................................ A-17
Section 5.16 Properties and Assets.................................. A-17
Section 5.17 Compliance with Laws in General........................ A-17
Page
----
Section 5.18 Labor Matters.......................................... A-17
Section 5.19 Insurance.............................................. A-18
Section 5.20 Customers and Suppliers................................ A-18
Section 5.21 Company Expenses....................................... A-18
Section 5.22 Required Company Vote.................................. A-18
Section 5.23 State Takeover Laws.................................... A-18
ARTICLE VI REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MERGER SUB........... A-19
Section 6.1 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries........... A-19
Section 6.2 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws................ A-19
Section 6.3 Authority Relative to this Agreement................... A-19
Section 6.4 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents............. A-19
Section 6.5 Ownership of Merger Sub; No Prior Activities........... A-20
Section 6.6 Litigation............................................. A-20
Section 6.7 Financing.............................................. A-20
Section 6.8 Brokers................................................ A-20
ARTICLE VII COVENANTS.............................................. A-20
Section 7.1 Interim Operations of the Company...................... A-20
ARTICLE VIII ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS.................................. A-22
Section 8.1 Meeting of the Shareholders............................ A-22
Section 8.2 Filings; Other Action.................................. A-23
Section 8.3 Access................................................. A-23
Section 8.4 Notification of Certain Matters........................ A-24
Section 8.5 Publicity.............................................. A-24
Section 8.6 Indemnification........................................ A-24
Section 8.7 Obligations of Merger Sub.............................. A-25
Section 8.8 Stock Options.......................................... A-26
Section 8.9 Employee Benefit Plans................................. A-26
Section 8.10 No Solicitation of Transactions........................ A-27
Section 8.11 Third Party Standstill Agreements...................... A-28
Section 8.12 Consents............................................... A-28
Section 8.13 SEC Reports............................................ A-28
Section 8.14 Delisting.............................................. A-28
Section 8.15 Actions Respecting Commitment Letters; Financing,
Notification........................................... A-28
Section 8.16 Financial Statements................................... A-29
Section 8.17 Shareholders Agreement................................. A-29
Section 8.18 State Takeover Laws.................................... A-29
ARTICLE IX CONDITIONS............................................. A-29
Section 9.1 Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party............ A-29
Section 9.2 Additional Conditions to the Acquisition Merger........ A-30
Section 9.3 Conditions to the Obligations of Merger Sub............ A-30
Section 9.4 Conditions to the Obligations of the Company and
Company Sub............................................ A-31
ARTICLE X TERMINATION............................................ A-32
Section 10.1 Termination by Mutual Consent.......................... A-32
Section 10.2 Termination by Either Merger Sub or the Company........ A-32
Section 10.3 Termination by Merger Sub.............................. A-32
Section 10.4 Termination by the Company............................. A-33
Section 10.5 Effect of Termination and Abandonment.................. A-33
Page
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ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS; GENERAL.................................. A-33
Section 11.1 Payment of Expenses..................................... A-33
Section 11.2 Survival................................................ A-34
Section 11.3 Modification or Amendment............................... A-34
Section 11.4 Counterparts............................................ A-34
Section 11.5 Governing Law........................................... A-35
Section 11.6 Notices................................................. A-35
Section 11.7 Entire Agreement, etc................................... A-35
Section 11.8 Captions................................................ A-35
Section 11.9 Certain Definitions..................................... A-35
Section 11.10 No Third Party Beneficiaries............................ A-36
Section 11.11 Company Disclosure Schedule............................. A-36
GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS
Position of
Defined Term Definition
- ------------ ------------------
Acquisition Agreement of Merger (S) 3.1
Acquisition Closing (S) 3.2
Acquisition Constituent Corporations Preamble
Acquisition Effective Time (S) 3.3
Acquisition Merger Recitals
affiliate (S) 4.1(a)
Agreement Preamble
Bain Recitals
Bain Commitment Letter Recitals
Benefit Plans (S) 5.11(c)
Certificates (S) 4.2(b)
Claim (S) 8.6(b)
Class A Common (S) 4.1(c)
Class L Common (S) 4.1(c)
Closing (S) 3.2
Code (S) 5.11(c)
Commitment Letters (S) 6.7
Common Stock Recitals
Company Preamble
Company Disclosure Schedule Article V Preamble
Company Material Adverse Effect (S) 5.1
Company Representatives (S) 8.10(a)
Company Sub Preamble
Company Sub Common Stock (S) 2.1(a)
Company Sub Shares (S) 4.1(a)
Company Subsidiary (S) 5.1
Competing Transaction (S) 8.10(b)
Computer Systems (S) 5.8(b)
Confidentiality Agreement (S) 8.3
Conversion Schedule (S) 4.1(c)
CGCL (S) 1.3
COBRA (S) 5.11(f)
DGCL (S) 1.1
Debt Commitment Letters (S) 6.7
Dissenting Shareholder (S) 2.1(c)
Dissenting Shares (S) 2.1(c)
Effective Time (S) 3.3
Environmental Laws (S) 5.10
ERISA (S) 5.11(b)
Exchange Act (S) 5.5(b)
Exchange Fund (S) 4.2(a)
Expenses (S) 11.1(a)
Financing (S) 8.16
Governmental Authority (S) 5.5(b)
HSR Act (S) 5.5(b)
Indemnified Parties (S) 8.6(b)
Intellectual Property (S) 5.8(a)
Law (S) 5.5(a)
Liens (S) 5.5(a)
Defined Term Position of Definition
- ------------ ----------------------
Material Contracts (S) 5.9(b)
Mergers Recitals
Merger Consideration (S) 4.1(a)
Merger Sub Preamble
Merger Sub Companies (S) 4.1(a)
Merger Sub Material Adverse Effect (S) 6.1
Multiemployer Pension Plans (S) 5.11(b)
NASDAQ/NMS (S) 5.5(b)
Non-Plan Options (S) 8.8
Option Consideration (S) 8.8(c)
Options (S) 5.3(a)
Option Plans (S) 5.3(a)
Paying Agent (S) 4.2(a)
Payment Fund (S) 4.2(a)
Pension Plans (S) 5.11(b)
Plan Options (S) 8.8(c)
Plans (S) 5.3
Proxy Statement (S) 8.1(b)
Reorganization Agreement of Merger (S) 1.1
Reorganization Closing (S) 1.2
Reorganization Constituent Corporations Preamble
Reorganization Effective Time (S) 1.3
Reorganization Merger Recitals
Reorganization Surviving Corporation (S) 1.1
Representatives (S) 8.3
Rollover Shares (S) 4.1(a)
Rollover Shareholder Recitals
SEC (S) 5.6(a)
SEC Reports (S) 5.6(a)
Securities Act (S) 5.6(a)
Shares (S) 2.1(a)
Shareholders Agreement Recitals
Shareholders Meeting (S) 8.1(a)
Substitute Debt Financing (S) 8.15(b)
Superior Proposal (S) 8.10(c)
Surviving Corporation (S) 3.1
Terminating Company Breach (S) 10.3(a)
Terminating Merger Sub Breach (S) 10.4(a)
Transactions Recitals
5% Shareholder (S) 5.9(e)
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (hereinafter called this "Agreement"), dated as
of December 24, 1999, between VDI MultiMedia, a California corporation (the
"Company"), VDI MultiMedia, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company ("Company Sub"), and VMM Merger Corp., a Delaware
corporation ("Merger Sub"); the Company and Company Sub sometimes being
hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Reorganization Constituent
Corporations" and Company Sub and Merger Sub sometimes being hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "Acquisition Constituent Corporations."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company desires that it merge with and into Company Sub, all
upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement (the
"Reorganization Merger");
WHEREAS, Company Sub desires that, upon the completion of the Reorganization
Merger, Merger Sub merge with and into Company Sub, all upon the terms and
subject to the conditions of this Agreement (the "Acquisition Merger" and
collectively with the Reorganization Merger, the "Mergers");
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has, in light of and subject
to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (i) determined that (A) the
Mergers are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and (B)
the consideration to be paid for each share of common stock in the Acquisition
Merger is fair to the shareholders of the Company and (ii) resolved to approve
and adopt this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (the
"Transactions") and to recommend approval and adoption by the shareholders of
the Company of this Agreement and the Transactions;
WHEREAS, the Company and Merger Sub desire to make certain representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the Mergers;
WHEREAS, those shareholders of the Company that are identified on Schedule I
hereto or as may be added thereto from time to time by Merger Sub prior to the
Effective Time (as defined below), subject to the limitations set forth thereon
(each a "Rollover Shareholder" and collectively, the "Rollover Shareholders"),
shall have certain of their shares of common stock, no par value, of the
Company (the "Common Stock") converted into shares of the capital stock of the
Surviving Corporation (as defined below) in connection with the Mergers as more
fully described herein;
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Bain Capital
Fund VI, L.P. ("Bain") has entered into an agreement with Merger Sub for the
benefit of the Company in which it has agreed to cause Merger Sub to perform
its obligations at or prior to the Effective Time (as defined below) hereunder
and, subject to the conditions set forth therein, to invest a specified amount
in Merger Sub at or prior to the Effective Time (the "Bain Commitment Letter");
and
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, certain existing
shareholders of the Company have entered into a shareholders agreement (the
"Shareholders Agreement") pursuant to which such shareholders have agreed,
among other things, to vote for the Reorganization Merger and to grant to
Merger Sub a proxy with respect to the voting of their Subject Shares (as
defined in the Shareholders Agreement) under the circumstances set forth in the
Shareholders Agreement.
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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and conditions herein
contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE REORGANIZATION MERGERI THE REORGANIZATION MERGER
Section 1.1 The Reorganization Merger.. Subject to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement and of the Agreement of Merger attached hereto as Exhibit A
(the "Reorganization Agreement of Merger"), at the Reorganization Effective
Time (as defined below), the Company shall be merged with and into Company Sub
and the separate corporate existence of the Company shall thereupon cease.
Company Sub shall be the surviving corporation in the Reorganization Merger
(sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Reorganization Surviving
Corporation") and shall continue to be governed by the laws of the State of
Delaware, and the separate corporate existence of Company Sub with all its
rights, privileges, immunities and franchises shall continue unaffected by the
Reorganization Merger. The Reorganization Merger shall have the effects
specified in the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL").
Section 1.2 Reorganization Closing. Subject to the conditions contained in
this Agreement, the closing of the Reorganization Merger (the "Reorganization
Closing") shall take place (i) at the offices of Kirkland & Ellis, New York,
New York, as promptly as practicable but in no event later than the third
business day after which the last to be fulfilled or waived of the conditions
set forth in Article IX hereof shall be fulfilled or waived in accordance with
this Agreement, at such time as the Company, Company Sub and Merger Sub may
agree, or (ii) at such other place and time and/or on such other date as the
Company, Company Sub and Merger Sub may agree.
Section 1.3 Reorganization Effective Time. As soon as practicable following
fulfillment or waiver of the conditions specified in Article IX hereof, and
provided that this Agreement has not been terminated or abandoned pursuant to
Article X hereof, the Company and Company Sub will cause the Reorganization
Agreement of Merger to be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware and the Secretary of State of the State of California, with
an officer's certificate of each Reorganization Constituent Corporation
attached, as provided in the DGCL and the California General Corporate Law (the
"CGCL"), as applicable. The Reorganization Merger shall become effective at the
time of the filing of the Reorganization Agreement of Merger with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware, and such time is hereinafter referred to as
the "Reorganization Effective Time."
Section 1.4 Subsequent Actions. If, at any time after the Reorganization
Effective Time, the Reorganization Surviving Corporation shall consider or be
advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, assurances or any other
actions or things are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm of
record or otherwise in the Reorganization Surviving Corporation its right,
title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of
either of the Reorganization Constituent Corporations acquired or to be
acquired by the Reorganization Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in
connection with, the Reorganization Merger or otherwise to carry out this
Agreement, the officers and directors of the Reorganization Surviving
Corporation shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on
behalf of each of the Reorganization Constituent Corporations or otherwise, all
such deeds, bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to take and do, in
the name and on behalf of each of the Reorganization Constituent Corporations
or otherwise, all such other actions and things as may be necessary or
desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and all right, title and interest in,
to and under such rights, properties or assets in the Reorganization Surviving
Corporation or otherwise to carry out this Agreement.
Section 1.5 Certificate of Incorporation The Certificate of Incorporation of
the Reorganization Surviving Corporation shall be in the form set forth as
Exhibit B hereto.
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Section 1.6 The Bylaws The Bylaws of Company Sub in effect at the
Reorganization Effective Time shall be the bylaws of the Reorganization
Surviving Corporation.
Section 1.7 Officers and Directors. The directors of the Company and the
officers of the Company at the Reorganization Effective Time shall, from and
after the Reorganization Effective Time, continue as the directors and
officers, respectively, of the Reorganization Surviving Corporation until their
successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their
earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the Reorganization
Surviving Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
Section 1.8 Employee Benefit Plans. As of the Reorganization Effective Time,
Company Sub shall assume all obligations of the Company under any and all
Benefit Plans (as defined below) in effect as of said date or with respect to
which employee rights or accrued benefits are outstanding as of said date.
ARTICLE II
CONVERSION OR CANCELLATION OF SHARES
IN THE REORGANIZATION MERGER
Section 2.1 Conversion or Cancellation of Shares. The manner of converting
or canceling shares of the Company and Company Sub in the Reorganization Merger
shall be as follows:
(a) At the Reorganization Effective Time, each share of Common Stock (the
"Shares") issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Reorganization
Effective Time (other than Shares which are held by shareholders exercising
appraisal rights pursuant to Chapter 13 of the CGCL, which shall have the
right, if any, to receive payment from the Reorganization Surviving Corporation
of the "fair market value" of such Shares as determined in accordance with
Chapter 13 of the CGCL) shall, by virtue of the Reorganization Merger and
without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into one
fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, $.01 par value per share,
of Company Sub ("Company Sub Common Stock"). The shares of Company Sub Common
Stock into which the outstanding shares of Common Stock shall have been
converted pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) hereof shall be represented and
evidenced by the same stock certificates that previously represented and
evidenced such outstanding shares of Common Stock and the holders of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock so converted shall, at the Reorganization
Effective Time, become holders of record of the shares of Company Sub Common
Stock issued in consideration therefor upon such conversion without any further
action on the part of such holders.
(b) At the Reorganization Effective Time, each share of Company Sub Common
Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Reorganization Effective
Time shall, by virtue of the Reorganization Merger and without any action on
the part of the holder thereof, cease to be outstanding, be canceled and be
retired without payment of any consideration therefor and cease to exist.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any Shares
held by a person (a "Dissenting Shareholder") who shall not have voted in favor
of the Reorganization Merger or consented thereto in writing and who shall have
demanded properly in writing appraisal for such Shares (the "Dissenting
Shares") in accordance with Chapter 13 of the CGCL shall not be converted as
described in Section 2.1(a), but shall become the right to receive such
consideration as may be determined to be due to such Dissenting Shareholder
pursuant to the laws of the State of California. If, after the Reorganization
Effective Time, such Dissenting Shareholder withdraws its demand for appraisal
or fails to perfect or otherwise loses its right of appraisal, in any case
pursuant to the CGCL, its Shares shall be deemed to be converted as of the
Reorganization Effective Time into the right to receive an equal number of
shares of Company Sub Common Stock in accordance with Section 2.1(a). If
appraisal rights with respect to the Reorganization Merger are available, the
Company, the Reorganization Surviving Corporation or the Surviving Corporation
shall provide to Dissenting Shareholders the notice and other materials
required by Section 1301(a) of the CGCL. The Company shall give Merger Sub
prompt notice of any demands for appraisal of Shares received by the
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Company. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Merger
Sub, make any payment with respect to, or settle any such demands.
Section 2.2 Transfer of Company Shares After the Reorganization Effective
Time No transfers of Shares shall be made on the stock transfer books of the
Reorganization Surviving Corporation at or after the Reorganization Effective
Time.
Section 2.3 Treatment of Options. Upon and as of the Reorganization
Effective Time in connection with the Reorganization Merger, to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable Law, Company Sub shall assume all of the
Company's obligations with respect to any then-outstanding Options (as defined
below) that theretofore shall not have expired or been duly exercised by the
holders thereof and the due exercise of rights under any such Options shall
entitle the holders thereof to acquire, immediately following the
Reorganization Merger, upon the same terms and conditions that were applicable
under such Options immediately prior to the Reorganization Merger, a number of
shares of Company Sub Common Stock identical to the class and number of shares
of Common Stock that were subject to the Options immediately prior to the
Reorganization Merger. The Company and Company Sub agree to take all corporate
and other action as shall be necessary to effectuate the foregoing.
ARTICLE III
THE ACQUISITION MERGER
Section 3.1 The Acquisition Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement and of the Agreement of Merger attached hereto as Exhibit C (the
"Acquisition Agreement of Merger"), at the Acquisition Effective Time (as
defined below), Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Company Sub in a
transaction intended to qualify as a recapitalization for financial accounting
purposes and the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall thereupon
cease. Company Sub shall be the surviving corporation in the Acquisition Merger
(sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Surviving Corporation") and shall
continue to be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, and the separate
corporate existence of Company Sub with all its rights, privileges, immunities
and franchises shall continue unaffected by the Acquisition Merger. The
Acquisition Merger shall have the effects specified in the DGCL.
Section 3.2 Acquisition Closing. Subject to the conditions contained in this
Agreement, the closing of the Acquisition Merger (the "Acquisition Closing" and
collectively with the Reorganization Closing, the "Closing") shall take place
(i) at the offices of Kirkland & Ellis, New York, New York, as promptly as
practicable but in no event later than the third business day after which the
last to be fulfilled or waived of the conditions set forth in Article IX hereof
shall be fulfilled or waived in accordance with this Agreement, at such time as
the Company, Company Sub and Merger Sub may agree, or (ii) at such other place
and time and/or on such other date as the Company, Company Sub and Merger Sub
may agree.
Section 3.3 Acquisition Effective Time. As soon as practicable following
fulfillment or waiver of the conditions specified in Article IX hereof, and
provided that this Agreement has not been terminated or abandoned pursuant to
Article X hereof and as soon as practicable following the Reorganization
Effective Time, Company Sub and Merger Sub will cause the Acquisition Agreement
of Merger to be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware, with an officer's certificate of each Acquisition Constituent
Corporation attached, as provided in the DGCL. The Acquisition Merger shall
become effective at the time of such filing, and such time is hereinafter
referred to as the "Acquisition Effective Time" and, collectively with the
Reorganization Effective Time, the "Effective Time."
Section 3.4 Subsequent Actions. If, at any time after the Effective Time,
the Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any deeds, bills of
sale, assignments, assurances or any other actions or things are necessary or
desirable to vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving
Corporation its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights,
properties or assets of either of the Acquisition
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Constituent Corporations acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving
Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Acquisition Merger or
otherwise to carry out this Agreement, the officers and directors of The
Surviving Corporation shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name
and on behalf of each of the Acquisition Constituent Corporations or otherwise,
all such deeds, bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to take and do,
in the name and on behalf of each of the Acquisition Constituent Corporations
or otherwise, all such other actions and things as may be necessary or
desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and all right, title and interest in,
to and under such rights, properties or assets in the Surviving Corporation or
otherwise to carry out this Agreement.
Section 3.5 Certificate of Incorporation. The Certificate of Incorporation
of the Surviving Corporation shall be in the form set forth as Exhibit D
hereto.
Section 3.6 The Bylaws. Subject to Section 8.6(a), the Bylaws of Merger Sub
in effect at the Acquisition Effective Time shall be the bylaws of the
Surviving Corporation.
Section 3.7 Officers and Directors. The directors of Merger Sub and the
officers of Company Sub at the Acquisition Effective Time shall, from and after
the Acquisition Effective Time, continue as the directors and officers,
respectively, of the Surviving Corporation until their successors have been
duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death,
resignation or removal in accordance with the Surviving Corporation's
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
ARTICLE IV
CONVERSION OR CANCELLATION OF SHARES IN THE ACQUISITION MERGER
Section 4.1 Conversion or Cancellation of Shares. The manner of converting
or canceling shares of Company Sub and Merger Sub in the Acquisition Merger
shall be as follows:
(a) At the Acquisition Effective Time, each share of Company Sub Common
Stock (the "Company Sub Shares") issued and outstanding immediately prior to
the Acquisition Effective Time (other than Company Sub Shares owned by Merger
Sub or any other subsidiary or person that directly or indirectly through one
or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control
with (an "affiliate") the Merger Sub (collectively, the "Merger Sub Companies")
or the Rollover Shareholders (the "Rollover Shares")) shall, by virtue of the
Acquisition Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be
converted into the right to receive the sum of $15.00 in cash (the "Merger
Consideration"). All such Company Sub Shares, by virtue of the Acquisition
Merger and without any action on the part of the holders thereof, shall no
longer be outstanding and shall be canceled and retired and shall cease to
exist, and each holder of a certificate representing any such Company Sub
Shares shall thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to such Company
Sub Shares, except the right to receive the Merger Consideration for such
Company Sub Shares upon the surrender of such certificate in accordance with
Section 4.2.
(b) At the Acquisition Effective Time, each Company Sub Share issued and
outstanding at the Acquisition Effective Time and owned by any of the Merger
Sub Companies, and each Company Sub Share issued and held in Company Sub's
treasury at the Acquisition Effective Time, shall, by virtue of the Acquisition
Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, cease to be
outstanding, be canceled and be retired without payment of any consideration
therefor and cease to exist.
(c) At the Acquisition Effective Time, (i) each Rollover Share and (ii)
each share of common equity of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately
prior to the Acquisition Effective Time shall be converted into and become the
number of shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Surviving Corporation ("Class A Common") and Class L Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, of the Surviving Corporation ("Class L Common") as are set
forth on a schedule to be attached hereto (the "Conversion Schedule") and
provided to the Company by Merger Sub prior to the Effective Time.
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Section 4.2 Payment for Company Sub Shares and Stock Options in the
Acquisition Merger. The manner of making payment for Company Sub Shares and
outstanding options to purchase Company Sub Shares in the Acquisition Merger
shall be as follows:
(a) At or prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, Merger Sub shall deposit
in trust for the benefit of the holders of Company Sub Shares and options to
purchase Company Sub Shares, as the case may be, with a bank or trust company
designated by Merger Sub and approved by Company Sub (the "Paying Agent"), (i)
cash in an aggregate amount equal to the sum of (A) the product of (1) the
number of Company Sub Shares issued and outstanding at the Acquisition
Effective Time (other than Company Sub Shares owned by the Merger Sub
Companies) and (2) the Merger Consideration and (B) the amount necessary for
the payment in full of the Option Consideration (as defined in Section 8.8)
(such aggregate amount being hereinafter referred to as the "Payment Fund") and
(ii) shares of Class A Common and Class L Common to which holders of Rollover
Shares shall be entitled to at the Acquisition Effective Time pursuant to
Section 4.1(c) above (the "Exchange Fund"). The Paying Agent shall, pursuant to
irrevocable instructions, make the payments provided for in Sections 4.1 and
8.8 of this Agreement out of the Payment Fund and exchange the Rollover Shares
for securities held in the Exchange Fund as provided in Section 4.1(c) out of
the Exchange Fund. Neither the Payment Fund nor the Exchange Fund shall be used
for any other purpose except as provided in this Agreement.
(b) Promptly after the Acquisition Effective Time, the Paying Agent shall
mail to each record holder (other than the Merger Sub Companies), as of the
Acquisition Effective Time, of an outstanding certificate or certificates
which, immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, represented Company
Sub Shares (the "Certificates") a form letter of transmittal and instructions
for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates for payment therefor.
Upon surrender to the Paying Agent of a Certificate, together with such letter
of transmittal duly executed, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled
to receive in exchange therefor either (i) cash in an amount equal to the
product of (A) the number of Company Sub Shares represented by such Certificate
and (B) the Merger Consideration in the case of Company Sub Shares (other than
Rollover Shares), and (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common and Class L
Common set forth on the Conversion Schedule in the case of Rollover Shares, and
such Certificate shall forthwith be canceled. No interest will be paid or
accrued on the cash payable upon the surrender of the Certificates. If payment
is to be made to a person other than the person in whose name the Certificate
surrendered is registered, it may be a condition of payment that the
Certificate so surrendered shall be properly endorsed or otherwise in proper
form for transfer and that the person requesting such payment shall pay any
transfer or other taxes required by reason of the payment to a person other
than the registered holder of the Certificate surrendered of the Merger
Consideration or Class A Common or Class L Common, or that such person shall
establish to the satisfaction of the Surviving Corporation that such tax has
been paid or is not applicable. Until surrendered in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 4.2, each Certificate (other than Certificates
representing Company Sub Shares owned by the Merger Sub Companies) shall
represent, for all purposes, only the right to receive either (i) in the case
of Certificates representing Company Sub Shares (other than Rollover Shares),
an amount in cash equal to the Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of
Company Sub Shares evidenced by such Certificate or (ii) in the case of
Certificates representing Rollover Shares, shares of Class A Common and Class L
Common set forth on the Conversion Schedule multiplied by the number of
Rollover Shares evidenced by such Certificate, without any interest or
dividends thereon.
(c) Any portion of the Payment Fund or Exchange Fund which remains
unclaimed by the shareholders of the Company for one year after the Acquisition
Effective Time shall be repaid to the Surviving Corporation, upon demand, and
any stockholders of Company Sub who have not theretofore complied with Section
4.2(b) shall thereafter look only to the Surviving Corporation, for payment of
their claim for the Merger Consideration for Company Sub Shares, without any
interest or dividends thereon. The Paying Agent shall retain the right to
invest and reinvest the Payment Fund on behalf of the Surviving Corporation in
securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government or certificates
of deposit of commercial banks that have, or are members of a group of
commercial banks that has, consolidated total assets of not less than
$500,000,000 and the Surviving Corporation shall receive the interest earned
thereon.
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Section 4.3 Transfer of Company Sub Shares After the Acquisition Effective
Time. No transfers of Company Sub Shares shall be made on the stock transfer
books of the Surviving Corporation at or after the Acquisition Effective Time.
Section 4.4 No Liability. None of Merger Sub, the Company, Company Sub or
the Paying Agent shall be liable to any person in respect of any cash delivered
to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or
similar law. If any Certificates shall not have been surrendered prior to seven
years after the Acquisition Effective Time (or immediately prior to such
earlier date on which any payment pursuant to this Article IV would otherwise
escheat to or become the property of any governmental entity), the cash payment
in respect of such Certificate shall, unless otherwise provided by applicable
law, become the property of the Surviving Corporation, free and clear of all
claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto.
Section 4.5 Lost Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been lost,
stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
(who shall be the record owner of such Certificate) claiming such Certificate
to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the Surviving Corporation,
the posting by such person of a bond in such reasonable amount as the Surviving
Corporation may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against
it with respect to such Certificate, the Paying Agent will issue in exchange
for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the Merger Consideration or the
Class A Common or Class L Common, as applicable, deliverable in respect thereof
pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule delivered by the Company to
Merger Sub concurrently with the execution of this Agreement (the "Company
Disclosure Schedule"), the Company hereby represents and warrants to Merger Sub
that:
Section 5.1 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. The Company and
each Company Subsidiary (as hereinafter defined) is a corporation or limited
liability company, as the case may be, duly incorporated or formed, as the case
may be, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation and has the requisite power and authority and
all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties
and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted except where the
failure to be in good standing or to have such governmental approvals would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect
or prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Transactions. The
Company and each Company Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign
corporation to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where
the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature
of its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except for
such failure to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect
or prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Transactions. The term
"Company Material Adverse Effect" means, for all purposes of this Agreement,
any effect, circumstance or change in the business of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries that is or is reasonably likely to be materially adverse
to the business, operations, properties, financial condition or results of
operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, provided that
none of the following shall constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) a
change in market price or trading volume of the Common Stock in and of itself,
shall not be a Company Material Adverse Effect; provided that a change in
market price or trading volume of the Common Stock may be used, as applicable,
as evidence that some other effect, circumstance or change has had or is
reasonably likely to have, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (ii) occurrences
due to a disruption of the Company's or its subsidiaries' businesses as a
result of the announcement of the execution of this Agreement or changes caused
by the taking of any action required by this Agreement or (iii) general changes
in economic conditions or any changes affecting the post-production media
service industry in which the
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Company and its subsidiaries operate which do not have a materially
disproportionate effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Company Subsidiary" shall mean a
subsidiary of the Company that is identified as such in Section 5.1 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule. Section 5.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule
sets forth a complete and accurate list of all subsidiaries of the Company.
Except as set forth in Section 5.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the
Company owns directly or indirectly all of the issued and outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Company Subsidiaries. Other than as set forth in Section
5.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, as of the date of this Agreement the
Company has no other equity interest or profit participation in any other
entity.
Section 5.2 Charter Documents and Bylaws. The Company has heretofore
furnished to Merger Sub a complete and correct copy of the Restated Articles of
Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company and the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Company Sub. The Restated Articles
of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company and the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of Company Sub are each in full force
and effect. The Company is not in violation of any of the provisions of its
Restated Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. Company Sub is not in violation
of any of the provisions of its Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws.
Section 5.3 Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 50,000,000
shares of Common Stock and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par
value. As of December 22, 1999, (i) 9,208,697 shares of Common Stock were
issued and outstanding, all of which are validly issued, fully paid,
nonassessable and free of preemptive rights and (ii) no shares of preferred
stock were issued and outstanding. Except as otherwise permitted or expressly
contemplated by this Agreement and except for options granted pursuant to the
Company's 1996 Stock Incentive Plan or certain non-Plan arrangements described
in Section 5.3 of the Company Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the "Option
Plans") collectively covering an aggregate of 1,489,508 shares of Common Stock
(the "Options"), there are not now, nor will there be at the Effective Time,
any options, warrants, calls, subscriptions or other rights, agreements,
arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or unissued
capital stock of the Company or obligating the Company to issue or sell any
shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the Company or any
Company Subsidiary. Section 5.3 of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth
the name of each holder of an Option, together with the grant date, vesting
schedule, exercise price and number of shares of Common Stock subject to each
such Option. All shares of Common Stock subject to such Options, upon issuance
on the terms and conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they
are issuable, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid,
nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. Except as contemplated hereby,
there are no outstanding contractual obligations of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital
stock of, or other equity interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(b) Other than as set forth on Section 5.3 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule and the Shareholders Agreement, there are no shareholder agreements,
voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which the Company is a
party relating to voting or disposition of any shares of capital stock of the
Company or granting to any person or group of persons the right to elect, or to
designate or nominate for election, a director to the board of directors of the
Company. All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the Company
Subsidiaries have been validly issued and are fully paid, non-assessable and
free of any preemptive rights and, except as set forth in Section 5.1 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule, are owned by the Company free and clear of all
liens, charges, claims or encumbrances. All of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of Company Sub are shares of voting capital stock.
(c) As of the Effective Time, there will be no rights, interests, or claims
whatsoever (whether known, unknown, contingent or otherwise) under any
contract, arrangement, understanding or otherwise to acquire any equity
securities of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or any options, warrants,
calls, subscriptions or any other rights, agreements, arrangements or
commitments of any character relating to, or securities exercisable for or
convertible into, the issued or unissued capital stock of the Company or any
Company Subsidiary or to issue or sell any shares of capital stock, or other
equity interest in, the Company or any
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Company Subsidiary in each case in connection with or as a result of the
Company's acquisition of that business described on Section 5.3(c) of the
Company Disclosure Schedule. The information set forth in Section 5.3(c) of the
Company Disclosure Schedule is true and correct.
Section 5.4 Authority Relative to this Agreement.
(a) The Company and Company Sub have all necessary corporate power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform their respective
obligations hereunder and to consummate the Transactions. The execution and
delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Company Sub and the consummation
by the Company and Company Sub of the Transactions have been duly and validly
authorized by all necessary corporate action and no other corporate proceedings
on the part of the Company or the Company Sub (including on the part of the
shareholders of the Company or the stockholders of Company Sub) are necessary
to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the Transactions (other than, with
respect to the Reorganization Merger, the approval and adoption of this
Agreement by the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Common
Stock, and, with respect to the Mergers, the filing and recordation of
appropriate documents for the Mergers as required by the CGCL and DGCL, as
applicable). This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by
the Company and Company Sub and, assuming the due authorization, execution and
delivery by Merger Sub, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of
the Company and Company Sub, enforceable against each in accordance with its
terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
or other similar laws relating to creditors' rights generally and to general
principles of equity.
(b) The Board of Directors of the Company has (i) approved and adopted this
Agreement and the Transactions, (ii) determined that the Mergers are in the
best interests of the Company and its shareholders and that the terms of this
Agreement are fair to the Company and its shareholders and (iii) subject to the
provisions of Section 8.1(a) hereof, determined and agreed to recommend that
the shareholders of the Company approve and adopt this Agreement. The Board of
Directors of Company Sub has approved and adopted this Agreement and the
Transactions.
(c) The Company in its capacity as the sole stockholder of Company Sub has
approved this Agreement and the Mergers in accordance with the DGCL, the
Company Sub's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
Section 5.5 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Company
Sub do not, and the performance of this Agreement by the Company and Company
Sub and the consummation of the Transactions will not (i) conflict with or
violate the Restated Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or
conflict with or violate the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws or equivalent
organizational documents of any Company Subsidiary, (ii) assuming that all
consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in subsection
(b) have been obtained and all filings and obligations described in subsection
(b) have been made or complied with, conflict with or violate any foreign or
domestic (federal, state or local) law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation,
permit, license, injunction, writ, judgment, decree or order ("Law") applicable
to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or by which any asset of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (iii) conflict with, result
in any breach of or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse
of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any right of
termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or require any payment
under, or result in the creation of a lien, claim, security interest or other
charge, title imperfection or encumbrance (collectively, "Liens") on any asset
of the Company or any Company Subsidiary pursuant to, any contract, note, bond,
mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to
which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which any asset of
the Company or any Company Subsidiary is bound or affected, except, with
respect to (x) clause (iii), under the Business Loan Agreement (Revolving
Credit) and Term Loan Agreement between the Company and Union Bank (or any
amendment, extension, refinance, renewal or replacement thereof permitted by
this Agreement) and the other agreements listed in Section 5.5 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule, and (y) clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts,
violations, breaches, defaults, or other occurrences that would not,
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individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect or
prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Transactions.
(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Company
Sub do not, and the performance of this Agreement by the Company and Company
Sub and the consummation of the Transactions will not, require any consent,
approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any
domestic (federal, state or local) or foreign government or governmental,
regulatory or administrative authority, agency, commission, board, bureau,
court or instrumentality or arbitrator of any kind ("Governmental Authority"),
except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation/National Market System
("NASDAQ/NMS"), California and any other applicable takeover laws, the pre-
merger notification requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder
(the "HSR Act"), and filing and recordation of appropriate documents for the
Mergers as required by the CGCL and DGCL and (ii) where failure to obtain such
consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or
notifications, would not prevent or materially delay consummation of the
Transactions or would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.6 SEC Filings; Financial Statements.
(a) Since January 1, 1998, the Company has filed all forms, reports,
statements and other documents required to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including, without limitation, (A) all Annual
Reports on Form 10-K, (B) all Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, (C) all proxy
statements relating to meetings of shareholders (whether annual or special),
(D) all Reports on Form 8-K, (E) all other reports or registration statements
and (F) all amendments and supplements to all such reports and registration
statements (collectively, the "SEC Reports"). The SEC Reports, as well as all
forms, reports and documents to be filed by the Company with the SEC after the
date hereof and prior to the Effective Time, (i) were and will be prepared in
all material respects in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the Exchange Act and the published
rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, each as applicable to such SEC
Reports and (ii) did not and will not as of the time they were filed contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were and will be
made, not misleading. No Company Subsidiary is subject to the periodic
reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. To the knowledge of the Company as
of the date hereof, there is no material unresolved violation of the Exchange
Act or the published rules and regulations of the SEC asserted by the SEC in
writing with respect to the SEC Reports.
(b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each case,
any notes thereto) contained in the SEC Reports has been prepared in all
material respects in accordance with the published rules and regulations of the
SEC and generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis
throughout the periods indicated (except as may be set forth in the notes
thereto) and each fairly presents, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries as at the respective dates thereof and for the
respective periods indicated therein, except as otherwise set forth in the
notes thereto (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal and
recurring year-end adjustments).
(c) Except as set forth in any SEC Report and except as disclosed in Section
5.6 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, at the date of the most recent audited
financial statements of the Company included in the SEC Reports, neither the
Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries had, and since such date neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has incurred, any liabilities
or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or
otherwise) which, individually or in the aggregate, would be required to be
disclosed in a balance sheet (or the footnotes thereto) of the Company prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles except liabilities
incurred in the ordinary and usual course of business and consistent with past
practice, liabilities incurred in connection with the Transactions, and
liabilities that have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a
Company Material Adverse Effect.
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(d) Except in each case as set forth in the SEC Reports or as set forth in
Section 5.6(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, none of the Company or any
of the Company Subsidiaries is indebted to any director or officer of the
Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries (except for amounts due as normal
salaries and bonuses, in reimbursement of ordinary business expenses and
directors' fees) and no such person is indebted to the Company or any of the
Company Subsidiaries, and there have been no other transactions of the type
required to be disclosed pursuant to Items 402 or 404 of Regulation S-K
promulgated by the SEC.
(e) None of the information supplied, or to be supplied, by the Company for
inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement or the Schedule
13E-3, if any, at the respective times that the Proxy Statement or the Schedule
13E-3, if any, or any amendments or supplements thereto are filed with the SEC
and are first published or sent or given to holders of Shares, contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
Section 5.7 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. From December 31, 1998 to
the date hereof, except as contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or as
disclosed in any SEC Report filed since December 31, 1998 and prior to the
execution and delivery of this Agreement or in the Company Disclosure Schedule,
the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have conducted their businesses only
in the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice and there
has not been (other than as described in Section 5.7 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule) (a) any material change by the Company in its accounting methods,
principles or practices except as required by generally accepted accounting
principles and disclosed in any SEC Report filed since December 31, 1998, (b)
any material revaluation by the Company of any material asset (including,
without limitation, any writing down of the value of inventory or writing off
of notes or accounts receivable), other than in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice after the date of the most recent SEC Report
filed prior to the date hereof, (c) any entry by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary into any commitment or transaction material to the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice, (d) any declaration, setting aside
or payment of any dividend or distribution in respect of any shares of the
Company's capital stock or any redemption, purchase or other acquisition of any
of the Company's securities, (e) any material increase in the benefits under,
or the establishment, material amendment or termination of, any bonus,
insurance, severance, deferred compensation, pension, retirement, profit
sharing, or other employee benefit plan covering employees of the Company or
any Company Subsidiary, or any material increase in the compensation payable or
to become payable to or any other material change in the employment terms for
any directors or officers of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any other
employee earning noncontingent cash compensation in excess of $100,000 per
year, (f) any entry by the Company or any Company Subsidiary into any
employment, consulting, severance, termination or indemnification agreement
with any director or officer of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or entry
into any such agreement with any other person for a noncontingent cash amount
in excess of $100,000 per year or outside the ordinary course of business, (g)
any issuance by the Company or any Company Subsidiary of any notes, bonds or
other debt securities or any capital stock or other equity securities or any
securities convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into any capital stock or
other equity securities, except for the issuance of any shares of Common Stock
pursuant to the exercise of any stock options and the issuance of any capital
stock expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (h) any agreement by the
Company or any Company Subsidiary to take any of the actions described in this
Section 5.7 except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, or (i) any
event, change or circumstance that has or is reasonably likely to have a
Company Material Adverse Effect. Item (i) set forth above shall, as of the
Effective Time, also apply to the period beginning on the date hereof and
ending immediately prior to the Effective Time.
Section 5.8 Intellectual Property.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 5.8(a) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, the Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries own and possess free
and clear of any Liens, or have the valid and enforceable right to use, the
licenses, patents, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other
proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks,
service marks, trade names, domain names, inventions,
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software, data, databases, specifications, designs, performing rights and
literary, dramatic, musical or artistic rights (collectively, "Intellectual
Property") presently employed by them in connection with the operation of the
businesses now operated by them. Section 5.8(a) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule sets forth a complete list in all material respects of all: (i)
patented and registered Intellectual Property, and pending patent applications
or applications for registration of Intellectual Property, owned or filed by
the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (ii) all trade names and material
unregistered trademarks, service marks and copyrights owned or used by the
Company or any Company Subsidiary, and (iii) all licenses of Intellectual
Property to which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party
(other than licenses of mass-marketed software acquired or licensed for a
license fee of less than $200,000 per annum). Neither the Company nor any of
the Company Subsidiaries has received any notice of infringement or
misappropriation of or conflict with asserted Intellectual Property rights of
others. To the knowledge of the Company, the use of such Intellectual Property
in connection with the business and operations of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries does not infringe, in any material respects, on the rights of any
person or entity. To the knowledge of the Company, no material claim by any
third party contesting the validity, enforceability, use or ownership of any of
the Intellectual Property owned or used by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, is currently outstanding or is threatened. The Company has not
received any notices of, and the Company has no knowledge of any facts which
indicate a reasonable likelihood of, any material infringement or
misappropriation by any third party with respect to the Intellectual Property
of the Company or any Company Subsidiary. All of the Intellectual Property
owned or used by the Company or any Company Subsidiary as of the date hereof
will be owned or leased, subject to any modification of a license agreement
agreed upon by the Company in the ordinary course of business, by the Company
or such Company Subsidiary on identical terms and conditions immediately
subsequent to the Closing except for such changes which, individually or in the
aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect. The Company and each Company Subsidiary has taken all reasonable and
necessary actions to maintain and protect its Intellectual Property except for
those actions, which the failure to take, individually or in the aggregate,
would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) To the knowledge of the Company, all computer, network and other data,
video and audio processing hardware, software, systems and technology
(including communication hardware and software), and all computer controlled
facility components (defined as software driven technology and embedded
microchip technology, including programmable thermostats, HVAC controllers,
utility monitoring and control systems, fire detection and suppression systems,
alarms, security systems and any other facilities control systems utilizing
microcomputer or programmable logic controllers) (the foregoing being
collectively referred to as "Computer Systems") owned or used by the Company or
the Company Subsidiaries are as of the date hereof "Year 2000 Compliant" except
where the failure to be so compliant would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has suffered or reasonably
expects that it will at any time hereafter suffer any material interruption of,
or interference with, its business operations or activities by reason of the
failure of any Computer Systems owned or used by any of them or any of their
suppliers or customers to be Year 2000 Complaint except where such interruption
or interference would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this
Agreement, the term "Year 2000 Compliant" shall mean, with respect to any
Computer Systems owned or used by any person or entity, that such Computer
Systems, without modification, implementation or enhancement, (i) will
correctly, without error or interruption, store, represent and process
(including sort) all dates and related logic (including single and multi-
century formulas and leap year calculations), such that errors will not occur
when the date being used is in the Year 2000, or in a year preceding or
following the Year 2000; and (ii) will operate and will not cause or result in
an abnormal termination or ending or other loss of functionality due to the
change in century.
Section 5.9 Material Contracts.
(a) Except as disclosed in Section 5.9(a) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is, nor, to
the Company's knowledge, is any other party, in default in the performance,
observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions
contained in any
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Material Contracts (as hereinafter defined) to which it is a party, except for
such defaults which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be
expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect; and, to the knowledge
of the Company, there has not occurred any event that, with the lapse of time
or giving of notice or both, would constitute such a default other than such
events which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be
expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the
Company, the Material Contract described in Item 5 under "Material Contracts"
in Section 5.9(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule is valid, binding and
enforceable against the parties thereto in accordance with its terms, subject
to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other
similar laws relating to creditors' rights generally and to general principles
of equity.
(b) Section 5.9(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list as
of the date of this Agreement of (i) all credit agreements, indentures, and
other agreements related to any indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of
$500,000 of the Company or any Company Subsidiaries, (ii) all joint venture or
other similar agreements to which the Company or any Company Subsidiaries are a
party, (iii) all lease agreements to which the Company or any Company
Subsidiaries are party with annual lease payments in excess of $250,000,
(iv) contracts under which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has advanced
or loaned any other person or entity any material amounts, (v) guaranties of
any obligations in excess of $500,000 (other than a guarantee by the Company of
a Company Subsidiary's debts or a guarantee by a Company Subsidiary of the
Company's debts or another Company Subsidiary's debts), (vi) contracts or
groups of related contracts with the same party or group of parties the
performance of which involves annual consideration in excess of $500,000 which
are not cancellable by the Company on 30-days-or-less notice without premium or
penalty, (vii) warranty agreements with respect to the Company's or the Company
Subsidiaries' services rendered or products sold or leased, other than pursuant
to the Company's standard warranty, a true and complete copy of which has
heretofore been provided or made available to Merger Sub, (viii) agreements
under which the Company has granted any person or entity registration rights
(including, without limitation, demand and piggy-back registration rights), and
(ix) all other contracts and agreements which are material (as hereinafter
defined) to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries taken as a whole
(collectively, the "Material Contracts"). The Company has made available to
Merger Sub a correct and complete copy of each agreement listed in
Section 5.9(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule. For purposes of this Section
5.9(b), except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Section 5.9(b), an
agreement shall be deemed "material" if the Company reasonably expects that the
Company or any Company Subsidiary would, pursuant to the terms thereof, (x)
recognize during the current fiscal year of the Company net revenues after the
payment of third party shares in excess of $500,000 or (y) incur during the
current fiscal year of the Company liabilities or obligations in excess of
$500,000.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 5.5 of the Company Disclosure Schedule,
no Material Contract will, by its terms, terminate as a result of the
Transactions or require any consent from any party thereto in order to remain
in full force and effect immediately after the Effective Time, except for any
Material Contracts which, if terminated, would not have a Company Material
Adverse Effect.
(d) Except as set forth in Section 5.9(d) of the Company Disclosure
Schedule, the Company has not granted any right of first refusal or similar
right in favor of any third party with respect to any material portion of its
properties or assets or, except in the ordinary course of business, entered
into any non-competition agreement or similar agreement restricting its ability
to engage in any business.
(e) Section 5.9(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list, as
of the date of this Agreement, of all agreements of the Company with any
shareholder who, to the Company's knowledge, beneficially owns 5% or more of
the outstanding Common Stock (a "5% Shareholder") or any executive officer or
director of the Company (other than pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement).
Section 5.9(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list, as of the
date of this Agreement, of all agreements, arrangements or understandings, to
the knowledge of the Company, between a 5% Shareholder and any officer,
director or employee of the Company related in any manner to the Company, its
business, the Transactions or the Merger Consideration. Except as set forth in
Section 5.9(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no officer or director of
the Company, or any "associate" (as such term is defined in Rule 14a-1 under
the Exchange Act) of any such
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officer or director, has any interest in any contract or property (real or
personal, tangible or intangible), used in, or pertaining to the business of
the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries which interest would be required
to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the
SEC.
Section 5.10 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Section 5.10 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries has violated in any material respects any environmental, safety or
similar law or regulation applicable to its business or property relating to
the protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or
toxic substances or waste, pollutants or contaminants ("Environmental Laws"),
lacks any material permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under
applicable Environmental Laws or is violating in any material respects any term
or condition of any such permit, license or approval. Except as set forth in
Section 5.10 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any of
the Company Subsidiaries has received any written notice or report regarding
any violation of, in any material respect, or any material or potentially
material liability under, any Environmental Laws, with respect to their
operations, properties or facilities. The Company and the Company Subsidiaries
have made available to Merger Sub all material environmental audits, reports
and other material environmental documents relating to their properties,
facilities or operations which are in their possession or reasonable control.
Neither the Company, nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has treated, stored,
disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal of, handled, or released
any substance, or owned or operated its business or any property or facility
(and no such property or facility is, to the knowledge of the Company,
currently contaminated by any such substance) in a manner that has given or
would reasonably be expected to give rise to any Company Material Adverse
Effect.
Section 5.11 Benefit Plans.
(a) Except as disclosed in the SEC Reports or in Section 5.11 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule or as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, there exist
no employment, consulting, severance or termination agreements, arrangements or
understandings between the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries and any
individual current or former employee, officer or director of the Company or
any of the Company Subsidiaries with respect to which the annual cash,
noncontingent payments thereunder exceed $100,000.
(b) Section 5.11 of the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a list of all
(i) "employee pension benefit plans" (as defined in Section 3(2) of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"))
(sometimes referred to herein as "Pension Plans"), including any such Pension
Plans that are "multiemployer plans" (as such term is defined in Section
4001(a)(3) of ERISA) (collectively, the "Multiemployer Pension Plans"), (ii)
"employee welfare benefit plans" (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) and all
other benefit plans and (iii) other bonus, deferred compensation, severance
pay, pension, profit-sharing, retirement, insurance, stock purchase, stock
option, or other fringe benefit plan, arrangement or practice maintained, or
contributed to, by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries for the
benefit of any current or former employees, officers or directors of the
Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Benefit Plans").
The Company has delivered or made available to Merger Sub correct and complete
copies of (i) each Benefit Plan, (ii) the most recent annual report on Form
5500 filed with the Internal Revenue Service with respect to each Benefit Plan
(if any such report was required), (iii) the most recent summary plan
description for each Benefit Plan for which such summary plan description is
required and (iv) each trust agreement and group annuity contract relating to
any Benefit Plan.
(c) Except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, all Pension
Plans intended to be qualified plans have been the subject of determination
letters from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that such Pensions
Plans are qualified and exempt from Federal income taxes under Section 401(a)
and 501(a), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and no such determination letter has been revoked. To the knowledge of
the Company as of the date hereof, there is no reasonable basis for the
revocation of any such determination letter.
(d) None of the Benefit Plans is, and none of the Company or any of the
Company Subsidiaries has ever maintained or had an obligation to contribute to
(i) a "single employer plan" (as such term is defined in
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Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA) subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV
of ERISA, (ii) a "multiple employer plan" (as such term is defined in ERISA),
or (iii) a funded welfare benefit plan (as such term is defined in Section 419
of the Code). There are no unpaid contributions due prior to the date hereof
with respect to any Benefit Plan that are required to have been made under the
terms of such Benefit Plan, any related insurance contract or any applicable
law. None of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries has incurred any
liability or taken any action, and the Company does not have any knowledge of,
any action or event that could reasonably be expected to cause any one of them
to incur any liability (i) under Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA
with respect to any "single-employer plan" (as such term is defined in
Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA), (ii) on account of a partial or complete
withdrawal (as such term is defined in Sections 4203 and 4205 of ERISA,
respectively) with respect to any Multiemployer Pension Plan, or (iii) on
account of unpaid contributions to any Multiemployer Pension Plan, which, in
the case of clauses (i), (ii) or (iii), would result in a Company Material
Adverse Effect.
(e) None of the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has engaged in
a "prohibited transaction" (as such term is defined in Section 406 of ERISA
and Section 4975 of the Code) or any other breach of fiduciary responsibility
with respect to any Benefit Plan subject to ERISA that reasonably could be
expected to subject the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries to (x) any
material tax or penalty on prohibited transactions imposed by Section 4975 or
(y) any liability under Section 502(i) or Section 502(l) of ERISA except in
each case as to (y) as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in
a Company Material Adverse Effect. As of the date of this Agreement, except as
disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, with respect to any Benefit
Plan: (i) no filing, application or other matter is pending with the Internal
Revenue Service, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the United States
Department of Labor or any other governmental body, and (ii) there is no
action, suit or claim pending, other than routine claims for benefits.
(f) Except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, none of the
Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries has any obligation to provide any
material health benefits or other non-pension benefits to retired or other
former employees, except as specifically required by Part 6 of Title I of
ERISA ("COBRA").
Section 5.12 Tax Matters. Except as set forth in Section 5.12 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule:
(a) Except where the failure to do so has not had, and would not reasonably
be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect: (i) the Company and each of
the Company Subsidiaries has filed all federal income Tax Returns and all
other material Tax Returns required to be filed by it prior to the date
hereof, and each such Tax Return has been prepared in compliance in all
material respects with all applicable laws and regulations and is true and
correct in all material respects; (ii) the Company and each of the Company
Subsidiaries has paid (or the Company has paid on the Company Subsidiaries'
behalf) all Taxes shown as due on such returns and all other material Taxes
due and payable prior to the date hereof except such Taxes as are currently
being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves, as applicable,
have been established in the Company's financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, and the most recent financial
statements contained in the SEC Reports reflect an adequate reserve for all
material Taxes payable by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries for all
taxable periods and portions thereof through the date of such financial
statements; and (iii) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has
incurred any material liability for Taxes subsequent to the date of such most
recent financial statement other than in the ordinary course of such Company's
or Company Subsidiary's business.
(b) Except as set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule: (i) no material
Tax Return of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is under audit or
examination by any taxing authority, and no written notice of such an audit or
examination or any other audit or examination with respect to Taxes has been
received by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries; (ii) each material
deficiency resulting from any audit or examination relating to Taxes by any
taxing authority has been paid, except for deficiencies currently being
contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves, as applicable, have
been established in the Company's financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles; (iii) there are no material liens
for Taxes upon the assets of the Company or any Company Subsidiary except
liens relating to
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current Taxes not yet due and payable; (iv) except for amounts which are not
material, all Taxes which the Company or any Company Subsidiary are required by
law to withhold or to collect for payment have been duly withheld and
collected; (v) none of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries has consented to
extend the time, in which any material Tax may be assessed or collected by any
taxing authority; and (vi) to the knowledge of the Company, no written claim
has been made by any taxing authority in a jurisdiction where the Company and
the Company Subsidiaries do not file Tax Returns that the Company or Company
Subsidiary is or may be subject to taxation in that jurisdiction, other than
such claims which would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material
Adverse Effect.
(c) Except as previously disclosed to Merger Sub, there is no contract or
arrangement, plan or agreement by or with the Company or any Company Subsidiary
covering any person that, individually or collectively, could give rise to the
payment of any amount by the Company or a Company Subsidiary that would not be
deductible by the Company or such Company Subsidiary by reason of Section 280G
of the Code.
(d) Each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has made available to
Merger Sub true, correct and complete copies of all federal income Tax Returns,
and all other material Tax Returns, examination reports and statements of
deficiencies assessed against or agreed to by any of the Company or the Company
Subsidiaries that have been filed by any of the Company or the Company
Subsidiaries for the taxable years ending December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998.
(e) None of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries (A) has been a member of
an affiliated group filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other than
a group the common parent of which was the Company), (B) is a party to or bound
by any Tax allocation or Tax sharing agreement with any person or entity other
than the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, (C) has any liability for the
Taxes of any Person (other than any of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries)
under Treas. Reg. ' 1. 1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local, or
foreign law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise or (D)
has any material liability for the Taxes of any Person other than the Company,
one of the Company Subsidiaries or in connection with the acquisition, directly
or indirectly, of any Person acquired by the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
(f) As used in this Section 5.12, the terms (i) "Tax" (and, with correlative
meaning, "Taxes") means: (A) any federal, state, local or foreign net income,
gross income, gross receipts, windfall profit, severance, property, production,
sales, use, license, excise, franchise, employment, payroll, withholding,
alternative or add-on minimum, ad valorem, value added, transfer, stamp, or
environmental tax, or any other tax of any kind whatsoever, together with any
interest or penalty, addition to tax or additional amount imposed by any
governmental authority; and (B) any liability of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary for the payment of amounts with respect to payments of a type
described in clause (A) as a result of any obligation of the Company or any
Company Subsidiary under any tax sharing agreement or tax indemnity agreement;
and (ii) "Tax Return" means any return, report or similar statement required to
be filed with respect to any Tax.
Section 5.13 Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 5.13 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule, there is no suit, claim, action, proceeding or
investigation pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against
the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, at law or in equity, that,
individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a
Company Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially delay the consummation
of the Transactions (it being understood that the mere filing, or mere
existence, by or on behalf of shareholders of the Company, of litigation that
challenges or otherwise seeks damages with respect to the Transactions shall
not in and of itself be deemed to have such effect). Neither the Company nor
any of the Company Subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding order, writ,
injunction or decree that would reasonably be expected to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially delay the consummation of the
Transactions.
Section 5.14 Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Company has received the
opinion of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated on or prior to the date of this
Agreement to the effect that the Merger Consideration to be received in the
Acquisition Merger by the Company's shareholders is fair to the Company's
shareholders from a financial point of view and the Company has delivered a
copy of such opinion to Merger Sub.
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Section 5.15 Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated) is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or
other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon
arrangements made by, or on behalf of, the Company or any Company Subsidiary.
Prior to the execution hereof, the Company has made available to Merger Sub a
complete and correct copy of all agreements between the Company and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated pursuant to which such firm would be entitled to any
payment relating to the Transactions.
Section 5.16 Properties and Assets. The Company and the Company Subsidiaries
have good and valid title to, or, in the case of leased properties and assets,
valid leasehold interests in, all of their material tangible properties and
assets, real and personal, used or held for use in their businesses located on
their premises or shown on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and
the Company Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1999 or acquired thereafter, free
and clear of any Liens, except (i) as set forth in the SEC Reports or
Section 5.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (ii) for Liens for taxes not
yet due and payable and for which adequate reserves, as applicable, have been
established in the Company's financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, (iii) Liens which do not, individually or in
the aggregate, materially interfere with or materially impair the conduct of
the business of the Company or any Company Subsidiary and (iv) for Liens which
would not reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse
Effect. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary owns any real property.
The real property listed in Section 5.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule
constitutes all of the real property used or occupied by the Company or any
Company Subsidiary as of the date hereof. The Company's and each Company
Subsidiary's material buildings, equipment and other tangible assets are in
good operating condition (normal wear and tear excepted) and are fit for use in
the ordinary course of their respective business except where the failure to be
in good operating condition and fit for use would not be reasonably expected to
have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.17 Compliance with Laws in General. Except as set forth in Section
5.17 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) the Company has not received any
notices of, nor to its knowledge have there been any, violations of any
federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances relating to its
business and operations that, individually or in the aggregate, would
reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect and (ii) the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries possess all permits, licenses,
certifications, and other governmental or regulatory authorizations and
approvals necessary to enable the Company and the Company Subsidiaries to carry
on their businesses as presently conducted, except for such failure to possess
such permits, licenses, certifications and other governmental authorizations
and approvals which would not be reasonably expected to have a Company Material
Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, all such permits, licenses,
certifications and regulatory authorizations and approvals are in full force
and effect and there exists no material default thereunder.
Section 5.18 Labor Matters. Except as set forth in Section 5.18 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) there is no labor strike, dispute, slowdown,
stoppage or lockout actually pending, or to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened against or affecting the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries,
(ii) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to or
bound by any collective bargaining or similar agreement with any labor
organization, or work rules or practices agreed to with any labor organization
or employee association in each case applicable to employees of the Company or
any of the Company Subsidiaries, (iii) none of the employees of the Company or
any of the Company Subsidiaries is represented by any labor organization and,
to the knowledge of the Company, there are not any union organizing activities
with respect to the Company or the Company Subsidiaries and (iv) neither the
Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has received any notice that it is
not in compliance, in all material respects, with all applicable Laws
respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of
employment, wages, hours of work, equal opportunity and occupational safety and
health, except in each case where the foregoing would not, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse
Effect. To the knowledge of the Company as of the date hereof, no executive
officer or other key employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is
subject to any noncompete, nonsolicitation,
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nondisclosure, confidentiality, employment, consulting or similar agreement
relating to, affecting or in conflict with the present and proposed business
activities of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, except agreements
between the Company or a Company Subsidiary and its present and former officers
or employees.
Section 5.19 Insurance. Except as set forth in Section 5.19 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule, the Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries have
policies of insurance and bonds of the type and in amounts customarily carried
by persons conducting businesses or owning assets similar to those of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries. All premiums due and payable under all
such policies and bonds have been paid and the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries are otherwise in compliance in all material respects with the
terms of such policies and bonds. As of the date hereof, neither the Company
nor any of the Company Subsidiaries maintains any material self-insurance or
co-insurance programs. As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of
the Company Subsidiaries has any disputed claim or claims aggregating $500,000
or more with any insurance provider relating to any claim for insurance
coverage under any policy of insurance maintained by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary.
Section 5.20 Customers and Suppliers. Section 5.20 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule lists, as of the date of this Agreement, the ten largest customers for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and the ten largest suppliers of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis) for the period
January 1, 1999 through October 31, 1999 and sets forth opposite the name of
each such customer and supplier the dollar volume and percentage of
consolidated net sales or purchases attributable to such customer or supplier.
The party to that certain Material Contract set forth in Item 5 under "Material
Contracts" in Section 5.9(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule has not
informed the Company that it is stopping, or materially decreasing the rate of,
purchasing products or services from the Company or any Company Subsidiary
which would reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse
Effect. Merger Sub acknowledges that a material portion of the sales of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries are made pursuant to purchase orders and
in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries
customers may threaten to reduce or discontinue business with the Company in
connection with negotiations of the terms of ongoing business with the Company.
Subject to the foregoing none of the customers listed in Section 5.20 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule has informed the Company that it intends to stop,
or materially decrease the rate of, purchasing materials, products or services
from the Company or any Company Subsidiary which would reasonably be expected
to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.21 Company Expenses. Section 5.21 of the Company Disclosure
Schedule sets forth, as of the Effective Time, the amount of the Expenses (as
defined below) incurred or which may be incurred by the Company or Company Sub
in connection with the Transactions including those incurred or which may be
incurred by Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays
& Handler, LLP (other than Expenses incurred in connection with any litigation
with respect to, arising from or related to any Transaction or Expenses
reasonably incurred in connection with Sections 8.3, 8.10(a), 8.16, 8.18 or
9.4(c)).
Section 5.22 Required Company Vote.
(a) The approval of this Agreement at the Shareholders Meeting (as defined
below) by holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding Shares entitled
to vote at the Shareholders Meeting is the only vote of the holders of any
class or series of the Company's securities necessary to approve this
Agreement, the Reorganization Merger and the other Transactions.
(b) The approval of this Agreement by the Company as the sole stockholder of
Company Sub is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of Company
Sub's securities necessary to approve this Agreement, the Mergers and the other
Transactions.
Section 5.23 State Takeover Laws. The Company has taken, or will take, such
actions as it reasonably determines as necessary such that "fair price,"
"business combination" or "control share acquisition" statutes or other similar
statutes or regulations of the State of California and the State of Delaware,
as applicable, and, to the knowledge of the Company, any other applicable state
that applies in material respect to the Mergers, this Agreement or any of the
Transactions.
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ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MERGER SUB
Merger Sub hereby represents and warrants to the Company that:
Section 6.1 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. Merger Sub is a
corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has the requisite power and
authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate
its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted,
except where the failure to be in good standing or to have such governmental
approvals would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Merger Sub
Material Adverse Effect (as defined below). Merger Sub is duly qualified or
licensed as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in good standing in
each jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned, leased or
operated by it or the nature of its business makes such qualification or
licensing necessary, except for such failure to be so qualified or licensed and
in good standing that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Merger Sub Material Adverse Effect. The term "Merger Sub Material Adverse
Effect" means, for all purposes of this Agreement, any effect, circumstance or
change in the business of Merger Sub that is materially adverse to the
business, operations, properties, financial condition or results of operations
of Merger Sub. Merger Sub has no subsidiaries.
Section 6.2 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. Merger Sub heretofore
has provided the Company a complete and correct copy of its Certificate of
Incorporation and the Bylaws. The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of
Merger Sub so provided are in full force and effect. Merger Sub is not in
violation of any of the provisions of its Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws.
Section 6.3 Authority Relative to this Agreement.
(a) Merger Sub has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to
consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Merger Sub and the consummation by Merger Sub of the Transactions have been
duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action and no other
corporate proceedings on the part Merger Sub (including on the part of the
stockholder of Merger Sub) are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to
consummate the Transactions (other than the filing and recordation of
appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL). This Agreement has been
duly and validly executed and delivered by Merger Sub and, assuming the due
authorization, execution and delivery by the Company and Company Sub,
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Merger Sub, enforceable
against Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
relating to creditors' rights generally and to general principles of equity.
(b) The Board of Directors of Merger Sub has approved and adopted this
Agreement and the Transactions in accordance with the DGCL and Merger Sub's
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. No approval of the stockholders of
Merger Sub is required to approve this Agreement, the Acquisition Merger and
the Transactions pursuant to the DGCL and Merger Sub's Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws.
Section 6.4 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Merger Sub does not, and
the performance of this Agreement by Merger Sub and the consummation of the
Transactions will not, (i) conflict with or violate the Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws or equivalent organizational documents of Merger Sub,
(ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions
described in subsection (b) have been obtained and all filings and obligations
described in subsection (b) have been made or complied with, conflict with or
violate any Law applicable to Merger Sub or by which any asset of Merger Sub is
bound or affected, or (iii) conflict with, result in any breach of or
constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both
would become a default) under, or give to others any right of termination,
amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or require any payment under or
result in the creation of a Lien on any asset of Merger Sub pursuant to, any
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contract, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement, or other
instrument or obligation to which Merger Sub is a party or by which any asset
of Merger Sub is bound or affected, except, with respect to clauses (ii) and
(iii), for any such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults, or other
occurrences which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Merger
Sub Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Merger Sub does not, and
the performance of this Agreement by Merger Sub and the consummation of the
Transactions will not, require any consent, approval, authorization or permit
of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority, except (i)
for applicable requirements, if any, of the Exchange Act, NASDAQ/NMS, Delaware
and any other applicable takeover laws, the pre-merger notification
requirements of the HSR Act, and the filing and recordation of appropriate
merger documents as required by the DGCL and (ii) where failure to obtain such
consents, approvals, authorizations or permits, or to make such filings or
notifications would not prevent or delay consummation of the Merger, or
otherwise prevent either Merger Sub from performing its obligations under this
Agreement, and would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Merger Sub
Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.5 Ownership of Merger Sub; No Prior Activities. Merger Sub was
formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. Merger Sub (i) has not conducted, and will not prior to the
Effective Time conduct, any business and (ii) has no, and prior to the
Effective Time will have no, assets or liabilities, except, in either case, in
connection with the Transactions. As of the Effective Time, a majority of the
outstanding capital stock of Merger Sub will be owned directly by Bain or
related investment funds which are affiliates of Bain.
Section 6.6 Litigation. There is no suit, claim, action, proceeding or
investigation pending, or, to the best knowledge of Merger Sub, threatened
against Merger Sub, at law or in equity, that, individually or in the
aggregate, could reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the
consummation of the Transactions (it being understood that the mere filing, or
mere existence, by or on behalf of shareholders of the Company, of litigation
that challenges or otherwise seeks damages with respect to the Transactions
shall not in and of itself be deemed to have such effect). Merger Sub is not
subject to any outstanding order, writ, injunction or decree that could
reasonably be expected to have a Merger Sub Material Adverse Effect or prevent
or materially delay the consummation of the Transactions.
Section 6.7 Financing. Merger Sub has provided the Company with commitment
letters from Credit Suisse First Boston (the "Debt Commitment Letters") and the
Bain Commitment Letters, dated December 23, 1999 and December 24, 1999,
respectively, in favor of Merger Sub or Bain (collectively, the "Commitment
Letters"). The equity investment by Bain under the Bain Commitment Letter is
not subject to any condition other than the fulfillment in accordance with the
terms hereof of the conditions of Merger Sub's obligations to consummate the
Merger set forth in Article IX. The Commitment Letters are in full force and
effect as of the date hereof.
Section 6.8 Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to
any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the
Transactions based upon arrangements made by, or on behalf of, Bain or Merger
Sub.
ARTICLE VII
COVENANTS
Section 7.1 Interim Operations of the Company. The Company covenants and
agrees that during the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective
Time (unless Merger Sub shall otherwise agree in writing and except as
otherwise expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or the Company
Disclosure Schedule):
(a) the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall be
conducted only in the ordinary and usual course and each of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries shall use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve its
business organization intact and maintain its existing relations with
customers, employees and business associates;
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(b) the Company shall not (i) sell, transfer or pledge or agree to sell,
transfer or pledge any stock owned by it in any of the Company Subsidiaries
(except for the pledge of such stock for collateral purposes in connection with
its bank working capital facility); (ii) except as expressly contemplated by
this Agreement, amend its Restated Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or the
similar organizational documents of any of the Company Subsidiaries; (iii)
split, combine or reclassify the outstanding Shares; or (iv) declare, set aside
or pay any dividend or distribution payable in cash, stock or property with
respect to the Shares or any other capital stock of the Company;
(c) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries shall (i) issue,
deliver or sell or authorize or propose the issuance, delivery or sale of, any
shares of, or debt or equity securities convertible or exchangeable for, or
options, warrants, calls, commitments or rights of any kind to acquire, capital
stock or other equity interests of any class of the Company or the Company
Subsidiaries other than Shares issuable pursuant to the agreements or
arrangements described in Section 5.3(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule
(other than any Options as to which a Rollover Shareholder has entered into a
binding agreement with Merger Sub to rollover into options of the Surviving
Corporation, which agreement has been provided to the Company prior to the time
such Shares are to otherwise be issued) or (ii) repurchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire, or permit any Company Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire, any shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary (including, without limitation, securities
exchangeable for, or options, warrants, calls, commitments or rights of any
kind to acquire, capital stock or other equity interests of the Company or any
Company Subsidiary);
(d) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries shall (i) grant
or agree to any increase in the compensation of any director, officer or
employee earning in excess of $100,000 in cash, noncontingent compensation per
year except for increases contemplated by or required under employment
agreements listed in Section 5.7 of the Company Disclosure Schedule and bonuses
payable in the ordinary course under the Company's existing annual bonus plan,
(ii) enter into any new or materially amend any existing employment, severance
or termination agreement with any such director, officer or employee or (iii)
except as may be required to comply with applicable Law and, except as provided
under Section 8.8, become obligated under any Benefit Plan that was not in
existence on the date hereof or amend or modify any Benefit Plan in existence
on the date hereof to materially enhance the benefits thereunder;
(e) acquire or agree to acquire, including without limitation, by merging or
consolidating with, or purchasing all or substantially all the assets or
capital stock or other equity interest of, any business, other than any such
acquisition or acquisitions approved by Merger Sub (which approval will not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed);
(f) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
Subsidiaries to, sell, lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of, or
agree to sell, lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of, any of its
material assets outside the ordinary course of business other than (i)
dispositions listed in Section 7.1(f) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (ii)
assets with an aggregate book value not in excess of $250,000 or (iii) pursuant
to existing contracts or commitments described in Section 7.1(f) of the Company
Disclosure Schedule;
(g) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
Subsidiaries to, incur or enter into any agreement to incur any indebtedness
for borrowed money or guarantee any such indebtedness or issue or sell any debt
securities or warrants or rights to acquire any debt securities of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary, except (i) in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice, provided that such borrowings are made under the
Company's existing credit agreements in an aggregate amount not to exceed $30.0
million in total borrowings under such credit agreements (other than borrowings
to finance any obligations of the Company hereunder) the Effective Time;
provided, however, that the aggregate amount of such borrowing shall not exceed
$31.4 million at any time outstanding, (ii) any indebtedness for borrowed money
or guarantees of indebtedness for borrowed money acquired in any acquisition
permitted by Section 7.1(e) above or (iii), subject to the limitations set
forth in clause (i) above, any extensions, refinancing, renewal or replacement
of any permitted indebtedness or guarantee;
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(h) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
Subsidiaries to, make any loans or advances to, guarantees for the benefit of,
or investments in, any person or entity (other than an existing subsidiary or
an entity which becomes, after the date hereof, a subsidiary in accordance with
Section 7.1(e) of this Agreement) except in the ordinary course of business;
(i) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries shall merge or
consolidate with any person or entity except for the Mergers or an acquisition
permitted in accordance with Section 7.1(e) of this Agreement;
(j) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall liquidate, dissolve
or effect a recapitalization or reorganization in any form of transaction;
(k) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
Subsidiaries to, enter into, amend, modify or supplement any Material Contract
or agreement (i) outside of the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past practice (except as may be necessary for the Company to comply with its
obligations hereunder) or (ii) restricting in any way the conduct of the
respective businesses of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries;
(l) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
Subsidiaries to, make any capital expenditures (other than pursuant to
commitments prior to the date hereof and set forth on Section 7.1(l) of the
Company Disclosure Schedule) in excess of $500,000 (other than an acquisition
permitted in accordance with Section 7.1(e) of this Agreement);
(m) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall comply in all material
respects with its obligations under the Material Contracts as such obligations
become due and applicable Law;
(n) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall continue in force with
good and responsible insurance companies adequate insurance covering risks of
such types and in such amounts as are consistent with the Company's past
practices;
(o) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
Subsidiaries to, enter into, amend, modify or supplement any material
agreement, transaction, commitment or arrangement with any officer, director or
other affiliate (or any affiliate of any of the foregoing) other than
agreements, transactions, commitments and arrangements (i) permitted by Section
7.1(d) hereof or (ii) as contemplated by this Agreement or the Transactions;
(p) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
Subsidiaries to, establish or acquire, other than in accordance with Section
7.1(e) of this Agreement, (i) any subsidiary other than wholly-owned
subsidiaries or (ii) subsidiaries organized outside of the United States and
its territorial possessions; and
(q) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries will enter into
an agreement to do any of the foregoing.
ARTICLE VIII
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
Section 8.1 Meeting of the Shareholders.
(a) So long as the Board of Directors of the Company shall not have
withdrawn, modified or changed their recommendation in accordance with the
provisions of the next succeeding sentence, the Company will take all action
reasonably necessary in accordance with applicable Law and its Restated
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to convene a special meeting of its
shareholders to consider and vote upon the approval of this Agreement, the
Reorganization Merger and such other matters as may be necessary to effectuate
the Transactions (the "Shareholders Meeting") as promptly as practicable
following the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The Board of Directors
of the Company shall recommend such approval and
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take all lawful action to solicit such approval; provided, however, that the
Board of Directors of the Company may at any time prior to shareholder approval
of the Reorganization Merger withdraw, modify or change any such
recommendations to the extent that the Board of Directors of the Company
determines in good faith after consultation with independent legal counsel that
the failure to so withdraw, modify or change its recommendation would cause the
Board of Directors of the Company to breach its fiduciary duties to the
Company's shareholders under applicable Law (which withdrawal, modification or
change shall not constitute a breach by the Company of this Agreement). The
Merger Sub Companies will vote all Shares over which they exercise voting
control in favor of this Agreement and the Mergers.
(b) As soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement and in
connection with the Shareholders Meeting, the Company shall file with the SEC a
proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") and form of proxy relating to the
Mergers and the other Transactions, which shall comply as to form with all
applicable Laws. The Company shall obtain and furnish the information required
to be included in the Proxy Statement and shall respond promptly to any
comments made by the SEC with respect to the Proxy Statement and cause the
Proxy Statement and form of proxy to be mailed to the Company's shareholders at
the earliest practicable date. Merger Sub shall cooperate in the preparation of
the Proxy Statement and shall as soon as practicable following the date hereof
furnish the Company with all information for inclusion in the Proxy Statement
as shall be reasonably requested by the Company. The Company agrees, as to
information with respect to the Company, its officers, directors, shareholders
and subsidiaries contained in the Proxy Statement or Schedule 13E-3, if any,
and Merger Sub agrees, as to information with respect to Merger Sub, its
officers, directors, shareholders and subsidiaries contained in the Proxy
Statement or Schedule 13E-3, if any, that such information, at the date the
Proxy Statement is mailed and (as then amended or supplemented) at the time of
the Shareholders Meeting, will not be false or misleading with respect to any
material fact, or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. Merger Sub and its
counsel shall be given an opportunity to review the Proxy Statement, and all
amendments or supplements thereof, prior to their being filed with the SEC and
the Company shall not make any such filing without the approval of Merger Sub
(which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The Company will advise
Merger Sub, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when the
Proxy Statement has been cleared by the SEC or any request by the SEC for
amendment of the Proxy Statement or comments thereon and proposed responses
thereto or requests by the SEC for additional information. The Company, on the
one hand, and Merger Sub, on the other hand, agree to promptly correct any
information provided by either of them for use in the Proxy Statement or
Schedule 13E-3, if any, if and to the extent that it shall have become false or
misleading, and the Company further agrees to take all steps reasonably
necessary to cause the Proxy Statement as so corrected to be filed with the SEC
and to be disseminated to the Company's shareholders, in each case, as and to
the extent required by applicable Laws. The Company shall cooperate in the
preparation of a Schedule 13E-3, if any, and shall as soon as practicable
following the date hereof furnish Merger Sub with all information for inclusion
in the Schedule 13E-3, if any, as shall be reasonably requested by Merger Sub.
Section 8.2 Filings; Other Action. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, the Company and Merger Sub shall: (a) if required by applicable
Law, promptly make their respective filings and thereafter make any other
required submissions under the HSR Act with respect to the Mergers and the
other Transactions; and (b) use their reasonable best efforts promptly to take,
or cause to be taken, all other action and do, or cause to be done, all other
things necessary, proper or appropriate to consummate and make effective the
Transactions, as soon as practicable.
Section 8.3 Access. Subject to restrictions contained in confidentiality
agreements to which the Company is subject, upon reasonable notice the Company
shall (and shall cause each of the Company Subsidiaries to) afford Merger Sub's
officers, counsel, accountants, investors, financing sources and other
authorized representatives ("presentatives") reasonable access, during normal
business hours during the period prior to the Effective Time, to its
properties, books, contracts and records and appropriate individuals as it may
reasonably request (including employees, attorneys, accountants and other
professionals), and during such period, the Company shall (and shall cause each
of its subsidiaries to) furnish promptly to Merger Sub such
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information concerning its business, properties and personnel as Merger Sub may
reasonably request. Merger Sub will not, and will cause its Representatives not
to, use any information obtained pursuant to this Section 8.3 for any purpose
unrelated to the consummation of the Transactions. Except as otherwise agreed
to by the Company, and notwithstanding termination of this Agreement, the terms
and provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement, dated August 30, 1999, between
Bain Capital, Inc. and the Company (the "Confidentiality Agreement") shall
apply to all information furnished thereunder or hereunder.
Section 8.4 Notification of Certain Matters. The Company shall give prompt
written notice to Merger Sub of any notice of, or other communication relating
to, a default or event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
become a default, received by the Company or any of its subsidiaries subsequent
to the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time, under any
contract material to the financial condition, properties, businesses or results
of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole to which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or is subject. Each of the
Company and Company Sub, on the one hand, and Merger Sub, on the other hand,
shall give prompt written notice to the other party of (a) any notice or other
communication from any third party alleging that the consent of such third
party is or may be required in connection with the Transactions or (b) any
Company Material Adverse Effect or Merger Sub Material Adverse Effect, as the
case may be. The Company and Company Sub shall give prompt written notice to
Merger Sub, and Merger Sub shall give prompt written notice to the Company, of
(i) any claims, actions, proceedings or governmental investigations commenced
or, to its knowledge, threatened, involving or affecting the Company or any of
its subsidiaries or any of their property or assets, (ii) the occurrence, or
failure to occur, of any event that would be likely to cause any representation
or warranty made by such party contained in this Agreement to be untrue or
inaccurate in any material respect, and (iii) any material failure of the
Company, Company Sub or Merger Sub, as the case may be, or of any officer,
director, employee or agent thereof, to comply with or satisfy any covenant,
condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no such
notification shall affect the representations, warranties or covenants of the
parties or the conditions to the obligations of the parties hereunder.
Section 8.5 Publicity. Except as otherwise required by Law, the Company and
Merger Sub shall consult with each other in issuing any press releases or
otherwise making public statements with respect to the Transactions and in
making any filings with any federal or state governmental or regulatory agency
or with NASDAQ/NMS or any national securities exchange with respect thereto.
Section 8.6 Indemnification.
(a) The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation
shall contain provisions with respect to indemnification, advancement of
expenses and director exculpation as are set forth in the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of Company Sub as set forth in Exhibit B and the
Bylaws of Company Sub as of the date hereof (to the extent not in violation of
applicable law), which provisions shall not be amended, repealed or otherwise
modified for a period of six years after the Acquisition Effective Time in any
manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of persons who at any
time prior to the Acquisition Effective Time were entitled to indemnification,
advancement of expenses or exculpation under the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Company Sub in respect of actions or
omissions occurring at or prior to the Acquisition Effective Time (including,
without limitation, the Transactions), unless otherwise required by applicable
law.
(b) From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Company shall
indemnify, defend and hold harmless the present and former officers, directors
and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Indemnified Parties") against all losses, expenses, claims, damages,
liabilities or amounts that are paid in settlement of, or otherwise in
connection with, any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation (a
"Claim"), to which any such person is or may become a party by virtue of his or
her service as a present or former director, officer or employee of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries and arising out of actual or alleged events, actions
or omissions occurring or alleged to have occurred at or prior to the Effective
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Time (including, without limitation, the Transactions), in each case to the
fullest extent permitted under the DGCL (and shall pay expenses in advance of
the final disposition of any such action or proceeding to each Indemnified
Party to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL, upon receipt from the
Indemnified Party to whom expenses are advanced of the undertaking to repay
such advances contemplated by Section 145(e) of the DGCL).
(c) Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under this
Section 8.6, upon learning of any such Claim, shall notify the Surviving
Corporation (although the failure so to notify the Surviving Corporation shall
not relieve the Surviving Corporation from any liability that the Surviving
Corporation may have under this Section 8.6, except to the extent such failure
materially prejudices such party). The Surviving Corporation shall have the
right to assume the defense thereof and the Surviving Corporation shall not be
liable to such Indemnified Parties for any legal expenses of other counsel or
any other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Parties in
connection with the defense thereof, except that if the Surviving Corporation
elects not to assume such defense or if there is an actual or potential
conflict of interest between, or different defenses exist for the Surviving
Corporation and the Indemnified Parties, the Indemnified Parties may retain
counsel satisfactory to them and the Surviving Corporation shall pay all
reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel for the Indemnified Parties
promptly as statements therefor are received; provided however, that (i) the
Surviving Corporation shall not, in connection with any one such action or
proceeding or separate but substantially similar actions or proceedings arising
out of the same general allegations, be liable for the fees and expenses of
more than one separate firm of attorneys in addition to any appropriate local
counsel at any time for all Indemnified Parties, (ii) the Surviving Corporation
and the Indemnified Parties will cooperate in the defense of any such matter
and (iii) the Surviving Corporation shall not be liable for any settlement
effected without its prior written consent, which consent will not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed, and provided further, that the Surviving
Corporation shall not have any obligation hereunder to any Indemnified Party
when and if a court of competent jurisdiction shall ultimately determine, and
such determination shall have become final and not subject to further appeal,
that the indemnification of such Indemnified Party in the manner contemplated
hereby is prohibited by applicable Law.
(d) The Surviving Corporation shall cause to be maintained in effect for not
less than six years after the Effective Time (except to the extent not
generally available in the market) directors' and officers' liability insurance
and fiduciary liability insurance that is substantially equivalent in coverage
to the Company's current insurance, with an amount of coverage of not less than
100% of the amount of coverage maintained by the Company as of the date of this
Agreement with respect to matters occurring prior to the Effective Time;
provided, however, that during such period, the Surviving Corporation shall not
be required to maintain any coverage in excess of the amount that can be
obtained for the remainder of such period for an annual premium of 200% of the
current annual premium paid by the Company for its existing coverage.
(e) This Section 8.6 shall survive the consummation of the Mergers and is
intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, the Indemnified
Parties referred to herein, their heirs and personal representatives and shall
be binding on Merger Sub and the Surviving Corporation and its successors and
assigns.
(f) If the Surviving Corporation or any of its successors or assigns (i)
consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the
continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger,
or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and
assets to any Person, then, and in each case, to the extent necessary, proper
provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of the Surviving
Corporation shall assume the obligations set forth in this Section 8.6.
Section 8.7 Obligations of Merger Sub. Merger Sub shall take all action
reasonably necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement and to
consummate the Mergers on the terms and subject to conditions set forth in this
Agreement.
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Section 8.8 Stock Options. As part of the Transactions, (i) Options granted
under the 1996 Plan ("Plan Options") and (ii) Options granted under certain
arrangements outside the 1996 Plan (the "Non-Plan Options") shall be treated as
follows:
(a) Immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, all then
outstanding but theretofore unvested and non-exercisable Plan Options and Non-
Plan Options shall become immediately vested and exercisable in full (unless
the Company is otherwise notified in writing by the holder of any such Plan
Option or Non-Plan Option that such Plan Option or Non-Plan Option shall not
become immediately vested and exercisable in full).
(b) At the Acquisition Effective Time, all then outstanding Plan Options and
Non-Plan Options as to which the holder has executed and delivered to the
Company an agreement containing terms consistent with the terms set forth in
Schedule 8.8(b) shall be converted into options to acquire shares of common
stock of the Surviving Corporation on such terms and conditions as are set
forth in Schedule 8.8(b).
(c) At the Acquisition Effective Time, all then outstanding Plan Options and
Non-Plan Options as to which the holder has theretofore executed and delivered
to the Company an agreement containing terms consistent with the terms set
forth in Schedule 8.8(c) shall be canceled and in lieu thereof, each holder of
such an Option shall, upon the execution and delivery of such agreement,
receive from the Payment Fund or, if the Payment Fund is insufficient to pay
such amount, from the Surviving Corporation an amount in cash equal to the
product of (i) the excess, if any, of the per share Merger Consideration over
the per share exercise price of such option and (ii) the number of shares of
Company Common Stock subject to such option, net of any applicable withholding
taxes (the "Option Consideration"). In the event the holder does not, prior to
the Effective Time execute and deliver an agreement consistent with the terms
specified in either Schedule 8.8(b) or (c), such Option shall be adjusted to
reflect the capital structure of the Surviving Corporation to the extent of,
and in accordance with, the terms of the applicable Plan Options and Non-Plan
Options and related agreements and plan documents in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time.
(d) Each of the Company and Merger Sub covenants that prior to the Effective
Time it will take all actions necessary under that certain SEC no-action
letter, dated January 12, 1999, to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, to
provide that the cancellation and cash-out and conversion of Options pursuant
to this Section 8.8 will qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3(d) or (e), as
applicable, under the Exchange Act.
(e) The Company shall cooperate with Merger Sub and use reasonable efforts
to obtain a written agreement substantially in the form described in Schedule
8.8(b) or Section 8.8(c) prior to the Effective Time from each holder of an
Option, and prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall take such other
lawful action in respect of the Options as may be reasonably necessary or
appropriate to give effect to the transactions contemplated by this Section
8.8.
(f) Except as otherwise provided herein or agreed by the parties or as may
be necessary to administer Options remaining outstanding following the
Effective Time, the Option Plans shall terminate effective as of the
Acquisition Effective Time and the Company shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to cause the provisions in any other plan, program or arrangement
providing for the issuance or grant of any other interest in respect of the
capital stock of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to be canceled as of the
Acquisition Effective Time.
(g) Subsections (a)-(c) of this Section 8.8 shall survive the consummation
of the Mergers and are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be
enforceable by, the holders of Options referred to herein, their heirs and
personal representatives and shall be binding on Merger Sub and the Surviving
Corporation and their respective successors and assigns.
Section 8.9 Employee Benefit Plans. Subject to Section 8.8, the Surviving
Corporation (and any successor thereto) shall honor, without modification, all
employment, consulting, severance, termination or indemnification agreements,
arrangements or understandings between the Company or any of its subsidiaries
and any current or former employee, officer or director of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries as set forth in the SEC Reports or in the Company
Disclosure Schedule in effect on the date hereof except as may be otherwise
mutually agreed by Merger Sub or the Surviving Corporation and a current or
former employee,
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officer or director covered by such an agreement. The Surviving Corporation and
its successors shall pay or provide all benefits vested as of the Acquisition
Effective Time under any Benefit Plan (as defined in Section 5.11) in
accordance with the terms of such plans. For a period of at least 12 months
following the Acquisition Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation and its
successors shall maintain for all employees of the Surviving Corporation
Benefit Plans (other than any stock option or stock purchase plan and the bonus
plan described in item 8 of Section 5.7 of the Company Disclosure Schedule)
which, in the aggregate, provide substantially equivalent benefits to such
employees as the benefit plans in effect for employees of the Company
immediately prior to the Acquisition Effective Time, provided that employees
covered by collective bargaining agreements shall be provided the benefits
required under such agreements. For purposes of their participation in the
Surviving Corporation's employee and fringe benefit plans, programs, policies
and practices, the Surviving Corporation shall credit each Company employee
with full credit for all service credited under the comparable plan, program,
policy or practice of the Company (including service with the Company prior to
the Effective Time and, where applicable, service with prior or predecessor
employers to the extent credit is given for such service under the comparable
Company plans) for purposes of eligibility to participate and receive benefits
and for purposes of vesting. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 8.9 to
the contrary, nothing in this Section 8.9 shall be deemed to limit or otherwise
affect the right of the Surviving Corporation to terminate employment or change
the place of work, responsibilities, status or designation of any employee or
group of employees as the Surviving Corporation may determine in the exercise
of its business judgment and in compliance with (a) applicable laws and (b) the
agreements, arrangements and understandings described in the first sentence of
this Section 8.9.
Section 8.10 No Solicitation of Transactions.
(a) The Company and its subsidiaries will not, and the Company will instruct
its and its subsidiaries' officers, directors, employees, investment bankers,
financial advisors, attorneys, accountants and other representatives, agents or
affiliates ("Company Representatives") not to, (i) initiate, solicit or
encourage (including by way of furnishing information or assistance) or take
any other action to facilitate, any inquiries or the making of any proposal
that constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, a Competing
Transaction (as defined below), (ii) enter into or maintain discussions or
negotiate with any person or entity in furtherance of or relating to or to
obtain a Competing Transaction, or (iii) agree to or endorse any Competing
Transaction, and the Company shall cause its subsidiaries and the Company
Representatives not to take any such action in the foregoing clauses (i)
through (iii); provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 8.10
shall prohibit the Board of Directors of the Company prior to shareholder
approval of the Mergers at the Shareholders Meeting or any adjournment or
postponement thereof from (A) furnishing information to, or engaging in
discussions or negotiations with, any person that makes an unsolicited proposal
(believed by the Board of Directors to be bona fide) regarding a potential
Competing Transaction if (1) the Board of Directors of the Company, after
consultation with independent legal counsel, determines in good faith that such
action is required for the Board of Directors of the Company to comply with its
fiduciary duties to shareholders under applicable law, (2) such Competing
Transaction is or is reasonably likely to result in a Superior Proposal, and
(3) prior to furnishing such information to such person or entity, the Company
receives from such person or entity an executed confidentiality agreement with
terms materially no less favorable to the Company than those contained in the
Confidentiality Agreement; or (B) complying with Rule 14d-9 or Rule 14e-2
promulgated under the Exchange Act or Section 1203 of the CGCL (including,
without limitation, the making of public disclosure as may be necessary or
advisable under applicable securities laws) and provided further that the
foregoing actions described in this provision shall not constitute a breach by
the Company of this Agreement. The Company shall promptly advise Merger Sub if
any such proposal or offer, or any inquiry or contact is made with any person
or entity with respect thereto, and shall inform Merger Sub of the material
terms and conditions of such proposal or offer for a Competing Transaction and
the identity of such person or entity (if disclosure of such identity is not
prohibited by the terms of such proposal). The Company shall, and shall cause
its subsidiaries and the Company Representatives to, cease immediately and
cause to be terminated all activities, discussions and negotiations, if any,
with any person or entity conducted prior to the date of this Agreement with
respect to a Competing Transaction.
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(b) For purposes of this Agreement "Competing Transaction" shall mean any of
the following involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries: (a) any merger,
consolidation, share exchange, business combination, recapitalization,
reclassification or other similar transaction or any issuance or purchase of
securities which results in the shareholders of the Company immediately prior
to such transaction (excluding any shareholders that may be proposing the
Competing Transaction to the Company) beneficially owning shares representing
less than a majority of the voting power or common equity after such
transaction; (b) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other
disposition of 30% or more of the fair market value of the assets of the
Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or
series of transactions; (c) any tender offer or exchange offer for more than
45% of the outstanding Shares of the Company; or (d) any public announcement of
an agreement, proposal, plan or intention to do any of the foregoing.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement "Superior Proposal," shall mean any bona
fide proposal relating to a Competing Transaction that the Company's board of
directors has determined in good faith, after having received the advice of its
legal counsel and independent financial advisor of nationally recognized
reputation, is (i) on terms which are more favorable from a financial point of
view to the Company's shareholders than the Mergers and the other Transactions,
and (ii) reasonably capable of being consummated in a timely manner and for
which financing, to the extent required, is then committed or reasonably
capable (in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors) of being
financed by such third party.
Section 8.11 Third Party Standstill Agreements. During the period from the
date of this Agreement through the Effective Time, the Company shall not
terminate, amend, modify or waive any material provision of any confidentiality
or standstill agreement to which the Company is a party (other than any
involving Bain (or its affiliates) or Merger Sub). During such period, the
Company agrees to enforce, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable
law, the provisions of any such agreements, including, but not limited to,
seeking injunctions to prevent any breaches of such agreements and to enforce
specifically the terms and provisions thereof in a court in the United States
or any state thereof having jurisdiction.
Section 8.12 Consents. The Company, Company Sub and Merger Sub shall use
reasonable efforts to obtain promptly all consents, waivers, approvals,
authorizations or permits of, or registrations or filings with or notifications
to any Governmental Authority or third party necessary for the consummation of
the Transactions.
Section 8.13 SEC Reports. From the date of this Agreement to the Effective
Time, the Company shall file on a timely basis all SEC Reports required to be
filed by it with the SEC under the Exchange Act, the Securities Act and the
published rules and regulations of the SEC under either of the foregoing
applicable to such SEC Reports, which SEC Reports shall comply in all material
respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Securities Act and the
published rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder, each as applicable to
such SEC Reports.
Section 8.14 Delisting. Each of the parties agrees to cooperate with each
other in taking, or causing to be taken, all actions reasonably necessary to
delist the Shares from NASDAQ/NMS and to terminate registration under the
Exchange Act, provided that such delisting and termination shall not be
effective until after the Effective Time of the Merger.
Section 8.15 Actions Respecting Commitment Letters; Financing, Notification.
(a) Merger Sub and its affiliates agree to perform all obligations required
to be performed by it in accordance with and pursuant to the Commitment Letters
and not to amend, terminate or waive any provisions under such Commitment
Letters if the effect thereof would be reasonably likely to prevent or
materially delay the consummation of the Transactions.
(b) Merger Sub shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the
financing necessary for satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section
9.3(c) to be obtained on the terms set forth in the Debt Commitment Letters as
soon as reasonably practicable; provided however, that Merger Sub shall be
entitled to obtain, in its sole discretion, substitute debt financing with
other nationally recognized financial institutions
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("Substitute Debt Financing"), to provide, subject only to customary conditions
and on terms not materially less favorable in the aggregate to the Company, the
financing required by Section 9.3(c) and in any event providing for the payment
of the Merger Consideration in accordance with this Agreement provided that
such Substitute Debt Financing does not materially delay the consummation of
the Transactions. If Merger Sub shall seek Substitute Debt Financing, Merger
Sub shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the financing
necessary for satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 9.3(c) to be
obtained on the terms set forth for the Substitute Debt Financings.
(c) Merger Sub agrees to provide prompt written notice to the Company of (i)
Bain's refusal or intended refusal to provide the financing described in the
Bain Commitment Letter and (ii) following its receipt of notification by a
potential lender under a Debt Commitment Letter or in connection with the
Substitute Debt Financing, of its refusal or intended refusal to provide the
financing described in the applicable Debt Commitment Letter and, in each case,
the stated reasons therefor.
Section 8.16 Financial Statements. During the period prior to the Effective
Time, the Company shall provide to Merger Sub consolidated monthly "flash
reports" no later than the twentieth business day following the end of each
calendar month following the date of this Agreement. Further, the Company shall
provide, and shall cause the Company Subsidiaries and Company Representatives
to provide, at Merger Sub's cost, all reasonable cooperation in connection with
the arrangement of any financing to be obtained by Merger Sub or the Surviving
Corporation in connection with the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(the "Financing") including, without limitation, (a) promptly providing to
Merger Sub's financing sources all material financial information in their
possession with respect to the Company and the Transactions reasonably
requested by Merger Sub, including but not limited to information and
projections prepared by the Company relating to the Company and the
Transactions, (b) making the Company's senior officers and other Company
Representatives reasonably available to Merger Sub's financing sources in
connection with such Financing, to reasonably participate in due diligence
sessions and to reasonably participate in presentations related to the
Financing, including, without limitation, presentations to rating agencies, and
(c) reasonably assisting in the preparation of one or more appropriate offering
documents and assisting Merger Sub's financing sources in preparing other
appropriate marketing materials, in each case to be used in connection with the
Financing. Subject to Section 9.3(c), nothing herein shall imply that the
completion of any such syndication, securities offerings or other financing is
a condition to the obligation of Merger Sub to consummate the Mergers.
Section 8.17 Shareholders Agreement. The Company agrees to comply with the
provisions of the Shareholders Agreement with respect to transfers of record
ownership of shares of Common Stock, and agrees to notify the Company's
transfer agent that there is a limitation on the transferability of the Subject
Shares (as defined in the Shareholders Agreement) and to do all other things as
are reasonably necessary to effect the transfer limitation provisions of the
Shareholders Agreement.
Section 8.18 State Takeover Laws. The Company and Company Sub shall, upon
the request of Merger Sub, take all reasonable steps to assist in any
challenges by Merger Sub to the validity or applicability to the Transactions,
including the Mergers, of any state takeover law.
ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS
Section 9.1 Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party. The obligations of
the Company, Company Sub and Merger Sub to consummate the Mergers are subject
to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) Company Shareholder Approval. This Agreement and the Reorganization
Merger shall have been approved and adopted by the shareholders of the Company
in accordance with the CGCL, the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation
and its Bylaws.
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(b) HSR. Any waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the
consummation of the Acquisition Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or
been terminated.
(c) No Order. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued,
promulgated, enforced or entered any law, rule, regulation, executive order or
decree, judgment, injunction, ruling or other order, whether temporary,
preliminary or permanent (collectively, "Order"), that is then in effect and
has the effect of prohibiting the consummation of the Mergers or otherwise
imposing material limitations on the ability of Merger Sub effectively to
acquire or hold the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries.
Section 9.2 Additional Conditions to the Acquisition Merger. The obligations
of Company Sub and Merger Sub to effect the Acquisition Merger are subject to
the Reorganization Merger having become effective in accordance with the DGCL.
Section 9.3 Conditions to the Obligations of Merger Sub. The obligations of
the Merger Sub to consummate the Acquisition Merger are subject to the
satisfaction of the following additional conditions, unless waived by Merger
Sub in writing:
(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
the Company set forth herein shall be true and correct as of the date of this
Agreement and as of the Effective Time except for (i) changes specifically
contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) those representations and warranties
that address matters only as of a particular date (which shall remain true and
correct as of such date) and in each case except where failure of such
representation and warranty to be so true and correct would not reasonably be
expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect (other than representations
and warranties that are already so qualified or that are qualified as to the
prevention or delay of the consummation of any of the Transactions or
representations and warranties as to the performance by the Company of its
obligations under this Agreement and the representations and warranties set
forth in Section 5.3(a) (provided that it shall not constitute a breach by the
Company of its representations and warranties set forth therein if the issued
and outstanding shares of Common Stock and the number of Options change from
those set forth in Section 5.3(a), so long as the aggregate of such two items
do not exceed 10,698,205 shares of Common Stock), Section 5.3(c) and Section
5.21, which in each such case shall be true and correct as written).
(b) Covenants and Agreements. The Company shall have performed all
obligations and complied with all agreements and covenants of the Company to be
performed or complied with by it under the Agreement prior to the Effective
Time in each case in all material respects (other than the covenants set forth
in Section 7.1(b)(iv) and 7.1(g), which in each case shall be complied with as
written).
(c) Financing. Merger Sub or Company Sub, as the case may be, shall have
received the debt financing proceeds described in the Debt Commitment Letters
or, if applicable, an equal amount of proceeds from the Substitute Debt
Financing; provided, however, that if the failure to receive such financing is
solely the result of, or solely caused by, Merger Sub's or Bain's breach in any
material respect of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by
Merger Sub or Bain in any Debt Commitment Letter (unless such breach was solely
the result of, or solely caused by, a breach of a representation, warranty,
covenant or agreement made by the Company or Company Sub in this Agreement),
then in such event Merger Sub's obligation to consummate the Merger shall not
be subject to the satisfaction of this condition.
(d) Consents. The Company shall have obtained all material consents and
approvals from Governmental Authorities necessary or required for the
consummation of the Transactions and all consents and approvals from the third
parties identified on Schedule 9.3(d) attached hereto, all on terms and
conditions reasonably satisfactory to Merger Sub.
(e) Officers' Certificate. At the Closing, the Company shall deliver an
Officers' Certificate, duly executed by the Company's Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, stating that the conditions to Closing set forth
in Sections 9.3(a) and (b) above have been satisfied.
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(f) Certified Copies.
(i) At the Closing, the Company shall deliver certified copies of (A) the
resolutions duly adopted by the Company's board of directors
authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and the other agreements contemplated hereby applicable to it and the
Transactions, (B) the resolutions duly adopted by the Company's
stockholder approving this Agreement and the Transactions and (C) the
Restated Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company.
(ii) At the Closing, Company Sub shall deliver certified copies of (A) the
resolutions duly adopted by Company Sub's board of directors
authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and the other agreements contemplated hereby applicable to it and the
Transactions, (B) the resolutions duly adopted by Company Sub's
stockholder approving this Agreement and the Transactions and (C) the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and the Bylaws of
Company Sub.
(g) Non-compete Agreements; Termination Agreement; Escrow Agreement. The
enforceability of non-compete agreements entered into between Merger Sub, on
the one hand, and R. Luke Stefanko and Donald R. Stine, on the other hand, each
dated the date hereof, shall not have been challenged by either of
Messrs Stefanko or Stine. The termination agreement entered into between Merger
Sub and R. Luke Stefanko dated the date hereof, shall be valid, binding and
enforceable and in full force and effect. The escrow agreement between Merger
Sub, R. Luke Stefanko, Donald R. Stine and the escrow agent named therein (who
shall be reasonably acceptable to all of the parties thereto) substantially in
the form attached as Exhibit 9.3(g) attached hereto shall have been executed
and delivered by R. Luke Stefanko, Donald R. Stine and the escrow agent.
Section 9.4 Conditions to the Obligations of the Company and Company
Sub. The obligations of the Company and Company Sub to consummate the Mergers
are subject to the satisfaction of the following additional conditions, unless
waived by the Company in writing:
(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of
Merger Sub set forth herein shall be true and correct as of the date of this
Agreement and as of the Effective Time except for (i) changes specifically
contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) those representations and warranties
that address matters only as of a particular date (which shall remain true and
correct as of such date) and in each case except where failure of such
representation and warranty to be so true and correct would not have a Merger
Sub Material Adverse Effect (other than representations and warranties that are
already so qualified or that are qualified as to the prevention or delay of the
consummation of any of the Transactions or as to the performance by Merger Sub
of its obligations under this Agreement, which in each such case shall be true
and correct as written).
(b) Covenants and Agreements. Merger Sub shall have performed all
obligations and complied with all respective agreements and covenants of Merger
Sub to be performed or complied with by it under the Agreement in each case in
all material respects.
(c) Solvency Opinion. Prior to the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall have
delivered to the Company and Company Sub an opinion from Houlihan Lokey Howard
& Zukin, or another nationally recognized valuation firm reasonably
satisfactory to the Company, which opinion is reasonably satisfactory to the
Company, to the effect that as of the Effective Time, and taking into account
the Transactions (including, without limitation, the financing necessary to
consummate the Transactions):
(i) The fair market going concern value of all of the assets (including
goodwill) of the Surviving Corporation will be greater than the total
amount of liabilities, including contingent, subordinated, absolute,
fixed, matured or unmatured and liquidated or unliquidated
liabilities, of the Surviving Corporation.
(ii) The present fair market going concern value of the assets of the
Surviving Corporation (including goodwill) is sufficient to pay the
probable liability of the Surviving Corporation on its debts as such
debts become absolute and matured.
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(d) Officers' Certificate. At the Closing, Merger Sub shall deliver an
Officers' Certificate, duly executed by Merger Sub's Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, stating that the conditions to Closing set forth
in Sections 9.4(a) and (b) above have been satisfied.
(e) Certified Copies. At the Closing, Merger Sub shall deliver certified
copies of (i) the resolutions duly adopted by the Merger Sub's board of
directors authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and the other agreements contemplated hereby applicable to it and the
Transactions, (ii) if approval of Merger Sub's stockholders is required by
applicable law, the resolutions duly adopted by Merger Sub's stockholders
approving this Agreement and the Transactions, and (iii) the Certificate of
Incorporation and the bylaws of Merger Sub.
ARTICLE X
TERMINATION
Section 10.1 Termination by Mutual Consent. This Agreement may be terminated
and the Mergers and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior
to the Effective Time, before or after the approval by holders of Common Stock,
by the mutual consent of Merger Sub and the Company, by action of their
respective Boards of Directors.
Section 10.2 Termination by Either Merger Sub or the Company. This Agreement
may be terminated and the Mergers and the other Transactions may be abandoned
by action of the Board of Directors of either Merger Sub or the Company if (a)
the Mergers shall not have been consummated on or before the earlier of
(i) April 30, 2000 or (ii) the date which is 90 days after the Proxy Statement
is filed with the SEC (or if the Mergers shall not have occurred by such date
because of the failure of a condition set forth in Section 9.1(b) or (c), May
30, 2000), unless the failure to consummate the Mergers is the result of a
material breach of this Agreement by the party seeking to terminate this
Agreement, or (b) there shall be any Law that makes consummation of the Mergers
illegal or otherwise prohibited or any Order that is final and nonappealable
preventing the consummation of the Mergers, or (c) if the Shareholder Approval
shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required
vote at the Shareholders Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Section 10.3 Termination by Merger Sub. This Agreement may be terminated and
the Mergers and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior to
the Effective Time, before or after approval of the holders of Common Stock, by
action of the Board of Directors of Merger Sub:
(a) if, prior to the Effective Time there has been a breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the Company or
Company Sub set forth in this Agreement such that any of the conditions set
forth in clause (a) or (b) of Section 9.3 hereof would not be satisfied (a
"Terminating Company Breach"); provided, however, that, if such Terminating
Company Breach is curable by the Company or Company Sub through the exercise of
its reasonable best efforts and for so long as the Company or Company Sub
continues to exercise such reasonable best efforts (but in no event longer than
twenty days after Merger Sub's written notification to the Company of the
occurrence of such Terminating Company Breach), Merger Sub may not terminate
this Agreement under this Section 10.3(a); or
(b) if prior to shareholder approval of the Reorganization Merger (i) the
Board of Directors of the Company withdraws, modifies or changes its
recommendation of this Agreement or the Reorganization Merger or other
Transactions in a manner adverse to Merger Sub or (ii) the Board of Directors
of the Company shall have approved or recommended to the shareholders of the
Company any proposal involving a Competing Transaction or (iii) the Board of
Directors of the Company fails to reconfirm such recommendation within ten days
after a reasonable written request by Merger Sub to do so or (iv) the Company
or the Board of Directors of the Company resolves to do any of the foregoing.
A-32
Section 10.4 Termination by the Company. This Agreement may be terminated
and the Mergers and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior
to the Effective Time, before or after the approval by holders of Common Stock,
by action of the Board of Directors of the Company:
(a) if prior to the Effective Time there has been a breach of any material
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Merger Sub set
forth in this Agreement or by Bain in the Bain Commitment Letter ("Terminating
Merger Sub Breach"); provided, however, that, if such Terminating Merger Sub
Breach is curable by Merger Sub through the exercise of its reasonable best
efforts and for so long as Merger Sub continues to exercise such reasonable
best efforts (but in no event longer than twenty days after the Company's
written notification to Merger Sub of the occurrence of such Terminating Merger
Sub Breach), the Company may not terminate this Agreement under this Section
10.4(a); or
(b) if prior to shareholder approval of the Reorganization Merger (i) the
Board of Directors of the Company withdraws, modifies or changes its
recommendation of this Agreement or the Reorganization Merger or other
Transactions or (ii) the Board of Directors of the Company shall have approved
or recommended to the shareholders of the Company any proposal involving a
Competing Transaction, or resolved to do either of the foregoing after
consultation with independent legal counsel, having determined in good faith
that such action is required for the Board of Directors of the Company to
comply with its fiduciary duties to shareholders under applicable law;
provided, that any termination of this Agreement by the Company pursuant to
this Section 10.4(b) shall not be effective until the close of business on the
second full business day after notice of such termination to Merger Sub.
Section 10.5 Effect of Termination and Abandonment. Except as set forth in
Section 11.1, in the event of termination of this Agreement and abandonment of
the Mergers pursuant to this Article X, no party hereto (or any of its
directors or officers) shall have any liability or further obligation to any
other party to this Agreement, except that nothing herein will relieve the
Company, Company Sub or Merger Sub from liability for any breach of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS; GENERAL
Section 11.1 Payment of Expenses. (a) Except as otherwise set forth in this
Section 11.1, whether or not the Mergers shall be consummated, each party
hereto shall pay its own Expenses incident to preparing for, entering into and
carrying out this Agreement and the consummation of the Merger; provided, that
effective as of the Acquisition Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall
pay all of the Expenses paid by or on behalf of Merger Sub. "Expenses" as used
in this Agreement shall include all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
(including, without limitation, all fees and expenses of outside counsel,
investment bankers, experts and consultants to a party hereto) incurred by a
party or on its behalf in connection with or related to the authorization,
preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and all
other matters relating to the closing of the Transactions.
(b) The Company agrees that (i) if Merger Sub shall terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Section 10.3(b) or (ii) if the Company shall terminate this
Agreement pursuant to Section 10.4(b) or (iii) either Merger Sub or the Company
shall terminate this Agreement under Section 10.2(c), the Company shall
reimburse Merger Sub for its reasonably documented Expenses up to an aggregate
amount not to exceed $1,000,000, provided, however, that if such termination
shall occur more than 45 days after the date of execution and delivery of this
Agreement, the Company shall reimburse Merger Sub for its reasonably documented
Expenses (inclusive of Expenses incurred prior to such date 45 days after the
execution and delivery of this Agreement) up to an aggregate amount not to
exceed $1,500,000, in each case, with such payment to be made on or prior to
the day which is 20 business days after the date of such termination (or,
earlier, upon the date of consummation of a Competing Transaction or the
entering into of a legally binding definitive agreement with respect thereto).
If Merger Sub terminates this Agreement under Section 10.3(b) or the Company
terminates this Agreement
A-33
under Section 10.4(b), (i) the Company shall also pay Merger Sub $2,250,000 in
cash (or $4,500,000 in cash in the event that (x) the Agreement is terminated
by Merger Sub under Section 10.3(b)(i) or by the Company under Section
10.4(b)(i) and (y) at the time of such termination there is no proposal or
offer for a Competing Transaction) on or prior to the day which is 20 business
days after the date of such termination (or, earlier, upon the date of
consummation of a Competing Transaction or the entering into of a legally
binding definitive agreement with respect thereto) and (ii) if a Competing
Transaction (A) which is the basis for such termination is consummated, or a
legally binding definitive agreement with respect thereto is entered into,
within nine months of such termination date or (B) which is not the basis for
such termination is consummated, or a legally binding definitive agreement with
respect thereto is entered into, within six months of such termination date,
the Company shall also pay Merger Sub $2,250,000 in cash (unless the Company
has already paid $4,500,000 to Merger Sub pursuant to the preceding clause (i),
in which case no additional payment shall be due) concurrently with the
consummation of such Competing Transaction. If, however, Merger Sub or the
Company terminates this Agreement under Section 10.2(c) and at the time of such
termination under Section 10.2(c) there was a proposal for a Competing
Transaction in existence, and such Competing Transaction is consummated (or a
legally binding definitive agreement with respect thereto is entered into)
within nine months of such termination date, the Company shall pay Merger Sub
the full $4,500,000 in cash termination fee concurrently with the consummation
of such Competing Transaction.
(c) Merger Sub agrees that nothing in this Section 11.1 shall limit the
liability of Merger Sub for a Terminating Merger Sub Breach resulting in the
Company terminating this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.4(a).
(d) The Company agrees that nothing in this Section 11.1 shall limit the
liability of the Company for a Terminating Company Breach resulting in Merger
Sub terminating this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.3(a).
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the failure of any
representation or warranty by the Company or Merger Sub, as the case may be, to
be true and correct on and as of the Effective Time shall not give rise to any
liability on the part of the Company pursuant to Section 11.1(d) or by Merger
Sub pursuant to Section 11(c), as the case may be, unless such representation
and warranty was not true and correct in all material respects as of the date
hereof or unless such failure also constitutes a material breach by the Company
or by Merger Sub, as the case may be, of its covenants and agreements hereunder
(other than Sections 7.1(b)(iv) or 7.1(g) as to which such failure shall only
be required to constitute a breach thereof by the Company).
(f) The Company and Merger Sub each agree that the payments provided for in
Section 11.1(b) shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of Merger Sub against
the Company and its Representatives, on the one hand, and the Company against
Merger Sub and its Representatives, on the other hand, upon a termination of
this Agreement pursuant to Sections 10.3(b) or 10.4(b), as applicable, and such
remedy shall be limited to the payments stipulated in Sections 11.1(b),
regardless of the circumstances (including willful or deliberate conduct)
giving rise to such termination.
Section 11.2 Survival. The representations, warranties and agreements in
this Agreement and in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall terminate
at the Effective Time or upon the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Article X, as the case may be, except that the agreements set forth in Articles
I , II, III and IV and Sections 8.6, 8.8, 8.9 and Article XI and the agreements
described in Section 9.3(g) shall survive the Effective Time and those set
forth in Sections 8.3 (regarding confidentiality) and 10.5 and Article XI shall
survive termination.
Section 11.3 Modification or Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended
except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
Section 11.4 Counterparts. For the convenience of the parties hereto, this
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each such counterpart
being deemed to be an original instrument, and all such counterparts shall
together constitute the same agreement.
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Section 11.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without giving
effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
Section 11.6 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be
deemed to have been duly received if so given) by delivery in person, by
facsimile transmission, by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid,
return receipt requested) or courier service providing proof of delivery to the
respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a
party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section
11.6):
If to Merger Sub: VMM Merger Corp.
c/o Bain Capital, Inc.
Two Copley Place
Boston MA 02116
Attention: Joseph Pretlow
Facsimile No.: (617) 572-3274
with a copy to: Kirkland & Ellis
200 East Randolph Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Attention: Jeffrey C. Hammes, P.C.
Gary M. Holihan, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (312) 861-2200
If to the Company
or Company Sub: c/o VDI MultiMedia
7083 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 200
Hollywood, CA 90028
Attention: Donald R. Stine
Facsimile No.: (323) 957-2164
Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hays &
with a copy to: Handler, LLP
1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1600
Los Angeles, California 90067
Attention: Barry L. Dastin, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (310) 788-1200
Section 11.7 Entire Agreement, etc. This Agreement and the agreements
referenced herein or contemplated hereby (a) constitute the entire agreement,
and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and
oral, among the parties, with respect to the subject matter hereof, and (b)
shall not be assignable by operation of law or otherwise except that Merger Sub
may assign, in its sole discretion, any or all of its rights, interests and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly-owned newly formed
Delaware subsidiary of Merger Sub. Subject to the preceding sentence, this
Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
Section 11.8 Captions. The Article, Section and paragraph captions herein
are for convenience of reference only, do not constitute part of this Agreement
and shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of the provisions
hereof.
Section 11.9 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the term:
(a) "subsidiary" of any person means any corporation, partnership, joint
venture or other legal entity of which such person (either alone or through or
together with any subsidiary) owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of
the stock or other equity or beneficial interests, the holders of which are
generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of governors or other
governing body of such corporation or other legal entity; and
A-35
(b) "knowledge" means, with respect to any matter in question with respect
to the Company, if any of R. Luke Stefanko, Donald Stine, Clarke Brewer or
Robert Semmer has actual knowledge of such matter.
Section 11.10 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided in Section
8.6 and Section 8.8 hereof, this Agreement is not intended to be for the
benefit of, and shall not be enforceable by, any person or entity not a party
hereto.
Section 11.11 Company Disclosure Schedule. Any disclosure made with
reference to one or more sections of the Company Disclosure Schedule shall be
deemed disclosed only with respect to such section unless such disclosure is
made in such a way as to make its relevance to the information called for by
another Section of such schedule readily apparent in which case, such
disclosure shall be deemed to have been included in such other Section,
notwithstanding the omission of a cross reference thereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
the duly authorized officers of the parties hereto on the date first
hereinabove written.
VDI MULTIMEDIA
By: /s/ Donald R. Stine
__________________________________
Name:
Title:
VDI MULTIMEDIA, INC.
By: /s/ Donald R. Stine
__________________________________
Name:
Title:
VMM MERGER CORP.
By: /s/ Joseph Pretlow
__________________________________
Name:
Title:
A-36
APPENDIX B
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
1999 AVENUE OF THE STARS
LOS ANGELES, CA
(310) 788-2000
December 24, 1999
Board of Directors
VDI MultiMedia
7083 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, California 90028
Members of the Board:
We understand that VDI MultiMedia (the "Company"), VDI MultiMedia, Inc., a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("Company Sub"), and VMM Merger Corp.
("Merger Sub"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bain Capital, Inc. ("Buyer"),
propose to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 24, 1999
(the "Merger Agreement"), which provides, among other things, for the merger of
the Company into Company Sub, followed by the merger of Merger Sub with and
into Company Sub (together, the "Mergers"). Pursuant to the Mergers, the
Company will become a subsidiary of Buyer and each outstanding share of common
stock, no par value per share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company prior to the
Mergers, other than shares held in treasury or held by Merger Sub or any
affiliate of Merger Sub or as to which dissenters' rights have been perfected,
will be converted into the right to receive $15.00 per share in cash. We also
note that shares of the Common Stock held by certain holders (the "Rollover
Shareholders") will be exchanged for shares of the Surviving Corporation in the
Mergers. The terms and conditions of the Mergers are more fully set forth in
the Merger Agreement.
You have asked for our opinion as to whether the consideration to be
received in the Mergers by the holders of shares of Common Stock pursuant to
the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to such holders
(other than the Rollover Shareholders).
For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:
(i) reviewed certain publicly available financial statements and other
information of the Company;
(ii) reviewed certain internal financial statements and other financial and
operating data concerning the Company prepared by the management of the
Company;
(iv) reviewed certain financial projections prepared by the management of
the Company;
(iv) discussed the past and current operations and financial condition and
the prospects of the Company with senior executives of the Company;
(v) reviewed the reported prices and trading activity for the Common Stock;
(vi) compared the financial performance of the Company and the prices and
trading activity of the Common Stock with those of certain other
comparable publicly traded companies and their securities;
(vii) reviewed the financial terms, to the extent publicly available, of
certain comparable acquisition transactions;
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(viii) participated in discussions and negotiations among representatives
of the Company, Merger Sub, Buyer and their financial and legal
advisors;
(ix) reviewed the execution form of the Merger Agreement and certain
related documents;
(x) reviewed the commitment letters provided to Buyer by Credit Suisse
First Boston; and
(xi) performed such other analyses and considered such other factors as we
have deemed appropriate.
We have assumed and relied upon without independent verification the
accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by us for the purposes of
this opinion. With respect to the financial projections, we have assumed that
they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently
available estimates and judgments of the future financial performance of the
Company. In addition, we have assumed that the Mergers will be consummated in
accordance with the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement. We have not made
any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of the
Company, nor have we been furnished with any such appraisals. Our opinion is
necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in
effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof.
We have acted as financial advisor to the Company in connection with this
transaction and will receive a fee for our services. In the past, Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated and its affiliates have provided financial advisory
and financing services for Buyer and its affiliates and have received fees for
the rendering of these services.
It is understood that this letter is for the information of the Board of
Directors of the Company and may not be used for any other purpose without our
prior written consent, except that this letter may be included in its entirety
in any filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with
the Mergers.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion on the date
hereof that the consideration to be received in the Mergers by the holders of
shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a
financial point of view to such holders (other than the Rollover Shareholders).
Very truly yours,
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED
By: /s/ Neil B. Morganbesser
-----------------------------
Neil B. Morganbesser
Principal
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APPENDIX C
CHAPTER 13. DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
(S) 1300. Reorganization or short-form merger; dissenting shares; corporate
purchase at fair market value; definitions
(a) If the approval of the outstanding shares (Section 152) of a corporation
is required for a reorganization under subdivisions (a) and (b) or subdivision
(e) or (f) of Section 1201, each shareholder of the corporation entitled to
vote on the transaction and each shareholder of a subsidiary corporation in a
short-form merger may, by complying with this chapter, require the corporation
in which the shareholder holds shares to purchase for cash at their fair market
value the shares owned by the shareholder which are dissenting shares as
defined in subdivision (b). The fair market value shall be determined as of the
day before the first announcement of the terms of the proposed reorganization
or short-form merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in consequence
of the proposed action, but adjusted for any stock split, reverse stock split,
or share dividend which becomes effective thereafter.
(b) As used in this chapter, "dissenting shares" means shares which come
within all of the following descriptions:
(1) Which were not immediately prior to the reorganization or short-form
merger either (A) listed on any national securities exchange certified by the
Commissioner of Corporations under subdivision (o) of Section 25100 or (B)
listed on the list of OTC margin stocks issued by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, and the notice of meeting of shareholders to act upon
the reorganization summarizes this section and Sections 1301, 1302, 1303 and
1304; provided, however, that this provision does not apply to any shares with
respect to which there exists any restriction on transfer imposed by the
corporation or by any law or regulation; and provided, further, that this
provision does not apply to any class of shares described in subparagraph (A)
or (B) if demands for payment are filed with respect to 5 percent or more of
the outstanding shares of that class.
(2) Which were outstanding on the date for the determination of
shareholders entitled to vote on the reorganization and (A) were not voted in
favor of the reorganization or, (B) if described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of
paragraph (1) (without regard to the provisos in that paragraph), were voted
against the reorganization, or which were held of record on the effective date
of a short-form merger; provided, however, that sub-paragraph (A) rather than
subparagraph (B) of this paragraph applies in any case where the approval
required by Section 1201 is sought by written consent rather than at a meeting.
(3) Which the dissenting shareholder has demanded that the corporation
purchase at their fair market value, in accordance with Section 1301.
(4) Which the dissenting shareholder has submitted for endorsement, in
accordance with Section 1302.
(c) As used in this chapter, "dissenting shareholder" means the recordholder
of dissenting shares and includes a transferee of record.
(S) 1301. Notice to holders of dissenting shares in reorganizations; demand for
purchase; time; contents
(a) If, in the case of a reorganization, any shareholders of a corporation
have a right under Section 1300, subject to compliance with paragraphs (3) and
(4) of subdivision (b) thereof, to require the corporation to purchase their
shares for cash, such corporation shall mail to each such shareholder a notice
of the approval of the reorganization by its outstanding shares (Section 152)
within 10 days after the date of such approval, accompanied by a copy of
Sections 1300, 1302, 1303, 1304 and this section, a statement of the price
determined by the corporation to represent the fair market value of the
dissenting shares, and a brief description of the procedure to be followed if
the shareholder desires to exercise the shareholder's right under such
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sections. The statement of price constitutes an offer by the corporation to
purchase at the price stated any dissenting shares as defined in subdivision
(b) of Section 1300, unless they lose their status as dissenting shares under
Section 1309.
(b) Any shareholder who has a right to require the corporation to purchase
the shareholder's shares for cash under Section 1300, subject to compliance
with paragraphs (3) and (4) of subdivision (b) thereof, and who desires the
corporation to purchase such shares shall make written demand upon the
corporation for the purchase of such shares and payment to the shareholder in
cash of their fair market value. The demand is not effective for any purpose
unless it is received by the corporation or any transfer agent thereof (1) in
the case of shares described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (1) of
subdivision (b) of Section 1300 (without regard to the provisos in that
paragraph), not later than the date of the shareholders' meeting to vote upon
the reorganization, or (2) in any other case within 30 days after the date on
which the notice of the approval by the outstanding shares pursuant to
subdivision (a) or the notice pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 1110 was
mailed to the shareholder.
(c) The demand shall state the number and class of the shares held of record
by the shareholder which the shareholder demands that the corporation purchase
and shall contain a statement of what such shareholder claims to be the fair
market value of those shares as of the day before the announcement of the
proposed reorganization or short-form merger. The statement of fair market
value constitutes an offer by the shareholder to sell the shares at such price.
(S) 1302. Submission of share certificates for endorsement; uncertificated
securities
Within 30 days after the date on which notice of the approval by the
outstanding shares or the notice pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 1110
was mailed to the shareholder, the shareholder shall submit to the corporation
at its principal office or at the office of any transfer agent thereof, (a) if
the shares are certificated securities, the shareholder's certificates
representing any shares which the shareholder demands that the corporation
purchase, to be stamped or endorsed with a statement that the shares are
dissenting shares or to be exchanged for certificates of appropriate
denomination so stamped or endorsed or (b) if the shares are uncertificated
securities, written notice of the number of shares which the shareholder
demands that the corporation purchase. Upon subsequent transfers of the
dissenting shares on the books of the corporation, the new certificates,
initial transaction statement, and other written statements issued therefor
shall bear a like statement, together with the name of the original dissenting
holder of the shares.
(S) 1303. Payment of agreed price with interest; agreement fixing fair market
value; filing; time of payment
(a) If the corporation and the shareholder agree that the shares are
dissenting shares and agree upon the price of the shares, the dissenting
shareholder is entitled to the agreed price with interest thereon at the legal
rate on judgments from the date of the agreement. Any agreements fixing the
fair market value of any dissenting shares as between the corporation and the
holders thereof shall be filed with the secretary of the corporation.
(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 1306, payment of the fair market
value of dissenting shares shall be made within 30 days after the amount
thereof has been agreed or within 30 days after any statutory or contractual
conditions to the reorganization are satisfied, whichever is later, and in the
case of certificated securities, subject to surrender of the certificates
therefor, unless provided otherwise by agreement.
(S) 1304. Action to determine whether shares are dissenting shares or fair
market value; limitation; joinder; consolidation; determination of issues;
appointment of appraisers
(a) If the corporation denies that the shares are dissenting shares, or the
corporation and the shareholder fail to agree upon the fair market value of the
shares, then the shareholder demanding purchase of such shares as dissenting
shares or any interested corporation, within six months after the date on which
notice of the
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approval by the outstanding shares (Section 152) or notice pursuant to
subdivision (i) of Section 1110 was mailed to the shareholder, but not
thereafter, may file a complaint in the superior court of the proper county
praying the court to determine whether the shares are dissenting shares or the
fair market value of the dissenting shares or both or may intervene in any
action pending on such a complaint.
(b) Two or more dissenting shareholders may join as plaintiffs or be joined
as defendants in any such action and two or more such actions may be
consolidated.
(c) On the trial of the action, the court shall determine the issues. If the
status of the shares as dissenting shares is in issue, the court shall first
determine that issue. If the fair market value of the dissenting shares is in
issue, the court shall determine, or shall appoint one or more impartial
appraisers to determine, the fair market value of the shares.
(S) 1305. Report of appraisers; confirmation; determination by court; judgment;
payment; appeal; costs
(a) If the court appoints an appraiser or appraisers, they shall proceed
forthwith to determine the fair market value per share. Within the time fixed
by the court, the appraisers, or a majority of them, shall make and file a
report in the office of the clerk of the court. Thereupon, on the motion of any
party, the report shall be submitted to the court and considered on such
evidence as the court considers relevant. If the court finds the report
reasonable, the court may confirm it.
(b) If a majority of the appraisers appointed fail to make and file a report
within 10 days from the date of their appointment or within such further time
as may be allowed by the court or the report is not confirmed by the court, the
court shall determine the fair market value of the dissenting shares.
(c) Subject to the provisions of Section 1306, judgment shall be rendered
against the corporation for payment of an amount equal to the fair market value
of each dissenting share multiplied by the number of dissenting shares which
any dissenting shareholder who is a party, or who has intervened, is entitled
to require the corporation to purchase, with interest thereon at the legal rate
from the date on which judgment was entered.
(d) Any such judgment shall be payable forthwith with respect to
uncertificated securities and, with respect to certificated securities, only
upon the endorsement and delivery to the corporation of the certificates for
the shares described in the judgment. Any party may appeal from the judgment.
(e) The costs of the action, including reasonable compensation to the
appraisers to be fixed by the court, shall be assessed or apportioned as the
court considers equitable, but, if the appraisal exceeds the price offered by
the corporation, the corporation shall pay the costs (including in the
discretion of the court attorneys' fees, fees of expert witnesses and interest
at the legal rate on judgments from the date of compliance with Sections 1300,
1301 and 1302 if the value awarded by the court for the shares is more than 125
percent of the price offered by the corporation under subdivision (a) of
Section 1301).
(S) 1306. Prevention of immediate payment; status as creditors; interest
To the extent that the provisions of Chapter 5 prevent the payment to any
holders of dissenting shares of their fair market value, they shall become
creditors of the corporation for the amount thereof together with interest at
the legal rate on judgments until the date of payment, but subordinate to all
other creditors in any liquidation proceeding, such debt to be payable when
permissible under the provisions of Chapter 5.
(S) 1307. Dividends on dissenting shares
Cash dividends declared and paid by the corporation upon the dissenting
shares after the date of approval of the reorganization by the outstanding
shares (Section 152) and prior to payment for the shares by the corporation
shall be credited against the total amount to be paid by the corporation
therefor.
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(S) 1308. Rights of dissenting shareholders pending valuation; withdrawal of
demand for payment
Except as expressly limited in this chapter, holders of dissenting shares
continue to have all the rights and privileges incident to their shares, until
the fair market value of their shares is agreed upon or determined. A
dissenting shareholder may not withdraw a demand for payment unless the
corporation consents thereto.
(S) 1309. Termination of dissenting share and shareholder status
Dissenting shares lose their status as dissenting shares and the holders
thereof cease to be dissenting shareholders and cease to be entitled to require
the corporation to purchase their shares upon the happening of any of the
following:
(a) The corporation abandons the reorganization. Upon abandonment of the
reorganization, the corporation shall pay on demand to any dissenting
shareholder who has initiated proceedings in good faith under this chapter all
necessary expenses incurred in such proceedings and reasonable attorneys' fees.
(b) The shares are transferred prior to their submission for endorsement in
accordance with Section 1302 or are surrendered for conversion into shares of
another class in accordance with the articles.
(c) The dissenting shareholder and the corporation do not agree upon the
status of the shares as dissenting shares or upon the purchase price of the
shares, and neither files a complaint or intervenes in a pending action as
provided in Section 1304, within six months after the date on which notice of
the approval by the outstanding shares or notice pursuant to subdivision (i) of
Section 1110 was mailed to the shareholder.
(d) The dissenting shareholder, with the consent of the corporation,
withdraws the shareholder's demand for purchase of dissenting shares.
(S) 1310. Suspension of right to compensation or valuation proceedings;
litigation of shareholder's approval
If litigation is instituted to test the sufficiency or regularity of the
votes of the shareholders in authorizing a reorganization, any proceedings
under Sections 1304 and 1305 shall be suspended until final determination of
such litigation.
(S) 1311. Exempt shares
This chapter, except Section 1312, does not apply to classes of shares whose
terms and provisions specifically set forth the amount to be paid in respect to
such shares in the event of a reorganization or merger.
(S) 1312. Right of dissenting shareholder to attack, set aside or rescind
merger or reorganization; restraining order or injunction; conditions
(a) No shareholder of a corporation who has a right under this chapter to
demand payment of cash for the shares held by the shareholder shall have any
right at law or in equity to attach the validity of the reorganization or
short-form merger, or to have the reorganization or short-form merger set aside
or rescinded, except in an action to test whether the number of shares required
to authorize or approve the reorganization have been legally voted in favor
thereof; but any holder of shares of a class whose terms and provisions
specifically set forth the amount to be paid in respect to them in the event of
a reorganization or short-form merger is entitled to payment in accordance with
those terms and provisions, or if the principal terms of the reorganization are
approved pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1202, is entitled to payment in
accordance with the terms and provisions of the approved reorganization.
(b) If one of the parties to a reorganization or short-form merger is
directly or indirectly controlled by, or under common control with, another
party to the reorganization or short-form merger, subdivision (a) shall not
apply to any shareholder of such party who has not demanded payment of cash for
such shareholder's shares
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pursuant to this chapter; but if the shareholder institutes any action to
attack the validity of the reorganization or short-form merger or to have the
reorganization or short-form merger set aside or rescinded, the shareholder
shall not thereafter have any right to demand payment of cash for the
shareholder's shares pursuant to this chapter. The court in any action
attacking the validity of the reorganization or short-form merger or to have
the reorganization or short-form set aside or rescinded shall not restrain or
enjoin the consummation of the transaction except upon 10 days' prior notice to
the corporation and upon a determination by the court that clearly no other
remedy will adequately protect the complaining shareholder or the class of
shareholders of which such shareholder is a member.
(c) If one of the parties to a reorganization or short-form merger is
directly or indirectly controlled by, or under common control with, another
party to the reorganization or short-form merger, in any action to attack the
validity of the reorganization or short-form merger or to have the
reorganization or short-form merger set aside or rescinded, (1) a party to a
reorganization or short-form merger which controls another party to the
reorganization or short-form merger shall have the burden of proving that the
transaction is just and reasonable as to the shareholders of the controlled
party, and (2) a person who controls two or more parties to a reorganization
shall have the burden of proving that the transaction is just and reasonable as
to the shareholders of any party so controlled.
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PROXY PROXY
VDI MultiMedia
Special Meeting of Shareholders -- , 2000
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the board of directors of VDI MultiMedia
The undersigned hereby appoints and Clarke W. Brewer, and each or any
of them, with full power of substitution, as proxies and with all powers the
undersigned would possess if personally present, to vote all of the shares of
common stock of VDI MultiMedia, that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the
Special Meeting of Shareholders of VDI MultiMedia to be held at a.m.,
local time, on , 2000, and any adjournments or postponements
thereof, as directed herein upon the matters set forth below and on the reverse
side hereof and described in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of
Shareholders and Proxy Statement and upon such other matters as may properly be
brought before such meeting according to their sole discretion. The Special
Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood,
California 90028,
Receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting and the Proxy Statement is hereby
acknowledged.
The board of directors of VDI MultiMedia recommends a vote for proposal 1,
which was proposed by the board of directors of VDI MultiMedia.
(1) Adoption and approval of the reorganization merger pursuant to which VDI
MultiMedia will merge with and into VDI MultiMedia, Inc., and VDI MultiMedia,
Inc. will be the surviving corporation, and the Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of December 24, 1999 by and among VDI MultiMedia, VDI MultiMedia,
Inc., and VMM Merger Corp.
FOR [_] AGAINST [_] ABSTAIN [_]
--------------
(Please mark, date and sign on the reverse side)
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed
hereby by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is given, this proxy
will be voted FOR Proposal 1. As to any other matter coming before the meeting,
the person authorized as proxy herewith is authorized to vote in his discretion
on such matter.
[_]Please check here if you plan to
attend the meeting.
-------------------------------------
Signature
-------------------------------------
Date
-------------------------------------
Signature
-------------------------------------
Date
Please date this card and sign your
name exactly as it appears on this
Proxy. If the common stock
represented by this Proxy is
registered in the names of two or
more persons, each should sign this
proxy. Persons signing in a
representative or fiduciary capacity
and corporate officers should add
their full titles as such.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR
PROXY PROMPTLY.