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As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May __, 2000
REGISTRATION NO. 333-_______
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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RMI.NET, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 7370 04-3153858
(State or other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Identification No.)
CHRISTOPHER J. MELCHER
RMI.NET, INC.
999 EIGHTEENTH STREET, SUITE 2300
DENVER, COLORADO
(303) 672-0700
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of registrant's principal executive offices)
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Copies to:
JEFFREY M. KNETSCH STEVEN A. COHEN
BROWNSTEIN HYATT & FARBER, P.C. HOGAN & HARTSON L.L.P.
410 SEVENTEENTH STREET ONE TABOR CENTER, SUITE 1500
DENVER, COLORADO 80202 1200 SEVENTEENTH STREET
(303) 223-1100 DENVER, COLORADO 80202
(303) 899-7300
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: Upon consummation
of the merger referred to herein.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection
with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General
Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant
to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under
the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
================================================================================
Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum Amount of
Title of Each Class of Amount to be Offering Price per Aggregate Offering Registration Fee
Securities to be Registered Registered(1) Unit(2) Price (1)
- -------------------------------------- --------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
Common Stock, $0.001 par value(3) 6,741,139 $ 3.17185 $ 21,382,050 $ 5,645
Warrants 2,408,255 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
====================================== =============== ==================== ==================== ====================
(1) Based upon the maximum number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock and
warrants to acquire shares of the Registrant's Common Stock expected to be
issued in connection with the merger described herein to holders of shares of
common stock of Internet Communications Corporation.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration
fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, based on the average of the high and low prices of the Common
Stock of the Registrant as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on May 25,
2000.
(3) Includes 2,408,255 shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.
The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file
a further amendment that specifically states that this registration statement
will thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall
become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
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SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE
SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE
SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE TIME THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS SHALL
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY NOR
SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,
SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION
UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
7100 EAST BELLEVIEW AVENUE, SUITE 201
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO 80111
To Our Shareholders:
I am writing to you today about our proposed merger with RMI.NET, Inc.
The merger is designed to create a company capable of offering a complete
spectrum of communications solutions. As a result of the merger, Internet
Communications will become a wholly owned subsidiary of RMI. RMI intends to
change its name to Internet Communications Company, Inc. following completion of
the merger.
Pursuant to the merger, each share of Internet Communications common
stock (other than shares held by shareholders who exercise statutory dissenters'
rights) will convert into the right to receive a number of shares of RMI common
stock equal to $2.50 divided by the average of the closing prices of RMI common
stock for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on the date immediately prior
to the closing of the merger, subject to a maximum average closing price of
$12.89 and a minimum average closing price of $6.19. In addition to shares of
RMI common stock, Internet Communications's shareholders (excluding shareholders
who exercise statutory dissenters' rights, Interwest Group, Inc., our largest
shareholder, and Internet Communications's directors) will be entitled to
receive for each share of Internet Communications common stock a warrant
exercisable for one share of RMI common stock at $11.50. The warrants are
cancellable on 30-days' notice by RMI if RMI's closing share price exceeds $13
for five consecutive trading days. The exercise period for the warrants will
begin 30 days after the closing date of the merger and will expire two years
from the closing date of the merger.
You will be asked to approve the merger agreement at a special meeting
of Internet Communications shareholders to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on
July [__], 2000, at 7100 East Belleview Avenue, Suite 201, Greenwood Village,
Colorado 80111.
The Denver, Colorado-based investment banking firm of Neidiger, Tucker,
Bruner, Inc. has rendered a written opinion to Internet Communications's board
of directors that, as of March 17, 2000, the consideration to be received by our
shareholders as a result of the merger was fair to our shareholders from a
financial point of view. As part of its investment banking business, Neidiger,
Tucker is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities
in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings,
competitive bidding, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities,
private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes.
Internet Communications's board of directors has unanimously approved
the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and determined
that they are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of the shareholders
of Internet Communications. Internet Communications's board of directors
unanimously recommends that Internet Communications's shareholders vote "FOR"
approval of the merger agreement.
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Interwest Group, Inc. beneficially own shares of Internet
Communications common stock and preferred stock representing approximately 67%
of the voting power of Internet Communications voting stock. Interwest Group has
agreed with RMI to vote all of its shares in favor of the merger agreement.
Accordingly, approval of the proposal to adopt the merger agreement is assured.
Details of the proposed merger appear in the accompanying proxy
statement/prospectus. Please give this material your careful attention.
Whether or not you plan to attend the special shareholder meeting,
please complete, sign and date the accompanying proxy and return it in the
enclosed, postage prepaid, return envelope. If you hold shares of Internet
Communications common or preferred stock and attend the meeting, you may vote
your shares in person even if you have previously returned your proxy card. Your
prompt cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Thomas C. Galley
President and Chief Executive Officer
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INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
7100 EAST BELLEVIEW AVENUE, SUITE 201
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO 80111
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held July [__], 2000
To the shareholders of Internet Communications Corporation:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Shareholders of
Internet Communications Corporation will be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on
July [__], 2000, at 7100 East Belleview Avenue, Suite 201, Greenwood Village,
Colorado 80111, for the following purposes:
1. To vote on a proposal to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger
dated March 17, 2000, by and among RMI.NET, Inc., Internet Acquisition
Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of RMI, and Internet Communications. As a
result of the merger, Internet Communications will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of RMI.
2. To transact any other business that may properly come before the
special meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Only holders of record of shares of common stock or preferred stock of
Internet Communications outstanding on [_______] [__], 2000, will be entitled to
vote at the Special Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Holders of Internet Communications preferred stock will be entitled to vote
their shares on an as-converted-to-common-stock basis, together with the shares
of common stock as a single class. Each share of Internet Communications common
stock will be entitled to one vote and each share of Internet Communications
preferred stock will be entitled to a number of votes equal to the number of
shares of Internet Communications common stock into which those shares could be
converted in accordance with the terms of the Internet Communications preferred
stock.
Article 113 of the Colorado Business Corporation Act provides a
procedure by which dissenting shareholders who were record shareholders of
Internet Communications immediately prior to the effectiveness of the merger may
seek an appraisal of the fair value of their shares, exclusive of any element of
value arising from the expectation or accomplishment of the merger, together
with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid thereon. Any dissenting
shareholder who wishes to exercise this right to an appraisal must do so by
making written demand to Internet Communications at the address set forth in the
proxy statement/prospectus, which must be received before the taking of the vote
on the merger, and by following certain other procedures set forth in Article
113 of the Colorado Business Corporation Act. For purposes of Article 113 of the
Colorado Business Corporation Act, this Notice of Special Meeting of
Shareholders is being mailed on or about [________] [__], 2000 to record
shareholders of Internet Communications on the record date.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Thomas C. Galley
President and Chief Executive Officer
June [__], 2000
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INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
RMI.NET, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
This proxy statement/prospectus is being furnished to Internet
Communications shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies for
use at the special meeting of Internet Communications shareholders to be held at
7100 East Belleview Avenue, Suite 201, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, on
July [__], 2000 at 10:00 a.m. local time, or at any adjournments or
postponements of the special meeting.
This proxy statement/prospectus is dated June [___], 2000 and is first
being mailed to Internet Communications's shareholders on or about June [___],
2000. Proxy cards have been sent to holders of Internet Communications's common
stock and to holders of Internet Communications's preferred stock.
A conformed copy of the merger agreement is included as Appendix A to
this proxy statement/prospectus. The summaries of portions of the merger
agreement set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the text of the merger agreement.
As of the record date for the special meeting, there were outstanding
[_______] shares of Internet Communications common stock and 69,000 shares of
Internet Communications preferred stock. In addition, as of the record date,
Internet Communications had outstanding warrants and stock options, none of
which entitle the holders thereof to vote at the special meeting. The holders of
these warrants and stock options, as such, are not entitled to exercise
dissenters' rights. Following the cancellation of the warrants and options in
exchange for shares of Internet Communications common stock as described in this
proxy statement/prospectus, the former holders of such warrants and options will
be entitled to receive the merger consideration for their shares of Internet
Communications common stock.
Interwest Group, Inc. beneficially own shares of Internet
Communications common stock and preferred stock representing approximately 67%
of the voting power of Internet Communications voting stock. Interwest Group has
agreed with RMI to vote all of its shares in favor of the merger agreement.
Accordingly, approval of the proposal to adopt the merger agreement is assured.
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT WISH TO ACCEPT THE
MERGER CONSIDERATION PROVIDED IN THE MERGER HAVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK AN APPRAISAL
OF THE "FAIR VALUE" OF THEIR SHARES, PROVIDED THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THE
CONDITIONS ESTABLISHED BY ARTICLE 113 OF THE COLORADO BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT.
FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE RIGHTS OF INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS SHAREHOLDERS TO SEEK
APPRAISAL OF THEIR SHARES, SEE "THE MERGER--RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS."
Although it is possible that the information regarding Internet
Communications will change materially from that contained or incorporated by
reference herein, Internet Communications's shareholders will not be entitled to
another vote on the proposal to approve the merger agreement. Internet
Communications anticipates that Internet Communications common stock will
continue to trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market SmallCap System until the closing
of the merger.
The proxy cards to be used by Internet Communications shareholders are
being solicited on behalf of its board of directors. The execution of a proxy
card does not preclude you from voting in person if you so desire. You may
revoke or change your proxy card at any time prior to its use at the special
meeting by giving Internet Communications a written direction to revoke the
proxy card, giving Internet Communications a new proxy card or attending the
special meeting and voting in person. See "The Special Meeting."
The registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is
a part also registers for resale the shares of RMI common stock to be issued
hereunder to Interwest Group in the merger. Interwest Group has not advised RMI
of any specific plans for the distribution of these shares, but it is
anticipated that the shares will be offered for sale under this proxy
statement/prospectus from time to time primarily in transactions (which may
include block transactions) on the Nasdaq National Market or in negotiated
transactions, or any combination of these and
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other methods of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at
negotiated prices. Interwest Group may sell its shares directly or through
agents, dealers or underwriters. Interwest Group may sell some, all, or none of
the shares offered hereby. RMI will not receive any proceeds from the sale of
Interwest Group's shares. RMI has agreed to bear all expenses (other than
underwriting discounts and selling commissions, and fees and expenses of counsel
to Interwest Group) in connection with the registration of the shares being
offered by Interwest Group. See "Selling Shareholder and Plan of Distribution."
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved the RMI common stock to be issued under
this proxy statement/prospectus or determined if this proxy statement/prospectus
is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
All shareholders of Internet Communications are cordially invited to
attend the special meeting. To ensure your representation at the special
meeting, however, you are urged to mark, sign, date and return the enclosed
proxy card in the accompanying envelope, whether or not you expect to attend the
special meeting. No postage is required if mailed in the United States. Any
holder of Internet Communications common or preferred stock attending the
special meeting may vote in person even if that shareholder has returned a proxy
card.
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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
WE HAVE SENT PROXY CARDS TO HOLDERS OF INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS
COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK.
TO VOTE YOUR SHARES, PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND US YOUR
STOCK CERTIFICATES.
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REFERENCE TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and
financial information about RMI and Internet Communications from documents that
are not included in or, in the case of RMI, delivered with, this proxy
statement/prospectus. This information is available to you without charge upon
your written or oral request See "Where You Can Find More Information" on page
___.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Proxy Statement / Prospectus 2
Summary of the Proxy Statement / Prospectus 7
The Companies 7
Internet Communications Special Meeting 8
The Merger 8
Comparative Market Price and Dividend Information 13
Risk Factors 15
Risk Factors Related to the Merger 15
Risk Factors Related to RMI 16
Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements 31
The Internet Communications Special Meeting
Date, Time and Place; Matters to be Considered 33
The Merger 35
Background of the Merger 35
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Board of Directors 38
Opinion of Neidiger, Tucker, Bruner, Inc. 41
Effective Time 44
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger 44
Regulatory Matters 45
Rights of Dissenting Shareholders 45
Accounting Treatment 46
The Warrant Agreement and the Warrants 53
The Shareholder Agreement 54
The Exchange Agreement 55
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements 56
Comparison of the Rights of Internet Communications Common Stock
and RMI Common Stock 61
Number of Directors 61
Staggered / Classified Board of Directors 61
Removal of Directors 62
Filling Vacancies on the Board of Directors 62
Amendments to Governing Documents 62
Advance Notice of Meeting 63
Shareholder Consent in Lieu of Meeting 63
Indemnification and Limitation of Liability 64
Dissenter's Rights 65
Inspection of Shareholder List 65
Shareholder Approval of Extraordinary Transaction 65
Anti-Takeover Provisions and Interested Shareholder Transactions 65
Shareholder Derivative Suits 66
Selling Shareholder Plan of Distribution 67
Shares Eligible for Future Sale 68
Experts 69
Legal Matters 69
Where You Can Find Additional Information 69
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APPENDICES
Appendix A Merger Agreement
Appendix B Form of Warrant Agreement
Appendix C Exchange Agreement
Appendix D Shareholder Agreement
Appendix E Fairness Opinion of Neidiger, Tucker, Bruner, Inc.
Appendix F Title 7, Article 113 of the Colorado Business Corporation Act (Dissenters' Rights)
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PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
Questions and Answers about the Merger
The following questions and answers briefly address some commonly asked
questions about the merger, briefly describe the principal terms of the merger
and are intended to provide sufficient information to understand the essential
features and significance of the merger.
What am I being asked to o You are being asked to approve the merger of Internet Communications and a
vote upon? newly formed subsidiary of RMI. As a result of the merger, Internet
Communications will become a wholly owned subsidiary of RMI. RMI intends to change
its name to Internet Communications Company, Inc. following the merger. Interwest
Group, Inc. owns approximately 67% of Internet Communications and is the largest
shareholder of Internet Communications. Interwest Group has already agreed to vote
in favor of the merger. Therefore, shareholder approval of the merger is assured.
Why is Internet o Internet Communications's board of directors believes that Internet Communications's
Communications strengths and capabilities complement RMI's business. The merger is designed to
recommending the merger? create a company capable of offering a complete spectrum of communications solutions.
The board believes that the merger is fair to and in your best interest and that
this business combination will provide increased long-term value to the shareholders
of both companies.
What will I receive for o At the effective time of the merger each outstanding share of Internet shares of
my shares of Internet Internet Communications common stock will be converted into the right to receive a
Communications number of shares of RMI common stock determined by dividing $2.50 by the average of the
common stock? daily closing prices per share of the RMI common stock on the Nasdaq National Market
for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day that is one day prior
to the closing date of the merger (subject to a maximum average closing price of
$12.89 and a minimum average closing price of $6.19) except for:
o Shares of Internet Communications common stock held as treasury stock by
Internet Communications, which will be cancelled.
o Shares of Internet Communications common stock held by Internet Communications
shareholders who perfect their statutory dissenters' rights.
o Cash in lieu of fractional shares.
o In addition to the merger consideration described above, at the effective time of the
merger each shareholder of Internet Communications (other than dissenting
shareholders, Interwest Group and Internet Communications's directors) will receive
a warrant to purchase one share of RMI common stock for each share of Internet
Communications common stock held by such shareholder. See "The Merger -- The Merger
Agreement -- Merger Consideration."
o The warrants will have the following features:
o Exercise price of $11.50 per share.
o Exercisable for the period beginning 30 days following the merger and ending 24
months from the date of the merger.
o Exercisable only for cash.
o Cancellable on 30 days' prior notice at the option of RMI if the daily closing
price of RMI common stock equals or exceeds $13.00 per share for five
consecutive trading days. See "The Merger -- The Merger Agreement -- Merger
Consideration."
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What will the holders of o Immediately prior to the merger, all unexpired and unexercised outstanding Internet
options and warrants to Communications stock options with an exercise price below $2.50 per share will be
purchase shares of converted into the right to receive the number of shares of RMI common stock equal
Internet Communications to (a) the excess, if any, of $2.50 over the exercise price per share of such option
common stock receive? or warrant, multiplied by (b) the number of shares of Internet Communications common
stock that may be purchased upon exercise of such option or warrant, divided by (c)
$2.50. All other options and warrants will terminate upon completion of the merger.
See "The Merger -- The Merger Agreement -- Treatment of Options and Warrants."
What will Internet o Immediately prior to completion of the merger the outstanding shares of
Communications's Internet Communications preferred stock will be converted into shares of Internet
preferred stock Communications common stock, the holders of which will be entitled to receive the
shareholders receive for RMI common stock and, except for dissenting shareholders, Interwest Group, and
their shares? Internet Communications's directors, the warrants described above.
What are the federal tax o The merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Internal
consequences of the merger? Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Therefore, the merger should not create any federal
income tax liabilities for the shareholders of either Internet Communications or RMI
except for taxes payable because of cash received by Internet Communications
shareholders instead of fractional shares. See "The Merger -- The Merger Agreement
-- Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger."
What are the required o Shareholder Approval: Once a quorum is present for purposes of the special meeting
approvals for the merger? of shareholders of Internet Communications, approval by the majority of all of the votes
entitled to be cast for the merger is required to approve the merger. Interwest
Group has agreed with RMI to vote all of its shares of Internet Communications
voting stock in favor of the merger and against any competing offer to acquire
Internet Communications. Therefore, shareholder approval of the merger is assured.
See "The Merger -- The Merger Agreement -- Conditions."
o Regulatory Approval: The consummation of the merger is subject to:
o The expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, which occurred on _______, 2000.
o The continued effectiveness of the registration statement of which this proxy
statement/prospectus is a part.
o The absence of any injunction or other legal restraint prohibiting the merger.
See "The Merger -- The Merger Agreement -- Conditions."
What do I receive if I o Shareholders who do not vote in favor of the merger may elect to dissent and demand
choose not to vote in payment of the fair value of their shares of Internet Communications common stock in
favor of the merger? lieu of receipt of the merger consideration. See "The Merger -- Rights of Dissenting
Shareholders." Otherwise, upon closing of the merger, shareholders will receive the
merger consideration described above regardless of how they voted on the merger.
How will Internet o The merger agreement requires Interwest Group to loan up to $4.1 million to
Communications satisfy Internet Communications prior to the closing date of the merger.
its working capital
needs prior to o $3.5 million of this amount was loaned to Internet Communications prior to the signing
completion of the of the merger agreement to satisfy Internet Communications's mature line of credit and
merger? to fund a portion of Internet Communications's working capital needs. $_____ more
has been loaned as of this date of this proxy statement/prospectus. Interwest Group
may be required to loan the remaining $____________ to fund
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additional working capital needs prior to the closing date of the merger. Internet
Communications is required to repay in full the Interwest Group loan (together with
all accrued and unpaid interest) in shares of Internet Communications common stock
(valued at $2.50 per share) immediately prior to the closing of the merger. These
shares of common stock will be converted into shares of RMI common stock in the
merger. See "The Merger -- The Merger Agreement -- Treatment of the Interwest Group
Loan."
Will I be able to sell my o Yes. In connection with the merger, RMI is required to file a registration
shares of RMI common stock statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register the issuance of
and warrants immediately the shares and warrants you receive in the merger. As a result, absent any
after the merger is independent contractual arrangement between you and RMI, you may immediately sell
completed? your shares of RMI common stock and the warrants.
o The registration statement will also cover (a) the issuance of the RMI common stock
upon exercise of the warrants and (b) the resale by Interwest Group of the shares of
RMI common stock received by it in the merger. See "The Merger -- Registration of
Shares." RMI's common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq National Market. The
warrants will not be listed on Nasdaq or any other exchange; therefore, it is
possible that no trading market will develop for the warrants.
Is Internet Communications o Subject to the fiduciary duty obligations of the board of directors of
obligated to complete the Internet Communications to entertain unsolicited, competing third-party bids, the
merger even if the board merger agreement prohibits Internet Communications and its directors, officers,
of directors receives a employees and affiliates from soliciting or promoting any third party takeover
more attractive offer? proposal. The board of directors may only entertain such unsolicited bids if a
majority of the directors agree that such bid could reasonably be expected to lead
to a transaction that is more favorable to Internet Communications's shareholders.
See "The Merger -- The Merger Agreement -- No Solicitation." However, if an
alternative takeover transaction closes within 12 months of termination of the
merger agreement, Interwest Group would be required to pay to RMI an amount
significantly greater than the additional consideration Interwest Group received in
that transaction compared to the merger. Thus, it is unlikely that Interwest Group,
which beneficially owns shares representing approximately 67% of Internet
Communications's voting power, would vote in favor of a more attractive offer
received by the board of directors prior to the closing of the merger. See "The
Merger -- The Shareholder Agreement."
In what instances can o The merger agreement may be terminated by either Internet Communications or
Internet Communications or RMI if:
RMI terminate the merger
agreement? o Internet Communications and RMI mutually consent to such termination.
o The merger is not consummated by September 13, 2000.
o If the average of the daily closing prices per share of the RMI common stock
on the Nasdaq National Market for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on
the trading day that is one day prior to the closing date of the merger is
below $6.19. See "The Merger -- The Merger Agreement -- Termination; Effect of
Termination."
o The merger agreement may be terminated by RMI if:
o Internet Communications or Interwest Group fails to comply in any material
respect with any of the covenants or agreements contained in the merger
agreement, which failure is not cured within the appropriate time period
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(generally ten business days).
o Internet Communications or Interwest Group breaches any representation or
warranty that gives rise to a failure of the fulfillment of a condition of
RMI's obligations to consummate the merger.
o Internet Communications's shareholders do not approve the merger or holders
of more than 200,000 Internet Communications voting shares exercise
dissenters' rights.
o The board of directors of Internet Communications fails to approve or recommend
that the shareholders of Internet Communications approve the merger. See "The
Merger -- The Merger Agreement -- Termination; Effect of Termination."
o The board of directors of Internet Communications recommends an alternative
transaction to the merger.
o A third party commences a tender offer for 20% or more of Internet
Communications outstanding stock and the board of directors fails to recommend
against the offer.
o The merger agreement may be terminated by Internet Communications if:
o RMI fails to comply in any material respect with any of the covenants or
agreements contained in the merger agreement, which failure is not cured
within the appropriate time period (generally ten business days).
o RMI breaches any representation or warranty that gives rise to a failure of the
fulfillment of a condition of Internet Communications's obligations to
consummate the merger.
o Prior to the approval of the merger by the shareholders of Internet
Communications, the board of directors determines in good faith that an
unsolicited third party takeover proposal would be more favorable to the
Internet Communications shareholders. See "The Merger -- The Merger Agreement
-- Termination; Effect of Termination."
What do I need to do now? o After carefully reading and considering the information contained in this proxy
statement/prospectus, please fill out and sign your proxy card. Then, mail your
completed, signed and dated proxy card in the enclosed return envelope as soon as
possible so that your shares can be voted at the special meeting.
If my shares are held in o Your broker will not be able to vote your shares without instructions from you.
"street name" by my You should follow the directions provided by your broker to vote your shares.
broker, will my broker
vote my shares for me?
How do I change my vote o At any time before the special meeting, you may change your vote by sending a
after I have mailed my written notice stating that you would like to revoke your proxy or by completing
signed proxy card? and submitting a new, later dated proxy card to the Corporate Secretary of Internet
Communications. You can also attend the special meeting and vote in person.
Should I send in my stock o No. After the merger is completed, you will receive written instructions for
certificates now? exchanging your stock certificates for stock certificates representing shares of
RMI common stock and warrant certificates representing your right to purchase shares
of RMI common stock.
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When do you expect the o We expect to complete the merger in the third calendar quarter of 2000. We
merger to be completed? are working to complete the merger as quickly as possible and intend to do so
shortly after the special meeting.
Who can help answer my o After reading this proxy statement/prospectus, if you have additional questions
questions? about the merger, you should contact:
Internet Communications Corporation
7100 East Belleview Avenue, Suite 201
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Attention: Thomas C. Galley
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SUMMARY OF THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
This summary highlights selected information from this proxy
statement/prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is
important to you. You should carefully read this entire proxy
statement/prospectus, including the appendices, and the other documents we refer
to for a more complete understanding of the merger. In addition, we incorporate
by reference important business and financial information about RMI and Internet
Communications into this proxy statement/prospectus. You may obtain the
information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus
without charge by following the instructions in the section entitled "Where You
Can Find More Information" on page __ of this proxy statement/prospectus. In
particular, you are urged to read carefully the information contained in this
document under the caption "RISK FACTORS", beginning on page __.
RMI has provided the information in this proxy statement/prospectus
about RMI, and Internet Communications has provided the information about
Internet Communications.
THE COMPANIES
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
7100 E. Belleview Avenue, Suite 201
Englewood, Colorado 80111
Website: www.incc.net
(303) 770-7600
Internet Communications is an Internet technologies and integration
company that specializes in the design, implementation, and management of
Web-based applications and connections, wide area networks, voice systems and
e-commerce solutions. Internet Communications targets Colorado-based
middle-market businesses.
Internet Communications offers a wide array of communication services
such as network management, maintenance, professional services, Internet access,
web hosting, project management, network integration and transport services.
Internet Communications has an installed base of business, government
and institutional customers, ranging from single location, single system
customers to national accounts with integrated networks dispersed over a wide
geographic area.
Additional information regarding Internet Communications is included in
its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 (including
the amendment thereto on Form 10K-A filed on April 28, 2000) and its Quarterly
Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2000, which are incorporated herein by
reference and included with this proxy statement/prospectus.
RMI.NET, INC.
999 Eighteenth Street, Suite 2300
Denver, Colorado 80202
Website: www.rmi.net
(303) 672-0700
RMI began offering Internet access services in 1994 and has grown from
a regional Internet service provider into a premier nationwide e-commerce, Web
solutions, and communications services provider for small- and medium-sized
business enterprises, as well as dial-up residential customers and digital
subscriber line customers.
Through RMI's nationwide network of owned and leased dial-up access
sites, RMI's customers are able to access the Internet in 100% of the strategic
marketing areas in the United States via a local telephone call. RMI's current
customer base has grown to approximately 8,000 business customers and over
100,000 dial-up customers.
RMI offers its customers access to value-added Web services, including
(a) Web site hosting, production, marketing, and training, (b) a Web portal
constructed to provide multiple services, including an online search engine
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with a large reference database, an audio feed, a stock quote service, and
additional content, and (c) various e-commerce products and services.
Additional information regarding RMI is included in its Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, its Quarterly Report for the
quarter ended March 31, 2000, and its definitive proxy statement for the 2000
annual meeting of stockholders, each of which has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference.
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS SPECIAL MEETING
PURPOSE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING (SEE PAGE __)
The purpose of the Internet Communications special meeting is to
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the merger of Internet
Communications with RMI and transact any other business that may properly come
before the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
DATE, TIME AND PLACE (SEE PAGE __)
The special meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on July
[__], 2000 at 7100 East Belleview Avenue, Suite 201, Greenwood Village, Colorado
80111.
RECORD DATE; SHARES OUTSTANDING; QUORUM (SEE PAGE __)
The close of business on [______] [__], 2000 is the record date for the
determination of the Internet Communications shareholders of record entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting and any adjournments or
postponements thereof. Only holders of record of shares of Internet
Communications voting stock will be entitled to vote at the special meeting.
Holders of stock options and warrants, as such, are not entitled to vote on the
merger.
As of the record date, there were issued and outstanding
[_____________] shares of Internet Communications common stock and 69,000 shares
of Internet Communications preferred stock. The presence in person or by proxy
of holders of record of a majority of the voting power of the Internet
Communications voting stock will constitute a quorum at the special meeting for
purposes of adopting the merger agreement.
VOTES PER SHARE
Each share of Internet Communications common stock will be entitled to
one vote on all matters upon which they vote at the special meeting or any
adjournments or postponements thereof. Each share of Internet Communications
preferred stock will be entitled to a number of votes equal to the number of
shares of Internet Communications common stock into which that preferred stock
share could be converted in accordance with its terms on all matters upon which
they vote at the special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
THE MERGER
THE MERGER CONSIDERATION (SEE PAGE __)
Internet Communications and RMI have entered into a merger agreement
that provides for the merger of Internet Communications with a newly formed
subsidiary of RMI. Following the merger, Internet Communications will continue
its operations as a wholly owned subsidiary of RMI and shareholders of Internet
Communications will become shareholders of RMI. Following the completion of the
merger, RMI intends to change its name to Internet Communications Company, Inc.
Internet Communications shareholders will be entitled to receive a number of
shares of RMI common stock equal to $2.50 divided by the average of the closing
sale prices of RMI common stock for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on
the date immediately prior to the closing of the merger. The value attributed to
the RMI common stock will not exceed $12.89 nor be less than $6.19. For example,
if the 15-day average closing sales price of RMI were $10.00, each holder of
Internet Communications common stock would
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receive 0.25 shares of RMI common stock for each share of Internet
Communications common stock. It is anticipated that approximately 10.7 million
shares of Internet Communications common stock will be outstanding on the
closing date of the merger, including shares of Internet Communications common
stock to be issued upon (a) payment of dividends on Internet Communications
preferred stock, (b) conversion of Internet Communications preferred stock to
Internet Communications common stock, (c) repayment of a loan by Interwest Group
(as described below), and (d) the exercise of outstanding options and warrants.
In addition to the shares of RMI common stock the shareholders of Internet
Communications (excluding shareholders who exercise dissenters' rights,
Interwest Group, Internet Communications's largest shareholder, and the
directors of Internet Communications), will be entitled to receive in exchange
for each share of Internet Communications common stock, a warrant exercisable
for one share of RMI common stock. The warrants will be exercisable at $11.50
per share beginning 30 days' after the merger closes and ending 24 months after
the closing of the merger. The warrants will be cancellable by RMI on 30 days'
notice by RMI if RMI's share price equals or exceeds $13.00 for five consecutive
trading days. See "The Merger -- The Warrant Agreement and the Warrants."
You are urged to read the merger agreement and the form of warrant
agreement in their entirety, each of which is attached as Appendix A and
Appendix B, respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS BOARD OF DIRECTORS (SEE PAGE __)
After careful consideration, Internet Communications's board of
directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and determined that the
merger is advisable and in the best interest of Internet Communications and its
shareholders. Internet Communications's board of directors recommends that you
vote "FOR" approval of the merger agreement.
OPINION OF INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR (SEE PAGE __)
Neidiger, Tucker, Bruner, Inc., Internet Communications's financial
advisor, delivered an opinion to the Internet Communications board of directors
that, as of the date of the opinion and based on the procedures followed,
factors considered and assumptions made by Neidiger, Tucker, and subject to the
limitations set forth in the opinion, the consideration to be received by
Internet Communications's shareholders pursuant to the merger agreement was fair
to the shareholders from a financial point of view. The complete opinion of
Neidiger, Tucker is attached as Appendix E. You are urged to read it in its
entirety.
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL (SEE PAGE __)
The Colorado Business Corporation Act and the bylaws of Internet
Communications require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
voting power of all outstanding shares of Internet Communications voting stock
to approve the merger. RMI shareholders are not required to approve the merger
agreement and will not vote on the merger.
In accordance with the terms of a shareholder agreement entered into
between RMI, Internet Communications and Interwest Group at the time the merger
agreement was signed, Interwest Group has agreed to vote all of its shares of
voting stock of Internet Communications in favor of the merger agreement.
Interwest Group has the right to cast approximately 67% of the votes entitled to
be cast at the special meeting. Accordingly, passage of the proposal to approve
the merger agreement is assured. See "The Merger -- The Shareholder Agreement."
CONDITIONS TO COMPLETION OF THE MERGER (SEE PAGE __)
RMI's and Internet Communications's respective obligations to complete
the merger are subject to the prior satisfaction or waiver of a number of
conditions. If either RMI or Internet Communications waives any conditions,
Internet Communications will consider the facts and circumstances at that time
and make a determination as to
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whether a resolicitation of proxies from Internet Communications shareholders is
appropriate. The following conditions, among others, must be satisfied or waived
before the completion of the merger:
o Approval of the merger agreement by the shareholders of
Internet Communications;
o Expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods
under United States antitrust laws (which occurred on
_________, 2000);
o The registration statement of which this proxy
statement/prospectus is a part will have become effective in
accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act, no stop
order suspending the effectiveness of the registration
statement will have been issued by the Securities and Exchange
Commission and no proceedings for that purpose will have been
initiated or threatened by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and all necessary state securities or blue sky
authorizations will have been received;
o There will have been no material adverse change with respect
to Internet Communications or RMI since the date of the merger
agreement;
o The holders of no more than 200,000 shares of outstanding
Internet Communications common stock have provided notice of
their intent to exercise dissenters' rights under the Colorado
Business Corporation Act;
o The fairness opinion of Neidiger, Tucker will not have been
adversely modified or withdrawn; and
o No injunction or order preventing the completion of the merger
or restricting RMI's operation of Internet Communications
after the merger may be in effect.
TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT (SEE PAGE __)
The merger agreement may be terminated before the completion of the
merger by the mutual consent of Internet Communications and RMI or by either
party if:
o The merger is not consummated by September 13, 2000;
o If the average of the daily closing prices per share of RMI
common stock on the Nasdaq National Market for the 15
consecutive trading days ending on the trading day that is one
trading day prior to the date of the closing of the merger is
equal to or below $6.19.
The merger agreement may be terminated by RMI if:
o Internet Communications or Interwest Group fails to comply in
any material respect with any of the covenants or agreements
contained in the merger agreement;
o Internet Communications or Interwest Group breaches any
representation or warranty that gives rise to a failure of the
fulfillment of a condition of RMI's obligations to consummate
the merger;
o Internet Communications's shareholders do not approve the
merger;
o The board of directors of Internet Communications fails to
approve or recommend that the shareholders of Internet
Communications approve the merger;
o The board of directors of Internet Communications approves and
recommends a qualified takeover proposal instead of the
merger; or
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o A tender offer or exchange offer for 20% or more of the
outstanding capital stock of Internet Communications is
commenced by a third party that is not an affiliate of RMI,
and the board of directors of Internet Communications fails to
recommend against acceptance of such tender offer or exchange
offer by its shareholders.
The merger agreement may be terminated by Internet Communications if:
o RMI fails to comply in any material respect with any of the
covenants or agreements contained in the merger agreement;
o RMI breaches any representation or warranty that gives rise to
a failure of the fulfillment of a condition of Internet
Communications's obligations to consummate the merger; or
o Prior to the approval of the merger by the shareholders of
Internet Communications, the board of directors determines in
good faith that an unsolicited third party takeover proposal
would be more favorable to the Internet Communications
shareholders.
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS NON-SOLICITATION PROVISIONS (SEE PAGE __)
Until the merger is completed or the merger agreement is terminated,
Internet Communications has agreed not to take, directly or indirectly, any of
the following actions with any party other than RMI:
o Solicit, initiate, encourage or agree to any takeover proposal
(as described below); or
o Engage in negotiations or discussions with respect to a
takeover proposal or enter into any agreement with respect to
a takeover proposal requiring Internet Communications to
abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the merger agreement.
Internet Communications may engage in any of these otherwise prohibited
acts, other than solicitation, initiation or encouragement of any takeover
proposal, if:
o Internet Communications's board of directors believes in good
faith that a particular takeover proposal will result in a
transaction more favorable to the Internet Communications
shareholders than the merger; and
o Internet Communications's board of directors determines in
good faith after advice of counsel that the failure to engage
in the prohibited negotiations or discussions or provide
non-public information is inconsistent with the fiduciary
duties of the board of directors under applicable law.
o Internet Communications's board of directors is not prohibited
from taking and disclosing to the Internet Communications
shareholders a position with respect to a tender offer
pursuant to Rule 14e-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. Internet Communications has agreed to provide RMI with
detailed information about any takeover proposal it receives.
A takeover proposal is:
o Any offer or proposal for a merger or other business
combination involving Internet Communications;
o The acquisition of the outstanding shares of capital stock of
Internet Communications or any of its subsidiaries; or
o The sale or transfer of any substantial portion of the assets
of Internet Communications.
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INTERWEST GROUP SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT (SEE PAGE __)
In connection with the execution of the merger agreement, Interwest
Group entered into a shareholder agreement with RMI and Internet Communications
that requires Interwest Group to vote all shares of Internet Communications
common and preferred stock beneficially owned by it for approval of the merger
agreement. The shareholder agreement provides that after the merger closes,
Interwest Group will vote all RMI common stock beneficially owned by it as
directed by a majority of RMI's board of directors. In addition, Interwest Group
may not sell any RMI shares that it receives in the merger for one year
following the closing of the merger, except that it may sell up to 300,000
shares under specified conditions related to increases in the market price of
RMI's common stock. Interwest Group was not paid additional consideration in
connection with the shareholder agreement.
Interwest Group held approximately 67% of the voting power of Internet
Communications as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.
You are urged to read the shareholder agreement in its entirety, a copy
of which is attached as Appendix D to this proxy statement/prospectus.
EXCHANGE AGREEMENT (SEE PAGE __)
Concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement and as a
condition to RMI entering into the merger agreement, RMI and Internet
Communications entered into an exchange agreement. If the merger agreement is
terminated, subject to certain exceptions discussed under "The Merger--The
Exchange Agreement," Internet Communications will deliver 1,152,760 shares,
representing 19.9% of Internet Communications's outstanding common stock on
March 17, 2000, to RMI, and RMI will deliver 368,747 shares of RMI common stock,
representing the dollar value of 19.9% of Internet Communications's outstanding
common stock on March 17, 2000, to Internet Communications.
The exchange of shares contemplated by the exchange agreement may
discourage third parties who are interested in acquiring a significant stake in
Internet Communications and is intended by RMI to increase the likelihood that
the merger will be completed.
You are urged to read the exchange agreement in its entirety, a copy of
which is attached as Appendix C to this proxy statement/prospectus.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER (SEE PAGE __)
When considering the recommendation of the Internet Communications
board of directors, you should be aware that some Internet Communications's
directors and officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or
are in addition to, yours. As a result, Internet Communications's directors and
officers who are also shareholders may be more likely to vote to approve the
merger than Internet Communications's shareholders generally. These interests
include the following:
o As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, Interwest
Group holds approximately 67% of the voting power of Internet
Communications and three affiliates of Interwest Group are
members of the Internet Communications board of directors.
Interwest Group has agreed to vote in favor of the merger and
the affirmative vote of Interwest Group is sufficient by
itself to approve the merger. Accordingly, Interwest Group may
be subject to a conflict of interest as a result of its
position as the largest shareholder of Internet Communications
with affiliates on Internet Communications's board of
directors because its interests with respect to the merger may
differ from the interests of Internet Communications
shareholders, as a whole.
o Thomas C. Galley, Internet Communications's President and
Chief Executive Officer, has an employment agreement dated
February 7, 2000, with Internet Communications that provides
that, in addition to his annual compensation, Mr. Galley may
earn cash bonuses from Internet Communications if (a) he
continues to be employed by Internet Communications for one
year
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following the date of his employment agreement, (b) he finds a
replacement candidate for the position of President/Chief
Executive Officer of Internet Communications and that
candidate serves in such capacity for at least 60 days, and
(c) Internet Communications is sold at a price of $2.50 or
more per share of Internet Communications's common stock.
o As a result of the merger, all unvested options outstanding
under Internet Communications's stock option plans will become
fully vested and exercisable. Therefore, shareholders who hold
options may be more inclined to vote in favor of the merger in
order to receive the benefit of this vesting.
o RMI has agreed to indemnify each present and former Internet
Communications's officer and director against liabilities
arising out of the fact that such person is or was a director
or officer of Internet Communications. This indemnification
may appeal to shareholders who are also officers or directors
and may provide additional incentives to such individuals to
approve the merger.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER (SEE PAGE __)
The merger has been structured so that, in general, Internet
Communications shareholders will not recognize gain or loss for United States
federal income tax purposes in the merger, except for taxes payable because of
cash received by Internet Communications shareholders instead of fractional
shares and taxes payable due to the exercise of options and warrants.
RESTRICTIONS ON THE ABILITY TO SELL RMI STOCK AND WARRANTS (SEE PAGE __)
All shares of RMI common stock and RMI warrants received by you in
connection with the merger will be freely transferable unless you are considered
an "affiliate" of either Internet Communications or RMI for purposes of the
Securities Act of 1933. Shares of RMI common stock and RMI warrants held by
these affiliates may only be sold pursuant to a registration statement or an
exemption under the Securities Act.
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
RMI MARKET PRICE DATA
RMI's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "RMII." The following table shows the range of high and low sale prices
of RMI's common stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market for the periods
indicated, and based on RMI's fiscal year end of December 31:
High Low
--------- ---------
Fiscal 1998
First Quarter ............................... $ 5.19 $ 1.88
Second Quarter .............................. $ 11.75 $ 5.31
Third Quarter ............................... $ 18.50 $ 8.00
Fourth Quarter .............................. $ 28.50 $ 7.00
Fiscal 1999
First Quarter ............................... $ 15.88 $ 10.50
Second Quarter .............................. $ 16.63 $ 10.94
Third Quarter ............................... $ 13.63 $ 6.67
Fourth Quarter .............................. $ 10.00 $ 6.09
Fiscal 2000
First Quarter ............................... $ 13.50 $ 6.69
Second Quarter (through _____ __, 2000) ..... $ $
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INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS MARKET PRICE DATA
Internet Communications's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap
Market under the symbol "INCC". The following table shows the range of high and
low sale prices of Internet Communications's common stock as reported by the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market for the periods indicated, and based on Internet
Communications's fiscal year end of December 31:
High Low
-------- --------
Fiscal 1998
First Quarter ................................. $ 6.75 $ 4.44
Second Quarter ................................ $ 6.75 $ 4.63
Third Quarter ................................. $ 6.72 $ 4.38
Fourth Quarter ................................ $ 5.25 $ 2.13
Fiscal 1999
First Quarter ................................. $ 3.94 $ 2.13
Second Quarter ................................ $ 4.69 $ 2.13
Third Quarter ................................. $ 3.13 $ 2.50
Fourth Quarter ................................ $ 6.06 $ 1.63
Fiscal 2000
First Quarter ................................. $ 5.19 $ 2.50
Second Quarter (through _____ __, 2000) ....... $ $
DIVIDEND INFORMATION
RMI and Internet Communications have never paid any cash dividends on
their common stock and both companies anticipate that they will continue to
retain any earnings for the foreseeable future for use in the operation of their
respective businesses.
RECENT CLOSING PRICES
As of March 17, 2000, the last trading day before announcement of the
proposed merger, the closing prices per share of RMI common stock and Internet
Communications common stock on the Nasdaq National Market and the Nasdaq
SmallCap Market, respectively, were $10.125 and $3.56, respectively. On
________, 2000, the latest practicable trading day before the printing of this
proxy statement/prospectus, the closing prices per share of RMI common stock and
Internet Communications common stock on the Nasdaq National Market and the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market, respectively, were $_____ and $_____, respectively.
Because the market price of RMI common stock fluctuates, the market
value of the shares of RMI common stock that holders of Internet Communications
common stock will receive in the merger may increase or decrease prior to and
following the merger. Shareholders are urged to obtain current market quotations
for RMI common stock and Internet Communications common stock. No assurance can
be given as to the future prices or markets for RMI common stock or Internet
Communications common stock.
NUMBER OF SHAREHOLDERS
As of _______, 2000 [RECORD DATE], there were approximately [117]
Internet Communications shareholders of record and approximately ____ RMI
shareholders of record, as shown on the transfer agents' records for each of
Internet Communications and RMI.
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RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risks described below in evaluating
RMI, Internet Communications and the merger. You should review this proxy
statement/prospectus carefully, including the documents incorporated by
reference, before deciding how to vote on the merger.
RISKS FACTORS RELATED TO THE MERGER
FORMULA FOR DETERMINING PURCHASE PRICE AND SHARES ISSUABLE MAY REDUCE VALUE OF
MERGER PROCEEDS TO INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS SHAREHOLDERS
RMI cannot assure the Internet Communications shareholders of the value
of the shares of RMI common stock to be issued to them in the merger. The
calculation of the merger consideration is generally designed to provide
Internet Communications shareholders with $2.50 in value of RMI common stock for
each share of Internet Communications common stock, but they will receive less
than $2.50 in value for each converted share if the average of the daily closing
prices per share of the RMI common stock on the Nasdaq National Market for the
15 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day that is one day prior to
the closing date of the merger is below $6.19. The value of the INCC common
stock will decrease in that event because the RMI shares will be valued at $6.19
for purposes of calculating the conversion ratio if the average closing price is
below $6.19 on the closing date. While either Internet Communications or RMI may
choose to terminate the merger agreement in that case, there can be no assurance
that either company will choose to do so. In addition, the trading price of
RMI's common stock following the merger is likely to change based upon changes
in the business, operations and prospects of RMI, general market and economic
conditions and other factors beyond the control of RMI.
NO TRADING MARKET FOR THE WARRANTS MAY DEVELOP
The issuance of the warrants to be issued in connection with the merger
has been registered under the Securities Act, and the warrants may be resold
without registration (except for warrants held by affiliates of RMI). However,
RMI is not required, and has no intention, to list the warrants on any stock
exchange. Consequently, there can be no assurance that a trading market for the
warrants will develop.
SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATION OF INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS'S OPERATIONS INTO RMI AND THE
REALIZATION OF POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF THE MERGER ARE UNCERTAIN
RMI and Internet Communications expect that the merger will result in
benefits to both companies through the integration of the companies' operations
and the synergies created thereby. If RMI and Internet Communications fail to
integrate the two companies efficiently, the expected benefits of the merger may
not be realized. The integration of operations may require, among other things,
the combination of the two companies' administrative, executive and technical
staffs and sales and marketing operations. This integration would require the
dedication of management resources that could temporarily distract management's
attention from
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the day to day business of the combined companies. We cannot assure you that
this integration will be achieved efficiently or that any of the expected
benefits of the merger will be realized.
IF RMI DOES NOT SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS OR THE MERGER'S
BENEFITS DO NOT MEET THE EXPECTATIONS OF FINANCIAL OR INDUSTRY ANALYSTS, THE
MARKET PRICE OF RMI COMMON STOCK MAY DECLINE
In connection with the merger, we estimate that between 2.1 million and
4.4 million newly-issued shares of RMI common stock will be issued to Internet
Communications shareholders, depending upon the price of RMI common stock during
the 15 trading days immediately prior to the date of the merger. In addition,
warrants to purchase approximately 2.4 million additional shares of RMI common
stock will be issued in the merger. The immediate availability of these shares
and warrants could decrease the per share market price of RMI common stock. The
market price of RMI common stock also may decline as a result of the merger if:
o the integration of Internet Communications is unsuccessful;
o RMI does not achieve the perceived benefits of the merger as
rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry
analysts; or
o the effect of the merger on RMI's financial results is not
consistent with the expectations of financial or industry
analysts.
RISK FACTORS RELATED TO RMI
RMI HAS A SHORT OPERATING HISTORY, HAS INCURRED NET LOSSES SINCE ITS INCEPTION
AND EXPECTS FUTURE LOSSES
RMI started its business in 1993 and began offering Internet access
services in 1994. RMI has incurred operating losses in every year of its
existence. Net losses were $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1996,
$4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1997, $10.7 million for the year
ended December 31, 1998, and $24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1999.
In the first quarter of 2000, RMI incurred a net loss of approximately $7.4
million. As of March 31, 2000, RMI has an accumulated deficit of approximately
$50.0 million. RMI may never be profitable.
In 1998, a proposed merger transaction with Internet Communications and
related financing transactions were terminated. Claims by third parties
unrelated to Internet Communications allegedly arising from the terminated 1998
merger remain outstanding. RMI has not agreed that it is responsible for these
claims and has consistently disputed their validity. As a result, RMI has
recorded to date costs, expenses, and related fees of approximately $6.1
million. Of this amount, approximately $4.2 million relates to warrants that RMI
issued. Although RMI is attempting to agree on a resolution of these disputes
that is satisfactory to all parties, it may be unable to reach an agreement with
all parties. RMI does not currently have the ability to pay all of these
expenses.
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IF RMI IS UNABLE TO RAISE ADDITIONAL FUNDS, IT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN ITS
CURRENT LEVEL OF OPERATIONS OR TO PURSUE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
RMI intends to expand or open new access sites or make other capital
investments as dictated by customer demand and strategic considerations. To open
new dial-up access sites, known in RMI's industry as points of presence or POPs,
RMI must spend significant amounts of money for new equipment as well as for
leased telecommunications facilities and advertising. In addition, to expand its
customer base nationwide, RMI will have to spend significant amounts of money on
additional equipment to maintain the high speed and reliability of RMI's
Internet access services. RMI may also need to spend significant amounts of cash
to:
o fund growth, operating losses, and increased expenses;
o implement its acquisition strategy;
o take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, such as major
strategic alliances or other special marketing opportunities,
acquisitions of complementary businesses or assets, or the
development of new products; and
o respond to unanticipated developments or competitive
pressures.
RMI will require additional funds through equity, debt, or other
external financing in order to fund its current operations and to achieve its
business plan. RMI cannot assure that any additional capital resources will be
available to RMI, or, if available, will be on terms that will be acceptable to
RMI. Any additional equity financing will dilute the equity interests of
existing security holders. If adequate funds are not available, or are not
available on acceptable terms, RMI's ability to execute its business plan and
operate its business could be materially and adversely affected.
RMI FACES INTENSE COMPETITION, AND IF IT IS UNABLE TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY, IT
MAY LOSE MARKET SHARE OR BE FORCED TO REDUCE PRICES
RMI operates in the Internet services market, which is extremely
competitive. Current and prospective competitors include many large companies
that have substantially greater market presence, financial, technical,
marketing, and other resources than RMI. RMI competes directly or indirectly
with the following categories of companies:
o established online services, such as America Online, the
Microsoft Network, CompuServe, and Prodigy;
o local, regional, and national Internet service providers, such
as Earthlink, Network, Internet America, PSINet, and Verio;
o national telecommunications companies, such as AT&T Corp., MCI
WorldCom, Sprint, and GTE;
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o regional Bell operating companies, such as BellSouth and SBC
Communications;
o computer hardware and software companies, such as
International Business Machines and Microsoft Corporation; and
o online cable services, such as At Home and Roadrunner.
RMI's competition is likely to increase. RMI believes this will
probably happen as large diversified telecommunications and media companies
acquire Internet service providers and as Internet service providers consolidate
into larger, more competitive companies. Diversified competitors may bundle
other services and products with Internet connectivity services, potentially
placing RMI at a significant competitive disadvantage. In addition, competitors
may charge less than RMI does for Internet services, causing RMI to reduce or
preventing RMI from raising its fees. As a result, RMI's business may suffer.
IF RMI IS UNABLE TO COMPETE IN THE LOCAL EXCHANGE AND LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE
MARKET, ITS PROFITABILITY WILL BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED
In 1998, RMI entered the long distance telephone market. RMI will
compete directly with inter-exchange carriers and long distance carriers and
other long distance resellers and providers, including large carriers such as
AT&T, MCI WorldCom, Sprint, and new entrants to the long distance market. Many
of RMI's competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater
market presence and financial, technical, operational, marketing, and other
resources. RMI will face stiff price competition and may not be able to compete.
Moreover, the local exchange telephone services market in most states
was only recently opened to competition due to the passage of the 1996
Telecommunications Act and related regulatory rulings. Numerous operating
complexities are associated with providing these services. RMI will be required
to develop new products, services, and systems and will need to develop new
marketing initiatives to sell these services. RMI's inability to overcome any of
these operating complexities could have a material adverse effect on RMI.
IF RMI FAILS TO KEEP PACE WITH TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE AND EVOLVING INDUSTRY
STANDARDS, IT MAY LOSE CUSTOMERS
The Internet services market is characterized by rapidly changing
technology, evolving industry standards, changes in customer needs, and frequent
new service and product introductions. RMI's future success depends, in part, on
its ability to:
o use leading technologies to develop its technical expertise;
o enhance its existing services; and
o develop new services that meet changing customer needs on a
timely and cost-effective basis.
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In particular, RMI must provide customers with the appropriate products,
services, and guidance to best take advantage of the rapidly evolving Internet.
RMI's failure to respond in a timely and effective manner to new and evolving
technologies could have a negative impact on its business. RMI's ability to
compete will also depend upon the continued compatibility of its services with
products offered by various vendors. Although RMI intends to support emerging
standards in the market for Internet access, industry standards may not be
established. Moreover, if industry standards are established, RMI may not be
able to conform to these new standards in a timely fashion. RMI's competitors
may develop services and technologies that will render its services or
technology noncompetitive or obsolete.
RMI is also at risk to fundamental changes in the way customers access
the Internet. Currently, most customers access Internet services through
computers connected by telephone lines. However, several companies have
developed cable television modems and other "broadband technologies" that
transmit data at substantially faster speeds than the modems that RMI's
customers and RMI use. RMI must develop new technology or modify its existing
technology to accommodate new and faster sources of Internet access, including
cable television modems, screen-based telephones, wireless products,
televisions, and other consumer electronic devices. RMI may not succeed in
adapting its Internet access business to new and faster access devices.
ANY DECLINE IN RMI'S CUSTOMER RETENTION LEVELS OR RMI'S PRICES WILL ADVERSELY
AFFECT REVENUES AND PROFITABILITY
RMI's new customer acquisition costs are substantial relative to the
monthly fees it charges. Accordingly, RMI's long-term success largely depends on
the retention of existing customers. While RMI continues to invest significant
resources in its infrastructure and technical and customer support capabilities,
it is relatively easy for Internet users to switch to competing providers.
Consequently, RMI's investments may not help customer retention. Any significant
loss of customers will substantially decrease RMI's revenue and cause its
business to suffer.
As a result of competitive pricing pressures in the market for Internet
services, RMI reduced the prices it charges its Internet customers during 1995,
1997, and 1998. RMI expects that continued price pressures may cause it to
reduce prices further in order to remain competitive, and RMI expects that such
further price reductions could adversely effect its results of operations,
unless it can lower costs commensurate with such price decreases.
IF RMI FAILS TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE ITS GROWTH, THE QUALITY OF ITS SERVICE WILL
DECLINE AND RMI WILL LOSE CUSTOMERS
RMI's rapid growth has and will place a significant strain on its
managerial, operational, financial, and information systems resources. To
accommodate its increasing size and manage its growth, RMI must continue to
implement and improve these systems and attract, train, manage, and retain
qualified employees. These demands will require RMI to add new management
personnel and develop new expertise. In order to successfully integrate newly
acquired assets and continue to implement a nationwide strategy and network, RMI
must:
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o closely monitor service quality, particularly through third
party POPs;
o acquire and install necessary equipment and telecommunications
facilities;
o create and implement marketing strategies in new and existing
markets;
o employ qualified personnel to provide technical and marketing
support for new sites; and
o continue to expand managerial, operational, and financial
resources to support expansion.
Although RMI is taking steps to manage growth effectively, it may not
succeed. If RMI is unable to manage its growth, its ability to maintain and
increase its customer base will be impaired and its business will suffer.
IF RMI FAILS TO INTEGRATE RESOURCES ACQUIRED THROUGH ACQUISITIONS, IT WILL LOSE
CUSTOMERS AND ITS LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND PROFITABILITY WILL BE
ADVERSELY AFFECTED
Since January 1999, RMI has acquired the stock or assets of 16
companies and may acquire a number of other companies in the next few months. As
part of its long-term business strategy, RMI continually evaluates strategic
acquisitions of businesses and customer accounts. Acquisitions often involve a
number of special risks, including the following:
o RMI may experience difficulty integrating acquired operations
and personnel;
o RMI may be unable to retain acquired customers;
o the acquisition may disrupt RMI's ongoing business;
o RMI may not be able to successfully incorporate acquired
technology and rights into its service offerings and maintain
uniform standards, controls, procedures, and policies;
o the businesses RMI acquires may fail to achieve anticipated
revenues and earnings;
o RMI may ultimately be liable for contingent and other
liabilities, not previously disclosed to it, of the companies
that it acquires; and
o RMI's resources may be diverted in asserting and defending its
legal rights.
RMI may not successfully overcome problems encountered in connection
with potential future acquisitions. In addition, an acquisition could materially
adversely affect RMI's operating results by:
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o causing RMI to incur additional debt;
o increasing amortization expenses related to goodwill and other
intangible assets; and
o diluting your ownership interest.
Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on RMI's business.
IF RMI IS UNABLE TO OBTAIN SUFFICIENT NETWORK CAPACITY FROM ITS INTERNAL AND
LEASED NETWORK, ITS ABILITY TO GROW WILL BE SEVERELY CURTAILED
RMI's success depends, in part, on the capacity, reliability, and
security of its network. RMI's network includes computers, servers, routers,
modems, broadband fiber systems, access to third party broadband systems, and
other related hardware and software. Network capacity constraints have occurred
in the past and may occur in the future, in connection with:
o particular dial-up POPs affecting only customers attempting to
use that particular point of presence; and
o system wide services, such as e-mail and news services, which
can affect all customers.
Capacity constraints result in slowdowns, delays, or inaccessibility
when customers try to use a particular service. Poor network performance could
cause customers to terminate their service with RMI. To reduce the probability
of such problems, RMI will be required to expand and improve its network. Such
expansion and improvement will be very costly and time consuming. RMI may not be
able to expand or adapt its network to meet additional demand or changing
customer requirements on a timely basis or at a commercially reasonable cost.
In order to provide Internet access and other online services, RMI
leases access lines from multiple national telecommunications service providers.
RMI is dependent upon these providers of data communications facilities. In
addition, RMI has a wholesale usage agreement with PSINet, which allows it to
provide dial-up access through PSINet's POPs throughout the United States. RMI
also has other agreements with service providers on whom RMI relies to deliver
its product and service offerings. Moreover, PSINet provides network access to
some of RMI's competitors. PSINet could choose to grant these competitors
preferential network access, potentially limiting RMI's customers' ability to
access the Internet. Even without such preferential treatment, increased usage
of PSINet's POPs by other Internet service providers and online service
providers may negatively affect access system performance.
SYSTEM FAILURES CAUSED BY NATURAL DISASTERS COULD INTERRUPT RMI'S SERVICE AND
ADVERSELY AFFECT ITS REVENUES
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RMI must protect its infrastructure against fire, earthquakes, power
loss, telecommunications failure, computer viruses, security breaches, and
similar events. RMI does not currently maintain a redundant or backup network
hub for all of its customers. Because RMI leases its lines from
telecommunications companies and regional Bell operating companies, it is
dependent upon these companies for physical repair and maintenance of the leased
lines. RMI maintains multiple carrier agreements to reduce the risk of loss of
operations from damage, power failures, telecommunications failures, and similar
events. However, the occurrence of a natural disaster or other unanticipated
problems at RMI's network operations center or any of its POPs may cause
interruptions in the services RMI provides. In addition, failure of RMI's
telecommunications providers to provide the data communications capacity RMI
requires as a result of a natural disaster, operational disruption, or for any
other reason could cause interruptions in the services RMI provides. Any damage
or failure that causes interruptions in RMI's operations could have a material
adverse effect on RMI.
RMI'S NETWORK IS SUBJECT TO SECURITY RISKS AND INAPPROPRIATE USE BY INTERNET
USERS THAT COULD INTERRUPT RMI'S SERVICE AND CAUSE A DECLINE IN ITS
PROFITABILITY
The future success of RMI's business will depend on the security of its
network and the networks of third parties over which RMI has no control. Despite
implementation of security measures, RMI remains vulnerable to computer viruses,
sabotage, break-ins, and similar disruptive problems caused by customers or
other Internet users. Any breach of RMI's network security or other
inappropriate use of its network, such as the sending of excessive volumes of
unsolicited bulk e-mail or "spam," could lead to interruptions, delays, or
cessation of services to RMI's customers. These customers, in turn, could
terminate their service or assert claims against RMI. Third parties could also
potentially jeopardize the security of confidential information stored in RMI's
computer systems or its customers' computer systems by their inappropriate use
of the Internet, which could cause losses to RMI's customers or RMI or deter
potential customers from subscribing to RMI's services. Inappropriate use of the
Internet includes attempting to gain unauthorized access to information or
systems, commonly known as "cracking" or "hacking." Although RMI intends to
continue to implement security measures, "hackers" have circumvented such
measures in the past, and others may be able to circumvent RMI's security
measures or the security measures of RMI's third-party network providers in the
future.
To fix problems caused by computer viruses or other inappropriate uses
or security breaches, RMI may have to interrupt, delay, or cease service to its
customers, which could have a material adverse effect on its business. In
addition, RMI expects that its customers will increasingly use the Internet for
commercial transactions in the future. Any network malfunction or security
breach could cause these transactions to be delayed, not completed, or completed
with compromised security. As a result, customers or others may assert claims of
liability against RMI. Further, until more comprehensive security technologies
are developed, the security and privacy concerns of existing and potential
customers may inhibit the growth of the Internet service industry in general and
RMI's customer base and revenue in particular.
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If RMI is unable to deliver services via third party carriers and other
suppliers, it could experience service delays and increased costs in expanding
its network RMI relies on traditional telecommunications carriers to transmit
traffic over local and long distance networks. These networks may experience
disruptions and capacity constraints that are not easily remedied. RMI may have
no means of replacing these services. In addition, local phone service is
sometimes available only from one company. The benefits of competition and
alternative sources of supply are not present in these markets.
RMI also depends on certain suppliers of hardware and software
components. RMI acquires a majority of its networking service components,
including terminal servers and high-performance routers, from Cisco Systems,
Inc., Sun Microsystems, Inc., and Lucent Technologies, Inc. The expansion of
RMI's network places a significant demand on its suppliers, some of which have
limited production capacity. In the past, RMI has experienced delays in delivery
of new telephone lines, modems, terminal servers, and other equipment. If delays
are severe, all incoming modem lines may become full during peak times,
resulting in busy signals for customers who are trying to connect to RMI.NET. If
RMI's suppliers cannot meet increased demand and it is not able to develop
alternative sources of supply, RMI could experience delays and increased costs
in expanding its network, difficulty in providing its services, and the loss of
dissatisfied customers.
TO PROTECT RMI'S PROPRIETARY RIGHTS OR TO AVOID CLAIMS THAT RMI INFRINGES THE
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS OF OTHERS, RMI MAY BE FORCED TO INCUR SUBSTANTIAL COSTS AND
TO DIVERT VALUABLE MANAGERIAL RESOURCES AWAY FROM ITS BUSINESS OPERATIONS
RMI's success is dependent in part on its technology and other
proprietary rights. To protect its rights, RMI relies on a combination of
copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret laws, and contractual
restrictions. RMI cannot be sure that these steps will be adequate to prevent
misappropriation or infringement of its intellectual property. Nor can RMI be
sure that competitors will not independently develop technologies that are
substantially equivalent or superior to its proprietary property and technology.
In RMI's industry, competitors often assert intellectual property
claims against one another. The success of RMI's business depends on its ability
to assert and defend its intellectual property rights. Future litigation may
have an adverse impact on RMI's financial condition. These claims could result
in substantial costs and diversion of resources, even if the claim is ultimately
decided in RMI's favor. If a claim is asserted alleging that RMI infringed the
proprietary technology or information of a third party, RMI may be required to
seek licenses for such intellectual property. RMI cannot be sure that such
licenses would be offered or obtained on commercially reasonable terms, if at
all. The failure to obtain the necessary licenses or other rights could have a
material adverse affect on RMI's business.
MR. HANSON HAS A CONTROLLING INTEREST IN RMI THAT MAY PREVENT YOU FROM REALIZING
A PREMIUM RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT
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RMI's CEO, President, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Douglas
Hanson, has a controlling interest in RMI through his direct ownership of common
stock, ability to exercise outstanding options, and voting rights agreements. As
a result, Mr. Hanson has voting control of RMI and can influence all matters
that require stockholder approval. Mr. Hanson may designate the members of RMI's
board of directors and can decide RMI's operations and business strategy. You
may disagree with Mr. Hanson's management decisions.
As a controlling stockholder, Mr. Hanson also has the power to approve
or reject significant corporate matters, such as mergers, acquisitions, and
other change-in-control transactions. Mr. Hanson's controlling interest could
make it more difficult for a third party to acquire RMI, even if the acquisition
would be beneficial to you. You may not realize the premium return that
stockholders may realize in conjunction with corporate takeovers.
FUTURE ISSUANCE OF RMI COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO STOCK OPTION PLANS AND EXERCISE
OF WARRANTS WILL DILUTE YOUR OWNERSHIP INTEREST, AND THE SALE OF SUCH SHARES MAY
NEGATIVELY AFFECT RMI'S STOCK PRICE
As of May 24, 2000, RMI has approximately 21,600,695 shares of common
stock outstanding, and has reserved approximately 5.7 million additional shares
for issuance upon exercise of warrants and stock options, various anti-dilution
provisions contained in the warrants and stock options, and prior acquisitions.
If RMI's stockholders sell substantial amounts of RMI common stock in the public
market, the market price of RMI's common stock and RMI's publicly traded
warrants could fall. Such sales also might make it more difficult for RMI to
sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a price it deems
appropriate. In addition, RMI expects to issue warrants to purchase
approximately 2.4 million shares of RMI common stock in connection with the
merger. Also, RMI has issued and plans to issue additional convertible equity
and debt securities. If these securities are exercised or converted, you may
experience significant dilution in the market value of your RMI common stock.
RMI's stock price is highly volatile.
RMI'S OUTSTANDING CLASS B WARRANTS COULD RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION OF YOUR
INVESTMENT, A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON RMI'S LIQUIDITY AND ABILITY TO RAISE
ADDITIONAL CAPITAL, AND A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN THE VALUE OF RMI'S COMMON STOCK
In a December 1999 private placement, RMI sold the following securities
to two institutional investors, Advantage Fund II Ltd. and Koch Investment Group
Limited, for aggregate consideration of $10 million:
o 761,610 shares of common stock;
o Class A Warrants to purchase 182,786 shares of common stock;
and
o Class B Warrants to purchase a potentially unlimited number of
shares of common stock.
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The outstanding Class B Warrants carry certain risks, including the potential
for:
o substantial dilution of your investment in RMI;
o a detrimental effect on RMI's ability to raise additional
funds; and
o a decline in the market value of RMI's common stock as a
result of the exercise of the Class B Warrants and subsequent
sales of the common stock.
Each of these risks is discussed in greater detail below.
IF THE MARKET VALUE OF RMI'S COMMON STOCK DECLINES, RMI MAY ISSUE A SUBSTANTIAL
AMOUNT OF COMMON STOCK UPON EXERCISE OF CLASS B WARRANTS AND YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION
The number of shares that RMI may issue to holders of RMI's Class B
Warrants is based on the market price of RMI's common stock from May 2000
through November 2002. In effect, the holders of the Class B Warrants have the
opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of RMI's common stock, if
any, without incurring the full risk of loss associated with a decline in RMI's
stock price. If the market price of RMI's common stock decreases, RMI will issue
a greater number of shares upon exercise of the Class B Warrants. There is
theoretically no limit on the number of shares of common stock that RMI may be
required to issue upon exercise of the Class B Warrants. Your percentage
ownership of RMI's common stock could be diluted substantially. Moreover,
because the exercise price of the Class B Warrants is only $0.01 per share, RMI
will not receive material cash proceeds from the exercise of the Class B
Warrants.
The following chart sets forth the maximum number of shares of common
stock RMI would issue upon full exercise of the Class B Warrants, assuming that:
o the market price of the common stock decreases to 100%, 75%,
50%, and 25% of the closing price of RMI's common stock on May
5, 2000 ($5.00 per share) at any time over the next two and
one-half years, and stays at that level through November 20,
2002; and
o the selling stockholders do not sell any of their common stock
until after November 20, 2002.
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MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES ISSUABLE UPON
EXERCISE OF CLASS B WARRANTS AT $0.01 PER PERCENTAGE OF OUTSTANDING
MARKET PRICE PER SHARE SHARE (THROUGH NOVEMBER 2002) SHARES AT JUNE ___, 2000(1)
------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
$5.00 - 100% of closing
price on 5/5/2000 1,629,104 7.0%
$3.75 - 75% of closing price
on 5/5/2000 2,426,009 10.1%
$2.50 - 50% of closing price
on 5/5/2000 4,019,818 15.6%
$1.25 - 25% of closing price
on 5/5/2000 8,801,246 28.9%
------------------------------
(1) Assumes that all shares to be issued upon exercise of Class B
Warrants are outstanding as of June ___, 2000.
Sales of RMI common stock by holders of Class B Warrants prior to November 2002
will reduce the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Class B Warrants.
THE EXISTENCE OF RMI'S CLASS B WARRANTS MAY HINDER RMI'S ABILITY TO RAISE
ADDITIONAL CAPITAL
Because of the potential for dilution, as outlined above, RMI may find
it more difficult to raise additional equity capital while the Class B Warrants
are outstanding. Sources of equity capital may be reluctant to provide needed
operating capital, which could have an adverse affect on RMI's ability to
finance growth opportunities and on RMI's liquidity.
IF INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS SELL LARGE VOLUMES OF RMI COMMON STOCK WITHIN A SHORT
PERIOD OF TIME, INCLUDING SHARES TO BE ISSUED UPON EXERCISE OF CLASS B WARRANTS,
THE VALUE OF RMI COMMON STOCK MAY DECLINE
If the institutional investors sell large volumes of RMI common stock
within a relatively short period of time, the market price of RMI common stock
may decrease and allow the institutional investors to convert their Class B
Warrants into a greater amount of RMI common stock. Further sales of the common
stock issued upon exercise of the Class B Warrants could cause even greater
declines in the price of RMI common stock. Although holders of the Class B
Warrants are restricted in their ability to engage in short sales and similar
transactions, the downward pressure on the market price caused by exercise of
Class B Warrants and sale of the
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underlying common stock could encourage short sales by other investors and
further undermine the value of RMI common stock.
IF THE NUMBER OF SHARES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THE CLASS B WARRANTS EXCEEDS
20% OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING BEFORE THE DECEMBER 1999 PRIVATE
PLACEMENT, RMI MAY BE REQUIRED TO SEEK STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF THE CLASS B
WARRANT SHARES
Under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, RMI is required to obtain
stockholder approval for the issuance of common stock upon exercise of the Class
B Warrants if the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Class B
Warrants equals or exceeds 20% of the number of shares of common stock
outstanding before the Class B Warrants were issued. On the date the Class B
Warrants were issued, RMI had 18,865,448 shares of common stock outstanding.
Thus, RMI will be able to issue 3,773,089 shares upon exercise of Class B
Warrants without obtaining stockholder approval.
However, the terms of the Class B Warrants are structured so that RMI
will comply with Nasdaq's 20% limitation even if RMI is unable to obtain
stockholder approval. If the market price of RMI's common stock declines and RMI
would need to otherwise issue common stock in excess of the Nasdaq 20%
limitation, RMI would then have the option of either:
o seeking stockholder ratification of shares to be issued upon
exercise of the Class B Warrants before issuing the underlying
common stock; or
o instead of issuing the common stock, pay a redemption fee
equal to 120% of the average market value of the unissued
common stock over a five-day period immediately preceding the
holder's request for redemption.
Redemption of the underlying common stock that cannot be issued due to the
Nasdaq limitation at a 20% premium could severely diminish RMI's working capital
and harm its ability to raise additional capital. Furthermore, if RMI is unable
to obtain stockholder approval and is deemed to have issued 20% or more of its
outstanding common stock in connection with the exercise of Class B Warrants,
RMI may be required to delist its shares from the Nasdaq National Market.
THE PRICE OF RMI COMMON STOCK MAY FLUCTUATE SIGNIFICANTLY, WHICH COULD LEAD TO
LOSSES FOR INDIVIDUAL INVESTORS AND COULD DAMAGE RMI'S REPUTATION AND LEAD TO
COSTLY AND TIME CONSUMING SECURITIES CLASS ACTION LITIGATION
RMI's financial results may fluctuate significantly because of several
factors, many of which are beyond its control. These factors include:
o costs associated with gaining and retaining customers and
capital expenditures for upgrading systems and infrastructure;
o timing and market acceptance of new and upgraded Internet
service introductions, technologies, and services by RMI and
its competitors;
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o loss of customers and seasonal fluctuations in demand for
RMI's services;
o downward pressure on prices due to increased competition;
o changes in RMI's operating expenses, including
telecommunications costs; and
o the effect of potential acquisitions.
Historically, the trading prices of RMI's common stock and publicly
traded warrants have been volatile. RMI believes that the market prices will
continue to be subject to significant fluctuations due to various factors and
events that may or may not be related to its performance. If the market value of
RMI common stock decreased substantially, the common stock could be delisted
from the Nasdaq National Market. Consequently, you could find it difficult or
impossible to sell your stock or to determine the value of your stock. In
addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced significant price
and volume fluctuations, which have particularly affected the market prices of
the stocks of Internet-sector companies and which may be unrelated to the
operating performance of such companies. Furthermore, RMI's operating results
and prospects from time to time may be below the expectations of public market
analysts and investors. Any such event could result in a material decline in the
price of your stock.
In the past, there have been class action lawsuits filed against
companies after periods of fluctuations in the market price of their securities.
If RMI was subject to this type of litigation, it would be a strain on RMI's
personnel and financial resources, and divert management's attention from
running the company. Litigation could also negatively affect RMI's public image
and reputation.
RMI HAS NO INTENTION TO PAY DIVIDENDS
RMI has never paid any cash dividends on its common stock. RMI
currently intends to retain all future earnings, if any, for use in its business
and does not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
RMI FACES POTENTIAL COSTS AND LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE INFORMATION IT
HOSTS AND THAT IS DISSEMINATED THROUGH ITS NETWORK
RMI is not currently subject to direct federal, state, or local
government regulation, other than regulations applicable to businesses
generally. There currently is only a small body of laws and regulations directly
applicable to the provision of access to or commerce services on the Internet.
For example, in late 1998, Congress enacted the Digital Millennium Copyright
Act, which includes a limitation on liability of on-line service providers for
copyright infringement for transmitting, routing, or providing connections,
storage or caching of data at the direction of a user. This limitation on
liability applies if the service provider has no actual knowledge that the
particular data infringed on third party intellectual property rights and if
certain other conditions are met. Because this law is relatively new, RMI is not
sure how it will be applied to limit any liability that it may face in the
future for possible copyright infringement-related issues that arise in
connection with the services RMI provides. This law also requires that service
providers
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follow certain notice and take-down procedures with respect to allegedly
infringing materials in order to take advantage of the limitation on liability
provided by the Digital Millenium Copyright Act. RMI is in the process of
implementing these sorts of procedures across its operations. Certain provisions
of the Communications Decency Act, which imposes criminal penalties for using an
interactive computer service for transmitting obscene or indecent
communications, have been found unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Other federal legislation that was enacted to require limitations on access to
pornography and other material deemed harmful to minors was determined to
violate the First Amendment, but that decision is on appeal. RMI is unable to
predict the outcome of this appeal or whether other similar legislation will be
enacted or enforced. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission adopted final
rules, effective April 21, 2000, regarding the Children's Online Privacy
Protection Act's prohibition of unfair and deceptive acts and practices in
connection with the collection and use of personal information from and about
children on the Internet. The rules provide that Web sites directed at children
under 13 years of age must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting
personal information from children and must take other measures intended to
safeguard children's privacy. Additional requirements may be imposed on Web site
operations relating to the use, dissemination, and collection of personal
information. RMI has adopted a standard acceptable use policy that applies to
all of its customers and that prohibits them from posting, transmitting, or
storing material on or through RMI's services that it determines to be in
violation of third party intellectual property rights. RMI's acceptable use
policy also imposes other restrictions on its customers in connection with the
use of its services, including prohibitions on illegal activity or other
activity that is destructive or potentially destructive to RMI's business or
reputation or to its customers. RMI initially designed and continues to evolve
its acceptable use policy to promote the security, reliability, and privacy of
its systems and network. However, RMI cannot assure you that its policy will
accomplish this goal or shield RMI from liability under the Digital Millennium
Copyright Act or otherwise with respect to the activities of, or the content
hosted or transmitted by, RMI's customers or other Internet users.
Because of the increased popularity and use of the Internet, it is
likely that a number of additional laws and regulations may be adopted at the
federal, state, and local levels, governing such issues as user privacy, freedom
of expression, pricing, taxation, advertising, intellectual property rights,
information security, and the convergence of traditional telecommunications
services with on-line services and Internet communications. Legislation
addressing such things as on-line security, privacy, mass unsolicited commercial
e-mail messages, and the regulation of sales of products, such as
pharmaceuticals, firearms, drug paraphernalia, and gambling, is proposed
regularly in many states and in Congress. The implementation of any such
legislation could result in direct or indirect regulation of on-line service
providers generally, including RMI. In that case, it is likely that RMI would
have to implement additional policies and procedures designed to assure its
compliance with the particular legislation.
The imposition on Internet service providers or Web hosting providers
of potential liability for materials carried on or disseminated through their
systems could require RMI to implement measures to reduce its exposure to such
liability. These measures may require that RMI spend substantial resources or
discontinue certain product or service offerings. Any of these actions could
have a material adverse effect on RMI's business, financial condition and
results of operations. Further, the adoption of such laws and regulations might
decrease growth
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of the Internet generally, which in turn could negatively impact RMI's business.
In addition, applicability to the Internet of existing laws governing such
things as property ownership, intellectual property rights, taxation, obscenity,
defamation, libel, and personal property is uncertain. Because so many of the
existing laws on these topics were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet
and related technologies, they do not contemplate, address, or readily apply to
the unique issues that the Internet and its use create.
The law relating to the regulation and liability of Internet access
providers in relation to information carried or disseminated is also developing
in other countries. For example, the European Union has enacted its own data
privacy regulations, and Australia has imposed new obligations on Internet
service providers to block access to certain types of content. Decisions, laws,
regulations, and other activities regarding regulation and content liability may
significantly affect the development and profitability of companies offering
on-line and Internet access services.
RMI carries an errors and omissions insurance policy. This insurance
may not be adequate or available to compensate RMI for all liability that may be
imposed.
RMI'S MAY BECOME SUBJECT TO BURDENSOME GOVERNMENT REGULATION, WHICH COULD
DECREASE ITS REVENUES AND INCREASE ITS COSTS
Although as an Internet access provider RMI is not currently subject to
direct federal governmental regulation other than regulations applicable to
businesses generally, changes in the regulatory environment relating to the
Internet connectivity market could affect RMI's business, financial condition,
and results of operations. For example, regulations at the Federal
Communications Commission require discounted Internet connectivity rates for
schools and libraries. Due to the increasingly widespread use of the Internet
for the hosting, use, and transmission of content, it is likely that additional
laws and regulations will be adopted at the federal, state, and local level,
especially that is content related, that will apply directly or indirectly to
RMI. For example, legislation concerning unsolicited commercial e-mail messages,
on-line gambling, on-line sales of pharmaceuticals, drug paraphernalia, and
other illegal or controlled goods and services, privacy, libel, intellectual
property protection and infringement, technology export, and other controls is
pending and, in some cases, has been adopted in various states as well as at the
federal level. RMI may be subject to similar or other laws and regulations in
non-U.S. jurisdictions.
Moreover, the Federal Communications Commission continues to review its
regulatory position on the usage of the basic network and communications
facilities by Internet service providers. Although the Federal Communications
Commission determined that Internet service providers should not be treated as
telecommunications carriers and, therefore, need not be regulated, in an April
1998 report, the regulatory status of Internet service providers remains
uncertain. Indeed, in its 1998 report, the Federal Communications Commission
concluded that certain services offered over the Internet, such as
phone-to-phone Internet protocol telephony, may be functionally
indistinguishable from traditional telecommunications service offerings and
their non-regulated status may have to be re-examined.
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Changes in the regulatory structure and environment affecting the
Internet access market, including regulatory changes that directly or indirectly
affect telecommunications costs or increase the likelihood of competition from
regional bell operating companies or other telecommunications companies, could
adversely affect RMI. Although the Federal Communications Commission has decided
not to allow local telephone companies to impose per-minute access charges on
Internet service providers, and that decision has been upheld by a reviewing
court, further regulatory and legislative consideration of this issue is likely.
In addition, some telephone companies are seeking relief through the Federal
Communications Commission and state regulatory agencies. Such rules, if adopted,
are likely to have a greater impact on consumer-oriented Internet access
providers than on business-oriented Internet service providers such as RMI.
Nonetheless, the imposition of access charges would affect RMI's costs of
serving dial-up customers and could have a material adverse effect on RMI's
business, financial condition, and results of operations.
IF RMI IS UNABLE TO RETAIN KEY EXECUTIVES, ITS GROWTH POTENTIAL AND OPERATING
RESULTS WILL BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED
RMI's success greatly depends on its ability to attract and retain key
technical, sales, marketing, information systems, financial, and executive
personnel. RMI is especially dependent on the continued services of its senior
management team, particularly Douglas H. Hanson, RMI's Chief Executive Officer,
President, and Chairman of the Board of Directors. The loss of Mr. Hanson or
other senior managers could have a materially detrimental effect on RMI. All
members of RMI's senior management team can terminate their employment at any
time. RMI does not maintain key person life insurance on any of its personnel.
If RMI fails to attract, hire, or retain the necessary personnel, or if it loses
the services of any member of its senior management team, RMI's business could
be adversely affected.
CAUTIONARY NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This proxy statement/prospectus and the information incorporated by
reference may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Each of Internet
Communications and RMI intends the forward-looking statements to be covered by
the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in these sections. All
statements regarding expected financial positions and operating results,
business strategy, financing plans and the outcome of any contingencies are
forward-looking statements. These statements can sometimes be identified by the
use of forward-looking words such as "may," "believe," "plan," "will,"
"anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend" and other phrases of similar
meaning. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause
the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the
statements. The forward-looking information is based on various factors and was
derived using numerous assumptions.
Although each of RMI and Internet Communications believes that its
expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable,
neither can promise that their expectations will turn out to be correct. The
actual results of either company could be materially different from these
expectations, including the following:
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o RMI or Internet Communications may lose subscribers or fail to
grow its customer base;
o RMI or Internet Communications may not be able to sustain its
current growth or to successfully integrate new customers or
assets obtained through acquisitions;
o RMI or Internet Communications may fail to compete with
existing and new competitors;
o RMI or Internet Communications may not adequately respond to
technological developments impacting the Internet;
o RMI or Internet Communications may fail to implement proper
security measures to protect its network from inappropriate
use, which could overload our network's capacity and cause it
to experience a major system failure;
o RMI or Internet Communications may issue a substantial number
of shares of its common stock upon exercise of its outstanding
warrants, especially if the market value of our stock
declines, thereby causing significant dilution to RMI
shareholders;
o RMI or Internet Communications may fail to settle outstanding
litigation; and
o RMI or Internet Communications may not be able to find needed
financing.
This list is intended to identify some of the principal factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the
forward-looking statements included elsewhere in this proxy
statement/prospectus. These factors are not intended to represent a complete
list of all risks and uncertainties inherent in the businesses conducted by RMI
and Internet Communications, and should be read in conjunction with the more
detailed cautionary statements included in this proxy statement/prospectus under
the caption "Risk Factors."
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THE INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS SPECIAL MEETING
DATE, TIME AND PLACE; MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED
Internet Communications is furnishing this proxy statement/prospectus
to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by Internet Communications
for use at the special meeting of its shareholders and any adjournments or
postponements thereof. The special meeting will be held 10:00 a.m., local time,
on July [__], 2000, at 7100 East Belleview Avenue, Suite 201, Greenwood Village,
Colorado 80111. At the special meeting, you will be asked to vote on a proposal
to approve the Internet Communications merger agreement and transact any other
business that may properly come before the special meeting or any adjournments
or postponements thereof.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS HAS UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND
DETERMINED THAT THEY ARE ADVISABLE AND FAIR TO YOU, AND IN YOUR BEST INTERESTS.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT
YOU VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
RECORD DATE; QUORUM; VOTING AT THE SPECIAL MEETING
Internet Communications has fixed the close of business on June [__],
2000 as the record date for determining the holders of Internet Communications
voting stock entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting. As of the
record date, there were outstanding [__________] shares of Internet
Communications common stock and 69,000 shares of Internet Communications
preferred stock. Internet Communications also has outstanding stock options and
warrants. The holders of stock options and warrants, as such, will not be
entitled to vote at the special meeting.
A quorum is necessary to hold a vote on the proposals presented at the
special meeting. The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of record of
a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Internet
Communications voting stock is necessary for there to be a quorum for purposes
of voting on the merger agreement.
Abstentions (that is, votes withheld by shareholders who are present
and entitled to vote) and broker non-votes (that is, shares held by a broker for
its customers that are not voted because the broker does not receive
instructions from the customer or because the broker does not have discretionary
voting power with respect to the item under consideration) will be counted as
present for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum for the
transaction of business.
Once a quorum is present for purposes of the special meeting, the
affirmative vote by a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast by the
Internet Communications shareholders is required to approve the merger.
Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes
against the approval of the merger agreement.
Internet Communications will appoint one or more inspectors, who may be
employees of Internet Communications, to determine, among other things, the
number of shares of Internet Communications voting stock represented at the
special meeting and the validity of the proxies submitted for voting at the
special meeting. Internet Communications has retained American Securities
Transfer & Trust, Inc. as its transfer agent and as proxy tabulator to assist
the inspectors in the performance of their duties. American Securities Transfer
& Trust can be reached at (303) 986-5400, facsimile no. (303) 986-2444,
Attention: Ms. Kim Ziegler Porter.
As of the record date, Interwest Group beneficially owns shares of
Internet Communications voting stock representing approximately 67% of the
voting power of the outstanding voting stock. Therefore, Interwest Group's
presence at the special meeting will constitute a quorum. In accordance with the
shareholder agreement between Interwest Group and RMI, Interwest Group has
agreed to vote all shares of Internet Communications voting stock owned
beneficially by it in favor of approval of the merger agreement at the special
meeting. Interwest Group possesses the right to cast approximately 67% of the
votes entitled to be cast at the special meeting. Accordingly, passage of the
proposal to adopt the merger agreement is assured. See "The Merger--Shareholder
Agreement."
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VOTING OF PROXIES
All shares of Internet Communications voting stock that are represented
at the special meeting by properly executed proxy cards received prior to or at
the special meeting, and not duly and timely revoked, will be voted at the
special meeting (or any adjournment or postponement thereof) in accordance with
the instructions indicated on the proxy cards. If no instructions are indicated,
the proxies will be voted "FOR" approval of the merger agreement. Abstentions
and broker non-votes have the same effect as votes against the approval of the
merger agreement.
In the event that there is a motion to adjourn or postpone the special
meeting to another time and/or place (including for the purpose of soliciting
additional votes in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement), then (a)
proxies of holders of Internet Communications voting stock who vote in favor of
adoption of the merger agreement and proxies of holders of Internet
Communications voting stock that contain no voting instructions will be voted in
favor of the motion to adjourn or postpone the special meeting, (b) proxies of
holders of Internet Communications voting stock who vote against the adoption of
the merger agreement will be voted against the motion to adjourn or postpone the
special meeting, and (c) proxies of holders of Internet Communications voting
stock who abstain from voting on the adoption of the merger agreement will
abstain on the vote on adjournment or postponement, which will have no effect on
a vote regarding adjournment or postponement. If any other matters are properly
presented for consideration at the special meeting, then Thomas C. Galley and T.
Timothy Kershisnik (the persons named in the enclosed proxy card as the proxies
for Internet Communications voting stock) will have discretion to vote on these
matters in accordance with their best judgment.
REVOCATION OF PROXIES AND VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
You may revoke a proxy card given in connection with this solicitation
at any time before the proxy card is voted by submitting a written revocation to
the Corporate Secretary of Internet Communications, by returning a subsequently
dated proxy card to the proxy tabulator or to the Corporate Secretary of
Internet Communications, or by voting in person at the special meeting.
Attendance at the special meeting will not in and of itself revoke a proxy card.
You are entitled to revoke your proxy card via facsimile at the number
set forth above in "--Record Date; Quorum; Voting at the Special Meeting." If
you are the beneficial owner of Internet Communications voting stock but your
shares are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
company or other nominee and you wish to revoke your proxy, you should contact
the registered holder promptly and instruct the registered holder to revoke on
your behalf. There can be no assurance that the registered holder will have
sufficient time prior to the special meeting to deliver a revocation upon
instruction by you.
PROXY SOLICITATION
Internet Communications will pay its own expenses incurred in
connection with this proxy statement/prospectus and the special meeting,
including the disbursements of legal counsel and accountants. In addition to
solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited by directors, officers and
employees of Internet Communications in person or by telephone, facsimile or
other means of communication. The directors, officers and employees will not be
additionally compensated, but will be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses in connection with their solicitation. Arrangements will also be made
with custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for forwarding of proxy solicitation
materials to beneficial owners of shares held of record by the custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries, and Internet Communications will reimburse the
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred in
connection therewith.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS
After careful consideration, Internet Communications's board of
directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and determined that the
merger is advisable and in the best interest of Internet Communications and its
shareholders. Internet Communications's board of directors recommends that you
vote "FOR" approval of the merger agreement.
YOU SHOULD NOT SEND ANY STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH YOUR PROXY CARD.
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THE MERGER
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
In July of 1999, Internet Communications's senior officers informed its
board of directors that Internet Communications faced continued significant
liquidity problems resulting from negative operating results. At that time,
Internet Communications was having difficulty maintaining open credit lines with
vendors due to inadequate cash reserves. In addition, Internet Communications
had tight constraints on capital expenditures and was not in compliance with
certain financial covenants under its line of credit with Norwest Bank N.A.
Unsuccessful in its attempt to obtain additional funding from Norwest Bank,
Internet Communications requested and received from Interwest Group loans that
enabled Internet Communications to satisfy a portion of its working capital
needs.
On August 11, 1999, Internet Communications executed a stock purchase
agreement with Interwest Group. Under the terms of the agreement, Internet
Communications issued to Interwest Group 19,000 shares of Series B 7 3/8%
convertible preferred stock, convertible into common stock at $2.9063 per share,
and 100,000 warrants to purchase common stock (exercisable for four years at
$2.9063) in exchange for $1.9 million. In addition, the agreement provided a
one-year commitment by Interwest Group to purchase an additional 5,000 shares of
Series B 7 3/8% convertible preferred stock at an aggregate price of $500,000,
subject to Internet Communications meeting certain requirements. Internet
Communications has not sold and does not anticipate selling any additional
shares under the commitment. In conjunction with the stock purchase agreement,
Internet Communications amended and modified its credit agreement with Norwest
Bank. The amendment reduced the line of credit from $4,000,000 to $3,500,000,
waived certain covenant violations, and relaxed covenants dealing with EBITDA,
accounts receivable and accounts payable targets.
At a May 1999 meeting, Internet Communications's board of directors
began to discuss the reasons for the company's continued inability to generate
positive cash flow. The board, along with its senior officers, determined that
these reasons included high employee turnover due to a failed merger attempt
with RMI in 1998, increased competition, changing market conditions in Internet
Communications's areas of expertise regarding wide area network solutions and
voice systems, and Internet Communications's inability to expand sales of its
voice systems division. Internet Communications was unable to expand sales of
its voice systems division due to: (a) its failure to sell successfully to its
existing data division customer base; (b) increased competition of voice system
sales from manufacturer direct and alternative channels, most notably the direct
sales office for NEC (Internet Communications's primary voice supplier) and
Lucent, and (c) difficulty in attracting and retaining high quality voice system
sales professionals in a market greatly demanding these individuals.
Internet Communications's board of directors appointed Thomas Galley, a
director of Internet Communications and Internet Communications's President and
Chief Executive Officer since February 4, 2000, and Craig Slater, a director of
Internet Communications and an employee of an affiliate of Interwest Group, to
examine alternatives that would assist Internet Communications in achieving its
business goals. After analyzing the reasons for Internet Communications's lack
of success in certain areas, it was determined that additional capital infusions
would only be helpful to Internet Communications on a short-term basis. Indeed,
Internet Communications believed that it would have to define clearly the types
of changes that would have to be implemented in order to place Internet
Communications in the most advantageous position for future success.
Traditionally, Internet Communications has been successful in the
design, integration, management and support of networks for commercial customers
that operate multiple remote locations on an inter-exchange or intra-exchange
basis where the applications provided over these networks were vital to the
business of the customers. Examples of these customers are retail stores, health
care enterprises, distribution companies, securities firms and public and
private educational systems. In addition, Internet Communications has performed
well in providing wide area networks such as intra-exchange circuits,
communications hardware and inter-exchange carrier circuits as turnkey systems,
including high profit margin services such as design, integration, support and
management of these networks.
However, as inter-exchange and local exchange carriers released newer
technologies at lower prices, it became more challenging for Internet
Communications to offer competitive prices for its products and services.
Additional competitive pressure from Cisco, 3Com, Motorola and their direct and
alternate sales channels reduced
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profit margins from hardware sales to single digits in many instances. While
Internet Communications still possessed strong technical capabilities,
maintaining low prices became increasingly difficult without the ability to
lower costs and differentiate Internet Communications among a growing number of
competitors. Existing customers would often choose a different vendor when their
contracts expired, causing a reduction in the monthly recurring revenue stream,
while at the same time, Internet Communications experienced a reduction in the
number of new customers requesting products and services, relative to previous
periods.
Newly formed Internet/World Wide Web companies brought additional
competition to the areas in which Internet Communications had enjoyed some
success. These companies were beginning to gain favor with commercial consumers
by bringing on-line Web sites, developing e-commerce applications, providing Web
access, and becoming engaged in customers' servers at central site and remote
locations. Although Internet Communications enjoyed a continual flow of new
Internet related customers throughout 1998, many of these customers began to
favor related suppliers that could provide more content-based value such as
e-commerce and other similar and expanded services.
Based upon the difficulties facing Internet Communications, the board
of directors decided to contact an investment banking firm to seek a strategic
business combination that would rectify Internet Communications's operating
short-falls. On July 9,1999 Internet Communications retained the investment
banking firm of Neidiger, Tucker, Bruner, Inc. to act as a financial advisor in
connection with a possible strategic business combination by Internet
Communications. Neidiger, Tucker was authorized to advise on any merger, reverse
merger, consolidation, recapitalization, joint venture, business combination or
exchange offer.
Neidiger, Tucker screened various potential candidate companies and
presented three candidates to Mr. Slater and Mr. Galley. Based upon the analysis
and recommendations of Neidiger, Tucker, Mr. Slater and Mr. Galley concluded
that a business combination with a large industry leader would best serve the
long-term interests of the shareholders.
Mr. Slater and Mr. Galley recommended that Internet Communications
identify a partner that could combine its strengths with those of Internet
Communications in order to create a high degree of synergy for both
organizations and thereby increase shareholder value.
Internal analysis of Internet Communications's relative strengths and
weaknesses identified two profiles of potential partners:
o Internet service provider with the following strategic
profile:
o Strong western United States presence.
o Unique product set within the Internet and Web
market.
o Adequate cash resources and proven ability to obtain
additional capital as needed.
o Strong management team.
o Public capital structure.
o Of a size sufficient to create increased value for
the shareholders of merger and the partner.
o Carrier with the following strategic profile:
o Backbone network architecture that would allow easy
migration of Internet Communications's transport
protocols over to new network architectures.
o Strategic focus on network and voice system partners.
o Adequate cash resources and ability to obtain
additional capital as needed.
o Clear marketing strategy that includes the Web and
Internet services.
Following are the advantages of selecting a partner in the Internet related
and/or carrier market:
o Internet Communications's network systems division has enjoyed
success with legacy wide area networks, an area in which most
Internet and Web companies had virtually no experience or
operating infrastructure. Internet Communications's ability to
design, operate and manage large
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networks could potentially be leveraged into this industry
because the companies that operated in this area typically did
not offer customer-specific products and services and
generally the solutions offered by these companies lacked
network management and maintenance services.
o Internet Communications was in need of immediate and direct
access to Internet and Web products in order to complete its
existing product offering.
o Gross profit margins in the service sector are traditionally
higher than those of hardware oriented companies and tend to
lead to recurring revenue streams.
o A carrier partner could offer alternatives to Internet
Communications's high cost in providing backbone circuits and
allow for more competitive offerings.
o Unlike Internet Communications, most carriers have little or
no ability to integrate hardware, management, and maintenance
into their offerings, an area in which Internet Communications
could bring proven capabilities.
Internet Communications concluded that the most favorable structure for
a potential transaction would be in the form of a stock exchange agreement. In
that regard, Internet Communications would merge with an enterprise that would
provide the shareholders of both companies with the most long-term value.
Significantly, a regional company would allow for the most near-term synergy
since Internet Communications's strength is in the Rocky Mountain West.
Through the efforts of Neidiger, Tucker, together with the direct
efforts of Mr. Slater and Mr. Galley, three companies indicated a high level of
interest in a business combination.
Company A, a wide area networking company similar to Internet
Communications but with a much larger variety and number of products and
services, had demonstrated an ability to expand outside of traditional
networking markets and had significantly increased its higher profit margin
service sales. Also, Company A had proven its ability to raise capital and was
in need of expanding its presence to the West and specifically in Colorado.
Company A had designs of capitalizing on the advent of the Web, but
lacked any material presence in the area. Because Company A received nearly 50%
of its annual revenue from an unrelated business, Mr. Slater and Mr. Galley
advised the board that Company A had not sufficiently realized its plan to
expand into the Web market. Therefore, Company A could not provide adequate
synergies to make a combination with Internet Communications viable.
Company B, a total communications supplier that possessed a marketing
strategy very similar to the traditional strategy of Internet Communications,
had expanded its product set to include the Web and various e-commerce products.
Further, it was in the process of building a national IP network infrastructure
that, if combined with Internet Communications's products, would have lowered
its operating costs. Significantly, Company B had a presence in the Rocky
Mountain West and had a desire to expand its geographic footprint in Colorado.
Although Company B was an early stage enterprise, it possessed
considerable cash resources. Company B had little operating history in the areas
of e-commerce and carrier, but Internet Communications thought the overall
synergies between Company B and Internet Communications were considerable.
Therefore, Internet Communications believed that a possible relationship between
the two companies was worthy of further discussion. In September of 1999,
discussions among Company B and Mr. Slater, Mr. Galley, and Internet
Communications's senior officers commenced. Over the course of the following
three weeks, the parties expressed a high level of interest and it was agreed
that significant synergies existed between the companies. However, Company B was
subsequently directed by its board of directors to focus on other strategic
issues and all discussions were terminated.
Company C, RMI, had an unfortunate history with Internet Communications
due to a failed merger attempt in 1998. Nevertheless, RMI possessed what
Internet Communications believed was a good strategic fit and was in need of the
capabilities of Internet Communications in order to carry out its business plan.
Having acquired 19 companies in the 12 months prior to its renewed discussions
with Internet Communications, RMI possessed great strength in the areas of
Internet connectivity and infrastructure, Web e-commerce and application
development, and had a large presence in the western United States. RMI fit the
profile that Internet Communications had set forth.
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RMI planned to roll out a national ATM backbone network that would
allow Internet Communications to lower its network operating costs materially.
While RMI had little experience in operating and managing such a network,
Internet Communications had demonstrated strong capabilities in the area.
Also, RMI possessed strengths in the areas of Web design, hosting, and
management of e-commerce solutions, each of which represented important
strategic value to Internet Communications. RMI had proven an ability to raise
capital and, in Internet Communications's opinion, was undervalued relative to
its market segment. Internet Communications could potentially benefit from RMI's
expanded capabilities, so increased shareholder value appeared to be
considerable. RMI was in the process of Web-enabled application development
which, when combined with Internet Communications's capabilities, could produce
great future value to our shareholders.
RMI could provide Internet Communications with immediate benefits in
the areas of Internet connectivity, technical development and deployment,
information systems, central office infrastructure, Web hosting and support, and
local carrier access costs.
RMI had little infrastructure in the areas of network management and
recognized its need to expand into wide area network and voice systems solutions
as a means of pursuing its business plan to provide total communications
solutions. Further, Internet Communications could provide RMI with immediate
benefits in the areas of inter-exchange carrier availability, office space in
Colorado, and installation, maintenance and management of routers and other
Internet connectivity support.
RMI had a voice long distance resale business enterprise that would fit
directly in the product set of Internet Communications's voice systems products
and provide increased value-based offerings in that division while lowering both
companies' respective selling expenses as the result of this integration.
In summary, the strategic directions of both companies made this
combination one that provides potential long-term increased value to the
shareholders of both companies.
REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Internet Communications's board of directors believes that the terms of
the merger agreement and the merger contemplated thereby are advisable and fair
to you and in your best interests, and that, based on Internet Communications's
discussions with other potential buyers, the merger is the best transaction
available for you. Accordingly, Internet Communications's board of directors has
unanimously approved the merger agreement and has recommended that you approve
the merger agreement. In reaching its conclusion to approve the merger
agreement, Internet Communications's board of directors consulted with its
management as well as its legal and financial advisors, and considered a number
of factors, including the following:
LIQUIDITY AND OPERATING LOSSES
When Internet Communications's line of credit matured on March 1, 2000,
Norwest Bank was unwilling to renegotiate the loan. Internet Communications had
entered into three amendments to the line of credit during 1999, each of which
provided for the waiver of certain financial covenant violations and required
equity infusions and/or reductions in the line of credit. Also in 1999, Internet
Communications had entered into two stock purchase agreements with Interwest
Group pursuant to which Internet Communications issued $5,000,000 of Series A
Preferred Stock and $1,900,000 of Series B Preferred Stock to Interwest Group.
The proceeds from these issuances were used for debt reduction and working
capital. However, Interwest Group informed Internet Communications that it would
not continue to provide capital infusions because of Internet Communications's
financial condition at that time.
Additionally, Internet Communications recorded operating losses of
$3,807,000, $5,723,000 and $2,950,000 for the years ended December 31, 1999 and
1998, and the eleven months ended December 31, 1997, respectively. Additionally,
Internet Communications generated negative cash flow from operating activities
of continuing operations of $652,000 and $4,826,000 in 1999 and 1998,
respectively.
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STRATEGIC FIT
The business combination between RMI and Internet Communications brings
technical, sales, marketing, and operational capabilities to Internet
Communications that will make Internet Communications's network and voice
systems products more attractive and competitive in the marketplace.
o The absence of a strategic alliance, changing market
conditions and the rapid acceleration of technological
advances would put Internet Communications nearly 12 months
behind the market in the development of Web-based technologies
and e-commerce solutions. Following the merger, these
technologies and solutions will become immediately available
to Internet Communications.
o RMI's customer base provides sales opportunities for Internet
Communications's sales personnel because few of RMI's
customers, if any, have previously been provided network
management, maintenance or network analysis services.
o RMI's planned national ATM network will allow Internet
Communications's sales opportunities to be more competitive
due to a much lower cost structure.
o RMI's capabilities in the areas of Web hosting, design,
e-commerce, and application development offer additional
revenue opportunities for Internet Communications when
packaged together with Internet Communications's existing
products and services. In addition, these capabilities,
together with that of Internet Communications, will help
achieve Internet Communications's goal to be perceived as a
total communications solution.
o RMI's voice long distance business provides increased revenue
opportunities for Internet Communications's voice systems
division by packaging long distance with voice hardware
solutions.
o RMI's voice long distance business provides increased
acceptance as a complete voice solution when packaged with
Internet Communications's existing voice products and
services.
SHARE VALUE
o The lack of liquidity in the market for Internet
Communications's common stock and the related adverse
consequences for Internet Communications and you provided
Internet Communications with an additional reason to recommend
the merger. The following summarizes the average daily trading
volume of Internet Communications's common stock for each
quarter of 1999 and the first quarter of 2000:
Quarter ended March 31, 1999 17,628
Quarter ended June 30, 1999 28,048
Quarter ended September 30, 1999 9,514
Quarter ended December 31, 1999 181,683(1)
Quarter ended March 31, 2000 70,621
- ----------------------------
(1) On December 6, 1999 and December 7, 1999, Internet Communications's common
stock traded 7,146,700 shares and 1,454,800 shares, respectively. Internet
Communications issued a press release on December 3, 1999, which stated that
Internet Communications was utilizing digital subscriber lines in its wide area
networks. Internet Communications knows of no other reason for the unusually
high activity in the stock on these two days. Without that unusual activity, the
average daily trading volume was 51,763.
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o In addition to the lack of liquidity relating to its low
trading volume, Internet Communications disclosed in its
Annual Report on Form 10-K, that as of December 31, 1999,
Internet Communications no longer satisfied the consolidated
net tangible asset condition for continued listing on the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market. In a notice letter dated April 7,
2000, Nasdaq confirmed that Internet Communications no longer
satisfies that condition for continued listing on Nasdaq. In a
letter dated April 20, 2000, Internet Communications requested
a waiver of the continued listing requirements until September
13, 2000, based on the announced merger with RMI.
o Due to the size, geographic presence, and improved
capabilities of the combined enterprise, the merger will
provide potential long-term value to shareholders that could
exceed the value of Internet Communications as a stand-alone
entity.
o Internet Communications obtained the opinion of Neidiger,
Tucker, a reputable investment banking firm, that the merger
consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to the
shareholders of Internet Communications.
FUTURE OPERATIONS
o Network operating synergies resulting from the merger will
create reduced carrier costs for Internet Communications upon
completion of RMI's planned national ATM network development.
o RMI's carrier infrastructure in central office locations will
lower Internet Communications's costs in shared locations.
o RMI's national presence of technical personnel will lower
Internet Communications's maintenance support costs. Internet
Communications presently relies on various third-party venders
for maintenance support.
o Internet Communications will eliminate Internet connection
expenses by utilizing connections already in place within
RMI's existing infrastructure.
o Internet Communications will eliminate or reduce certain
public company expenses, including legal, audit, management
and printing expenses.
o The recent trend toward consolidation among telecommunications
and networking companies has created competitors that have
greater scope and scale than that of Internet Communications.
Many technical and sales employees favor these larger entities
because they believe these entities provide a more secure
environment. After the merger, Internet Communications will
become part of a larger enterprise. If Internet
Communications's employees believe that the business prospects
of the larger enterprise are more certain, they may be less
likely to seek alternative employment, which should result in
significantly reduced employee turnover. Also, employee
turnover should decrease because the larger enterprise will
provide an opportunity for employees that wish to choose
alternate career paths to do so, yet remain within the
combined company.
o The recent trend toward consolidation among telecommunications
and networking companies has created a market preference to
those vendors that are larger in size and have a larger
geographic scope than that of Internet Communications.
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND DETERMINED
THAT THEY ARE ADVISABLE AND FAIR TO YOU AND IN YOUR BEST INTERESTS. INTERNET
COMMUNICATIONS'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU APPROVE THE
MERGER AGREEMENT.
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OPINION OF NEIDIGER, TUCKER, BRUNER, INC.
On March 17, 2000, Neidiger, Tucker delivered its written opinion to
Internet Communications that, as of the date of the opinion, the merger
consideration to be received by you pursuant to the merger agreement was fair
from a financial point of view.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE WRITTEN OPINION OF NEIDIGER, TUCKER, WHICH SETS
FORTH THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW
UNDERTAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPINION, IS ATTACHED AS APPENDIX E TO THIS
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. YOU ARE
URGED TO, AND SHOULD, READ THE OPINION IN ITS ENTIRETY.
In connection with its opinion, Neidiger, Tucker reviewed, among other
things:
o the merger agreement;
o the form of certificate relating to the warrants to be issued
as part of the merger consideration;
o publicly available information relating to Internet
Communications and RMI, including Internet Communications's
and RMI's respective quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1999 and annual reports for the
year ended December 31, 1998;
o the financial condition of Internet Communications, including
its debt structure and bank line of credit;
o the past operating results of Internet Communications;
o certain additional financial statements and other financial
and operating data concerning Internet Communications
prepared internally by its senior management;
o certain financial forecasts and other forward looking
financial information prepared by the senior management of
Internet Communications; and
o the stock price and trading history of the common stock of
Internet Communications and RMI.
Neidiger, Tucker also held discussions with members of senior
management of Internet Communications and their financial and legal advisors
regarding Internet Communications's past and current business operations,
financial condition and future prospects, and made other studies and inquiries,
and took into account such other matters as it deemed relevant, including an
assessment of general economic, market and monetary conditions. Neidiger, Tucker
also compared the financial performance of Internet Communications and the
prices and trading activity of Internet Communications common stock to that of
certain other publicly traded companies comparable to Internet Communications. A
summary of the results of the comparison is set forth below.
Neidiger, Tucker relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of
the financial and other information reviewed by it and assumed such accuracy and
completeness for purposes of rendering its opinion. In addition, Neidiger,
Tucker did not make any independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and
liabilities of Internet Communications or any of its subsidiaries, and Neidiger,
Tucker was not furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. The opinion of
Neidiger, Tucker was provided for Internet Communications's information and
assistance in connection with Internet Communications's consideration of the
transaction contemplated by the merger agreement. Neidiger, Tucker's opinion
does not address the relative merits of the merger and the other business
strategies that the board of Internet Communications has considered or may be
considering, or the underlying
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business decision of the board of Internet Communications to proceed with the
merger. The opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how you should
vote with respect to the merger.
In rendering its opinion, Neidiger, Tucker considered the recent
liquidity problems experienced by Internet Communications, its history of
operating losses and its recent restructuring. Neidiger, Tucker also took into
consideration the various capital contributions made by Internet
Communications's majority shareholder and the significance of these
contributions to Internet Communications's ability to continue its operations.
Neidiger, Tucker also considered the results of its discussions with parties in
the telecommunications and information technologies industries regarding merging
and/or acquiring Internet Communications.
In its review and analysis, and in arriving at its opinion, Neidiger,
Tucker assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the
financial and other information provided to it (including information furnished
to it orally or otherwise discussed with it by the senior management of Internet
Communications) or publicly available and neither attempted to verify, nor
assumed responsibility for verifying, any such information. Neidiger, Tucker
relied upon the assurances of senior management of Internet Communications that
they were not aware of any facts that would make the information provided
inaccurate or misleading.
Neidiger, Tucker assumed that the financial forecasts and projections
(and assumptions and basis therefore) of Internet Communications provided for
Neidiger, Tucker's review:
o had been prepared in good faith on the basis of reasonable
assumptions;
o reflected the best available estimates and judgments as to the
future financial condition and performance of Internet
Communications; and
o would be realized in the amounts and in the time periods
estimated.
In addition, Neidiger, Tucker assumed that:
o the merger will be consummated upon the terms set forth in the
merger agreement without material alteration thereof; and
o the historical financial statements of Internet Communications
and RMI reviewed by it had been prepared and fairly presented
in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied.
Although developments following the date of the Neidiger, Tucker
opinion may affect the opinion, Neidiger, Tucker assumed no obligation to
update, revise or reaffirm its opinion. The Neidiger, Tucker opinion is
necessarily based upon market, economic and other conditions as in effect on,
and information made available to Neidiger, Tucker as of, the date of the
Neidiger, Tucker opinion. It should be understood that subsequent developments
may affect the conclusion expressed in the Neidiger, Tucker opinion, and that
Neidiger, Tucker disclaims any undertaking or obligation to advise any person of
any change in any matter affecting the opinion which may come or be brought to
its attention after the date of the opinion. The Neidiger, Tucker opinion is
limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date
thereof, of the merger consideration to the holders of Internet Communications
common stock.
Neidiger, Tucker does not express any opinion as to:
o the value of any employee agreement or other arrangement
entered into in connection with the merger; or
o any tax or other consequences that might result from the
merger.
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The following is a summary of certain of the financial and comparative
analyses that Neidiger, Tucker presented to Internet Communications's board of
directors on March 13, 2000, and which provided the basis for Neidiger, Tucker's
opinion.
Comparable Public Company Market Analysis. Neidiger, Tucker compared
the financial and market performance of Internet Communications with that of a
group of publicly traded communication solution providers. The purpose of the
comparable public company market analysis was to establish a range for the
potential equity value of Internet Communications. Neidiger, Tucker selected
this group of companies based on similarities to Internet Communications in
product and service offerings and target market as evidenced by total revenues
and market capitalization. Neidiger, Tucker examined certain publicly available
financial and operating data of such comparable companies, in particular:
o annualized revenues;
o market capitalization;
o sales per share; and
o price to sales ratios.
The analysis showed a range of annualized run-rate revenue for the
communication solution providers considered of $1.8 million to $294.1 million,
as compared to approximately $20.0 million for Internet Communications. The
average annualized run-rate revenues for the companies considered were $79.2
million. The approximate market capitalization for the companies considered
ranged from $51 million to $1.7 billion, as compared to approximately $23.3
million fully diluted for Internet Communications. The annualized revenue per
share for the companies considered ranged from $0.25 to $9.02, as compared to
approximately $3.08 per share fully diluted for Internet Communications. The
average annualized revenues per share for the companies considered were
approximately $2.45. The range of the ratio of price per share to revenue per
share was 2.3 to 106.2. The ratio of price per share to revenue per share for
Internet Communications was 0.89, based on the price per share being offered as
the merger consideration. The average ratio of price per share to revenue per
share for the companies considered was 22.83. Although Internet Communications's
price to revenue ratio, based on the price per share being offered as the merger
consideration, was substantially below the average of the companies considered,
Neidiger, Tucker believes that the merger consideration is fair based on
Internet Communications's lack of sustained profitability and positive cash
flow. Additionally, Internet Communications has been unable to demonstrate
continued growth in total revenue over the last three years. In fact, total
revenues have decreased substantially from fiscal 1997 through fiscal 1999.
While the foregoing summary describes certain analyses and factors that
Neidiger, Tucker deemed material to its presentation to the Internet
Communications board of directors, it is not a comprehensive description of all
analyses and factors considered by Neidiger, Tucker. The preparation of a
fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to
partial analysis or summary description. Selecting portions of the analyses or
of the summary set forth above, without considering the analyses as a whole,
could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying Neidiger, Tucker's
opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination, Neidiger, Tucker considered
the results of all such analyses. No company or transaction used in the above
analyses as a comparison is directly comparable to Internet Communications or
the contemplated transaction. The analyses were prepared solely for the purpose
of Neidiger, Tucker's providing its opinion to Internet Communications as to the
fairness from a financial point of view of the merger consideration to be
received by you pursuant to the merger agreement and do not purport to be
appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities
actually may be sold. Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are not
necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more
or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. Because such analyses are
inherently subject to uncertainty, being based upon numerous factors or events
beyond the control of the parties or their respective advisors, none of Internet
Communications, Neidiger, Tucker or any other person assumes responsibility if
future results are materially different from those forecast. As described above,
Neidiger, Tucker's opinion to Internet Communications was one of many factors
taken into consideration by Internet Communications in making
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its determination to approve the merger agreement. The foregoing summary does
not purport to be a complete description of the analysis performed by Neidiger,
Tucker and is qualified by reference to the written opinion of Neidiger, Tucker
set forth in Appendix E to this proxy statement/prospectus.
Neidiger, Tucker, as part of its investment banking business, is
regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive
bidding, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private
placements, and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. Internet
Communications selected Neidiger, Tucker as its financial advisor because it is
an investment banking firm that has substantial expertise in transactions
similar to the merger.
Neidiger, Tucker has provided certain investment banking services to
Internet Communications for which it has been paid fees, including acting as
co-managing underwriter for an offering of Internet Communications securities.
Neidiger, Tucker has also rendered investment banking services to RMI from time
to time. Neidiger, Tucker maintains a market in the shares of Internet
Communications common stock and RMI common stock in the ordinary course of its
business, Neidiger, Tucker may trade in Internet Communications and RMI's
securities for its own account and the account of its customers and,
accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in Internet
Communications and/or RMI's securities.
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated March 6, 2000, Internet
Communications engaged Neidiger, Tucker to render an opinion as to the fairness
from a financial point of view of the proposed merger agreement and the
consideration to be paid to you. In consideration for Neidiger, Tucker's
rendering of its opinion, Internet Communications paid Neidiger, Tucker a fee of
$50,000 upon the delivery of the opinion to Internet Communications, with an
additional $50,000 fee to be paid within three business days after consummation
of the merger. Internet Communications has also agreed to indemnify and hold
harmless Neidiger, Tucker and its affiliates and any director, employee or agent
of Neidiger, Tucker or any of its affiliates for certain losses, claims,
damages, expenses and liabilities relating to or arising out of services
provided by Neidiger, Tucker as financial advisor to Internet Communications,
unless caused by Neidiger, Tucker's bad faith or negligence. The terms of the
fee arrangement between Neidiger, Tucker and Internet Communications were
negotiated at arm's length, and the board of directors of Internet
Communications was informed of such fee arrangements.
EFFECTIVE TIME
The effective time of the merger will be the time of filing of Articles
of Merger relating to the merger with the Secretary of State of the State of
Colorado in accordance with the provisions of the Colorado Business Corporation
Act or as otherwise provided in such Articles of Merger. Subject to the
satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions set forth in the merger
agreement, the merger will be consummated on or before September 13, 2000
(subject to extension under certain circumstances, as provided in the merger
agreement). It is anticipated that the effective time of the merger will occur
during the third calendar quarter of 2000, although there can be no assurance of
such timing.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
In considering the recommendation of Internet Communications's board of
directors that you vote for the adoption of the merger agreement and approve the
transactions contemplated thereby, you should be aware that certain members of
the management of Internet Communications have certain interests in the merger
and the related transactions that differ from, and are in addition to, the
interests of Internet Communications's shareholders generally, and which may
present them with potential conflicts of interest. Internet Communications's
board of directors were aware of these interests and considered them, among
other matters, in approving and adopting the merger agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereby.
INTERWEST GROUP'S VOTING CONTROL OF INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS
As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, Interwest Group
holds approximately 67% of the voting power of Internet Communications and two
affiliates of Interwest Group are members of the Internet Communications board
of directors. Interwest Group has agreed to vote in favor of the merger and the
affirmative vote of Interwest Group is sufficient by itself to approve the
merger. Accordingly, Interwest Group may be subject to a conflict of interest as
a result of its position as the largest shareholder of Internet Communications
with affiliates on the Internet Communications's board of directors because its
interests with respect to the merger may differ from the interests of Internet
Communications shareholders as a whole.
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Thomas C. Galley has an employment agreement with Internet
Communications dated February 7, 2000. Among other things, the employment
agreement provides that, in addition to his annual compensation, Mr. Galley may
earn certain other additional compensation. First, if Mr. Galley continues to be
employed by Internet Communications for one year following the date of the
employment agreement, he will receive a bonus of $100,000. Second, if Mr. Galley
finds a candidate for the position of President/Chief Executive Officer of
Internet Communications and that candidate serves in such capacity for at least
60 days, then Mr. Galley will receive a bonus
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of $100,000. Finally, if Internet Communications is sold at a price of $2.50 or
more per share of Internet Communications common stock while Mr. Galley is
employed by Internet Communications, or if discussions regarding such a sale
begin while Mr. Galley is employed by Internet Communications, Mr. Galley is
involved in such discussions and thereafter such a sale is completed (regardless
of whether Mr. Galley is employed by Internet Communications at the time of the
sale), then Mr. Galley will receive a $400,000 bonus.
VESTING OF OPTIONS UNDER THE INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS'S STOCK OPTION PLANS
As a result of the merger, all unvested options outstanding under the
Internet Communications 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan and the 1995 Stock
Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors will become fully vested and exercisable.
Therefore, shareholders who hold options or warrants may be more inclined to
vote in favor of the merger in order to receive the benefit of this vesting.
REGULATORY MATTERS
The consummation of the merger is subject to antitrust review by the
United States Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. The
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, provides that certain
merger and acquisition transactions (including the merger) may not be
consummated until notifications and certain information have been provided to
the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission and certain waiting
periods have expired or been terminated. On _________, 2000, RMI received a
notification from the Federal Trade Commission of early termination of the
waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. At any time before or after the
consummation of the merger, the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade
Commission or another third party could seek to enjoin or rescind the merger on
antitrust grounds. In addition, at any time before or after the consummation of
the merger, and notwithstanding that the waiting period under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Act has expired or been terminated, any state could take
action under state antitrust laws with respect to the merger that it deems
necessary or desirable in the public interest.
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS
Under Colorado law, you have the right and are entitled to dissent from
the consummation of the merger and receive payment of the fair value of the
shares of Internet Communications common stock owned by you. In the event you
elect to exercise dissenters' rights, you must comply with the applicable
procedures set forth in Sections 7-113-201 through 7-113-209 of the Colorado
Business Corporation Act, as summarized below, in order to receive payment of
the fair value of any shares of Internet Communications common stock you own. A
copy of Title 7, Article 113 of the Colorado Business Corporation Act is set
forth in Appendix F to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
THE FOLLOWING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE PROCEDURES FOR DISSENTING
SHAREHOLDERS PRESCRIBED BY SECTIONS 7-113-101 THROUGH 7-113-302 OF THE COLORADO
BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE
FULL TEXT OF TITLE 7, ARTICLE 113 OF THE COLORADO BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT AS
SET FORTH IN APPENDIX F TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
Section 7-113-102 of the Colorado Business Corporation Act provides
that you, as a record or beneficial shareholder of Internet Communications, are
entitled to dissent from the merger and demand payment of the fair value of your
shares. In accordance with Section 7-113-202, in order to exercise dissenters'
rights, you must, prior to the taking of the vote of the shareholders on the
merger, deliver to Internet Communications written notice of your intent to
demand payment for your shares in the event the merger is approved and must not
vote your shares in favor of the merger. In accordance with Section 7-113-203,
within ten days after the merger is effected, Internet Communications must
deliver a written dissenter's notice to all shareholders who satisfy the
requirements of Section 7-113-202. The dissenter's notice must (a) state that
the merger was authorized, the effective date of the merger, the address at
which Internet Communications will receive payment demands and where stock
certificates will be deposited, (b) supply a form for demanding payment, which
form will request an address from the dissenting shareholder to which payment is
to be made, and (c) set the date by which Internet Communications must receive
the payment demand and stock certificates, which date will not be less than 30
days after the date the dissenter's notice was delivered. Furthermore, the
dissenter's notice may require that all beneficial shareholders, if any, certify
as to the
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assertion of dissenters' rights and be accompanied by Title 7, Article 113 of
the Colorado Business Corporation Act. Pursuant to Section 7-113-204 of the
Colorado Business Corporation Act, a shareholder receiving the dissenter's
notice must demand payment in writing and deposit such shareholder's stock
certificates in accordance with the terms of the dissenter's notice. Your demand
for payment and deposit of your stock certificates are irrevocable unless the
effective date of the merger occurs more than sixty days after the payment
demand date established by Internet Communications. If you do not comply with
Title 7, Article 113 of the Colorado Business Corporation Act, you will receive
the merger consideration provided in the merger agreement.
Upon the later of the effective date of the merger, or upon receipt of
a demand for payment by a dissenting shareholder, Internet Communications must
pay each dissenting shareholder who complies with Section 7-113-204 the amount
Internet Communications estimates to be the fair value of such shares, plus
accrued interest in accordance with Section 7-113-206. The payment must be
accompanied by (a) Internet Communications's balance sheet as of the fiscal year
ending not more than sixteen months before the date of payment, an income
statement for that year, a statement of change in shareholders' equity for that
year, and the latest available interim financial statement, (b) a statement of
Internet Communications's estimate of the fair value of the shares, (c) an
explanation by Internet Communications of how the interest was calculated, (d) a
statement of the dissenting shareholder's right to demand payment under Section
7-113-209, and (e) a copy of Title 7, Article 113 of the Colorado Business
Corporation Act. In the event that you are dissatisfied with Internet
Communications's payment or offer of payment, you may notify Internet
Communications in writing within 30 days after Internet Communications makes or
offers to pay each dissenting shareholder, of your own estimate of the fair
value of such shares and the amount of interest due, and demand payment of your
estimate, less any payment already made by Internet Communications under Section
7-113-206, or reject Internet Communications's offer under Section 7-113-208 and
demand payment for the fair value of the shares and interest due. You may effect
the foregoing if (a) you believe that the amount paid or offered is less than
the fair value of the shares or that the interest due is incorrectly calculated,
(b) Internet Communications has failed to make payment within 60 days after the
date set for demanding payment, or (c) Internet Communications does not return
the deposited stock certificates within the time specified by Section 7-113-207
of the Colorado Business Corporation Act. In the event a demand for payment
under Section 7-113-209 remains unresolved, Internet Communications may commence
a court proceeding to determine the fair value of the shares and accrued
interest within 60 days after receiving the payment demand from you pursuant to
Section 7-113-301. No assurance can be given that any court's determination of
the fair value of the shares will be greater than the merger consideration
provided in the merger agreement.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The merger will be accounted for by RMI as a purchase of a business.
Under this method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of Internet
Communications, including intangible assets, will be recorded at their fair
values. The results of operations and cash flows of Internet Communications will
be included in RMI's financial statements prospectively as of the consummation
of the merger.
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the merger
agreement, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A and incorporated into this
proxy statement/prospectus by reference. This summary is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the full text of the merger agreement. YOU ARE URGED TO
READ THE MERGER AGREEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY FOR A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE
MERGER.
MERGER CONSIDERATION
If the conditions to the merger are satisfied or waived, then, at the
effective time of the merger, Internet Acquisition Corporation, a wholly owned
subsidiary of RMI, will be merged with and into Internet Communications, with
Internet Communications continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly
owned subsidiary of RMI. Following the consummation of the merger, RMI intends
to change its name to Internet Communications Company, Inc.
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Upon the consummation of the merger and in accordance with the terms of
the merger agreement, except for (a) shares held in the treasury of Internet
Communications or owned by any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, all of which
will be canceled, and (b) shares held by persons who perfect dissenters' rights,
each issued and outstanding share of Internet Communications's common stock
outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will
automatically convert into the right to receive the number of shares of RMI
common stock determined by dividing $2.50 by the average of the daily closing
prices per share of RMI common stock on the Nasdaq National Market for the 15
consecutive trading days ending on the trading day that is one trading day prior
to the date of the closing of the merger and rounding the result to the nearest
one thousandth of a share. For purposes of determining the number of shares of
RMI common stock into which each issued and outstanding share of Internet
Communications common stock will be converted into the right to receive as
described in the preceding sentence, the share price of RMI common stock will be
deemed to have an upper limit and a lower limit. Specifically, if the average of
the daily closing prices per share of RMI's common stock on the Nasdaq National
Market for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day that is one
trading day prior to the date of the closing of the merger is (a) equal to or
greater than $12.89, then the average of the daily closing prices per share of
RMI's common stock will be fixed at $12.89, or (b) equal to or below $6.19, then
the average of the daily closing prices per share of RMI's common stock will be
fixed at $6.19. In the event the average of the daily closing prices per share
of RMI's common stock is equal to or below $6.19, either RMI or Internet
Communications may terminate the merger agreement. See "The Merger Agreement -
The Merger -- Termination; Effect of Termination." No fractional shares of RMI
common stock will be issued upon conversion of Internet Communications common
stock. Rather, each fractional share will automatically be converted into the
right to receive cash in lieu of such fractional share. All applicable
withholding taxes attributable to the cash payments or distributions made to the
holders in respect of such fractional shares will be deducted from the amounts
payable in respect of such fractional shares, and all such taxes will be
withheld from the proceeds received in respect of such fractional shares.
Interwest Group, which beneficially owns approximately 67% of the
voting power of Internet Communications's voting stock, has agreed with RMI to
vote in favor of the merger. Therefore, shareholder approval of the merger
agreement is assured. See "The Merger -- The Shareholder Agreement."
If you do not vote in favor of the merger agreement, and comply with
the provisions of the Colorado Business Corporation Act regarding the exercise
of your dissenters' rights, you will have the right to seek a determination and
payment of the fair value of your shares in lieu of the merger consideration
provided in the merger agreement (See "The Merger -- Rights of Dissenting
Shareholders").
Promptly after the effective time of the merger, RMI will cause
American Securities Transfer & Trust, Inc., as the exchange agent for the
merger, to mail a transmittal letter to each holder of record of shares of
Internet Communications's common stock. After receipt of a transmittal letter,
you should send your certificates formerly representing shares of Internet
Communications common stock to the exchange agent with the completed transmittal
letter. The exchange agent will then send you the certificates representing the
number of whole shares of RMI common stock you are entitled to receive, and cash
in lieu of any fractional share, as described above. Instructions specifying
other details of the exchange will accompany the transmittal letters.
YOU SHOULD NOT SEND IN YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A
TRANSMITTAL LETTER FROM AMERICAN SECURITIES TRANSFER & TRUST, INC.
TREATMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK
Immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, all issued and
outstanding shares of Internet Communications's preferred stock, plus any and
all accrued and unpaid dividends on such preferred stock, will be converted into
the right to receive a number of shares of Internet Communications common stock
in accordance with the terms of the Internet Communications preferred stock.
These newly-issued shares of Internet Communications common stock will
subsequently be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration. As
of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, 69,000 shares of Internet
Communications preferred stock are outstanding, all of which are held by
Interwest Group and will be converted into 2,875,974 shares of Internet
Communications common stock immediately prior to the closing of the merger.
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TREATMENT OF OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
Immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, all unexpired
and unexercised outstanding Internet Communications stock options and warrants
with an exercise price below $2.50 per share will immediately vest (if not
already vested) and be converted into the right to receive shares of Internet
Communications common stock in an amount equal to (a) the excess of $2.50 over
the exercise price per share of such option or warrant, multiplied by (b) the
number of shares of Internet Communications common stock that may be purchased
upon exercise of such option or warrant, divided by (c) $2.50. The shares of
Internet Communications common stock issuable upon the conversion will
thereafter immediately be converted into the right to receive the merger
consideration. All applicable withholding taxes attributable to the payments or
distributions made to the holders in respect of the stock options and warrants
will be deducted from the amounts payable in respect of the stock options and
warrants, and all such taxes will be withheld from the proceeds received in
respect of the conversion of the stock options and warrants. Any taxes withheld
will be withheld in the form of cancellation of shares of Internet
Communications common stock, valued at $2.50 per share, otherwise issuable upon
such conversion. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus there were
options to acquire 29,100 shares of Internet Communications common stock with an
exercise price below $2.50 per share outstanding that will be converted into the
right to receive approximately $75,000 worth of RMI common stock at the
effective time of the merger. All Internet Communications stock options and
warrants with an exercise price of $2.50 per share or greater will be cancelled
immediately prior to the closing of the merger.
TREATMENT OF THE INTERWEST GROUP LOAN
Immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, all outstanding
loans by Interwest Group to Internet Communications prior to the effective time
of the merger, plus all accrued and unpaid interest on such amounts, will be
automatically converted into the right to receive shares of Internet
Communications common stock in an amount equal to the quotient of the aggregate
outstanding amount of all the Interwest Group loans, including all accrued and
unpaid interest on those loans, divided by $2.50. The shares of Internet
Communications common stock issuable upon such conversion will immediately be
converted into the right to receive the merger consideration. As of the date of
this proxy statement/prospectus, Internet Communications has outstanding loans
and accrued interest from Interwest Group of approximately $3,580,000, which
will be converted into approximately 1,432,000 shares of Internet Communications
common stock immediately prior to the closing of the merger.
REGISTRATION OF SHARES
In connection with the merger, RMI was required to file a registration
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form S-4, which contains this
proxy statement/prospectus. The registration statement will cover (a) the
issuance and sale of the shares of RMI common stock and warrants issued to
Internet Communications's shareholders in the merger, (b) the RMI common stock
issuable upon exercise of the warrants, and (c) the resale by Interwest Group of
the shares of RMI common stock received by it in the merger. In addition, RMI
will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the
registration statement continuously for a period of the shorter of two years
after the effective time of the merger or the time at which Interwest Group has
sold all of its shares of RMI common stock. The shares issued in the merger and
the shares issued upon exercise of the warrants will be included in RMI's
listing on the Nasdaq National Market by RMI. The warrants will not be listed on
Nasdaq or any other exchange; therefore, it is possible that no trading market
will develop for the warrants.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The merger agreement contains various representations and warranties by
Internet Communications relating to, among other things, (a) organization,
standing and power, (b) capital structure - stock, derivative securities,
contractual obligations (relating to Internet Communications's securities) and
subsidiaries, (c) authority of Internet Communications to perform its
obligations under the merger agreement, (d) consents and approvals and
compliance with charter documents and laws, (e) Securities and Exchange
Commission documents and filings, (f) absence of certain changes or events, (g)
permits and compliance, (h) tax matters, (i) actions and proceedings, (j)
certain agreements - compensation agreements, contracts and enforceability of
such contracts, (k) ERISA, (l) no undisclosed material liabilities, (m) labor
matters, (n) intellectual property, (o) opinion of financial advisor, (p)
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required vote of Internet Communications's shareholders, (q) reorganization, (r)
environmental matters, (s) suppliers and distributors, (t) insurance, (u)
affiliate transactions, (v) title to and sufficiency of assets, (w) brokers, (x)
books and records, (y) bank accounts, and (z) litigation.
The merger agreement contains various representations and warranties by
RMI relating to, among other things, (a) organization, standing and power, (b)
capital structure - stock, derivative securities, contractual obligations
(relating to RMI's securities) and subsidiaries, (c) authority of RMI to perform
their obligations under the merger agreement, (d) consents and approvals and
compliance with charter documents and laws, (e) RMI common stock to be issued in
connection with the merger, (f) Securities and Exchange Commission documents and
filings, (g) absence of certain changes or events, (h) reorganization, (i)
permits and compliance, (j) tax matters, (k) actions and proceedings, (l)
liabilities, (m) intellectual property, (n) environmental matters, (o) suppliers
and distributors, (p) insurance, (q) affiliate transactions, and (r) brokers.
COVENANTS
Internet Communications has agreed that, until the effective time of
the merger, except as contemplated by the merger agreement, it will conduct its
business in the ordinary course as currently conducted, and use commercially
reasonable efforts to (a) preserve its business organization intact, (b) keep
available to RMI the services of its present officers and key employees, and (c)
preserve for the benefit of RMI its relationships with customers, suppliers and
others having business relations with it.
Internet Communications has also agreed that, except as otherwise
provided in the merger agreement, it will not, without the prior written consent
of RMI, permit Internet Communications or any of its subsidiaries to (a) amend
its organizational documents, (b) authorize, issue, sell, deliver or agree or
commit to do any of the foregoing with respect to any stock or other securities
or equity equivalents, except with respect to stock options of Internet
Communications outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement, or amend the
terms of any such securities agreements, (c) split, combine or reclassify any
shares of its capital stock, declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other
distribution in respect of capital stock, or redeem or otherwise acquire any of
the securities of Internet Communications or its subsidiaries, (d) acquire or
agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing a
substantial portion of the assets of or equity in, any other business or entity
or otherwise agree to acquire any assets for an amount exceeding $25,000 in the
aggregate, (e) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of, or agree to sell, lease or
otherwise dispose of, any of its assets exceeding $25,000 in the aggregate, (f)
except for the loans funded by Interwest Group, incur any indebtedness for
borrowed money, guarantee any such indebtedness, incur, assume, guarantee,
endorse, or prepay any material indebtedness (directly or indirectly), or make
any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or other investments in, any
other person, other than in amounts not to exceed $25,000 in the aggregate, (g)
except for conversion of the outstanding shares of Internet Communications's
preferred stock and repayment of the loans from Interwest Group, alter the
corporate structure or ownership of Internet Communications or any of its
subsidiaries, (h) enter into or adopt any, or amend any existing, severance
plan, agreement or arrangement or enter into or amend any Internet
Communications stock option or other similar plan, oral or written employment
agreement of any kind individually equal to or in excess of $80,000 annually, or
any consulting agreement in any amount, (i) increase the aggregate compensation
payable or to become payable to its directors, officers or employees by more
than 104.2% of the current cumulative annualized compensation levels; (j) grant
any severance or termination pay to any director or officer of Internet
Communications or any of its subsidiaries, or establish, adopt, enter into, or,
except as may be required to comply with applicable law, amend in any material
respect any rights or benefits under, any labor, collective bargaining, bonus,
profit sharing, compensation, stock option, pension or other plan, trust, fund,
policy or arrangement for the benefit of any director, officer or employee, (k)
knowingly violate or knowingly fail to perform any material obligation or duty
imposed upon it or any of its subsidiaries by any applicable federal, state or
local law, rule or regulation, (l) make any change to accounting policies or
procedures of Internet Communications, (m) prepare or file, or take any position
or make any election with respect to, any material tax return inconsistent with
its past practice, (n) make or rescind any express or deemed material election
relating to taxes or change any of its methods of reporting income or deductions
for tax purposes, (o) commence any litigation or proceeding with respect to any
material tax liability or settle or compromise any material tax liability or
commence any other litigation or proceedings or settle or compromise any other
material claims or litigation, (p) except for annual expenditures reasonably
expected to be less than $25,000 in the aggregate, enter into, renew, terminate
or amend any agreement or contract material to Internet Communications and its
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subsidiaries, or purchase any real property or make or agree to make any new
capital expenditures which in the aggregate exceed $25,000, (q) pay, discharge
or satisfy any claims, liabilities or obligations, other than in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice or in accordance with their
terms, or liabilities reflected or reserved against in the most recent financial
statements (or the notes thereto) of Internet Communications included in
Internet Communications's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission
documents, (r) permit any insurance policy naming Internet Communications or any
subsidiary of Internet Communications as a beneficiary or a loss payee to be
cancelled or terminated, (s) enter into any contract, authorize, recommend,
propose or announce an intention to do any of the foregoing, or (t) make any
individual expenditure in excess of $25,000 other than by issuance of a check
requiring the signature of a designated RMI observer of Internet Communications.
NO SOLICITATION
Internet Communications has agreed, prior to the effective time of the
merger, that it will not, and will not authorize or permit any of its
subsidiaries or any of its or its subsidiaries' directors, officers, employees,
agents or representatives to, with any party other than RMI, solicit or initiate
any inquiries or the making of any proposals with respect to any
recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other business combination involving
Internet Communications, or the acquisition of the outstanding capital stock of
Internet Communications (other than upon exercise of options or warrants which
are outstanding as of the date of the merger agreement) or any subsidiary of
Internet Communications or the acquisition of any substantial portion of the
assets of Internet Communications and its subsidiaries, or provide any
non-public information to any party other than RMI in connection with the
foregoing.
Internet Communications has further agreed that it will not, and will
not authorize or permit any of its subsidiaries or any of its or its
subsidiaries directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives to
negotiate or otherwise engage in discussions with any person, other than RMI or
its respective directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives, with
respect to a proposal described in the first paragraph of this section or enter
into any agreement, arrangement or understanding requiring it to abandon,
terminate or fail to consummate the merger or any other transactions
contemplated by the merger agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the merger agreement does not prohibit
Internet Communications from furnishing non-public information to, entering into
discussions with, or recommending a transaction with respect to, any person who
(a) delivers a bona fide written proposal for a transaction described in the
first paragraph of this section which was not solicited or initiated by Internet
Communications, directly or indirectly, after the date of the merger agreement
and (b) enters into an appropriate confidentiality agreement with Internet
Communications (which agreement will be no less favorable to Internet
Communications than the confidentiality agreement between RMI and Internet
Communications), if, but only if, the board of directors of Internet
Communications determines in good faith by a majority vote that such proposal
could reasonably be expected to lead to a transaction which the board of
directors of Internet Communications reasonably determines, in the exercise of
its fiduciary duty, based on the written advice of its outside legal counsel, is
more favorable to Internet Communications and its shareholders than the merger;
provided further, that nothing in the merger agreement prevents Internet
Communications from complying with the provisions of Rule 14e-2 of the Exchange
Act of 1934 with respect to any proposal described in the first paragraph of
this section.
Internet Communications has agreed that, prior to accepting any
proposal described in the first paragraph of this section and terminating the
merger agreement, it will (a) provide RMI two business days' written notice that
it intends to terminate the merger agreement, (b) identify the transaction to be
accepted in lieu of the merger agreement, (c) deliver to RMI an accurate
description of all material terms of such transaction to be entered into and (d)
on the date of termination, deliver to RMI a written notice of termination of
the merger agreement.
CONDITIONS
The obligations of each party to consummate the merger are subject to
the satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver, of the following conditions: (a)
the approval of the merger agreement by the shareholders of Internet
Communications in accordance with Colorado law and Internet Communications's
charter documents, (b) the RMI common stock issuable in the merger and not
previously listed will have been authorized for listing on the Nasdaq National
Market, subject to official notice of issuance, (c) the waiting period (and any
extension thereof) applicable
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to the consummation of the merger under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act will have
expired or been terminated, (d) all authorizations, consents, orders,
declarations or approvals of, or filings with, or terminations or expirations of
waiting periods imposed by any governmental entity or any other third party,
will have been obtained, will have been made or will have occurred, (e) the
registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part will
have become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act,
no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement will
have been issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission and no proceedings
for that purpose will have been initiated or threatened by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and all necessary state securities or blue sky
authorizations will have been received, and (f) the absence of any injunction or
legal restraint prohibiting the merger.
The obligation of RMI to consummate the merger is subject to the
satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver, of the following conditions: (a)
Internet Communications and Interwest Group will have performed in all material
respects each of its covenants and agreements contained in the merger agreement,
(b) the representations and warranties of Internet Communications and Interwest
Group will be true in all material respects as of the closing date of the
merger, and RMI will have received a certificate signed on behalf of Internet
Communications by one of its officers to such effect, (c) Internet
Communications will have obtained the consent or approval of each person or
governmental entity whose consent or approval will be required in connection
with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement under any loan or
credit agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement or
instrument and, in obtaining any approval or consent required to consummate any
of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, no such governmental
entity will have imposed or will have sought to impose any condition, penalty or
requirement, (d) RMI will have received the written agreements relating to Rule
145 under the Securities Act from certain affiliates of Internet Communications,
(e) there will have been no material adverse change with respect to Internet
Communications since the date of the merger agreement, and RMI will have
received a certificate signed on behalf of Internet Communications by one of its
officers to such effect, (f) all preferred stock, warrants, options or other
securities convertible into capital stock of Internet Communications will either
have been converted into shares of Internet Communications common stock or will
have been otherwise cancelled, (g) all of the directors of Internet
Communications and its subsidiaries and any officers thereof designated by RMI
will have tendered their resignation in form and substance satisfactory to RMI,
(h) at the closing of the merger, Internet Communications will not be obligated
under any undisclosed volume purchase commitments or minimum traffic volume
commitments pursuant to any carrier agreements binding Internet Communications,
(i) at the closing of the merger, Internet Communications will not be obligated
under any balloon or other extraordinary payments due or payable (or paid) by
Internet Communications or RMI as severance, change-of-control or other
"parachute" provisions, and (j) as of the effective time of the merger, RMI will
have confirmed that the holders of shares representing no more than 200,000
shares of outstanding Internet Communications common stock have provided notice
of their intent to exercise dissenters' rights under the Colorado Business
Corporation Act.
The obligations of Internet Communications are subject to the
satisfaction or, if permissible, waiver, of the following conditions: (a) RMI
and Internet Acquisition Corporation will have performed in all material
respects each of its covenants and agreements contained in the merger agreement,
(b) the representations and warranties of RMI and Internet Acquisition will be
true in all material respects as of the closing date of the merger, and Internet
Communications will have received a certificate signed on behalf of each of RMI
and Internet Acquisition by one of its officers to such effect, (c) there will
have been no material adverse change with respect to RMI since the date of the
merger agreement, and Internet Communications will have received a certificate
signed on behalf of RMI to such effect, (d) each of RMI and Internet Acquisition
Corporation will have obtained the consent or approval of each person or
governmental entity whose consent or approval will be required in connection
with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement under any loan or
credit agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement or
instrument and, in obtaining any approval or consent required to consummate any
of the transactions contemplated the merger agreement, no governmental entity
will have imposed or will have sought to impose any condition, penalty or
requirement, (e) the fairness opinion of Neidiger, Tucker will not have been
adversely modified or withdrawn prior to the effective time of the merger, and
(f) at the closing of the merger, each Internet Communications shareholders,
other than Interwest Group or any director of Internet Communications, will
receive from RMI a warrant to purchase one share of RMI common stock for each
share of Internet Communications common stock held by such Internet
Communications shareholder.
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TERMINATION; EFFECT OF TERMINATION
The merger agreement may be terminated by either Internet
Communications or RMI if (a) Internet Communications and RMI mutually consent to
such termination, (b) the merger is not consummated by September 13, 2000, or
(c) if the average of the daily closing prices per share of RMI common stock on
the Nasdaq National Market for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on the
trading day that is one trading day prior to the date of the closing of the
merger is below $6.19.
The merger agreement may be terminated by RMI if (a) Internet
Communications or Interwest Group fail to comply in any material respect with
any of the covenants or agreements contained in the merger agreement, which
failure is not cured within the appropriate time period, (b) Internet
Communications or Interwest Group breach any representation or warranty that
gives rise to a failure of the fulfillment of a condition of RMI's obligations
to consummate the merger, (c) Internet Communications's shareholders do not
approve the merger or more than 200,000 Internet Communications voting shares
exercise dissenters' rights, or (d) the board of directors of Internet
Communications fails to approve or recommend that the shareholders of Internet
Communications approve the merger, and (e) the board of directors of Internet
Communications approves and recommends an alternative transaction to the merger,
or (f) a tender offer or exchange offer for 20% or more of the outstanding
capital stock of Internet Communications is commenced by a third party that is
not an affiliate of RMI, and the board of directors of Internet Communications
fails to recommend against acceptance of such tender offer or exchange offer by
its shareholders.
The merger agreement may be terminated by Internet Communications if
(a) RMI or Internet Acquisition Corporation fail to comply in any material
respect with any of the covenants or agreements contained in the merger
agreement, which failure is not cured within the appropriate time period, (b)
RMI or Internet Acquisition Corporation breach any representation or warranty
that gives rise to a failure of the fulfillment of a condition of Internet
Communications's obligations to consummate the merger, or (c) prior to
shareholder approval, the board of directors of Internet Communications
determines in good faith that an unsolicited third party takeover proposal would
be more favorable to the shareholders.
If the merger agreement is terminated for any reason described above,
the merger agreement will become void and of no further force and effect, except
with respect to the agreement between the parties to maintain in confidence the
confidential information of the other parties and to pay the appropriate fees of
the respective parties, and except that each of the parties will retain all
rights that it may have for willful breach of the merger agreement.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
You should be aware that this discussion does not deal with all federal
income tax considerations that may be relevant to particular shareholders of
Internet Communications in light of their particular circumstances, such as
dealers in securities, banks, insurance companies, tax exempt organizations,
foreign persons, persons who acquired their shares in connection with warrants,
stock options or stock purchase plans or in other compensatory transactions, and
persons who do not hold their Internet Communications common stock as capital
assets. In addition, the following discussion is based on current legal
authorities as of the date hereof, and no assurance can be given that further
legislation, regulations, administrative pronouncements or court decisions will
not significantly change the law and materially affect the discussion contained
herein. Further, the following discussion does not address the tax consequences
of the merger under foreign, state or local tax laws. Finally, the following
discussion also does not address the tax consequences of transactions
effectuated prior or subsequent to or concurrently with the merger (whether or
not such transactions are in connection with the merger), including without
limitation, transactions in which Internet Communications common stock is
acquired or sold, shares of RMI common stock are disposed of, or transactions in
which Internet Communications common stock is sold after the date of the merger
agreement and prior to the effective time of the merger.
ACCORDINGLY, YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING THE APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL
AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE MERGER IN YOUR PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES.
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Subject to the limitations and qualifications referred to herein, qualification
of the merger as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, will result in the following federal
income tax consequences:
o No gain or loss will be recognized by you upon your receipt of RMI
common stock and warrants to purchase RMI common stock solely in
exchange for your shares of Internet Communications common stock
pursuant to the merger (except to the extent of gain or loss
recognized as a result of cash received in lieu of a fractional
share of RMI common stock).
o The aggregate tax basis of the RMI common stock and warrants
received by you in the merger will be the same as the aggregate tax
basis of Internet Communications common stock surrendered in
exchange therefor less the tax basis, if any, allocated to
fractional share interests. This aggregate tax basis will be
allocated between the RMI common stock received by you and the
warrants received by you in proportion to their fair market values.
o The holding period of the RMI common stock received in the merger
will include the period for which Internet Communications common
stock surrendered in exchange therefor was held, provided that
Internet Communications common stock is held as a capital asset at
the time of the merger. The holding period of the warrants received
in the merger will include the period for which Internet
Communications common stock surrendered in exchange therefor was
held provided that Internet Communications common stock is held as a
capital asset at the time of the merger. However, the holding period
for any stock acquired at the exercise date will not include any
part of the period for which either the exercised warrants or the
Internet Communications common stock surrendered in exchange for the
exercised warrants were held.
o If you receive cash in lieu of a fractional share of RMI common
stock, you will be treated as if such fractional share of RMI common
stock had been issued in the merger and then redeemed by RMI. Upon
receiving such cash, you will generally recognize gain or loss upon
such payment, equal to the difference (if any) between the amount of
cash received and your basis in the fractional share.
o Neither RMI nor Internet Communications will recognize material
amounts of gain solely as a result of the merger.
No ruling has been or will be obtained from the Internal Revenue
Service in connection with the merger. A successful challenge to the
reorganization status of the merger would result in the shareholders of Internet
Communications recognizing taxable gain or loss, as of the effective time of the
merger, with respect to each share of Internet Communications common stock
surrendered equal to the difference between the shareholder's basis in such
share and the fair market value, as of the effective time of the merger, of the
RMI common stock received in exchange therefor. In such event, your aggregate
basis in the RMI common stock so received would equal its fair market value and
the holding period for such stock would begin the day after the effective time
of the merger.
THE WARRANT AGREEMENT AND THE WARRANTS
In addition to receiving shares of RMI common stock in the merger, the
shareholders of Internet Communications (excluding shareholders who have
perfected their dissenters' rights, Interwest Group and the directors of
Internet Communications), will be entitled to receive a warrant to purchase one
share of RMI common stock in exchange for each share of Internet Communications
common stock held by such shareholders. The warrants will be issued pursuant to
a warrant agreement between RMI and American Securities Transfer & Trust, Inc.
The warrants will have an exercise price of $11.50 per share and will
be exercisable for a period beginning 30 days after the closing of the merger
and continuing until two years after the closing of the merger. The exercise
price of the warrants and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of a
warrant will be adjusted in the event of a
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stock dividend, subdivision or combination of stock, the issuances of stock,
warrants or convertible securities for less than the fair market value at the
time of the transaction and the repurchase of stock, warrants or convertible
securities for more than the fair market value at the time of the transaction.
Fair market value is calculated as the average of the closing bid prices for the
five consecutive trading days prior to the transaction.
In the event of an adjustment, the exercise price of the warrant will
be changed to a price determined by multiplying the exercise price by a
fraction, the numerator of which will be the sum of (a) the number of shares of
RMI common stock outstanding immediately prior to the transaction and (b) the
number of shares of RMI common stock which the aggregate consideration received
for the issuance of such additional shares in the transaction would purchase at
the current market price per share of RMI common stock, and the denominator of
which will be the number of shares of RMI common stock outstanding immediately
after the transaction.
The number of shares issuable upon exercise of a warrant will also be
adjusted. The total number of shares of RMI common stock purchasable upon the
exercise of the warrant will be the number of shares purchasable at the exercise
price immediately before the adjustment multiplied by a fraction, the numerator
of which will be the exercise price in effect immediately prior to the
adjustment and the denominator of which will be the exercise price in effect
immediately after the adjustment.
If RMI common stock trades above $13.00 per share for at least five
consecutive trading days, RMI may elect to cancel the warrants at any time prior
to their expiration. If RMI elects to cancel the warrants, RMI must provide
written notice to each warrant holder. The notice will advise holders that
unless exercised, their warrants will terminate 30 days from the date of such
notice.
In the event of any consolidation or merger of RMI with another
company, other than a merger that does not result in reclassification,
conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of RMI common stock,
or any sale or transfer of substantially all assets, warrant holders have the
right to exercise their warrants to receive the same kind and amount of
consideration that they would have been entitled to if they had exercised their
warrants prior to the consolidation or merger transaction.
The terms of the warrants may be modified with the agreement of RMI and
holders of at least 50% of the warrants then outstanding. However, no change in
the number or nature of securities purchasable, exercise price or expiration
date can be made without written consent of each holder so affected.
The form of warrant agreement is attached as Appendix B to this proxy
statement/prospectus. You are urged to read it in its entirety.
THE SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT
Concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement and as a
condition to RMI entering into the merger agreement, Interwest Group entered
into a shareholder agreement with RMI and Internet Communications. The
shareholder agreement requires that, until the closing of the merger or the
termination of the merger agreement, Interwest Group must vote all of the voting
stock of Internet Communications owned beneficially by it (a) in favor of the
merger and for each of the other actions contemplated by the merger agreement,
(b) against any action or agreement that would result in a breach in any
material respect of any representation, warranty or covenant of Internet
Communications in the merger agreement and (c) against any action or agreement
that would impede, interfere with, delay, postpone, attempt to discourage the
merger or otherwise materially adversely affect the merger, including, without
limitation, any action or agreement with respect to an acquisition proposal with
any person other than RMI.
The shareholder agreement also provides that, during the term of the
agreement, Interwest Group will not, and will not authorize or permit any of its
directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives to (a) solicit or
initiate, or furnish or disclose non-public information in furtherance of any
inquiries or the making of any proposal for an acquisition of Internet
Communications, (b) negotiate or otherwise engage in discussion with any person
other than RMI with respect to any proposed acquisition of Internet
Communications, or (c) enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding
requiring Interwest Group to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the
merger.
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Interwest Group may not sell or grant proxies with respect to any shares of
Internet Communications voting stock it beneficially owns.
If the merger agreement is terminated or the merger does not close for
any reason (other than termination of the merger agreement by Internet
Communications because of a material breach by RMI or because the average of the
daily closing prices per share of the RMI common stock on the Nasdaq National
Market for the 15 consecutive trading days ending on the day prior to the
closing date of the merger is below $6.19, or termination of the merger
agreement by RMI), and Internet Communications completes an acquisition with a
different entity within a year after the termination date, then Interwest Group
will be obligated to pay to RMI (a) the excess of the consideration it receives
in that transaction over the consideration it would have received if the merger
had closed, plus (b) one dollar per share of Internet Communications voting
stock held by Interwest Group prior to the acquisition. Also, if the merger
agreement is terminated or the merger does not close because of a material
breach by RMI and Internet Communications completes an acquisition by a
different entity within six months of the termination date, Interwest Group will
be obligated to pay RMI the amount described in the preceding sentence.
The shareholder agreement also provides that after the merger closes,
Interwest Group will vote all RMI common stock beneficially owned by it as
directed by a majority of RMI's board of directors. Interwest Group may not sell
any RMI shares that it receives in the merger for one year following the closing
of the merger, except that it may sell up to 300,000 shares under specified
conditions related to increases in the market price of RMI's common stock.
RMI has agreed to maintain the effectiveness of the registration
statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus is a part until the earlier
of (a) two years from the closing of the merger or (b) until Interwest Group no
longer owns any of the RMI shares acquired in the merger. RMI has also agreed to
provide Interwest Group with "piggy-back" registration rights for these shares
commencing two years after the closing of the merger.
THE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
Concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement and as a
condition to RMI entering into the merger agreement, RMI and Internet
Communications entered into an exchange agreement. If the merger agreement is
terminated, subject to the exceptions discussed below, Internet Communications
will deliver to RMI 1,152,760 shares, representing 19.9% of Internet
Communications's outstanding common stock on March 17, 2000, to RMI, and RMI
will deliver 368,747 shares of RMI common stock, representing the dollar value
of 19.9% of Internet Communications's outstanding common stock on March 17,
2000, to Internet Communications.
The exchange of shares contemplated by the exchange agreement may
discourage third parties who are interested in acquiring a significant stake in
Internet Communications and is intended by RMI to increase the likelihood that
the merger will be completed.
The share exchange will not take place if:
o The merger is consummated.
o The merger agreement is terminated, and both RMI and Internet
Communications agree not to proceed with the exchange.
o The merger agreement is terminated, and Internet Communications, in
its sole discretion, elects not to proceed with the exchange.
o Internet Communications terminates the merger agreement for any
reason other than because of a material uncured breach of the merger
agreement by RMI or because the closing share price of RMI common
stock is below $6.19.
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o RMI terminates the merger agreement because of an uncured default by
Internet Communications with respect to the limitations on its
conduct of its business specified in the merger agreement that would
give rise to a financial effect on Internet Communications in excess
of $375,000 or would be commercially reasonable for Internet
Communications to cure.
Each party to the exchange agreement has granted a proxy in favor of
the board of directors of the other party to vote the shares received under the
exchange agreement until transferred to an unaffiliated third party.
Internet Communications and RMI are subject to certain resale
restrictions with respect to the shares received in the share exchange. During
the first year following the date of the share exchange and provided that
certain market and sale price conditions are satisfied, Internet Communications
may sell up to a maximum of 300,000 shares of RMI, or 81% of its RMI shares.
Similarly, RMI may sell up to a maximum of 937,846 shares, or 81% of its
Internet Communications shares, subject to certain market and sale price
conditions. Internet Communications and RMI have agreed to grant registration
rights for the resale by the other party of shares received in the share
exchange.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SELECTIVE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information presented below has been derived from the unaudited or audited
historical financial statements of RMI and Internet Communications and reflects
the present estimate of pro forma adjustments, including a preliminary estimate
of the purchase price allocations, which ultimately may be different.
The acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. Accordingly, the purchase price will be allocated to assets acquired
and liabilities assumed, recorded at their estimated relative fair values, which
will be subject to adjustment based upon appraisals and other analysis.
Under the terms of the agreement, subject to certain conditions, RMI
agreed to issue a certain number of shares of RMI's common stock to Internet
Communications' shareholders. The number of shares issued by RMI is subject to a
collar that ranges from a maximum RMI share price of $12.89 and a minimum RMI
share price of $6.19. The total number of shares issued may range between 2.1
million and 4.4 million. Because RMI's common stock is currently trading below
$6.19 per share, RMI used the minimum share price of $6.19 to calculate the
number of shares issued. The final share price and the number of shares issued
ultimately may be different. In addition, in order to determine the total number
of shares issued, only Internet Communications options and warrants with an
exercise price below $2.50 have been considered. Internet Communications has
additional options and warrants with an exercise price above $2.50 that will
expire unexercised at the closing of the acquisition.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1999 and the three months ended March 31, 2000 give
effect to the acquisition as if it had been consummated at January 1, 1999.
These pro forma statements of operations combine the historical consolidated
statements of operations for the periods reported for RMI and Internet
Communications.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of March
31, 2000 gives effect to the acquisition as if it had been consummated on that
date. The pro forma balance sheet combines the historical consolidated balance
sheets at that date for RMI and Internet Communications.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements may not
be indicative of the results that actually would have occurred if the
transaction described above had been completed and in effect for the periods
indicated or the results that may be obtained in the future. The unaudited pro
forma condensed combined financial data presented below should be read in
conjunction with the audited historical financial statements and related notes
thereto of RMI and Internet Communications.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF MARCH 31, 2000
Historical
Internet Pro Forma Pro Forma Pro Forma
RMI.NET, Inc. Communications Subtotal Adjustments(A) Combined
------------- -------------- --------- -------------- ---------
(Dollars in Thousands)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,256 $ 279 3,535 $ -- $ 3,535
Trade receivables less
allowance for doubtful accounts 4,847 3,475 8,322 -- 8,322
Prepaid expenses and other 946 2,930 3,876 -- 3,876
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Current Assets 9,049 6,684 15,733 -- 15,733
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 10,111 946 11,057 -- 11,057
Goodwill, net 41,599 746 42,345 21,688(1) 64,033
Other assets, net 4,593 438 5,031 -- 5,031
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Assets $ 65,352 $ 8,814 $ 74,166 $ 21,688 $ 95,854
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $ 2,239 $ 2,290 $ 4,529 $ -- $ 4,529
Current maturities of
long term debt and
capital lease obligations 1,869 3,556 5,425 (3,500)(4) 1,925
Deferred revenue 2,362 663 3,025 -- 3,025
Accrued expenses and other 5,313 1,043 6,356 -- 6,356
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Current Liabilities 11,783 7,552 19,335 (3,500) 15,835
LONG-TERM DEBT AND
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS 1,906 14 1,920 -- 1,920
DEFERRED REVENUE -- 111 111 -- 111
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Liabilities 13,689 7,677 21,366 (3,500) 17,866
--
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, Series A -- 5,000 5,000 (5,000)(5) --
Preferred stock, Series B -- 1,816 1,816 (1,816)(5) --
Common stock 21 15,409 15,430 -- 25
3,500(4)
6,816(5)
268(6)
4(1)
(25,993)(2)
Additional paid in capital 101,713 101,713 26,321(1)(3) 128,034
Dividends payable -- 268 268 (268)(6) --
Accumulated deficit (49,988) (21,356) (71,344) 21,356(2) (49,988)
Unearned compensation (83) -- (83) -- (83)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
51,663 1,137 52,800 25,188 77,988
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 65,352 $ 8,814 $ 74,166 $ 21,688 $ 95,854
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000
Historical
Internet Pro Forma Pro Forma Pro Forma
RMI.NET, Inc. Communications Subtotal Adjustments(A) Combined
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(Amount in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Revenue:
Communication Services $ 10,243 $ -- $ 10,243 $ -- $ 10,243
Web Solutions 2,144 -- 2,144 -- 2,144
Network Integration -- 3,023 3,023 -- 3,023
Network Services -- 2,569 2,569 -- 2,569
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
12,387 5,592 17,979 -- 17,979
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Costs and expenses:
Operating expenses 7,832 4,496 12,328 -- 12,328
Selling expenses 1,579 711 2,290 -- 2,290
General and administrative expenses 6,549 1,154 7,703 -- 7,703
Depreciation and amortization 3,853 212 4,065 1,084(7) 5,149
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total costs and expenses 19,813 6,573 26,386 1,084 27,470
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Operating loss (7,426) (981) (8,407) (1,084) (9,491)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (64) (95) (159) 65(8) (94)
Interest Income 75 -- 75 -- 75
Other income (expense), net 11 -- 11 -- 11
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
22 (95) (73) 65 (8)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss (7,404) (1,076) (8,480) (1,019) (9,499)
Preferred stock dividends -- 124 124 (124)(9) --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss applicable to common Stockholders $ (7,404) $ (1,200) $ (8,604) $ (895) $ (9,499)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Loss per share to Common Stockholders:
Weighted average number of common shares (5,788)
outstanding(10) 21,019 5,788 4,075 25,094
============ ============ ============ ============
Basic and Diluted loss per share(10) $ (0.35) $ (0.21) $ (0.38)
============ ============ ============
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
Historical
Internet Pro Forma Pro Forma Pro Forma
RMI.NET, Inc. Communications Subtotal Adjustments(A) Combined
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------- ------------
(Amount in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Revenue:
Communication Services $ 25,864 $ -- $ 25,864 $ -- $ 25,864
Web Solutions 4,258 -- 4,258 -- 4,258
Network Integration -- 12,575 12,575 -- 12,575
Network Services -- 11,875 11,875 -- 11,875
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
30,122 24,450 54,572 -- 54,572
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Costs and expenses:
Operating expenses 17,816 18,798 36,614 -- 36,614
Selling expenses 6,005 3,367 9,372 -- 9,372
General and administrative expenses 21,995 5,131 27,126 -- 27,126
Depreciation and amortization 8,852 961 9,813 4,338(7) 14,151
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total costs and expenses 54,668 28,257 82,925 4,338 87,263
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Operating loss (24,546) (3,807) (28,353) (4,338) (32,691)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (542) (258) (800) 262(8) (538)
Interest Income 174 -- 174 -- 174
Other income (expense), net (14) -- (14) -- (14)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(382) (258) (640) 262 (378)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss from continuing operations (24,928) (4,065) (28,993) (4,076) (33,069)
Preferred stock dividends 207 412 619 (412)(9) 207
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss from continuing operations
applicable to common stockholders $ (25,135) $ (4,477) $ (29,612) $ (3,664) $ (33,276)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Loss per share from continuing operations
to common stockholders:
Weighted average number of common shares (5,647)
outstanding(10) 13,736 5,647 4,075 17,811
============ ============ ============ ============
Basic and Diluted loss per share(10) $ (1.83) $ (0.79) $ (1.87)
============ ============ ============
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NOTES TO THE PRO FORMA CONDENSED
COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
(unaudited)
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet
is presented as of March 31, 2000. The accompanying unaudited pro forma
condensed combined statement of operations is presented for the year ended
December 31, 1999 and the three months ended March 31, 2000.
(A) Pro Forma Adjustments: The following pro forma adjustments have been
made to the unaudited condensed combined balance sheet as of March 31,
2000 and the unaudited condensed combined statements of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1999 and the three months ended March 31,
2000.
(1) To reflect the issuance of 4,075,000 shares of RMI common
stock, valued at $26.3 million, in connection with the
acquisition of Internet Communications. Of the $26.3 million
purchase price, $1.1 million has been attributed to warrants
allowing the former Internet Communications shareholders to
purchase approximately 2,410,000 shares of RMI common stock at
an exercise price of $11.50 per share for the period beginning
30 days following the merger and ending 24 months from the
date of the merger. These warrants are callable at the option
of RMI if the daily closing price of RMI stock equals or
exceeds $13.00 per share for five consecutive trading days.
The $21.7 million excess of the purchase price over the fair
value of the assets acquired has been allocated to goodwill.
Shares of common stock issued for the acquisition are recorded
assuming an RMI share price of $6.19. The final allocation of
the purchase price will be made after the appropriate
appraisals or analyses are performed. Upon completion of the
appraisals or analyses, and in accordance with the terms
thereof, the excess purchase price currently allocated to
goodwill will be allocated to the appropriate asset
classifications, including customer list and goodwill. While
goodwill will be amortized over a period of five years, other
identified intangibles may be amortized over shorter periods,
which would therefore increase amortization expense.
(2) To eliminate the equity accounts of the acquired company.
(3) The 4,075,000 shares include the conversion of the Internet
Communications stock options which have an exercise price
below $2.50 per share. The conversion is based on the terms
set forth in the Agreement and Plan of Merger. The unexercised
stock options will expire upon completion of the proposed
acquisition.
(4) To record the conversion of the $3.5 million loan from
Interwest Group, Inc., Internet Communications' controlling
shareholder, to equity. Under the terms of the acquisition
agreement, immediately prior to completion of the acquisition,
the loan will be converted to Internet Communications equity
at the rate of $2.50 per share that will then be converted
into RMI common stock.
(5) To record the conversion of the Series A and Series B
Preferred Stock to common stock.
(6) To convert the dividends payable of acquired company to common
stock.
(7) To adjust amortization expense for the increase in goodwill,
using a life of five years, as if such acquisition had been
completed as of the beginning of such periods.
(8) To reduce interest expense for the reduction in the
outstanding Internet Communications line of credit balance.
The outstanding line of credit was repaid with the $3.5
million loan received from Interwest Group, Inc.
(9) To eliminate preferred stock dividends as a result of the
conversion of Internet Communications preferred stock into RMI
common stock.
(10) The Basic and Diluted loss per share from continuing
operations and the average number of common shares outstanding
for the pro forma combined amounts give effect to the results
as if the acquisition of Internet Communications Corporation
had been completed at the beginning of the period.
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COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS COMMON
STOCK AND RMI COMMON STOCK
Internet Communications is a Colorado corporation and the rights of its
shareholders are governed by the laws of the State of Colorado and its articles
of incorporation and bylaws. RMI is a Delaware corporation and the rights of it
shareholders are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and its
certificate of incorporation and bylaws. Following consummation of the merger,
Internet Communications shareholders will become RMI shareholders and as such
their rights will be governed by Delaware law and RMI's certificate of
incorporation and bylaws.
The following is a summary of the material differences between the
rights of holders of Internet Communications capital stock and the rights of
holders of RMI capital stock at the date hereof. These differences arise from
disparities between the Colorado Business Corporation Act and the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and between the respective corporate
charters and bylaws of Internet Communications and RMI. This summary is not a
complete comparison of rights that may be of interest to you, and you should
therefore read the full text of each states' corporate statutes and the
respective corporate charters and bylaws of Internet Communications and RMI. For
information as to how these documents may be obtained, refer to "Where You Can
Find More Information" on page __ of this proxy statement/prospectus.
NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
Both Delaware and Colorado law state that the board of directors shall
consist of one or more members with the number of directors to be fixed as
provided in the bylaws of the corporation, unless the certificate of
incorporation fixes the number of directors, in which case a change in the
number of directors shall be made only by amendment of the certificate of
incorporation. The RMI bylaws and the Internet Communications bylaws provide
that the number of directors which shall constitute the board of directors shall
be fixed from time to time by the their respective board of directors.
STAGGERED/CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A staggered board of directors (as it is called under Colorado law) or
a classified board of directors (as it is called under Delaware law) is one on
which a certain number, but not all, of the directors are elected on a rotating
basis each year. This method of electing directors makes changes in the
composition of the board of directors more difficult, and thus a potential
change of control of a corporation is a lengthier and more difficult process.
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Both Delaware and Colorado law permit, but do not require, a classified
or staggered board of directors, by which the directors can be divided into as
many as three classes with staggered terms of office with only one class of
directors standing for election each year. RMI's charter and bylaws do not
provide for a classified board. Internet Communications's charter and bylaws
provides for a staggered board divided into three classes, each of which serves
for a staggered three-year term. Following the merger, the change of control
protections provided to the Internet Communications's shareholders provided by
the staggered board will be terminated.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
In both Delaware and Colorado, a corporation may remove directors, with
or without cause, with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote. However, no director may be removed if the number of votes
cast against such removal would be sufficient to elect the director.
Under Colorado law, the shareholders may remove one or more directors
with or without cause unless the articles of incorporation provide that
directors may be removed only for cause. Internet Communications's articles of
incorporation provide that directors may be removed only for cause, which
combined with the staggered board, may make it harder for a third party to take
over control of the board of directors.
In the case of a Delaware corporation having cumulative voting, if less
than the entire board is to be removed, a director may not be removed without
cause if the number of shares voted against such removal would be sufficient to
elect the director under cumulative voting. A director of a corporation with a
classified board of directors may be removed only for cause, unless the
certificate of incorporation otherwise provides. RMI's certificate of
incorporation does not provide for a classified board of directors or for
cumulative voting. Therefore, after the merger, the former shareholders of
Internet Communications will be entitled to greater rights to remove the
directors of RMI.
FILLING VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Delaware law provides that, unless otherwise provided in the
certificate of incorporation or bylaws, vacancies may be filled by a majority of
the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole
remaining director. Further, if, at the time of filling any vacancy, the
directors then in office shall constitute less than a majority of the whole
board, the Delaware Court of Chancery may, upon application of any shareholder
or shareholders holding at least 10% of the total number of the shares at the
time outstanding having the right to vote for such directors, summarily order
any election to be held to fill any such vacancies or newly created
directorships, or to replace the directors chosen by the directors then in
office.
RMI's bylaws provide that vacancies may be filled by a majority of the
directors then in office. Any director elected by the board of directors to fill
a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until such director's
successor is elected and qualified.
Colorado law provides that, unless otherwise provided in the articles
of incorporation or bylaws, vacancies may be filled by the shareholders or the
directors. If, at the time of the vacancy, the directors remaining in office
constitute fewer than a quorum of the board, they may fill the vacancy by the
affirmative vote of a majority of all the directors remaining in office.
Internet Communications's bylaws provide that vacancies may be filled
by a majority of the directors then in office. Any director elected by the board
of directors to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office
for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which such
directorship is part, and until such director's successor is elected and
qualified.
AMENDMENTS TO GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
In order to amend a Delaware corporation's certificate of
incorporation, Delaware requires a vote of the corporation's board of directors
followed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding stock of each
class entitled to vote for any amendment to the certificate of incorporation,
unless a greater level of approval is required
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by the certificate of incorporation. Further, Delaware law states that if an
amendment would increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares
of a particular class, increase or decrease the par value of shares of such
class or alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of a
particular class or series of stock so as to affect them adversely, the class or
series shall be given the power to vote as a class notwithstanding the absence
of any specifically enumerated power in the certificate of incorporation.
Delaware law provides that the power to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of a
corporation shall be in the shareholders entitled to vote, provided that the
corporation in its certificate of incorporation may confer such power on the
board of directors in addition to the shareholders. RMI's certificate of
incorporation expressly authorizes the board of directors to adopt, amend and
repeal the RMI bylaws.
Under Colorado law, unless otherwise provided in the articles of
incorporation, the board of directors may adopt, without shareholder action,
various non-substantive amendments to the articles of incorporation, such as
deleting the names and addresses of the initial directors or the initial
registered agent (provide that a statement of change is on file) from the
articles of incorporation or certain minor changes to the corporate name. For
all other amendments to the articles of incorporation, the board of directors or
shareholders representing at least 10% of all of the votes entitle to be cast on
the amendment may propose an amendment to the articles of incorporation for
submission to the shareholders. For an amendment to be adopted, the board of
directors must recommend the amendment to the shareholders unless the amendment
is proposed by the shareholders or unless the board of directors determines
that, because of a conflict of interest or other special circumstances, it
should not make a recommendation and communicates the basis for such a
determination to the shareholders with the amendment. Further, Colorado law
states that if an amendment would increase or decrease the aggregate number of
authorized shares of a particular class, increase or decrease the par value of
shares of such class or alter or change the powers, preferences or special
rights of a particular class or series of stock so as to affect them adversely,
the class or series shall be given the power to vote as a class notwithstanding
the absence of any specifically enumerated power in the articles of
incorporation. Under Colorado law, the board of directors may amend the bylaws
at any time to add, change or delete a provision, unless the articles of
incorporation or a specific provision of Colorado law reserves such power
exclusively to the shareholders in whole or in part. In addition, the
shareholders may amend the bylaws even though the bylaws may also be amended by
the board of directors.
Internet Communications's articles of incorporation provide that the
articles of incorporation may be amended by the affirmative vote or ratified by
the written consent of a majority of the shares entitled to vote thereon at a
meeting called for such purpose or ratified by the written consent of the
required shareholders. Internet Communications's bylaws may be altered, amended
or repealed, and new bylaws may be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority
of the members of the board of directors represented at any regular or special
meeting of the board of directors.
ADVANCE NOTICE OF MEETING
Delaware law and RMI's bylaws require that shareholders be provided
prior written notice no more than 60 days nor less than ten days before the date
of the meeting of shareholders.
Colorado law and Internet Communications's bylaws require that
shareholders be provided prior written notice no more than 60 days nor less than
ten days before the date of a meeting of shareholders; provided that if the
number of authorized shares is to be increased, at least 30 days' notice must be
given.
SHAREHOLDER CONSENT IN LIEU OF MEETING
Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation, any action required to be taken or which may be taken at an
annual or special meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting if a
consent in writing is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less
than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize such
action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote were present and voted.
RMI's certificate of incorporation does not prohibit shareholder action by
written consent and the RMI bylaws explicitly permit shareholder action without
a meeting if a consent in writing is signed by the holders of outstanding stock
having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to
authorize such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote were
present and voted.
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Under Colorado law, unless otherwise provided in the articles of
incorporation, any action required to be taken or which may be taken at an
annual or special meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting if a
consent in writing is signed by the holders of all of the outstanding stock
entitled to vote. Internet Communications's articles of incorporation and bylaws
do not prohibit such action.
INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Delaware and Colorado have similar laws respecting indemnification by a
corporation of its officers, directors, employees and other agents. The laws of
both states permit, with certain exceptions, a corporation to adopt a provision
in its articles of incorporation or certificate of incorporation, as the case
may be, eliminating the liability of a director to the corporation or its
shareholders for monetary damages for breach of the director's fiduciary duty.
There are nonetheless certain differences between the laws of the two states
respecting indemnification and limitation of liability.
Delaware law generally permits a corporation to indemnify its directors
and officers against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with a third-party action, other
than a derivative action, and against expenses actually and reasonably incurred
in the defense or settlement of a derivative action, provided that there is a
determination that the individual acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. No
indemnification will be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
unless the court in which such action or suit was brought determines that, in
view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper.
The RMI bylaws provide that RMI's officers and directors shall be
indemnified by RMI to the full extent permitted by Delaware law and advance all
reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such officer or director.
RMI's certificate of incorporation provides that no director of RMI shall be
personally liable to RMI or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty except as to liability (a) for any breach of the director's duty
of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (b) for violations of Section
187 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and (d) for any
transaction in which the director received an improper personal benefit.
Internet Communications's articles of incorporation eliminate the
liability of directors to the corporation to the fullest extent permissible
under Colorado law and, if consistent with Colorado law, to a greater extent if
authorized by resolution of the board of directors and shareholders. Colorado
law does not permit the elimination of monetary liability where such liability
is based on (a) conduct or knowing and culpable violation of law, (b) 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, (c) receipt of an improper personal benefit, (d) acts
or omissions that show reckless disregard for the director's duty to the
corporation or its shareholders, where the director in the ordinary course of
performing a director's duties should be aware of a risk of serious injury to
the corporation or its shareholders, (e) acts or omissions that constitute an
unexcused pattern of inattention that amounts to an abdication of the director's
duty to the corporation and its shareholders, (f) interested transactions
between the corporation and a director in which a director has a material
financial interest, and (g) liability for improper distributions, loans or
guarantees.
Both Delaware and Colorado law require indemnification by the
corporation when the individual has defended successfully the action on the
merits or otherwise. Expenses incurred by an officer or director in defending an
action may be paid in advance under Delaware law and Colorado law if such
director or officer undertakes to repay such amounts if it is ultimately
determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification. In addition, the
laws of both states authorize a corporation's purchase of indemnity insurance
for the benefit of its officers, directors, employees and agents whether or not
the corporation would have the power to indemnify against the liability covered
by the policy.
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DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
Under both Delaware and Colorado law, holders of shares of any class or
series, who neither vote in favor of a merger or consolidation nor consent
thereto in writing, have the right, in certain circumstances, to dissent from a
merger or consolidation by demanding payment in cash for their shares equal to
the fair value (excluding any appreciation or depreciation as a consequence or
in expectation of the transaction) of such shares. Delaware grants dissenters'
appraisal rights only in the case of mergers or consolidations and not in the
case of a sale or transfer of assets or a purchase of assets for stock
regardless of the number of shares being issued. Colorado grants dissenters'
appraisal rights for mergers, share exchanges, sales or transfers of all or
substantially all of a corporation's assets for which a shareholder vote is
required and sales or transfers of all or substantially all of the assets of an
entity controlled by the corporation for which a shareholder vote is required.
Under both Delaware and Colorado law, no appraisal rights are available
for shares of any class or series listed on a national securities exchange or
designated as a national market system security on the Nasdaq National Market or
held of record by more than 2,000 shareholders, unless the agreement of merger
or consolidation converts such shares into anything other than (a) stock of the
surviving corporation, (b) stock of another corporation which is either listed
on a national securities exchange or designated as a national market system
security on the Nasdaq National Market or held of record by more than 2,000
shareholders, (c) cash in lieu of fractional shares, or (d) some combination of
the above. In addition, dissenters' rights are not available for any shares of
the surviving corporation if the merger did not require the vote of the
shareholders of the surviving corporation.
INSPECTION OF SHAREHOLDER LIST
Both Delaware law and Colorado law allow any shareholder to inspect the
accounting books and records and minutes of proceedings of the shareholders and
the board of directors and to inspect the shareholders' list at any reasonable
time during usual business hours, for a purpose reasonably related to such
shareholder's interests as a shareholder of the corporation.
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL OF EXTRAORDINARY TRANSACTIONS
Delaware law requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon to authorize any merger or
consolidation of a corporation, except that, unless required by its certificate
of incorporation, no authorizing shareholder vote is required of a corporation
surviving a merger if (a) such corporation's certificate of incorporation is not
amended in any respect by the merger, (b) each share of stock of such
corporation outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the merger
will be an identical outstanding or treasury share of the surviving corporation
after the effective date of the merger, and (c) the number of shares to be
issued in the merger does not exceed 20% of such corporation's outstanding
common stock immediately prior to the effective date of the merger. Shareholder
approval is also not required under Delaware law for mergers or consolidations
in which a parent corporation merges or consolidates with a subsidiary of which
it owns at least 90% of the outstanding shares of each class of stock. Delaware
law provides that a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of a
corporation be approved by a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the
corporation transferring such assets. RMI's certificate of incorporation does
not require a greater percentage vote for such actions.
Colorado law provides that for certain changes in the fundamental
nature of the corporation, such as mergers, sales of all or substantially all
the property of the corporation not in the ordinary course of business and
dissolutions, the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes entitled to be
cast on the proposal by each voting group entitled to vote thereon, rather than
by a majority of the shares voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present, is
required.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS AND INTERESTED SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS
Delaware law prohibits, in certain circumstances, a "business
combination" between the corporation and an "interested shareholder" within
three years of the shareholder becoming an "interested shareholder." An
"interested shareholder" is a holder who, directly or indirectly, controls 15%
or more of the outstanding voting stock or is an affiliate of the corporation
and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock at any time
within the
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prior three year period. A "business combination" includes a merger or
consolidation involving the corporation and the interested shareholder, a sale
or other disposition of assets having an aggregate market value equal to 10% or
more of the consolidated assets of the corporation or the aggregate market value
of the outstanding stock of the corporation involving the corporation and the
interested shareholder, certain transactions that would increase the interested
shareholder's proportionate share ownership in the corporation and the receipt
by the interested shareholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees,
pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.
This provision does not apply where (a) either the business combination
or the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested
shareholder is approved by the corporation's board of directors prior to the
date the interested shareholder acquired such 15% interest, (b) upon the
consummation of the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an
interested shareholder, the interested shareholder owned at least 85% of the
outstanding voting stock of the corporation excluding for the purposes of
determining the number of shares outstanding shares held by persons who are
directors and also officers and by employee stock plans in which participants do
not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to
the plan will be tendered, (c) the business combination is approved by a
majority of the board of directors and the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
outstanding votes entitled to be cast by disinterested shareholders at an annual
or special meeting, (d) the corporation does not have a class of voting stock
that is listed on a national securities exchange, authorized for quotation on an
inter-dealer quotation system of a registered national securities association,
or held of record by more than 2,000 shareholders unless any of the foregoing
results from action taken, directly or indirectly, by an interested shareholder
or from a transaction in which a person becomes an interested shareholder, (e)
the shareholder acquires a 15% interest inadvertently and divests itself of such
ownership and would not have been a 15% shareholder in the preceding three years
but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership, (f) the shareholder acquired
the 15% interest when these restrictions did not apply, or (g) the corporation
has opted out of this provision. RMI has not opted out of this provision.
Colorado law does not contain an equivalent business combination
provision.
SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE SUITS
Derivative actions may be brought in Delaware by a shareholder on
behalf of, and for the benefit of, a Delaware corporation. Delaware law provides
that a shareholder must state in the complaint that he or she was a shareholder
of the corporation at the time of the transaction of which he or she complains.
A shareholder may not sue derivatively unless he or she first makes demand on
the corporation that it bring suit and such demand has been refused, unless the
shareholder can demonstrate that such demand would have been futile.
Derivative actions may also be brought in Colorado by a shareholder on
behalf of, and for the benefit of, a Colorado corporation. Colorado law provides
that a shareholder must be a shareholder of the corporation at the time of the
transaction of which the shareholder complains. If the shareholder bringing the
derivative action holds less than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of
the corporation, unless such shares have a market value in excess of $25,000,
the corporation is entitled to require the shareholder to post a bond for the
costs and reasonable expenses, excluding attorneys' fees, which may be directly
attributable to and incurred by the corporation in defense of the derivative
action or may be incurred by other parties named as defendant in such action for
which the corporation may become legally liable. A shareholder may not sue
derivatively unless the shareholder first makes demand on the board of directors
to bring the suit and such demand has been refused, unless the shareholder can
demonstrate that such demand would have been futile.
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SELLING SHAREHOLDER PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Interwest Group will receive ______ shares of RMI common stock in
connection with the merger. This proxy statement/prospectus covers the
reoffering and resale by Interwest Group of these shares of RMI common stock
through ______________, 2000. These shares may be sold from time to time by
Interwest in one or more of the following transactions:
o Block transactions;
o Transactions on the Nasdaq National Market or on such other market
on which RMI common stock may trade from time to time;
o Privately negotiated transactions;
o Through the writing of options on the shares;
o Short sales; or Any combination of these transactions.
The sale price to the public in these transactions may be:
o The market price prevailing at the time of sale;
o A price related to the prevailing market price;
o Negotiated prices; or
o Such other price as Interwest Group determines from time to time.
In the event RMI permits or causes this proxy statement/prospectus to
lapse, Interwest Group may sell shares of RMI common stock pursuant to Rule 144
under the Securities Act.
Interwest Group may also sell its shares of RMI common stock directly
to market makers acting as principals and/or broker-dealers acting as agents for
themselves or their customers. These broker-dealers may receive compensation in
the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from Interwest Group and/or
the purchasers of these shares of RMI common stock for whom such broker-dealers
may act as agents or to whom they sell as principal, or both. As to a particular
broker-dealer, this compensation might be in excess of customary commissions.
Market makers and block purchasers purchasing these shares of RMI common stock
will do so for their own account and at their own risk. It is possible that
Interwest Group will attempt to sell shares of RMI common stock in block
transactions to market makers or other purchasers at a price per share that may
be below the prevailing market price of RMI common stock.
Interwest Group may sell all or any part of its shares of RMI common
stock offered hereby through an underwriter. Interwest Group has not entered
into any agreement with a prospective underwriter and there is no assurance that
any such agreement will be entered into. If Interwest Group enters into an
agreement or agreements with an underwriter, then the relevant details will be
set forth in a supplement or revision to this proxy statement/prospectus.
Interwest Group and any other persons participating in the sale or
distribution of its shares of RMI common stock will be subject to applicable
provisions of the Securities Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder including, without limitation, Regulation M. These provisions may
restrict activities of, and limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of
these shares of RMI common stock by, Interwest Group. Furthermore, pursuant to
Regulation M, persons engaged in a distribution of securities are prohibited
from simultaneously engaging in market making and other activities with respect
to the securities for a specified period of time prior to the commencement of
the distributions, subject to specified exceptions or exemptions. These
regulations may affect the marketability of these shares of RMI common stock.
RMI will pay substantially all expenses incident to the reoffering of
the resale shares by Interwest Group to the public, other than commissions and
discounts of underwriters, dealers or agents. RMI will receive no proceeds from
any sales of such shares under this proxy statement/prospectus by Interwest
Group.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
As of ____________________, RMI had __________________ shares of its
common stock outstanding, of which ____________________ shares were free
trading, _______________shares could be sold at any time under Rule 144 and
________________shares are restricted shares but are being registered by this
proxy statement/prospectus.
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person, or persons
whose shares are aggregated, who owns shares that were purchased from RMI, or
any affiliate of RMI, at least one year previously, including a person who may
be deemed an affiliate of RMI, is entitled to sell within any three-month
period, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:
(a) 1% of the then outstanding shares of RMI common stock; or
(b) The average weekly trading volume of RMI common stock during the
four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale
is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to manner of sale provisions,
notice requirements and the availability of current public information about
RMI. Any person who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of RMI at any time
during the 90 days preceding a sale, and who owns shares within the definition
of "restricted securities" under Rule 144 under the Securities Act that were
purchased from RMI, or any affiliate, at least two years previously, is entitled
to sell such shares under Rule 144(k) without regard to the volume limitations,
manner of sale provisions, public information requirements or notice
requirements.
In addition to the outstanding shares of RMI's common stock described
above, as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, RMI has ________
shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding
options and warrants and ______ shares reserved for issuance upon the conversion
of outstanding preferred stock and promissory notes. All of these securities and
the shares of RMI common stock underlying these securities are restricted
securities. The transfer of these restricted securities is subject to the
requirements of Rule 144, as discussed above.
Future sales of restricted common stock under Rule 144 or otherwise or
of the shares which RMI is registering under this proxy statement/prospectus
could negatively impact the market price of RMI common stock. RMI is unable to
estimate the number of shares that may be sold in the future by RMI existing
shareholders or the effect, if any, that sales of shares by such shareholders
will have on the market price of RMI common stock prevailing from time to time.
Sales of substantial amounts of RMI common stock by existing shareholders could
adversely affect prevailing market prices.
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EXPERTS
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited RMI's
consolidated financial statements and schedule included in RMI's Annual Report
on Form 10-K as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and for each of the two years in
the period ended December 31, 1999, as set forth in their report, which is
incorporated in this proxy statement/prospectus by reference. Baird, Kurtz &
Dobson, independent accountants, have audited RMI's consolidated financial
statements and schedule for the year ended December 31, 1997 included in RMI's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, as set forth in
their report, which is incorporated in this prospectus/proxy statement by
reference. RMI's consolidated financial statements and schedule are incorporated
by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's and Baird, Kurtz & Dobson's
reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
KPMG LLP, independent auditors, have audited Internet Communications's
consolidated financial statements and schedules included in Internet
Communications's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1999, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated in this proxy
statement/prospectus by reference. Internet Communications's consolidated
financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on their report,
given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of RMI common stock offered by this proxy
statement/prospectus will be passed upon for RMI by its general counsel.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Internet Communications and RMI file annual, quarterly and special
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. RMI common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market and
Internet Communications common stock is listed on the Nasdaq SmallCap System.
Our reports, proxy statements, prospectuses and other information we file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission can be reviewed at the offices of Nasdaq
Operations, 1735 "K" Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. You may also read and
copy any reports, statements or other information we file at the Securities and
Exchange Commission's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New
York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission
at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. In
addition, our Securities and Exchange Commission filings are also available to
the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the Internet Web
site maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov.
The Securities and Exchange Commission allows RMI and Internet
Communications to "incorporate by reference" the information each of us files
with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
an important part of this proxy statement/prospectus and is deemed to be a part
of this proxy statement/prospectus, except for information superseded by
information contained directly in this proxy statement/prospectus. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and, in the case of RMI, any
future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 through the closing date of the merger and,
with respect to the resale of the RMI common stock issued to Interwest Group,
through [____________], 2002:
o RMI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1999;
o RMI's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
2000;
o RMI's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed April 3 and May 24, 2000;
o RMI's Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2000 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders;
o the description of RMI's common stock contained in RMI's
registration statement on Form 8-A, filed August 14, 1996;
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o Internet Communications's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1999 and the amendment thereto on Form 10K-A
filed on April 28, 2000; and
o Internet Communications's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2000.
The documents incorporated by reference by Internet Communications are included
with this proxy statement/prospectus.
RMI filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 to register with the
Securities and Exchange Commission RMI common stock to be issued to Internet
Communications shareholders in the merger. This proxy statement/prospectus is a
part of that registration statement and constitutes the prospectus of RMI as
well as being a proxy statement of Internet Communications for the Internet
Communications special meeting.
RMI has supplied all the information contained in this proxy
statement/prospectus relating to RMI and Internet Communications has supplied
all such information relating to Internet Communications. As allowed by
Securities and Exchange Commission rules, this proxy statement/prospectus does
not contain all of the information relating to RMI and Internet Communications
you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration
statement.
You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference through
RMI, Internet Communications or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Documents incorporated by reference are available from RMI or Internet
Communications without charge, excluding all exhibits. You may obtain documents
incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus by requesting them
orally or in writing from the following addresses or by telephone:
RMI.NET, Inc. Internet Communications Corporation
Christopher J. Melcher Thomas C. Galley
Vice President and General Counsel President and Chief Executive Officer
999 Eighteenth Street, Suite 2300 7100 East Belleview Avenue, Suite 201
Denver, Colorado 80202 Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
(303) 672-0700 (303) 770-7600
You may also want to refer to RMI's web site at www.rmi.net or Internet
Communications's web site at www.incc.net.
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS TO VOTE ON THE MERGER. RMI AND
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH
INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/
PROSPECTUS. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE DATE HEREOF, AND
NEITHER THE MAILING OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS TO INTERNET
COMMUNICATIONS'S SHAREHOLDERS NOR THE ISSUANCE OF RMI COMMON STOCK IN THE MERGER
SHALL CREATE ANY IMPLICATION TO THE CONTRARY.
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APPENDIX A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AMONG
RMI.NET, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION ("PARENT"),
INTERNET ACQUISITION CORPORATION, A COLORADO CORPORATION ("SUB")
AND
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, A COLORADO CORPORATION
("COMPANY")
DATED AS OF MARCH 17, 2000
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Article 1 THE MERGER.....................................................................................2
Section 1.1 The Merger............................................................................2
Section 1.2 Effective Time........................................................................2
Section 1.3 Effects of the Merger.................................................................2
Section 1.4 Charter and By-laws; Directors and Officers...........................................2
Section 1.5 Conversion of Securities..............................................................2
Section 1.6 Parent to Make Certificates Available.................................................4
Section 1.7 Dividends; Transfer Taxes; Withholding................................................5
Section 1.8 No Fractional Securities..............................................................5
Section 1.9 Return of Exchange Fund...............................................................6
Section 1.10 No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock...................................6
Section 1.11 Closing of Company Transfer Books.....................................................6
Section 1.12 Lost Certificates.....................................................................6
Section 1.13 Dissenters' Rights....................................................................6
Section 1.14 Further Assurances....................................................................7
Section 1.15 Closing...............................................................................7
Article 2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND SUB...............................................8
Section 2.1 Organization, Standing and Power......................................................8
Section 2.2 Capital Structure.....................................................................8
Section 2.3 Authority.............................................................................9
Section 2.4 Consents and Approvals; No Violation..................................................9
Section 2.5 Parent Common Stock to be Issued in the Merger.......................................10
Section 2.6 SEC Documents and Other Reports......................................................11
Section 2.7 Absence of Certain Changes or Events.................................................11
Section 2.8 Reorganization.......................................................................11
Section 2.9 Permits and Compliance...............................................................11
Section 2.10 Tax Matters..........................................................................12
Section 2.11 Actions and Proceedings..............................................................13
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
PAGE
Section 2.12 Liabilities..........................................................................14
Section 2.13 Intellectual Property................................................................14
Section 2.14 Environmental Matters................................................................14
Section 2.15 Suppliers and Distributors...........................................................16
Section 2.16 Insurance............................................................................16
Section 2.17 Transactions with Affiliates.........................................................16
Section 2.18 Brokers..............................................................................17
Article 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.................................................17
Section 3.1 Organization, Standing and Power.....................................................17
Section 3.2 Capital Structure....................................................................17
Section 3.3 Authority............................................................................19
Section 3.4 Consents and Approvals; No Violation.................................................19
Section 3.5 SEC Documents and Other Reports......................................................20
Section 3.6 Absence of Certain Changes or Events.................................................21
Section 3.7 Permits and Compliance...............................................................21
Section 3.8 Tax Matters..........................................................................22
Section 3.9 Actions and Proceedings..............................................................23
Section 3.10 Certain Agreements...................................................................23
Section 3.11 ERISA................................................................................24
Section 3.12 No Undisclosed Material Liabilities..................................................26
Section 3.13 Labor Matters........................................................................26
Section 3.14 Intellectual Property................................................................27
Section 3.15 Opinion of Financial Advisor.........................................................27
Section 3.16 Required Vote of Company Shareholders................................................27
Section 3.17 Reorganization.......................................................................28
Section 3.18 Environmental Matters................................................................28
Section 3.19 Suppliers and Distributors...........................................................29
Section 3.20 Insurance............................................................................29
Section 3.21 Transactions with Affiliates.........................................................29
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
PAGE
Section 3.22 Title to and Sufficiency of Assets...................................................30
Section 3.23 Brokers..............................................................................30
Section 3.24 Books and Records....................................................................30
Section 3.25 Bank Accounts........................................................................30
Section 3.26 Litigation...........................................................................31
Article 4 COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.....................................................31
Section 4.1 Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger................................31
Section 4.2 Procedures for Parent Approval; Cure.................................................34
Section 4.3 No Solicitation......................................................................36
Section 4.4 Third Party Standstill Agreements....................................................37
Section 4.5 Company Significant Contracts........................................................37
Section 4.6 Key Employees........................................................................38
Section 4.7 Reorganization.......................................................................38
Section 4.8 Controlling Shareholder Loan.........................................................38
Section 4.9 Indebtedness.........................................................................39
Section 4.10 Observer Rights......................................................................39
Article 5 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS.........................................................................40
Section 5.1 Shareholder Meeting..................................................................40
Section 5.2 Preparation of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement....................40
Section 5.3 Access to Information................................................................42
Section 5.4 Rule 145 Letters.....................................................................42
Section 5.5 Stock Exchange Listings..............................................................42
Section 5.6 Fees and Expenses....................................................................42
Section 5.7 Company Stock Options................................................................43
Section 5.8 Conversion of Current Company Preferred Stock........................................44
Section 5.9 Warrant Agreement....................................................................44
Section 5.10 Premerger Notification to Federal Trade Commission...................................44
Section 5.11 Efforts Required.....................................................................44
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(CONTINUED)
PAGE
Section 5.12 Public Announcements.................................................................45
Section 5.13 State Takeover Laws..................................................................46
Section 5.14 Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance....................................46
Section 5.15 Notification of Certain Matters......................................................46
Section 5.16 Controlling Shareholder Loan.........................................................47
Section 5.17 Escrow of Funds and Shares by Parent.................................................47
Article 6 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE MERGER............................................................47
Section 6.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger...........................47
Section 6.2 Conditions to Obligation of the Company to Effect the Merger.........................48
Section 6.3 Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Sub to Effect the Merger.....................49
Article 7 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.............................................................51
Section 7.1 Termination..........................................................................51
Section 7.2 Effect of Termination................................................................52
Section 7.3 Amendment............................................................................53
Section 7.4 Waiver...............................................................................53
Article 8 GENERAL PROVISIONS............................................................................53
Section 8.1 Notices..............................................................................53
Section 8.2 Interpretation.......................................................................54
Section 8.3 Counterparts.........................................................................54
Section 8.4 Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries.......................................55
Section 8.5 Governing Law........................................................................55
Section 8.6 Assignment...........................................................................55
Section 8.7 Severability.........................................................................55
Section 8.8 Enforcement of this Agreement........................................................55
Section 8.9 Defined Terms........................................................................56
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of March 17, 2000 (this
"Agreement"), is among RMI.NET, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Parent"),
INTERNET ACQUISITION CORPORATION, a Colorado corporation and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent ("Sub"), and INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a
Colorado corporation (the "Company") (Sub and the Company being hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "Constituent Corporations").
RECITALS:
A. The respective Boards of Directors of Parent, Sub and the Company
have approved and declared advisable the merger of the Sub with and into the
Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement (the
"Merger"), and the respective Boards of Directors of Parent, Sub, the Company
and the Controlling Shareholder have approved and adopted this Agreement;
B. The respective Boards of Directors of Parent and the Company have
determined that the Merger is in the best interest of their respective
Shareholders;
C. In order to induce Parent and Sub to enter into this Agreement,
concurrently herewith Parent and Interwest Group, Inc., a Colorado corporation
and the controlling shareholder of the Company (the "Controlling Shareholder"),
are entering into the Shareholder Agreement dated as of the date hereof (the
"Shareholder Agreement") in the form of the attached Exhibit A;
D. In order to induce the Company to enter into this Agreement,
concurrently herewith Parent and the Company are entering into the Exchange
Agreement dated as of the date hereof (the "Exchange Agreement") in the form of
the attached Exhibit B; and
E. For federal income tax purposes, it is intended by the parties
hereto that the Merger qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
and that by executing this Agreement, the parties intend to adopt a plan of
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code and the regulations
promulgated thereunder.
AGREEMENT:
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, representations,
warranties and agreements herein contained, the parties agree as follows:
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ARTICLE 1
THE MERGER
Section 1.1 The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
hereof, and in accordance with the Colorado Business Corporations Act, as
amended (the "CBCA"), the Sub shall be merged with and into the Company at the
Effective Time (as defined in Section 1.2). Following the Merger, the separate
corporate existence of Sub shall cease and Company shall continue as the
surviving corporation (the Company shall sometimes hereinafter be referred to as
the "Surviving Corporation") and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.
Section 1.2 Effective Time. The Merger shall become effective when the
Articles of Merger (the "Articles of Merger"), executed in accordance with the
relevant provisions of the CBCA, are filed with the Secretary of State of the
State of Colorado; provided, however, that, upon mutual consent of the
Constituent Corporations, the Articles of Merger may provide for a later date of
effectiveness of the Merger not more than thirty (30) days after the date the
Articles of Merger are filed. When used in this Agreement, the term "Effective
Time" shall mean the date and time at which the Articles of Merger are accepted
for filing or such later time established by the Articles of Merger. The
Articles of Merger shall be filed on the Closing Date (as defined in Section
1.15).
Section 1.3 Effects of the Merger. The Merger shall have the effects
set forth in Section 7-111-106 of the CBCA.
Section 1.4 Charter and By-laws; Directors and Officers.
(a) Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The Articles of
Incorporation of Company in effect at the Effective Time shall be the
Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter
changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable law. The
By-laws of Company in effect at the Effective Time will be the By-laws
of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as
provided therein or by applicable law.
(b) Directors/Officers. The directors of the Sub at the
Effective Time shall continue to be, without further action, the
directors of the Surviving Corporation, until the earlier of their
resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly
elected and qualified, as the case may be. The officers of the Sub at
the Effective Time shall continue to be the officers of the Surviving
Corporation, until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until
their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case
may be.
Section 1.5 Conversion of Securities. As of the Effective Time, by
virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Sub, the Company or
the holders of any securities of the Constituent Corporations:
(a) Stock of Sub. Each issued and outstanding share of common
stock, no par value per share, of Sub shall be converted into one (1)
share of Company Common Stock.
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(b) Certain Company Common Stock Cancelled. All shares of
Company Common Stock (as hereinafter defined) that are held in the
treasury (if any) of the Company and any shares of Company Common Stock
owned by Parent or Sub shall automatically be canceled and retired and
shall cease to exist and no capital stock of Parent or other
consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.
(c) Conversion. Subject to the provisions of Section 1.8 and
Section 1.13 hereof, each share of common stock, no par value per
share, of the Company ("Company Common Stock") issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares to be
canceled in accordance with Section 1.5(b), but including shares
outstanding as a result of Section 5.7, Section 5.8 and Section 5.16)
shall be converted into the right to receive: (i) the number of shares
of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of Parent ("Parent Common
Stock") determined by dividing $2.50 (the "Conversion Rate") by the
Closing Share Price (as defined below) and rounding the result to the
nearest one thousandth of a share, plus (ii) (except with respect to
the Controlling Shareholder) the right to purchase one share of Parent
Common Stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the Warrant
Agreement (as hereafter defined) (such consideration, described in
clauses (i) and (ii) above, shall be referred to herein as the "Merger
Consideration"); provided, however, that if between the first day of
the Valuation Period (as hereinafter defined) and the Effective Time,
the outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock shall have been changed
into a different number of shares or a different class, by reason of
any stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification, recapitalization,
split, combination or exchange of shares, the Merger Consideration
shall be correspondingly adjusted to the extent appropriate to reflect
such stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification, recapitalization,
split, combination or exchange of shares. The "Closing Share Price"
means the average of the daily closing prices per share of Parent
Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market for the fifteen (15)
consecutive trading days ending on the trading day that is one (1)
trading day prior to the date of Closing (the "Valuation Period"). All
such shares of Company Common Stock, when so converted, shall no longer
be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and each
holder of a certificate representing any such shares shall cease to
have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive the
Merger Consideration and any dividends and other distributions in
accordance with Section 1.7, certificates representing the shares of
Parent Common Stock into which such shares are converted and any cash,
without interest, in lieu of fractional shares to be issued or paid in
consideration therefor upon the surrender of such certificate in
accordance with Section 1.6.
(d) Collar. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) the Closing
Share Price is equal to or greater than 125% of the average of the
daily closing prices per share of Parent Common Stock on the Nasdaq
National Market for the fifteen (15) consecutive trading days ending on
the trading day that is one trading day prior to execution of this
Agreement (the "Signing Share Price"), then for purposes of the
Conversion Rate the Closing Share Price shall be fixed at 125% of the
Signing Share Price, or (ii) the Closing Share Price is equal to or
less than 60% of the Signing Share Price, then (x) for purposes of the
Conversion Rate the Closing Share Price shall be fixed at 60% of the
Signing Share Price or (y) either of Parent or Sub, on the one hand, or
the Company, on the other hand, may terminate this Agreement. By way of
example but not limitation, if the
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Signing Share Price for Parent Common Stock is $10.00 per share and (i)
the Closing Share Price is $15.00, then for purposes of the Conversion
Rate the Closing Share Price will be $12.50; or (ii) the Closing Share
Price is $4.00, then Parent, Sub, or the Company may terminate this
Agreement, or, if no such termination occurs, then for purposes of the
Conversion Rate the Closing Share Price shall be $6.00.
Section 1.6 Parent to Make Certificates Available.
(a) Exchange of Certificates. Parent shall, at its sole cost
and expense, authorize a bank, trust company, or such other person or
persons as shall be reasonably acceptable to Parent and the Company, to
act as Exchange Agent hereunder (the "Exchange Agent"). As soon as
practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall deposit with the
Exchange Agent, in trust for the holders of shares of Company Common
Stock converted in the Merger, (i) Warrant Agreements representing the
Parent Warrants to those shareholders entitled to receive such Parent
Warrants; and (ii) certificates representing the shares of Parent
Common Stock issuable pursuant to Section 1.5(c) in exchange for
outstanding shares of Company Common Stock and cash, as required to
make payments in lieu of any fractional shares pursuant to Section 1.8
(such cash and shares of Parent Common Stock, together with any
dividends or distributions with respect thereto, being hereinafter
referred to as the "Exchange Fund"). The Exchange Agent shall deliver
the Parent Common Stock contemplated to be issued pursuant to Section
1.5(c) out of the Exchange Fund. Except as contemplated by Section 1.9,
the Exchange Fund shall not be used for any other purpose.
(b) Exchange Procedures. As soon as practicable, but in no
event later than ten (10) trading days after the Effective Time, the
Exchange Agent shall mail to each record holder of a certificate or
certificates that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented
outstanding shares of Company Common Stock converted in the Merger (the
"Certificates") a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the
Certificates shall pass, only upon actual delivery of the Certificates
to the Exchange Agent, and shall contain instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of the Certificates in exchange for
certificates representing shares of Parent Common Stock and cash in
lieu of fractional shares); provided, however, that no such letter
shall be delivered to any record holder that prior to Closing perfected
dissenter's rights under the CBCA. Upon surrender for cancellation to
the Exchange Agent of a Certificate held by any record holder of a
Certificate, together with such letter of transmittal, duly executed,
the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange
therefor a certificate representing that number of whole shares of
Parent Common Stock into which the shares represented by the
surrendered Certificate shall have been converted at the Effective Time
pursuant to this Article 1, cash in lieu of any fractional share in
accordance with Section 1.8 and certain dividends and other
distributions in accordance with Section 1.7, and any Certificate so
surrendered shall forthwith be canceled.
(c) Stock Options. Company Stock Options shall be governed by
Section 5.7 hereof.
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(d) Parent Warrants. Parent Warrants to be issued at the
Closing shall be governed by the terms of the Warrant Agreement.
Section 1.7 Dividends; Transfer Taxes; Withholding. No dividends or
other distributions that are declared on or after the Effective Time on Parent
Common Stock, or are payable to the holders of record thereof on or after the
Effective Time, will be paid to any person entitled by reason of the Merger to
receive a certificate representing Parent Common Stock until such person
surrenders the related Certificate or Certificates, as provided in Section 1.6,
and no cash payment in lieu of fractional shares will be paid to any such person
pursuant to Section 1.8 until such person shall so surrender the related
Certificate or Certificates. Subject to the effect of applicable law, there
shall be paid to each record holder of a new certificate representing such
Parent Common Stock: (i) at the time of such surrender or as promptly as
practicable thereafter, the amount of any dividends or other distributions
theretofore paid with respect to the shares of Parent Common Stock represented
by such new certificate and having a record date on or after the Effective Time
and a payment date prior to such surrender; (ii) at the appropriate payment date
or as promptly as practicable thereafter, the amount of any dividends or other
distributions payable with respect to such shares of Parent Common Stock and
having a record date on or after the Effective Time but prior to such surrender
and a payment date on or subsequent to such surrender; and (iii) at the time of
such surrender or as promptly as practicable thereafter, the amount of any cash
payable with respect to a fractional share of Parent Common Stock to which such
holder is entitled pursuant to Section 1.8. In no event shall the person
entitled to receive such dividends or other distributions be entitled to receive
interest on such dividends or other distributions. If any cash or certificate
representing shares of Parent Common Stock is to be paid to or issued in a name
other than that in which the Certificate surrendered in exchange therefor is
registered, it shall be a condition of such exchange that the Certificate so
surrendered shall be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer
and that the person requesting such exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent any
transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of certificates for
such shares of Parent Common Stock in a name other than that of the registered
holder of the Certificate surrendered, or shall establish to the satisfaction of
the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not applicable. Parent or
the Exchange Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the
consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of
shares of Company Common Stock such amounts as Parent or the Exchange Agent is
required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under
the Code or under any provision of state, local or foreign tax law. To the
extent that amounts are so withheld by Parent or the Exchange Agent, such
withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having
been paid to the holder of the shares of Company Common Stock in respect of
which such deduction and withholding was made by Parent or the Exchange Agent.
Section 1.8 No Fractional Securities. No certificates or scrip
representing fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall be issued upon the
surrender for exchange of Certificates pursuant to this Article 1, and no Parent
dividend or other distribution or stock split shall relate to any fractional
share, and no fractional share shall entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any
other rights of a security holder of Parent. In lieu of any such fractional
share, each holder of Company Common Stock who would otherwise have been
entitled to a fraction of a share of Parent Common Stock upon surrender of
Certificates for exchange pursuant to this Article 1 will be paid an amount in
cash (without interest), rounded to the nearest cent,
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determined by multiplying (i) the Closing Share Price by (ii) the fractional
interest to which such holder would otherwise be entitled. As promptly as
practicable after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid to
holders of fractional share interests, the Exchange Agent shall so notify
Parent, and Parent shall deposit such amount with the Exchange Agent and shall
cause the Exchange Agent to forward payments to such holders of fractional share
interests subject to and in accordance with the terms of Section 1.7 and this
Section 1.8.
Section 1.9 Return of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund
(including any interest earned thereon) which remains undistributed to the
former shareholders of the Company for six (6) months after the Effective Time
shall be delivered to Parent, upon demand of Parent, and any such former
shareholders who have not theretofore complied with this Article 1 shall
thereafter look only to Parent for payment of their claim for Parent Common
Stock, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock and any
dividends or distributions with respect to Parent Common Stock. Neither Parent
nor the Surviving Corporation shall be liable to any former holder of Company
Common Stock for any such shares of Parent Common Stock, cash and dividends and
distributions held in the Exchange Fund which is delivered to a public official
pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
Section 1.10 No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock. All
shares of Parent Common Stock issued upon the surrender for exchange of
Certificates in accordance with the terms hereof (including any cash paid
pursuant to Section 1.7 and Section 1.8) shall be deemed to have been issued in
full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the shares of Company Common Stock
represented by such Certificates.
Section 1.11 Closing of Company Transfer Books. At the Effective Time,
the stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed and no transfer of
shares of Company Common Stock shall thereafter be made on the records of the
Company. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates are presented to the
Surviving Corporation, the Exchange Agent or Parent, such Certificates shall be
canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article 1.
Section 1.12 Lost Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been
lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the
person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if
required by Parent or the Exchange Agent, the posting by such person of a bond,
in such reasonable amount as Parent or the Exchange Agent may direct as
indemnity against any claim that may be made against them with respect to such
Certificate, the Exchange Agent will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or
destroyed Certificate the shares of Parent Common Stock, any cash in lieu of
fractional shares of Parent Common Stock to which the holders thereof are
entitled pursuant to Section 1.8 and any dividends or other distributions to
which the holders thereof are entitled pursuant to Section 1.7.
Section 1.13 Dissenters' Rights.
(a) No Merger Consideration. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Agreement, any holder of shares of capital
stock of the Company with respect to which dissenters' rights, if any,
are granted by reason of the Merger under the CBCA and who does not
vote in favor of the Merger and who
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otherwise complies with the provisions of the CBCA relating to the
exercise of dissenters' rights ("Company Dissenting Shares") shall not
be entitled to receive any Merger Consideration pursuant to Section
1.5(c); rather, such Company Dissenting Shares shall be converted into
the right to receive payment from the Surviving Corporation with
respect thereto in accordance with the relevant provisions of the CBCA,
unless such holder fails to perfect, effectively withdraws or loses his
or her right to dissent from the Merger under the CBCA. If any such
holder so fails to perfect, effectively withdraws or loses his or her
dissenters' rights under the CBCA, each Company Dissenting Share of
such holder shall thereupon be deemed to have been converted, as of the
Effective Time, into the right to receive the Merger Consideration
pursuant to Section 1.5(c).
(b) Payments. Any payments relating to Company Dissenting
Shares shall be made solely by the Surviving Corporation and no funds
or other property have been or will be provided by Parent, Sub or
Parent's other direct or indirect Subsidiaries for such payment, nor
shall the Company make any payment with respect to, or settle or offer
to settle, any such demands.
(c) Notice. The Company shall give Parent prompt notice of any
demands received by the Company for the payment of fair value for
shares, and Parent shall have the right to participate in all
negotiations and proceedings with respect to such demands. The Company
shall not, except with the prior written consent of Parent, make any
payment with respect to, or settle or offer to settle, such demands.
Section 1.14 Further Assurances. If at any time after the Effective
Time the Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any deeds,
bills of sale, assignments or assurances or any other acts or things are
necessary, desirable or proper (a) 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, privileges, powers, franchises, properties or assets of
either of the Constituent Corporations, or (b) otherwise to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement, the Surviving Corporation and its proper officers
and directors or their designees shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in
the name and on behalf of either of the Constituent Corporations, all such
deeds, bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to do, in the name and on
behalf of either Constituent Corporation, all such other acts and things as may
be necessary, desirable or proper to vest, perfect or confirm the Surviving
Corporation's right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights,
privileges, powers, franchises, properties or assets of such Constituent
Corporation and otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.
Section 1.15 Closing. Unless earlier terminated as expressly permitted
hereunder, the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the
"Closing") and all actions specified in this Agreement to occur at the Closing
shall take place at the offices of Otten, Johnson, Robinson, Neff & Ragonetti,
P.C., 950 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1600, Denver, Colorado 80202, at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, no later than the second (2nd) business day following the day on
which the last of the conditions set forth in Article 6 shall have been
fulfilled or waived (if permissible) (the "Closing Date"), or at such other time
and place as Parent and the Company shall agree.
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ARTICLE 2
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND SUB
Parent and Sub represent and warrant to the Company as follows:
Section 2.1 Organization, Standing and Power. Each of Parent and Sub is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its respective place of incorporation and has the requisite corporate
power and authority to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of
Parent and Sub is duly qualified to do business, and is in good standing, in
each jurisdiction where the character of its respective properties owned or held
under lease or the nature of its respective activities makes such qualification
necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. For purposes of
this Agreement, "Material Adverse Change" or "Material Adverse Effect" means,
when used with respect to Parent or Sub, any change or effect that is or could
reasonably be expected (as far as can be reasonably foreseen at the time) to be
materially adverse to the business, assets, liabilities, results of operations,
or the financial condition of Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Section 2.2 Capital Structure.
(a) Stock. As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock
of Parent consists of 100,000,000 shares of Parent Common Stock, $.001
par value per share, and 750,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par
value per share ("Parent Preferred Stock"). At the close of business on
the date of execution hereof, (i) 20,142,497 shares of Parent Common
Stock were issued and outstanding, all of which were validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, (iii)
52,511 shares of Parent Common Stock were held in the treasury; (iv)
1,438,334 shares of Parent Common Stock were reserved for future
issuance pursuant to the stock option plans of Parent (collectively,
the "Parent Stock Option Plans"), (iv) 5,895,619 shares of Parent
Common Stock were reserved for future issuance pursuant to outstanding
warrant rights, prior acquisitions, and other matters. No shares of
Parent Preferred Stock are outstanding. No shares of Parent Common
Stock are held by any Subsidiary of Parent.
(b) Options. The Parent SEC Documents filed prior to the date
of this Agreement, together with Section 2.2(b) of the letter dated the
date hereof and delivered on the date hereof by Parent to the Company,
which relates to this Agreement and is designated therein as the Parent
Letter (the "Parent Letter"), contain a materially correct description
of the outstanding options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares
of Parent Common Stock, whether issued under the Parent Stock Option
Plans (collectively, the "Parent Stock Options") or otherwise. Except
(i) as disclosed in the Parent SEC Documents filed prior to the date of
this Agreement (ii) as set forth on Section 2.2(b) of the Parent Letter
and (iii) for the Parent Stock Options and the outstanding shares of
Parent Preferred Stock, there are no options, warrants, calls, rights
or agreements to which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or
by which any of them is bound obligating Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued,
delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock of Parent or any
of its Subsidiaries or
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obligating Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to grant, extend or enter
into any such option, warrant, call, right or agreement.
(c) Repurchase Obligations. Except as set forth in Section 2.2
of the Parent Letter, there are no outstanding contractual obligations
of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire any shares of Parent Common Stock or any capital stock of or
any equity interests in Parent or any Subsidiary. Each outstanding
share of capital stock of each Subsidiary of Parent is duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and, except as disclosed
in the Parent SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement,
each such share is owned by Parent or another Subsidiary of Parent,
free and clear of all Liens (as hereinafter defined). Parent does not
have any outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the
holders of which have the right to vote (or are convertible into or
exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with the
shareholders of Parent on any matter. Section 2.2(c) of the Parent
Letter contains a correct and complete list as of the date of this
Agreement of each of Parent's Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on
Section 2.2(c) of the Parent Letter, as of the date hereof, neither
Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to or bound by (x) any
agreement or commitment pursuant to which Parent or any Subsidiary of
Parent is or could be required to register any securities under the
Securities Act or (y) any debt agreements or instruments which grant
any rights to vote (contingent or otherwise) on matters on which
shareholders of Parent may vote.
Section 2.3 Authority. On or prior to the date of this Agreement, the
respective Boards of Directors of Parent and Sub have declared the Merger
advisable and have approved and adopted this Agreement in accordance with the
CBCA. Each of Parent and Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to
enter into this Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Sub and the
consummation by Parent and Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action (including all Board action)
on the part of Parent and Sub, subject to the filing of an appropriate Articles
of Merger as required by the CBCA. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by Parent and Sub, and (assuming the valid authorization, execution
and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the validity and binding
effect hereof on the Company) this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding
obligation of Parent and Sub enforceable against each of them in accordance with
its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws relating to or affecting
creditors generally and by general equity principles (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). The filing of
a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") by Parent under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (together
with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the "Securities Act"),
for the purpose of registering the shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in
connection with the Merger (together with any amendments or supplements thereto,
whether prior to or after the effective date thereof, the "Registration
Statement") has been duly authorized by Parent's Board of Directors.
Section 2.4 Consents and Approvals; No Violation. Assuming that all
consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in this Section
2.4 have been
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obtained and all filings and obligations described in this Section 2.4 have been
made, the execution and delivery of this Agreement do not, and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with the provisions
hereof will not, result in any violation of, or material default (with or
without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give to others a right of
termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or result in the
loss of a material benefit under, or result in the creation of any material
lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of the properties or
assets of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries under, any provision of (i) the
Certificate of Incorporation or the By-laws of Parent, each as amended to date,
(ii) any provision of the comparable charter or organization documents of any of
Parent's Subsidiaries, (iii) any loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, lease or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise
or license applicable to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) any judgment,
order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Parent
or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets. No
filing or registration with, or authorization, consent or approval of, any
domestic (federal and state), foreign or supranational court, commission,
governmental body, regulatory agency, authority or tribunal, including without
limitation the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"), state public service
or utility commissions (or comparable state Governmental Authorities) or foreign
telephone administrations (a "Governmental Entity") is required by or with
respect to Parent or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the execution
and delivery of this Agreement by Parent or Sub or is necessary for the
consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, except for (i) in connection, or in compliance, with the provisions
of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the
"HSR Act"), the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the
"Exchange Act"), (ii) the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of
State of the State of Colorado and appropriate documents with the relevant
authorities of other states in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
qualified to do business, (iii) such filings and consents as may be required
under any environmental, health or safety law or regulation pertaining to any
notification, disclosure or required approval triggered by the Merger or by the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) such filings, authorizations,
orders and approvals as may be required by state takeover laws, if any (the
"State Takeover Approvals"), (v) applicable requirements, if any, of state
securities or "blue sky" laws ("Blue Sky Laws") and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or the NASDR, Inc. (collectively, the "NASD"), (vi) as
may be required under foreign laws and (vii) such other consents, orders,
authorizations, registrations, declarations, approvals and filings the failure
of which to be obtained or made would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, materially impair the ability of
Parent or Sub to perform its obligations hereunder or prevent the consummation
of any of the transactions contemplated.
Section 2.5 Parent Common Stock to be Issued in the Merger. All of the
shares of Parent Common Stock issuable in exchange for Company Common Stock at
the Effective Time in accordance with this Agreement will be, when so issued,
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free and clear
of any Liens (as hereinafter defined), including without limitation, those
created by statute, Parent's Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws or any
agreement to which Parent is a party or by which Parent is bound and such shares
of Parent Common Stock will, when issued, be registered under the
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Securities Act and the Exchange Act and registered or exempt from registration
under applicable Blue Sky laws.
Section 2.6 SEC Documents and Other Reports. Parent has filed as of the
date hereof all documents required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to the
Exchange Act for reporting periods up to and including the end of the third
quarter of 1999 (the "Parent SEC Documents"). As of their respective dates, the
Parent SEC Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of
the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and, at the
respective times they were filed, none of the Parent SEC Documents contained any
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The consolidated
financial statements (including, in each case, any notes thereto) of Parent
included in the Parent SEC Documents complied as to form in all material
respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and
regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with
United States generally accepted accounting principles (except, in the case of
the unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) applied on a
consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated therein
or in the notes thereto) and fairly presented in all material respects the
consolidated financial position of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as
at the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations
and their consolidated cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the
case of unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments and to any
other adjustments described therein). Except as disclosed in the Parent SEC
Documents or as required by generally accepted accounting principles, Parent has
not, since September 30, 1999, made any material change in the accounting
practices or policies applied in the preparation of financial statements.
Section 2.7 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as disclosed
in the Parent SEC Documents filed with the SEC prior to the date of this
Agreement, prior to the date hereof there has been no event causing a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent, nor any development that would, individually or in the
aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
Section 2.8 Reorganization. To the Knowledge of Parent (as hereinafter
defined), (i) neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action or
failed to take any action which action or failure would jeopardize the
qualification of the Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Code, and (ii) there are no facts that would prevent the Merger
from qualifying as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code.
Section 2.9 Permits and Compliance. Each of Parent and its Subsidiaries
is in possession of all franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits,
tariffs, easements, variances, exceptions, consents, certificates, approvals and
orders of any Governmental Entity necessary for Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries to own, lease and operate its properties or to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted (the "Parent Permits"), except where the
failure to have any of the Parent Permits would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, and no suspension or
cancellation of any of the Parent Permits is pending or, to the Knowledge of
Parent, threatened, except where the suspension or cancellation
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of any of the Parent Permits would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Parent. Except as set forth on Section 2.9 of the
Parent Letter, neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of, or
has taken any action or omitted to take any action which, with the passage of
time, would result in a violation of (A) its charter, by-laws or other
organizational documents, (B) any applicable tariff, law, ordinance,
administrative, or governmental rule or regulation, including without limitation
the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commissions or any state
public utilities commission having jurisdiction over the business and operations
of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or other tariffs, laws, rules or
regulation applicable to the regulation of the provision of communications
services including, but not limited to, information service providers and
competitive local exchange, exchange access, inter-exchange and international
telecommunications services, (C) any order, decree or judgment of any
Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over Parent or any of its Subsidiaries
or (D) any Parent Permits. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has knowingly or intentionally
engaged in carrying transit or indirect traffic in violation of applicable laws,
tariffs, rules and regulations in any jurisdiction, foreign or domestic. Except
as disclosed in the Parent SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this
Agreement, there are no contracts or agreements of Parent or its Subsidiaries
having terms or conditions which would have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent
having covenants not to compete that materially impair the ability of Parent to
conduct its business as currently conducted or would reasonably be expected to
materially impair Parent's ability to conduct its businesses. "Knowledge" or
"Knowledge of Parent" means, with respect to the Parent, the actual knowledge of
the directors and officers of Parent.
Section 2.10 Tax Matters. Except as set forth in Section 2.10 of the
Parent Letter, (i) the Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed
(taking account of extensions to file that have been properly obtained) all Tax
Returns (as hereinafter defined) required to have been filed by it, and such Tax
Returns are correct and complete in all material respects and do not contain a
disclosure statement under Section 6662 of the Code (or any predecessor
provision or comparable provision of state, local or foreign laws); (ii) the
Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have timely paid (taking account of
extensions to pay that have been properly obtained) all Taxes required to be
paid by it and that have been due and will timely pay (taking account of such
extensions) all Taxes required to be paid by it and that will be due on or prior
to the Effective Time (other than Taxes that are being timely and properly
contested in good faith), or where payment is not yet due or is being contested
in good faith, has established in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles an adequate reserve for the payment of such Taxes; (iii) the Parent
and each of its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with all
rules and regulations relating to the withholding of Taxes and the remittance of
withheld Taxes; (iv) neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has waived
any statute of limitations in respect of its Taxes, which remains open; (v) no
federal, state, local, or foreign audits or administrative proceedings, of which
the Parent or its Subsidiaries has written notice, are pending with regard to
any Taxes or Tax Returns (as hereinafter defined) of the Parent or its
Subsidiaries and none of them has received a written notice of any proposed
audit or proceeding from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or any other
taxing authority; (vi) no issues that have been raised by the relevant taxing
authority in connection with the examination of Tax Returns required to have
been filed by or with respect to the Parent and each of its Subsidiaries are
currently pending; (vii) all deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a
result of any examination of such Tax Returns by any taxing authority have been
paid in full; (viii) neither the Parent nor any
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of its Subsidiaries has been a member of an affiliated group of corporations
(within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Code) filing a consolidated
federal income tax return (or a group of corporations filing a consolidated,
combined, or unitary income tax return under comparable provisions of state,
local, or foreign tax law) for any taxable period, other than a group the common
parent of which is the Parent; (ix) neither the Parent nor any of its
Subsidiaries has any obligation under any agreement or arrangement with any
other person with respect to Taxes of such other person (including pursuant to
Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 or comparable provision of state, local or
foreign tax law) including any liability for Taxes of any predecessor entity;
(x) neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has filed any consent
agreement under Section 341(f) of the Code or agreed to have Section 341(f)(2)
of the Code apply to any disposition of a subsection (f) asset (as defined in
Section 341(f)(4) of the Code) owned by the Parent; (xi) neither the Parent nor
any of its Subsidiaries is party to or has any obligation under any tax-sharing,
tax indemnity or tax allocation agreement or arrangement; (xii) except as may be
required as a result of the Merger, the Parent and its Subsidiaries have not
been and will not be required to include any adjustment in taxable income for
any tax period (or portion thereof) pursuant to Section 481 or Section 263A of
the Code or any comparable provision under state or foreign tax laws as a result
of transactions, events or accounting methods employed prior to the Closing;
(xiii) none of the Parent's or its Subsidiaries' assets are tax exempt use
property within the meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code; (xiv) the Parent is
not subject to (A) any foreign tax holidays, (B) any intercompany transfer
pricing agreements, or other arrangements that have been established by the
Parent or any of its Subsidiaries with any tax authority and (C) any expatriate
programs or policies affecting the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries; (xv) the
Parent is not, and has not been at any time, a "United States real property
holding corporation" within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code; (xvi)
neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has ever made, or been required
to make, an election under Section 338 of the Code. For purposes of this
Agreement: (i) "Taxes" means any federal, state, local, foreign or provincial
income, gross receipts, property, sales, use, license, franchise, employment,
payroll, withholding, recapture, alternative or added minimum, ad valorem,
value-added, transfer, excise, capital, or net worth tax, or other tax, custom,
duty, governmental fee or other like assessment or charge of any kind
whatsoever, together with any statutory additions including interest thereon or
penalty imposed with respect thereto by any Governmental Entity, whether
computed on a separate, consolidated, unitary, combined, or any other basis, and
shall include any transferee or secondary liability in respect of any tax
(whether imposed by law, contractual agreement, or otherwise), and (ii) "Tax
Return" means any return, report or similar statement (including the attached
schedules) required to be filed with respect to any Tax, including any
information return, claim for refund, amended return or declaration of estimated
Tax.
Section 2.11 Actions and Proceedings. Except as set forth in the Parent
SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement, there are no
outstanding material orders, judgments, injunctions, awards or decrees of any
Governmental Entity against or involving Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or
against or involving any of the present or former directors, officers,
employees, consultants or agents of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, as such,
any of its or their properties, assets or business or any Parent Plan. The term
Parent Plan shall have the same meaning as given to the term "Company Plan"
under Section 3.11(c) except that such definition shall apply only to the
Parent. Except as set forth in Section 2.11 of the Parent Letter, there are no
material actions, suits or claims or legal, administrative or arbitrative
proceedings or investigations (including claims for workers' compensation)
pending or, to the Knowledge of
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Parent, threatened against or involving Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any
of its or their present or former directors, officers, employees, consultants or
agents, as such, or any properties, assets or business of Parent or its
Subsidiaries or any Parent Plan.
Section 2.12 Liabilities. Except as fully reflected or reserved against
in the financial statements included in the 1998 Parent Annual Report, as
disclosed in the Form 10Q filed with the SEC for the third quarter of 1999 or
disclosed in the footnotes thereto or as disclosed in Section 2.12 of the Parent
Letter, Parent and its Subsidiaries had no material liabilities (including Tax
liabilities) at the date of such financial statements, absolute or contingent,
and had no material liabilities (including Tax liabilities) that were not
incurred in the ordinary course of business.
Section 2.13 Intellectual Property. "Parent Intellectual Property"
means all United States and foreign trademarks, trademark registrations,
trademark rights and renewals thereof, trade names, trade name rights, trade
dress, patents, patent rights, patent applications, industrial models,
inventions, invention disclosures, author's rights, designs, utility models,
inventor rights, software, copyrights, copyright registrations and renewals
thereof, servicemarks, servicemark registrations and renewals thereof,
servicemark rights, trade secrets, applications for trademark and servicemark
registrations, know-how, data, market information, confidential information and
other proprietary rights, and any data and information of any nature or form
used or held for use in connection with the businesses of Parent and/or its
Subsidiaries as currently conducted or as currently contemplated by Parent,
together with all applications currently pending or in process for any of the
foregoing. Except as disclosed in the Parent SEC Documents filed with the SEC
prior to the date hereof or as disclosed in the Form 10Q filed with the SEC for
the third quarter of 1999, Parent and its Subsidiaries own, or possess adequate
licenses or other valid rights to use (including the right to sublicense to
customers, suppliers or others as needed), all of the material Parent
Intellectual Property that is necessary for the conduct or contemplated conduct
of Parent's or Subsidiaries' businesses. There are no pending, or to the
Knowledge of Parent, threatened interferences, re-examinations, oppositions or
cancellation proceedings involving any patents or patent rights, trademarks or
trademark rights, or applications therefor, of Parent or any Subsidiary. To the
Knowledge of Parent, there has been no unauthorized disclosure or use of
confidential information, trade secret rights, processes and formulas, research
and development results and other know-how of Parent or any Subsidiary, the
value of which to Parent and its Subsidiaries is dependent upon the maintenance
of the confidentiality thereof.
Section 2.14 Environmental Matters.
(a) Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement, the
following terms shall have the following meanings: (i) "Hazardous
Substances" means (A) petroleum and petroleum products, by-products or
breakdown products, radioactive materials, asbestos-containing
materials and polychlorinated biphenyls, and (B) any other chemicals,
materials or substances regulated as toxic or hazardous or as a
pollutant, contaminant or waste under any applicable Environmental Law;
(ii) "Environmental Law" means any law, past, present or future (up
until the Effective Time) and as amended, and any judicial or
administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or
administrative order, consent decree or judgment, or common law,
relating to pollution
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or protection of the environment, health or safety or natural
resources, including those relating to the use, handling,
transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, release or discharge of
Hazardous Substances; and (iii) "Environmental Permit" means any
permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization
required under any applicable Environmental Law.
(b) In Compliance. To the Knowledge of Parent, Parent and its
Subsidiaries are and have been in compliance with all applicable
Environmental Laws, have obtained all Environmental Permits and are in
compliance with their requirements, and have resolved all past
non-compliance with Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits
without any pending, on-going or future obligation, cost or liability,
except in each case for the notices set forth in Section 2.14 of the
Parent Letter.
(c) No Release. To the Knowledge of Parent, neither Parent nor
any of its Subsidiaries has (i) placed, held, located, released,
transported or disposed of any Hazardous Substances on, under, from or
at any of Parent's or any of its Subsidiaries' properties or any other
properties, (ii) any Knowledge or reason to know of the presence of any
Hazardous Substances on, under, emanating from, or at any of Parent's
or any of its Subsidiaries' properties or any other property but
arising from Parent's or any of its Subsidiaries' current or former
properties or operations, or (iii) any Knowledge or reason to know, nor
has it received any written notice (A) of any violation of or liability
under any Environmental Laws, (B) of the institution or pendency of any
suit, action, claim, proceeding or investigation by any Governmental
Entity or any third party in connection with any such violation or
liability, (C) requiring the investigation of, response to or
remediation of Hazardous Substances at or arising from any of Parent's
or any of its Subsidiaries' current or former properties or operations
or any other properties, (D) alleging noncompliance by Parent or any of
its Subsidiaries with the terms of any Environmental Permit in any
manner reasonably likely to require material expenditures or to result
in material liability or (E) demanding payment for response to or
remediation of Hazardous Substances at or arising from any of Parent's
or any of its Subsidiaries' current or former properties or operations
or any other properties, except in each case for the notices set forth
in Section 2.14 of the Parent Letter.
(d) No Obligation. To the Knowledge of Parent, no
Environmental Law imposes any obligation upon Parent or any of its
Subsidiaries arising out of or as a condition to any transaction
contemplated by this Agreement, including any requirement to modify or
to transfer any permit or license, any requirement to file any notice
or other submission with any Governmental Entity, the placement of any
notice, acknowledgment or covenant in any land records, or the
modification of or provision of notice under any agreement, consent
order or consent decree.
(e) No Assessments. There are no environmental assessments or
audit reports or other similar studies or analyses in the possession or
control of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries relating to any real
property currently or formerly owned, leased or occupied by Parent or
any of its Subsidiaries.
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Section 2.15 Suppliers and Distributors.
(a) No Notice - Suppliers. Neither Parent nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice, oral or written, or has any
reason to believe that any significant supplier (including suppliers of
data or information, which may include customers), including without
limitation any sole source supplier, will not supply to Parent or any
Subsidiary at any time after the Effective Time on terms and conditions
substantially similar to those currently in place, subject only to
general and customary price increases, unless comparable supplies,
data, information or other items are readily available from other
sources on comparable terms and conditions.
(b) No Notice - Distributors. Neither Parent nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice, oral or written, or has any
reason to believe that any distributors, sales representatives, sales
agents, or other third party sellers, will not sell or market the
products or services of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries at any time
after the Effective Time on terms and conditions substantially similar
to those used in the current sales and distribution contracts of Parent
and its Subsidiaries.
Section 2.16 Insurance. All material fire and casualty, general
liability, business interruption, product liability, and sprinkler and water
damage insurance policies maintained by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries are
with reputable insurance carriers, provide full and adequate coverage for all
normal risks incident to the business of Parent and its Subsidiaries and their
respective properties and assets, and are in character and amount similar to
that carried by persons engaged in similar businesses and subject to the same or
similar perils or hazards. Parent and each of its Subsidiaries have made any and
all payments required to maintain such policies in full force and effect.
Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of default under
any such policy, and has not received written notice or, to the Knowledge of
Parent, oral notice of any pending or threatened termination or cancellation,
coverage limitation or reduction or material premium increase with respect to
such policy.
Section 2.17 Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth in the
Parent SEC Documents filed with the SEC prior to the date hereof, Section 2.17
of the Company Letter or as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, (a) no
beneficial owner of 5% or more of Parent's outstanding capital stock, (b) no
officer or director of Parent and (c) no Person (other than Parent) in which any
such beneficial owner, officer or director owns any beneficial interest (other
than a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities
exchange or in the over-the-counter market and less than 1% of the stock of
which is beneficially owned by all such Persons) has any interest in: (i) any
contract, arrangement or understanding with, or relating to, the business or
operations of, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries; (ii) any loan, arrangement,
understanding, agreement or contract for or relating to indebtedness of Parent
or any of its Subsidiaries; or (iii) any property (real, personal or mixed),
tangible or intangible, used in the business or operations of Parent or any of
its Subsidiaries, excluding any such contract, arrangement, understanding or
agreement constituting a Parent Plan or relating to terms of employment.
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Section 2.18 Brokers. No broker, investment banker or other person is
entitled to any broker's, finder's or other similar fee or commission in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon
arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
The Company represents and warrants to Parent and Sub as follows:
Section 3.1 Organization, Standing and Power. The Company is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Colorado and has the requisite corporate power and authority to
carry on its business as now being conducted. Each Subsidiary of the Company is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized and has the requisite
corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now being conducted.
The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are duly qualified to do business, and
are in good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of their
properties owned or held under lease or the nature of their activities makes
such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company. For purposes of this Agreement, "Material Adverse Change" or "Material
Adverse Effect" mean, when used with respect to the Company, any change or
effect that is or could reasonably be expected (as far as can be reasonably
foreseen at the time) to be materially adverse to the business, assets,
liabilities, results of operations, or the financial condition of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Section 3.2 Capital Structure.
(a) Stock. Section 3.2(a) of the letter dated the date hereof
and delivered on the date hereof by the Company to Parent, which
relates to this Agreement and is designated therein as the Company
Letter (the "Company Letter") contains a true and complete list of all
of the following:
(i) as of the date hereof, the number of shares of
authorized, issued, and outstanding Company Common Stock, as
well as the number of shares of authorized, issued, and
outstanding preferred stock of the Company (the "Company
Preferred Stock"), all of which shares of Company Common Stock
and Company Preferred Stock were validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights as of the date
hereof. All of the Series A and Series B Preferred Stock
issued and outstanding as of the date hereof, as listed in
Section 3.2(a) of the Company Letter, are referred to herein
as the "Current Company Preferred Stock". All of the Current
Company Preferred Stock is issued to the Controlling
Shareholder. No shares of Company Common Stock are held by any
Subsidiary of the Company;
(ii) as of the date hereof, the number of shares of
Company Common Stock reserved for future issuance pursuant to
(i) the Company's 1995
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Non-Employee Stock Option Plan, as amended, and the 1996
Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended (collectively, the
"Company Stock Option Plans"); (ii) the Company's 1999
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the "Company Stock
Purchase Plan") (collectively, the Company Stock Option Plans
and the Company Stock Purchase Plan may be referred to herein
as the "Company Stock Plans"); and
(iii) to the Knowledge of the Company, and subject to
the assumptions set forth in Section 3.2(a) of the Company
Letter, the total number of shares of Company Common Stock, on
a fully diluted basis and including all applicable shares
under the Company Stock Plans, as well as the rate of accrual
and all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Current Company
Preferred Stock, that the Company anticipates will be issued
and outstanding as of the Closing Date or will otherwise be
convertible into Parent Common Stock at the Closing.
Other than the Company Stock Plans listed in Section 3.2(a) of the
Company Letter, there are no other plans relating to options, warrants, or other
interests in the Company, that are operated by the Company or assumed by the
Company in connection with any acquisition, business combination or similar
transaction.
(b) Options, Etc. Section 3.2(b) of the Company Letter
contains a materially correct and complete list as of the date of this
Agreement of each outstanding option, warrant or other right to
purchase shares of Company Common Stock, whether issued under the
Company Stock Plans (collectively, the "Company Stock Options") or
otherwise, including the holder, date of grant, term, acceleration of
vesting or exercisability, if any, exercise price and number of shares
of Company Common Stock subject thereto. Except as set forth in Section
3.2(b) of the Company Letter and except for the Company Stock Options,
the rights to purchase shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to the
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock
and the Controlling Shareholder Loan, there are no options, warrants,
calls, rights or agreements to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is bound obligating the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause
to be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or obligating the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries to grant, extend or enter into any such option,
warrant, call, right or agreement.
(c) Contractual Obligations. Except as set forth in Section
3.2 of the Company Letter, there are no outstanding contractual
obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of Company Common Stock or any
capital stock of or any equity interests in the Company or any
Subsidiary. Each outstanding share of capital stock of each Subsidiary
of the Company is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and, except as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents (as
hereinafter defined) filed prior to the date of this Agreement, each
such share is owned by the Company or another Subsidiary of the
Company, free and clear of all Liens. Except as set forth in Section
3.2 of the Company Letter, the Company does not have any outstanding
bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of which have
the right to vote (or are convertible into or
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exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with the
shareholders of the Company on any matter. Section 3.2(c) of the
Company Letter contains a correct and complete list as of the date of
this Agreement of each of the Company's Subsidiaries. Except as set
forth on Section 3.2(c) of the Company Letter, as of the date hereof,
neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to or bound by
(x) any agreement or commitment pursuant to which the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company is or could be required to register any
securities under the Securities Act or (y) any debt agreements or
instruments which grant any rights to vote (contingent or otherwise) on
matters on which shareholders of the Company may vote.
(d) Entities. Section 3.2(d) of the Company Letter contains a
correct and complete list as of the date of this Agreement of each
entity in which the Company owns an equity interest (other than a
Subsidiary), including the number of outstanding shares of the stock of
each such entity and the percentage interest represented by the
Company's ownership in the entity.
Section 3.3 Authority. On or prior to the date of this Agreement, the
Board of Directors of the Company has declared the Merger advisable and in the
best interest of the Company and its shareholders, approved and adopted this
Agreement in accordance with the CBCA, resolved to recommend the adoption of
this Agreement by the Company's shareholders and directed that this Agreement be
submitted to the Company's shareholders for adoption. The Company has all
requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement, subject to
approval and adoption by the shareholders of the Company of this Agreement, to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of the Company, subject, in the case of this
Agreement, to (x) approval and adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of
the Company and (y) the filing of the Articles of Merger as required by the
CBCA. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and
(assuming the valid authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Parent and Sub and the validity and binding effect of the Agreement on Parent
and Sub) constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable
against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar
laws relating to or affecting creditors generally and by general equity
principles (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law). The filing of the Proxy Statement with the SEC
has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the
Company.
Section 3.4 Consents and Approvals; No Violation. Assuming that all
consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in this Section
3.4 have been obtained and all filings and obligations described in this Section
3.4 have been made, except as set forth in Section 3.4 of the Company Letter,
the execution and delivery of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with the provisions hereof will
not, result in any violation of, or material default (with or without notice or
lapse of time, or both) under, or give to others a right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or result in the loss of a
material benefit under, or result in the creation of any material lien, security
interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of the properties
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or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under, any provision of (i)
the Articles of Incorporation of the Company (as amended from time to time, the
"Company Charter") or the By-laws of the Company, (ii) any provision of the
comparable charter or organization documents of any of the Company's
Subsidiaries, (iii) any loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, lease or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise
or license applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) any
judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable
to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties
or assets, other than any such violations, defaults, rights, losses, liens,
security interests, charges or encumbrances that, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, materially
impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder or
prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby. No
filing or registration with, or authorization, consent or approval of, any
Governmental Entity is required by or with respect to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by
the Company or is necessary for the consummation of the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (i) in connection, or in
compliance, with the provisions of the HSR Act, the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act, (ii) the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of
State of the State of Colorado and appropriate documents with the relevant
authorities of other states in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
qualified to do business, (iii) such filings and consents as may be required
under any environmental, health or safety law or regulation pertaining to any
notification, disclosure or required approval triggered by the Merger or by the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) such filings, authorizations,
orders and approvals as may be required to obtain the State Takeover Approvals,
if any, (v) applicable requirements, if any, of Blue Sky Laws or the Nasdaq
National Market, (vi) as may be required under foreign laws and (vii) such other
consents, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations, approvals and
filings the failure of which to be obtained or made would not, individually or
in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, materially
impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder or
prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby.
Section 3.5 SEC Documents and Other Reports. The Company has filed as
of the date hereof all documents required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to
the Exchange Act for reporting periods up to and including the end of the third
quarter of 1999 (the "Company SEC Documents"). Except as set forth in Section
3.5 of the Company Letter, as of their respective dates, the Company SEC
Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and, at the respective
times they were filed, none of the Company SEC Documents contained any untrue
statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The consolidated
financial statements (including, in each case, any notes thereto) of the Company
included in the Company SEC Documents complied as to form in all material
respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and
regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, were prepared in accordance with
United States generally accepted accounting principles (except, in the case of
the unaudited statements, to the extent permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC)
applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be
indicated therein or in the notes thereto) and fairly presented in all material
respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated
Subsidiaries as at the respective dates
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thereof and the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated
cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of unaudited
statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments and to any other adjustments
described therein). Except as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents or as
required by generally accepted accounting principles, the Company has not, since
September 30, 1999, made any material change in the accounting practices or
policies applied in the preparation of financial statements.
Section 3.6 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as set forth
in Section 3.6 of the Company Letter or as disclosed in the Company SEC
Documents filed with the SEC prior to the date of this Agreement (i) except for
the Controlling Shareholder Loan ( as hereinafter defined), the Company and its
Subsidiaries have not incurred any material liability or obligation (indirect,
direct or contingent), or entered into any material oral or written agreement or
other transaction, that is not in the ordinary course of business or that would
result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) there has been no change in the
capital stock of the Company except for the issuance of shares of the Company
Common Stock pursuant to the Company Stock Plans, upon conversion of the Current
Company Preferred Stock and repayment of the Controlling Shareholder Loan, and
no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made (except for
payment of in-kind dividends of Company Common Stock on the Current Company
Preferred Stock) by the Company on any class of its stock, (iii) there has not
been (A) any adoption of a new Company Plan (as hereinafter defined), (B) any
amendment to a Company Plan materially increasing benefits thereunder, (C) any
granting by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any executive officer or
other key employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any increase in
compensation, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice or as was required under employment agreements in effect as of the date
of the most recent audited financial statements included in the Company SEC
Documents, (D) any granting by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any
such executive officer or other key employee of any increase in severance or
termination agreements in effect as of the date of the most recent audited
financial statements included in the Company SEC Documents or (E) any entry by
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries into any employment, severance or
termination agreement with any such executive officer or other key employee,
(iv) there has not been any material changes in the amount or terms of the
indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries from that described in the 1998
Company Annual Report, except for the Controlling Shareholder Loan and (v) there
has been no event causing a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, nor any
development that would, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company.
Section 3.7 Permits and Compliance. Each of the Company and its
Subsidiaries is in possession of all franchises, grants, authorizations,
licenses, permits, tariffs, easements, variances, exceptions, consents,
certificates, approvals and orders of any Governmental Entity necessary for the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to own, lease and operate its properties or
to carry on its business as it is now being conducted (the "Company Permits"),
except where the failure to have any of the Company Permits would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company,
and no suspension or cancellation of any of the Company Permits is pending or,
to the Knowledge of the Company (as hereinafter defined), threatened, except
where the suspension or cancellation of any of the Company Permits would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be likely to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company. Except as set forth on Section 3.7 of the Company
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Letter, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of, or
has taken any action or omitted to take any action which, with the passage of
time, would result in a violation of (A) its charter, by-laws or other
organizational documents, (B) any applicable tariff, law, ordinance,
administrative, or governmental rule or regulation, including without limitation
the rules and regulations of the FCC or any state public utilities commission
having jurisdiction over the business and operations of the Company, or other
tariffs, laws, rules or regulation applicable to the regulation of the provision
of communications services including, but not limited to, information service
providers and competitive local exchange, exchange access, inter-exchange and
international telecommunications services, (C) any order, decree or judgment of
any Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or (D) any Company Permits. Except as disclosed in the Company SEC
Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement, there are no contracts or
agreements of the Company containing covenants not to compete that materially
impair the ability of the Company to conduct its business as currently conducted
or would reasonably be expected to materially impair Parent's ability to conduct
its businesses. "Knowledge" or "Knowledge of the Company" means, with respect to
matters regarding the Company, the actual knowledge of the directors and
officers of the Company.
Section 3.8 Tax Matters. Except as set forth in Section 3.8 of the
Company Letter, (i) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have timely filed
(taking account of extensions to file that have been properly obtained) all Tax
Returns required to have been filed by it, and such Tax Returns are correct and
complete in all material respects and do not contain a disclosure statement
under Section 6662 of the Code (or any predecessor provision or comparable
provision of state, local or foreign laws); (ii) the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries have timely paid (taking account of extensions to pay that have
been properly obtained) all Taxes required to be paid by it and that have been
due and will timely pay (taking account of such extensions) all Taxes required
to be paid by it and that will be due on or prior to the Effective Time (other
than Taxes that are being timely and properly contested in good faith), or where
payment is not yet due or is being contested in good faith, has established in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles an adequate reserve for
the payment of such Taxes; (iii) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have
complied in all material respects with all rules and regulations relating to the
withholding of Taxes and the remittance of withheld Taxes; (iv) neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has waived any statute of limitations in
respect of its Taxes, which remains open; (v) no federal, state, local, or
foreign audits or administrative proceedings, of which the Company or its
Subsidiaries has written notice, are pending with regard to any Taxes or Tax
Returns (as hereinafter defined) of the Company or its Subsidiaries and none of
them has received a written notice of any proposed audit or proceeding from the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or any other taxing authority; (vi) no
issues that have been raised by the relevant taxing authority in connection with
the examination of Tax Returns required to have been filed by or with respect to
the Company and each of its Subsidiaries are currently pending; (vii) all
deficiencies asserted or assessments made as a result of any examination of such
Tax Returns by any taxing authority have been paid in full; (viii) neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been a member of an affiliated group of
corporations (within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Code) filing a
consolidated federal income tax return (or a group of corporations filing a
consolidated, combined, or unitary income tax return under comparable provisions
of state, local, or foreign tax law) for any taxable period, other than a group
the common parent of which is the Company; (ix) neither the Company nor
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any of its Subsidiaries has any obligation under any agreement or arrangement
with any other person with respect to Taxes of such other person (including
pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 or comparable provision of
state, local or foreign tax law) including any liability for Taxes of any
predecessor entity; (x) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has
filed any consent agreement under Section 341(f) of the Code or agreed to have
Section 341(f)(2) of the Code apply to any disposition of a subsection (f) asset
(as defined in Section 341(f)(4) of the Code) owned by the Company; (xi) neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to or has any obligation under
any tax-sharing, tax indemnity or tax allocation agreement or arrangement; (xii)
except as may be required as a result of the Merger, the Company and its
Subsidiaries have not been and will not be required to include any adjustment in
taxable income for any tax period (or portion thereof) pursuant to Section 481
or Section 263A of the Code or any comparable provision under state or foreign
tax laws as a result of transactions, events or accounting methods employed
prior to the Closing; (xiii) none of the Company's or its Subsidiaries' assets
are tax exempt use property within the meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code;
(xiv) the Company is not subject to (A) any foreign tax holidays, (B) any
intercompany transfer pricing agreements, or other arrangements that have been
established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with any tax authority and
(C) any expatriate programs or policies affecting the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries; (xv) the Company is not, and has not been at any time, a "United
States real property holding corporation" within the meaning of Section
897(c)(2) of the Code; (xvi) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has
ever made, or been required to make, an election under Section 338 of the Code.
Section 3.9 Actions and Proceedings. Except as set forth in the Company
SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement, there are no
outstanding material orders, judgments, injunctions, awards or decrees of any
Governmental Entity against or involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
or against or involving any of the present or former directors, officers,
employees, consultants or agents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as
such, any of its or their properties, assets or business or any Company Plan (as
hereinafter defined). Except as set forth in Section 3.9 of the Company Letter,
there are no material actions, suits or claims or legal, administrative or
arbitrative proceedings or investigations (including claims for workers'
compensation) pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against or
involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their present
or former directors, officers, employees, consultants or agents, as such, or any
of the Company or its Subsidiaries properties, assets or business or any Company
Plan.
Section 3.10 Certain Agreements,
(a) Compensation Agreements. Except as set forth in the
Company SEC Documents or Section 3.10(a) of the Company Letter, neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any oral or
written agreement or plan relating to the compensation of employees of
the Company or its Subsidiaries, including any employment agreement,
severance agreement, stock option plan, stock appreciation rights plan,
restricted stock plan or stock purchase plan, pension plan (as defined
in Section 3(2) of ERISA) or welfare plan (as defined in Section 3(1)
of ERISA) (collectively the "Compensation Agreements"). No holder of
any option to purchase shares of Company Common Stock, or shares of
Company Common Stock granted in
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connection with the performance of services for the Company or its
Subsidiaries, is or will be entitled to receive cash from the Company
or any Subsidiary in lieu of or in exchange for such option or shares
as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement except
as provided in Section 5.7. Section 3.10(a) of the Company Letter sets
forth the total amount of indebtedness owed to the Company or its
Subsidiaries from each officer, director or employee of the Company and
its Subsidiaries.
(b) Contracts. Set forth in Section 3.10(b) of the Company
Letter is a list of all contracts (whether oral or written) of the
following categories to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
a party or by which any of them is bound: (i) contracts requiring
annual expenditures by or liabilities of the Company and its
Subsidiaries in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) which
have a remaining term in excess of one hundred eighty (180) days or are
not cancelable (without material penalty, cost or other liability)
within one hundred eighty (180) days; (ii) promissory notes, loans,
agreements, indentures, evidences of indebtedness or other instruments
relating to the lending of money, whether as borrower, lender or
guarantor, in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000); (iii)
contracts containing covenants limiting the freedom of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any line of business (other than
prohibitions against engaging in business relating to specific product
lines) or compete with any person, in any product line or line of
business, or operate at any location; (iv) other contracts in which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries has granted exclusive marketing
rights relating to any product or service, any group of products or
services or any territory; and (vii) to the Knowledge of the Company,
as of the date hereof any other contract the performance of which could
be reasonably expected to require expenditures by the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000)
(collectively, "Company Significant Contracts"). Prior to the date
hereof, the Company has provided true and complete copies of all such
contracts to Parent.
(c) Binding Contract. Except as set forth on Section 3.10(c)
of the Company Letter, each Company Significant Contract is a legal,
valid and binding agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries, neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (or to the Knowledge of the
Company, any other party thereto) is in default under any Company
Significant Contract, and none of such Company Significant Contracts
has been canceled by the other party thereto; each Company Significant
Contract is in full force and effect and no event has occurred which,
with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, would
constitute a default, event of default or other breach by the Company
or any Subsidiary party thereto which would entitle the other party to
such Company Significant Contract to terminate the same or declare a
default or event of default thereunder; the Company and its
Subsidiaries are not in receipt of any claim of default under any such
agreement; in each instance.
Section 3.11 ERISA.
(a) Company Plan. Each Company Plan is listed in Section
3.11(a) of the Company Letter. With respect to each Company Plan, the
Company has made available to Parent a true and correct copy of (i) the
three (3) most recent annual reports
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(Form 5500) filed with the IRS, (ii) each such Company Plan that has
been reduced to writing and all amendments thereto, (iii) each trust
agreement, insurance contract, administration agreement or funding
arrangement relating to each such Company Plan, (iv) a written summary
of each unwritten Company Plan, (v) the most recent summary plan
description or other written explanation of each Company Plan provided
to participants, (vi) the most recent determination letter issued by
the IRS with respect to any Company Plan intended to be qualified under
section 401(a) of the Code, (vii) any request for a determination
currently pending before the IRS, and (viii) all correspondence with
the IRS, the Department of Labor, the SEC or Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation relating to any outstanding controversy. Each Company Plan
complies in all material respects with the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), the Code and all other
applicable statutes and governmental rules and regulations. No Company
Plan is subject to Title IV of ERISA. Neither the Company nor any of
its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates is a party to, has made any
contribution to or otherwise incurred any obligation under any
"multiemployer plan" as defined in Sections (37) and 4001(a)(3) of
ERISA.
(b) Qualification. All Company Plans that are intended to be
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code have been determined by the
IRS to be so qualified, or a timely application for such determination
is now pending, or the remedial amendment period under applicable
Treasury Regulations or IRS pronouncements has not expired, and to the
Knowledge of the Company, nothing has occurred since the issuance of
each such letter which could reasonably be expected to cause the loss
of the tax-qualified status of any Company Plan subject to Section
401(a) of the Code. With respect to any Group Health Plan (as defined
in Section 5000(b)(1) of the Code) maintained by the Company, any of
its Subsidiaries, or ERISA Affiliates, each such plan has been operated
in material compliance with the provisions of Part 6 of Title I of
ERISA and Sections 4980B, 9801 and 9802 of the Code. Except as
disclosed in Section 3.11(b) of the Company Letter, neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates has any liability or
obligation under any welfare plan to provide benefits after termination
of employment to any employee or dependent other than as required by
Section 4980B of the Code.
(c) Defined Terms. As used herein, "Company Plan" means a
"pension plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, a "welfare plan"
(as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA), or any other written or oral
bonus, profit sharing, deferred compensation, incentive compensation,
stock ownership, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock,
restricted stock, stock appreciation right, holiday pay, vacation,
severance, medical, dental, vision, disability, death benefit, sick
leave, fringe benefit, personnel policy, insurance or other plan,
arrangement or understanding, in each case established or maintained by
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates or as to
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates has
contributed or otherwise may have any liability.
(d) Severance and Employment Agreements. Section 3.11(a) and
Section 3.11(b) of the Company Letter collectively contain a list of
all (i) severance and employment agreements with employees of the
Company and each Subsidiary and
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ERISA Affiliate, (ii) severance programs and policies of the Company
and each Subsidiary and ERISA Affiliate with or relating to its
employees and (iii) plans, programs, agreements and other arrangements
of the Company and each Subsidiary and ERISA Affiliate with or relating
to its employees containing change of control or similar provisions.
(e) Not a Party To Certain Agreements. Neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement, contract or
arrangement that could result, separately or in the aggregate, in the
payment, acceleration or enhancement of any benefit as a result of the
transactions contemplated hereby including, without limitation, the
payment of any "excess parachute payments" within the meaning of
Section 280G of the Code or any payments not deductible under Sections
162(m), 280G or 404 of the Code.
(f) Foreign Plans. With respect to each Company Plan not
subject to United States law (a "Company Foreign Benefit Plan"), (i)
the fair market value of the assets of each funded Company Foreign
Benefit Plan, the liability of each insurer for any Company Foreign
Benefit Plan funded through insurance or the reserve shown on the
Company's consolidated financial statements for any unfunded Company
Foreign Benefit Plan, together with any accrued contributions, is
sufficient to procure or provide for the projected benefit obligations
with respect to all current and former participants in such plan
according reasonable, country specific actuarial assumptions and
valuations and no transaction contemplated by this Agreement shall
cause such assets or insurance obligations or book reserve to be less
than such projected benefit obligations; and (ii) each Company Foreign
Benefit Plan required to be registered has been registered and has been
maintained in good standing with the appropriate regulatory
authorities.
Section 3.12 No Undisclosed Material Liabilities. There are no
liabilities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any kind whatsoever,
whether accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise,
which would be required by generally accepted accounting principles to be
reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company (including the notes
thereto), other than liabilities and obligations which, individual or in the
aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, and other
than:
(i) liabilities disclosed in the Company SEC Reports
filed prior to the date hereof;
(ii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices; and
(iii) liabilities incurred in the performance of or
as contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 3.13 Labor Matters. Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining agreement or labor
contract. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in any
unfair labor practice with respect to their respective employees (the "Company
Employees"), and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no unfair labor
practice complaint or grievance against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
by
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any person pursuant to the National Labor Relations Act or any comparable state
agency or foreign law pending or threatened in writing with respect to any
Company Employees. There is no labor strike, dispute, slowdown or stoppage
pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries which may interfere with the respective
business activities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
Section 3.14 Intellectual Property. "Company Intellectual Property"
means all United States and foreign trademarks, trademark registrations,
trademark rights and renewals thereof, trade names, trade name rights, trade
dress, patents, patent rights, patent applications, industrial models,
inventions, invention disclosures, author's rights, designs, utility models,
inventor rights, software, copyrights, copyright registrations and renewals
thereof, servicemarks, servicemark registrations and renewals thereof,
servicemark rights, trade secrets, applications for trademark and servicemark
registrations, know-how, data, market information, confidential information and
other proprietary rights, and any data and information of any nature or form
used or held for use in connection with the businesses of the Company and/or its
Subsidiaries as currently conducted or as currently contemplated by the Company,
together with all applications currently pending or in process for any of the
foregoing. Except as disclosed in the Company SEC Documents filed with the SEC
prior to the date hereof, the Company and its Subsidiaries own, or possess
adequate licenses or other valid rights to use (including the right to
sublicense to customers, suppliers or others as needed), all of the material
Company Intellectual Property that is necessary for the conduct or contemplated
conduct of the Company's or Subsidiaries' businesses. Section 3.14 of the
Company Letter lists each material license or other agreement pursuant to which
the Company or any Subsidiary has the right to use Company Intellectual Property
utilized in connection with any product of, or service provided by, the Company
and its Subsidiaries (the "Company Licenses"). There are no pending or to the
Knowledge of the Company, threatened interferences, re-examinations, oppositions
or cancellation proceedings involving any patents or patent rights, trademarks
or trademark rights, or applications therefor, of the Company or any Subsidiary.
There is no breach or violation by the Company or by any Subsidiary under, and,
to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no breach or violation by any other
party to, any Company License that is reasonably likely to give rise to any
termination or any loss of rights thereunder. To the Knowledge of the Company,
there has been no unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential information,
trade secret rights, processes and formulas, research and development results
and other know-how of the Company or any Subsidiary, the value of which to the
Company and its Subsidiaries is dependent upon the maintenance of the
confidentiality thereof.
Section 3.15 Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Company has received the
written opinion from its financial advisor dated the date hereof to the effect
that, as of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration is fair to the Company's
shareholders from a financial point of view, a copy of which opinion has been
delivered to Parent. This fairness opinion shall not have been modified or
withdrawn prior to the Effective Time.
Section 3.16 Required Vote of Company Shareholders. The affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common
Stock and Company Preferred Stock is required to adopt this Agreement. No other
vote of the security holders of the Company is required by law, the Company
Charter or the By-laws of the Company or otherwise in order for the Company to
consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby.
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Section 3.17 Reorganization. To the Knowledge of the Company, (i)
neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action or failed to take
any action which action or failure would jeopardize the qualification of the
Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and
(ii) there are no facts that would prevent the Merger from qualifying as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
Section 3.18 Environmental Matters.
(a) In Compliance. To the Knowledge of the Company, the
Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been in compliance with all
applicable Environmental Laws, have obtained all Environmental Permits
and are in compliance with their requirements, and have resolved all
past non-compliance with Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits
without any pending, on-going or future obligation, cost or liability,
except in each case for the notices set forth in Section 3.18 of the
Company Letter.
(b) No Release. To the Knowledge of the Company, neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) placed, held, located,
released, transported or disposed of any Hazardous Substances on,
under, from or at any of the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries'
properties or any other properties, (ii) any Knowledge or reason to
know of the presence of any Hazardous Substances on, under, emanating
from, or at any of the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries' properties
or any other property but arising from the Company's or any of its
Subsidiaries' current or former properties or operations, or (iii) any
Knowledge or reason to know, nor has it received any written notice (A)
of any violation of or liability under any Environmental Laws, (B) of
the institution or pendency of any suit, action, claim, proceeding or
investigation by any Governmental Entity or any third party in
connection with any such violation or liability, (C) requiring the
investigation of, response to or remediation of Hazardous Substances at
or arising from any of the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries'
current or former properties or operations or any other properties, (D)
alleging noncompliance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with
the terms of any Environmental Permit in any manner reasonably likely
to require material expenditures or to result in material liability or
(E) demanding payment for response to or remediation of Hazardous
Substances at or arising from any of the Company's or any of its
Subsidiaries' current or former properties or operations or any other
properties, except in each case for the notices set forth in Section
3.18 of the Company Letter.
(c) No Obligation. To the Knowledge of the Company, no
Environmental Law imposes any obligation upon the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries arising out of or as a condition to any transaction
contemplated by this Agreement, including any requirement to modify or
to transfer any permit or license, any requirement to file any notice
or other submission with any Governmental Entity, the placement of any
notice, acknowledgment or covenant in any land records, or the
modification of or provision of notice under any agreement, consent
order or consent decree.
(d) No Assessments. There are no environmental assessments or
audit reports or other similar studies or analyses in the possession or
control of the Company or
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any of its Subsidiaries relating to any real property currently or
formerly owned, leased or occupied by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries.
Section 3.19 Suppliers and Distributors.
(a) No-Notice Suppliers. Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice, oral or written, or has any
reason to believe that any significant supplier (including suppliers of
data or information, which may include customers), including without
limitation any sole source supplier, will not supply to the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries at any time after the Effective Time on terms
and conditions substantially similar to those currently in place,
subject only to general and customary price increases, unless
comparable supplies, data, information or other items are readily
available from other sources on comparable terms and conditions.
(b) No-Notice Distributors. Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has received any notice, oral or written, or has any
reason to believe that any distributors, sales representatives, sales
agents, or other third party sellers, will not sell or market the
products or services of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries at any
time after the Effective Time on terms and conditions substantially
similar to those used in the current sales and distribution contracts
of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
Section 3.20 Insurance. Section 3.20 of the Company Letter sets forth a
complete listing of all material fire and casualty, general liability, business
interruption, product liability, and sprinkler and water damage insurance
policies maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, all of which
policies are with reputable insurance carriers, provide full and adequate
coverage for all normal risks incident to the business of the Company and its
Subsidiaries and their respective properties and assets, and are in character
and amount similar to that carried by persons engaged in similar businesses and
subject to the same or similar perils or hazards. The Company and any of its
Subsidiaries have made any and all payments required to maintain such policies
in full force and effect. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has
received notice of default under any such policy, and has not received written
notice or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral notice of any pending or
threatened termination or cancellation, coverage limitation or reduction or
material premium increase with respect to such policy.
Section 3.21 Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth in the
Company SEC Documents filed with the SEC prior to the date hereof, Section 3.21
of the Company Letter or as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, (a) no
beneficial owner of 5% or more of the Company's outstanding capital stock, or
(b) officer or director of the Company or (c) any Person (other than the
Company) in which any such beneficial owner, officer or director owns any
beneficial interest (other than a publicly held corporation whose stock is
traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market and
less than 1% of the stock of which is beneficially owned by all such Persons)
has any interest in: (i) any contract, arrangement or understanding with, or
relating to, the business or operations of, the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries; (ii) any loan, arrangement, understanding, agreement or contract
for or relating to indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or
(iii) any property (real, personal or mixed), tangible or intangible, used in
the business or operations of the Company or any of its
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Subsidiaries, excluding any such contract, arrangement, understanding or
agreement constituting a Company Plan or relating to terms of employment.
Section 3.22 Title to and Sufficiency of Assets.
(a) Good and Marketable Title. As of the date hereof, the
Company and its Subsidiaries own, and as of the Effective Time the
Company and its Subsidiaries will own, good and marketable title to all
of their assets constituting personal property which is material to
their business (excluding, for purposes of this sentence, assets held
under leases), free and clear of any and all Liens, except as set forth
in the Company SEC Documents filed with the SEC prior to the date
hereof or Section 3.22 of the Company Letter. Such assets, together
with all assets held by the Company and its Subsidiaries under leases,
include all tangible and intangible personal property, contracts and
rights necessary or required for the operation of the businesses of the
Company as presently conducted.
(b) No Real Estate. As of the date hereof, the Company and its
Subsidiaries do not own, and as of the Effective Time the Company and
its Subsidiaries will not own any Real Estate (excluding, for purposes
of this sentence, Real Estate leases). All Real Estate leases held by
the Company and its Subsidiaries, are adequate for the operation of the
businesses of the Company as presently conducted. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Real Estate" (which for this purpose excludes Real Estate
leases) means, with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
as applicable, all of the fee, if any, of such person, in and to all
real estate and improvement owned or leased by any such person and
which is used by any such person in connection with the operation of
its business.
Section 3.23 Brokers. With the exception of fees payable to Neidiger
Tucker Bruner, Inc., for the rendering of a fairness opinion to the Company in
connection with the Merger (which fees shall be paid by the Company, $50,000 in
cash upon delivery of the fairness opinion with the balance to be paid by the
Company post-Closing pursuant to the terms of a written agreement between
Niediger Tucker Bruner, Inc., a copy of which has been furnished to Parent), no
broker, investment banker or other person, other than the individual(s) listed
in Section 3.23 of the Company Letter, the fees and expenses of which will not
exceed $400,000 and will be paid by the Company in cash at or prior to the
Closing (as reflected in a written agreement between the individual(s) listed in
Section 3.23 of the Company Letter and the Company, a copy of which has been
furnished to Parent), is entitled to any broker's, finder's or other similar fee
or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company.
Section 3.24 Books and Records. To the Knowledge of the Company, the
books and records of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries are complete and
accurate in all material respects.
Section 3.25 Bank Accounts. Section 3.25 of the Company Letter lists
all material bank, money market, savings and similar accounts and safe deposit
boxes of the
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Company and each Subsidiary specifying the account numbers and the authorized
signatories of persons having access to them.
Section 3.26 Litigation. Except as set forth in the Company SEC
Documents filed with the SEC prior to the date hereof and except as set forth in
Section 3.26 of the Company Letter, there are no actions, suits, investigations
or proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against
the Company or any Subsidiary before any federal, state, municipal, foreign or
other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or
instrumentality, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any
written notice of, or any written threats concerning the possible commencement
of, any such actions, suits or proceedings with respect to the business of the
Company or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, any of which actions, suits,
investigations or proceedings, if decided adversely to the Company, would be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any
Subsidiary.
ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
Section 4.1 Conduct of Business by the Company Pending the Merger.
(a) Limitations. Except as expressly permitted by this Section
4.1 and subject to the fiduciary obligations of the Company's directors
and officers, during the period from the date of this Agreement through
the Effective Time, the Company shall, and shall cause each of its
Subsidiaries to, in all material respects, carry on its business in the
ordinary course of its business as currently conducted and, to the
extent consistent therewith, use commercially reasonable efforts to
preserve intact its current business organizations, keep available the
services of its current officers and key employees and preserve its
relationships with customers, suppliers and others having business
dealings with it. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and
except as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement or as set
forth in the Company Letter (with specific reference to the applicable
subsection below), the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of Parent
pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 4.2:
(i) except for payment of in-kind dividends of
Company Common Stock on the Current Company Preferred Stock,
(A) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any
other actual, constructive or deemed distributions in respect
of, any of its capital stock, or otherwise make any payments
to its shareholders in their capacity as such, (B) other than
in the case of any Subsidiary of the Company, split, combine
or reclassify any of its capital stock or issue or authorize
the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of
or in substitution for shares of its capital stock or (C)
purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital
stock of the Company or any other securities thereof or any
rights, warrants or options to acquire any such shares or
other securities;
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(ii) authorize for issuance (except as contemplated
by the Exchange Agreement), issue, deliver, sell, pledge,
dispose of or otherwise encumber any shares of its capital
stock, any other voting securities or equity equivalent or any
securities convertible into, or any rights, warrants or
options (including options under the Company Stock Option
Plans) to acquire any such shares, voting securities, equity
equivalent or convertible securities, other than the issuance
of shares of Company Common Stock upon the exercise of Company
Stock Options outstanding on the date of this Agreement and
except for payment of in-kind dividends on, and conversion
pursuant to Section 5.8 of, the Current Company Preferred
Stock and repayment of the Controlling Shareholder Loan, each
in accordance with their respective terms as in effect on the
date of this Agreement;
(iii) amend the Company Charter or by-laws;
(iv) acquire or agree to acquire by merging or
consolidating with, or by purchasing a substantial portion of
the assets of or equity in, or by any other manner, any
business or any corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, association or other business organization or
division thereof or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any
assets for an amount exceeding $25,000 in the aggregate;
(v) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of, or agree to
sell, lease or otherwise dispose of, any of its assets, other
than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice and not in any event exceeding $25,000 in the
aggregate;
(vi) except for the Controlling Shareholder Loan,
incur any indebtedness for borrowed money, guarantee any such
indebtedness, incur, assume, guarantee, endorse, or prepay any
material indebtedness (whether directly, indirectly,
contingently or otherwise), or make any loans, advances or
capital contributions to, or other investments in, any other
person, other than (A) in amounts not to exceed $25,000 in the
aggregate; and (B) indebtedness, loans, advances, capital
contributions and investments between the Company and any of
its wholly-owned Subsidiaries or between any of such
wholly-owned Subsidiaries, in each case in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practices and not in any
event to exceed $25,000 in the aggregate;
(vii) except for conversion of the Current Company
Preferred Stock and repayment of the Controlling Shareholder
Loan, alter (through merger, liquidation, reorganization,
restructuring or in any other fashion) the corporate structure
or ownership of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(viii) enter into or adopt any, or amend any
existing, severance plan, agreement or arrangement or enter
into or amend any Company Plan, employment agreement, oral or
written employment or at will agreement of any
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kind individually equal to or in excess of $80,000 annually,
or any consulting agreement in any amount;
(ix) increase the aggregate compensation payable or
to become payable to its directors, officers or employees in
either (i) the voice division of the Company beyond the amount
set forth in Section 4.1(a)(ix) of the Company Letter (the
"Voice Compensation Pool") (which Voice Compensation Pool set
forth in the Company Letter shall not be more than 104.2% of
current cumulative annualized compensation levels for the
voice division of the Company), or (ii) the data division of
the Company beyond the amount set forth in Section 4.1(a)(ix)
of the Company Letter (the "Data Compensation Pool") (which
Data Compensation Pool set forth in the Company Letter shall
not be more than 104.2% of current cumulative annualized
compensation levels for the voice division of the Company);
(x) grant any severance or termination pay to, or
enter into any employment or severance agreement with, any
director or officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
or establish, adopt, enter into, or, except as may be required
to comply with applicable law, amend in any material respect
or take action to enhance in any material respect or
accelerate any rights or benefits under, any labor, collective
bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift, compensation, stock
option, restricted stock, pension, retirement, deferred
compensation, employment, termination, severance or other
plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or arrangement for the
benefit of any director, officer or employee;
(xi) knowingly violate or knowingly fail to perform
any material obligation or duty imposed upon it or any of its
Subsidiaries by any applicable federal, state or local law,
rule or regulation;
(xii) make any change to accounting policies or
procedures (other than actions required to be taken by
generally accepted accounting principles);
(xiii) prepare or file any material Tax Return
inconsistent with its past practice in preparing or filing
similar Tax Returns in prior periods or, on any such Tax
Return, take any position, make any election, or adopt any
method that is inconsistent with positions taken, elections
made or methods used in preparing or filing similar Tax
Returns in prior periods;
(xiv) make or rescind any express or deemed material
election relating to Taxes or change any of its methods of
reporting income or deductions for Tax purposes;
(xv) commence any litigation or proceeding with
respect to any material Tax liability or settle or compromise
any material Tax liability without Parent's consent (which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) or
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commence any other litigation or proceedings or settle or
compromise any other material claims or litigation;
(xvi) except in the ordinary course of business and
only if the Company's annual expenditure would reasonably be
expected to be less than $25,000 in the aggregate, enter into,
renew, terminate or amend any agreement or contract material
to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
including any Company Significant Contract; or purchase any
real property or make or agree to make any new capital
expenditure or expenditures which in the aggregate are in
excess of $25,000;
(xvii) pay, discharge or satisfy any claims,
liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or
unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than the payment,
discharge or satisfaction, in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice or in accordance with their
terms, of liabilities reflected or reserved against in, or
contemplated by, the most recent financial statements (or the
notes thereto) of the Company included in the Company SEC
Documents or incurred in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice;
(xviii) permit any insurance policy naming the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company as a beneficiary or a
loss payee to be cancelled or terminated, provided that the
Company will provide prior written notice to Parent within
thirty (30) days prior to any termination or cancellation of
any such insurance policy;
(xix) authorize, recommend, propose or announce an
intention to do any of the foregoing, or enter into any
contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to do any of
the foregoing; or
(xx) make any individual expenditure in excess of
$25,000 other than by issuance of a check requiring the
signature of the Operations Observer (as defined herein), the
signature of which Operations Observer shall constitute the
prior written consent of Parent pursuant to Section 4.2
hereof, provided, however, that the requirement set forth in
this Section 4.1(a)(xx) shall automatically expire thirty (30)
days after the date hereof unless Parent, in its sole
discretion, provides written notice to the Company prior to
such date directing an extension of such time period for up to
thirty (30) additional days, which extension may be renewed in
writing by Parent for additional thirty (30) (or shorter) day
periods until Closing.
(b) Implementation. The Company shall not take any of the
actions prohibited by Section 4.1(a) except pursuant to Section 4.2
hereof.
Section 4.2 Procedures for Parent Approval; Cure.
(a) Procedures. Prior to taking any action prohibited by
Section 4.1(a) hereof:
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(i) the Company shall provide prior written notice of
such action to the Operations Observer (as defined in Section
4.10 hereof); and
(ii) Parent, whether through the Operations Observer
or another authorized party (so designated in advance) of
Parent, may, at its sole option, provide prior written
approval or disapproval of such action, provided, however,
that if Parent or the other authorized party does not provide
written approval or disapproval of such action to the Company
within three (3) days following receipt of such written notice
by the Company, then such action will be deemed approved by
Parent.
Notwithstanding the procedures set forth in this Section 4.2(a) or the
restrictions set forth in Section 4.1(a)(viii) above, the Company may enter into
employment agreements individually equal to or in excess of $80,000 annually by,
at its option, (i) complying with the procedures set forth in this Section
4.2(a) or (ii) receiving prior oral consent to such employment agreement from
the Chief Executive Officer of Parent.
(b) Default. If the Company at any time prior to the Effective
Time takes any action prohibited by Section 4.1(a) hereof (a
"Prohibited Action") without first complying with the procedures set
forth in Section 4.2(a)(i) above and without first receiving Parent's
authorization in a manner provided in Section 4.2(a)(ii), including if
the Company takes such Prohibited Action after receiving written
disapproval from Parent of such Prohibited Action, then Parent shall
deliver written notice of such Prohibited Action to the Company not
later than five (5) business days after the Operations Observer
receives actual knowledge thereof (the "Parental Notice"). Unless cured
by the Company in the manner specified in Section 4.2(c) including the
failure to take commercially unreasonable steps to cure under Section
4.2(c)(i), such Prohibited Action shall constitute the Company's
failure to comply in any material respect with any of its covenants or
agreements (provided that such failure to comply in any material
respect shall not independently constitute a willful breach of a
specific representation or warranty or the breach of any specific
covenant contained in this Agreement), thereby entitling the Parent to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(b) hereof. In addition
to such termination, but only in the event that (i) such Prohibited
Action would give rise to a financial effect on the Company in excess
of $375,000 or (ii) it would be commercially reasonable for the Company
to cure such Prohibited Action, Parent also shall, as its only other
remedy, be entitled to terminate the exchange contemplated by the
Exchange Agreement and receive a return of all of the Parent Common
Stock held in escrow under such Exchange Agreement.
(c) Cure. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.2(b),
upon receipt of a Parental Notice, the Company shall have the shorter
of ten (10) business days or the interim period prior to Closing
(provided, however, that the Closing Date will not be extended in any
such event) to cure a default caused by a Prohibited Action, provided,
however, that, (i) the Company must take only commercially reasonable
steps to cure such default; and (ii) unless otherwise approved in
writing by Parent, such cure must take one of the following forms,
which form may be selected by Parent in its sole and absolute
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discretion (subject to (ii) below if the parties are unable to agree on
the amount described in (i) below):
(i) to cause the Controlling Shareholder to advance
funds, in addition to any amounts specified in Section 4.8, in
an amount agreed upon by Parent and the Company, sufficient to
cause such Prohibited Action to have no financial effect on
the Company, provided, however, that such additional funds
will, at the time such funds are actually advanced, be deemed
a part of the Controlling Shareholder Loan and shall be
converted at the Closing into Parent Common Stock in
accordance with Section 5.16, and provided, further, that such
additional funds will not be included in the determination of
the Maximum Amount (as defined in Section 4.8 hereof); or
(ii) to cause the complete rescission of such
Prohibited Action, without penalty or other adverse financial
effect to the Company caused by such rescission, which
recission shall be required if directed by the Parent or if
the parties are unable to agree on an amount as required under
subsection (c)(i) above within ten (10) business days, but in
no event longer than the interim period prior to Closing.
Section 4.3 No Solicitation.
(a) Takeover Proposal. During the term of this Agreement, the
Company shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any of its
Subsidiaries or any of its or its Subsidiaries' directors, officers,
employees, agents or representatives, directly or indirectly, to
solicit or initiate, or furnish or disclose non-public information in
furtherance of, any inquiries or the making of any proposal with
respect to any recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other
business combination involving the Company, or the acquisition of the
outstanding capital stock of the Company (other than upon exercise of
options or warrants which are outstanding as of the date hereof) or any
Subsidiary of the Company or the acquisition of any substantial portion
of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in
a single transaction or a series of related transactions, or any
combination of the foregoing (a "Takeover Proposal"), or negotiate or
otherwise engage in discussions with any person (other than Parent, Sub
or their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or
representatives) with respect to any Takeover Proposal or enter into
any agreement, arrangement or understanding requiring it to abandon,
terminate or fail to consummate the Merger or any other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and will immediately cease all existing
activities, discussions and negotiations with any parties conducted
heretofore with respect to any proposal for a Takeover Proposal;
provided that, the Company may furnish information to, and negotiate or
otherwise engage in discussions with but only to the extent required by
the fiduciary duties of the Company directors under applicable law, any
party (a "Company Third Party") who (x) delivers a bona fide written
proposal for a Takeover Proposal which was not solicited or initiated
by the Company, directly or indirectly, after the date of this
Agreement and (y) enters into an appropriate confidentiality agreement
with the Company (which agreement shall be no less favorable to the
Company than the Confidentiality Agreement), if, but only if, the Board
of
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Directors of the Company determines in good faith by a majority vote
that such proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior
Transaction (as hereinafter defined); provided further, that nothing in
this Agreement shall prevent the Company from complying with the
provisions of Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with
respect to a Takeover Proposal.
(b) Notice and Termination. If, prior to the approval of the
Merger by the shareholders of the Company, the Board of Directors of
the Company determines in good faith by a majority vote, with respect
to any written proposal from a Company Third Party for a Takeover
Proposal received after the date hereof that was not solicited or
initiated by the Company, directly or indirectly, after the date of
this Agreement, that such Takeover Proposal is a Superior Transaction
and is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, then
the Company may terminate this Agreement and enter into an acquisition
agreement for the Superior Transaction; provided that, prior to any
such termination, and in order for such termination to be effective,
(i) the Company shall provide Parent two (2) business days' written
notice that it intends to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
Section 4.3(b), identifying the Superior Transaction and delivering an
accurate description of all material terms of the Superior Transaction
to be entered into and (ii) on the date of termination, the Company
shall deliver to Parent a written notice of termination of this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 4.3(b). The Company acknowledges
that, upon any such termination, Parent shall have all legal and
equitable rights and remedies against the Controlling Shareholder as
are provided in the Shareholder Agreement.
(c) "Superior Transaction" shall mean a Takeover Proposal
which the Board of Directors of the Company reasonably determines, in
the exercise of its fiduciary duty, based on the written advice of its
outside legal counsel, is more favorable to the Company and its
shareholders than the Merger. Reference in the foregoing definition to
the "Merger" shall include any proposed alteration of the terms of this
Agreement committed to in writing by Parent in response to such
Takeover Proposal.
Section 4.4 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 provision of any confidentiality or
standstill agreement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party
(other than any involving Parent). 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, obtaining injunctions to
prevent any breaches of such agreements and to enforce specifically the terms
and provisions thereof in any court of the United States or any state thereof
having jurisdiction.
Section 4.5 Company Significant Contracts. The Company shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to cause the renewal (for a period of at least
one (1) year following the Closing Date) of all of the five (5) most significant
of the Company Significant Contracts, as measured by gross annual revenue to the
Company and as specifically listed in Section 4.5 of the Company Letter.
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Section 4.6 Key Employees. The Company shall use its and their best
efforts (subject to commercial reasonableness) to ensure that the individuals
occupying the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
of the Company as of the date hereof remain in such positions up to and at the
Effective Time. The Parent shall not take any action to discourage such
individuals from occupying the foregoing positions up to and at the Effective
Time.
Section 4.7 Reorganization. During the period from the date of this
Agreement through the Effective Time, unless the other party shall otherwise
agree in writing, none of Parent, the Company or any of their respective
Subsidiaries shall take or fail to take any action with the actual knowledge of
those taking or failing to take such action (or those directing such action or
failure to take action) that such action or failure would jeopardize the
qualification of the Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a) of the Code.
Section 4.8 Controlling Shareholder Loan. The Controlling Shareholder,
or affiliates thereof, shall:
(a) on or prior to the mutual execution of this Agreement,
have loaned cash to the Company in an amount equal to $3,500,000 (which
total amount includes $500,000 that has been loaned to the Company
prior to the date hereof), and
(b) between the date hereof and Closing, be obligated to loan
as-needed cash (excluding any amounts allocated to the Company in
respect of the Parent Printing and Filing Fees) to the Company, in such
amounts and, except as expressly provided below, promptly upon written
request of the Company (provided that in no event shall such amounts,
when added to the amounts loaned under Section 4.8(a) hereof
(collectively, the "Controlling Shareholder Loan"), exceed
$4,100,000.00 in principal amount, excluding any interest paid or
accrued on such Controlling Shareholder Loan (the "Maximum Amount")),
all of which cash shall be used by the Company (i) to satisfy, immediately upon
execution hereof, any indebtedness owing by the Company to Norwest Bank National
Association ("Norwest") under its existing credit facility agreement described
more particularly in Section 4.8 of the Company Letter; (ii) thereafter to fund
the Company's Working Capital Needs (as hereinafter defined) following the date
hereof, subject, however, to the terms and conditions of Article 4 hereof, (iii)
thereafter to pay all Company Transactional Costs and Company Printing and
Filing Fees (as such terms are defined in Section 5.6(b) hereof); and (iv)
thereafter to pay all Third Party Debt (as defined herein); provided that in no
event shall such Controlling Shareholder Loan exceed the Maximum Amount.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Parent shall be entitled, by
delivery of written notice to the Controlling Shareholder, to cause the
Controlling Shareholder to advance unfunded amounts from the Controlling
Shareholder Loan, up to the Maximum Amount, to pay at the Closing all amounts
described in subsections (ii), (iii) and (iv) above.
For purposes hereof, "Working Capital Needs" shall mean all funding
needs of the Company that may be required to continue to operate all aspects of
the Company's business in the ordinary course of business in accordance with
past practices. The Company will use its
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best efforts, subject to commercial reasonableness, not to increase the Working
Capital Needs of the Company prior to the Effective Time. The Controlling
Shareholder Loan shall be evidenced by one or more interest bearing demand
promissory notes of the Company payable in the form of or otherwise convertible
into Company Common Stock, which interest shall be converted at the Closing into
Parent Common Stock in the same manner as the Controlling Shareholder Loan,
provided, however, that such notes shall not bear interest in excess of 12% per
annum.
For purposes hereof, "Third Party Debt" shall mean all outstanding
indebtedness of the Company and all accrued interest thereon as of the Closing
Date owing to any third parties other than Norwest and Niediger Tucker Bruner,
Inc. (as referenced in Section 3.23), which Third Party Debt, however, shall not
include (i) trade payables shown on Section 4.9 to the Company Letter or (ii)
other trade payables incurred prior to Closing in the ordinary course of the
Company's business consistent with past practice and pursuant to Section 4.1 and
Section 4.2 (collectively, the "Trade Payables").
Section 4.9 Indebtedness. Subject to and in accordance with Section 4.8
above, prior to or effective at Closing, and as directed in writing by Parent at
Parent's sole discretion, the Company shall repay (which repayment need not
comply with the procedures specified in Article 4 hereof) (i) all fees required
to be borne by the Company under Section 5.6 hereof; (ii) all Third Party Debt;
and (iii) in the manner described in Section 5.16 hereof, the Controlling
Shareholder Loan (including all accrued and unpaid interest on the Controlling
Shareholder Loan); provided, however, that nothing herein shall obligate the
Company, and Parent shall not require the Company, to pay Niediger Tucker
Bruner, Inc. for any fees referenced in Section 3.23 at or prior to Closing.
Parent acknowledges that the Company is not required to pay all of the Third
Party Debt if, as of the Closing Date, the Controlling Shareholder Loan has been
advanced up to and including the Maximum Amount, and that, regardless of such
continued Third Party Debt, the parties shall continue to be obligated to
complete the Closing pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Section 4.10 Observer Rights. During the period from the date of this
Agreement through the Effective Time Parent shall be entitled to designate in
writing to the Company: (i) one non-voting board observer who shall have access
(whether telephonic, electronic, or in-person, as reasonably requested by such
observer) to all meetings, formal or informal, and all materials pertaining to
such meetings (including, without limitation, agendas and minutes thereof), of
the Board of Directors of the Company and any committees or subcommittees
thereof, and who shall receive prior notice of all such meetings to the same
extent as any director (or any member of any committee or subcommittee) is
entitled to such notice; and (ii) one operations observer (the "Operations
Observer") who shall have free and open access to all operational and managerial
aspects of the Company, and the Company shall provide such information and
access to information of any aspect of the Company's business and operations,
including day-to-day personal access to management and employees and meetings
thereof, as is reasonably requested by the Operations Observer, whether orally
or in writing. Promptly after the mutual execution hereof, the Company shall
cause the Operations Observer to become a required signatory on all accounts of
the Company for single payments in excess of $25,000 for the period of time
specified in Section 4.1(a)(xx) and for any extension thereof.
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ARTICLE 5
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
Section 5.1 Shareholder Meeting. The Company will, as soon as
practicable following the date of this Agreement, duly call, give notice of,
convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the "Shareholder Meeting") for
the purpose of considering the approval and adoption of this Agreement and at
such meeting call for a vote and cause proxies to be voted in respect of the
approval and adoption of this Agreement. The Company will, through its Board of
Directors, recommend to its shareholders the adoption and approval of this
Agreement and subject to the fiduciary obligations of the Company's officers and
directors, shall not withdraw, modify or change such recommendation.
Section 5.2 Preparation of the Registration Statement and the Proxy
Statement.
(a) Preparation and Filing. The Company and Parent shall
promptly prepare and file with the SEC the Proxy Statement and Parent
shall prepare and file with the SEC the Registration Statement, in
which the Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus, covering
the issuance and sale of the Parent Common Stock in the Merger, the
Parent Warrants, and the Parent Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the Parent Warrants and the resale by the Controlling Shareholder of
its Parent Common Stock acquired in the Merger. Each of Parent and the
Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the
Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities Act as
promptly as practicable after such filing. Parent shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement continuously for a period of the shorter of (i)
two years after the Effective Time or (ii) the first date upon which
there are no Registrable Securities (as such term is defined in the
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of the date hereof between
Parent and the Controlling Shareholder). As promptly as practicable
after the Registration Statement shall have become effective, the
Company shall mail the Proxy Statement to its shareholders. Parent
shall also take any action (other than qualifying to do business in any
jurisdiction in which it is now not so qualified) required to be taken
under any applicable state securities laws in connection with the
issuance of Parent Common Stock in the Merger and the Company shall
furnish all information concerning the Company and the holders of
Company Common Stock as may be reasonably requested in connection with
any such action.
(b) Comments. Parent and the Company will promptly notify each
other of the receipt of comments from the SEC and of any request by the
SEC for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the
Proxy Statement or for additional information, and promptly will supply
each other with copies of all correspondence between the parties and
the SEC with respect thereto. If, at any time prior to the Shareholder
Meeting, any event should occur relating to or affecting the Company,
Parent or Sub, or to their respective Subsidiaries, officers or
directors, which event should be described in an amendment or
supplement to the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement, the
parties promptly will inform each other and cooperate in preparing,
filing and having declared effective or clearing with the SEC and, if
required
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by applicable state securities laws, distributing to the Company's
shareholders such amendment or supplement.
(c) Information - Parent and Sub. None of the information to
be supplied in writing by Parent or Sub for inclusion or incorporation
by reference in the Registration Statement or the proxy
statement/prospectus included therein (together with any amendments or
supplements thereto, the "Proxy Statement") relating to the Shareholder
Meeting will (i) in the case of the Registration Statement, at the time
it becomes effective, 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 not misleading or
(ii) in the case of the Proxy Statement, at the time of the mailing of
the Proxy Statement, at the time of the Shareholder Meeting and at the
Effective Time, 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. If at any time prior to the
Effective Time any event with respect to Parent, its officers and
directors or any of its Subsidiaries shall occur which is required to
be described in the Proxy Statement or the Registration Statement, such
event shall be so described, and an appropriate amendment or supplement
shall be promptly filed with the SEC and, as required by law,
disseminated to the shareholders of the Company. The Registration
Statement will comply (with respect to Parent) as to form in all
material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act, and the
Proxy Statement will comply (with respect to Parent) as to form in all
material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.2(c), no
representation or warranty is made by Parent or Sub with respect to
statements made or incorporated by reference in the Proxy Statement or
the Registration Statement based on information supplied in writing by
the Company for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.
(d) Information - Company. None of the information to be
supplied in writing by the Company for inclusion or incorporation by
reference in the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement will (i)
in the case of the Registration Statement, at the time it becomes
effective, 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 not misleading or (ii) in the case
of the Proxy Statement, at the time of the mailing of the Proxy
Statement, at the time of the Shareholder Meeting and at the Effective
Time, 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. If at any time prior to the
Effective Time any event with respect to the Company, its officers and
directors or any of its Subsidiaries shall occur which is required to
be described in the Proxy Statement or the Registration Statement, such
event shall be so described, and an appropriate amendment or supplement
shall be promptly filed with the SEC and, as required by law,
disseminated to the shareholders of the Company. The Registration
Statement will comply (with respect to the Company) as to form in all
material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act, and the
Proxy Statement will comply (with respect to the Company) as to form in
all material respects with the provisions of the Exchange Act.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.2(d), no
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representation or warranty is made by the Company with respect to
statements made or incorporated by reference in the Proxy Statement or
the Registration Statement based on information supplied in writing by
Parent or Sub for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.
Section 5.3 Access to Information. Subject to currently existing
contractual and legal restrictions applicable to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, the Company shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
afford to Parent and its Subsidiaries and each of their accountants, counsel,
financial advisors and other representatives of Parent reasonable access during
normal business hours to, and permit them to make such inspections as they may
reasonably require of, during the period from the date of this Agreement through
the Effective Time, all of their respective properties, books, contracts,
commitments and records (including engineering records and Tax Returns and the
work papers of independent accountants, if available and subject to the consent
of such independent accountants) and, during such period, the Company shall, and
shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to (i) furnish promptly to Parent a copy of
each report, schedule, registration statement and other document filed by it
during such period pursuant to the requirements of federal or state securities
laws, (ii) consistent with its legal obligations, furnish promptly to Parent all
other information concerning its business, properties and personnel as Parent
may reasonably request, (iii) promptly make available to Parent all personnel of
the Company and its Subsidiaries knowledgeable about matters relevant to such
inspections as reasonably requested by Parent and (iv) provide reasonable access
to the Company's facilities and operations to enable Parent to conduct a health
and safety review of the business, including the right to take samples. No
investigation pursuant to this Section 5.3 shall affect any representation or
warranty in this Agreement of any party hereto or any condition to the
obligations of the parties hereto. All information obtained by Parent pursuant
to this Section 5.3 shall be kept confidential in accordance with the
Confidentiality Agreement currently existing and in effect between Parent and
the Company (the "Confidentiality Agreement").
Section 5.4 Rule 145 Letters. On the date hereof, the Company shall
cause to be prepared and delivered to Parent a list (reasonably satisfactory to
counsel for Parent) identifying all persons who, at the time of the Shareholder
Meeting, may be deemed to be "affiliates" of the Company as that term is used in
paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 145 under the Securities Act (the "Rule 145
Affiliates"). The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause
each person who is identified as a Rule 145 Affiliate in such list to deliver to
Parent within 30 days of the date hereof a written agreement in substantially
the form of Exhibit C hereto, executed by each of such persons identified in the
foregoing list.
Section 5.5 Stock Exchange Listings. Parent shall use its commercially
reasonable efforts to list on the Nasdaq National Market, upon official notice
of issuance, any shares of Parent Common Stock (including shares of Parent
Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of the Parent Warrants) to be issued in
connection with the Merger. Parent shall not be obligated to list the Parent
Warrants on the Nasdaq National Market.
Section 5.6 Fees and Expenses.
(a) Transactional Costs and Expenses. Whether or not the
Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses incurred in connection
with this Agreement and the
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transactions contemplated hereby, including the fees and disbursements
of counsel, brokers (including the broker fees described in Section
3.23), financial advisors and accountants, shall be paid by the party
incurring such costs and expenses (such costs and expenses being
referred to herein, respectively, as the "Company Transactional Costs"
and the "Parent Transactional Costs"), provided, however, that such
Company Transactional Costs and Parent Transactional Costs shall not
include the fees described in Section 5.6(b) hereof.
(b) Printing and Filing Fees, Etc.
(i) If the Merger is not consummated, all printing
expenses, all expenses associated with obtaining shareholder
approval, underwriter fees, if any, fees associated with
obtaining fairness opinions or "comfort letters," and all
filing fees (including filing fees under the Securities Act,
the Exchange Act and the HSR Act, as well as applicable NASDAQ
fees) shall be divided and borne equally between Parent and
the Company (each half of such fees being referred to herein,
respectively, as the "Company Printing and Filing Fees" and
the "Parent Printing and Filing Fees").
(ii) If the Merger is consummated, all Company
Printing and Filing Fees and Parent Printing and Filing Fees
shall be allocated to the Company, provided, however, that the
Parent Printing and Filing Fees shall not be funded, directly
or indirectly through the transfer or reallocation of
obligations, under the Controlling Shareholder Loan.
Section 5.7 Company Stock Options.
(a) Cancellation and Conversion. At the Effective Time, each
unexpired and unexercised outstanding Company Stock Option, whether or
not then vested or exercisable in accordance with its terms, to
purchase shares of Company Common Stock previously granted by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries under the Company's Stock Option
Plans shall be cancelled and converted into the right to receive at the
Effective Time, shares of Company Common Stock in an amount equal to
(a) the product of (X) the excess, if any, of the Conversion Rate over
the exercise price per share of such Company Stock Option, times (Y)
the number of shares of Company Common Stock which may be purchased
upon exercise of such Company Stock Option (but only to the extent then
exercisable, including any acceleration of vesting required by the
terms of such Company Stock Option in effect as of the date hereof),
divided by (b) the Conversion Rate. Prior to (but effective at) the
Effective Time, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable
efforts to (i) obtain any consents from all holders of Company Stock
Options and (ii) make any amendments to the terms of such stock option
or compensation plans or arrangements that, in the case of either
clause (i) or (ii), are necessary to give effect to the transactions
contemplated by this Section 5.7. All applicable withholding taxes
attributable to the payments made hereunder or to distributions
contemplated hereby shall be deducted from the amounts payable under
this Section 5.7 and all such taxes attributable to the exercise of
Company Stock Options shall be withheld from the proceeds received in
respect of the shares of Common Stock
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issuable upon such exercise. Any taxes withheld may be withheld in the
form of cancellation of shares of Company Common Stock otherwise
issuable, valued at the Conversion Rate. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
any Company Stock Option with an exercise price greater than the
Conversion Rate immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
cancelled immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(b) Termination. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company
shall have taken all actions reasonably necessary or appropriate to
ensure that all stock option, stock appreciation right or other
equity-based plans maintained with respect to the Company Common Stock,
including the Company Stock Plans, shall terminate as of the Effective
Time and the provisions in any other compensation or benefit plan
providing for the issuance, transfer or grant of any capital stock of
the Company or any interest in respect of any capital stock of the
Company shall be terminated as of the Effective Time, and the Company
shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that following
the Effective Time neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is
or will be bound by any Options which would entitle any person, other
than Sub or its affiliates, to own beneficially, or receive any
payments (other than as otherwise contemplated by Section 1.5 and this
Section 5.7) in respect of, any capital stock of the Company or the
Surviving Corporation.
Section 5.8 Conversion of Current Company Preferred Stock. At the
Effective Time each share of Current Company Preferred Stock, plus any and all
accrued and unpaid dividends on such Current Company Preferred Stock, shall be
converted at the Conversion Rate into the right to receive, at the Effective
Time, shares of Company Common Stock, which Company Common Stock subsequently
will be converted into the right to receive Parent Common Stock pursuant to
Section 1.5 hereof.
Section 5.9 Warrant Agreement. At the Closing, Parent shall deliver
Warrant Agreements in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the "Warrant
Agreement") to the shareholders of the Company regarding the issuance to the
shareholders of the Company (other than the Controlling Shareholder or any
directors of the Company) of warrants to purchase Parent Common Stock (the
"Parent Warrants").
Section 5.10 Premerger Notification to Federal Trade Commission. The
parties shall mutually cooperate with each other in preparing and filing any and
all documentation required to be filed pursuant to the HSR Act regarding the
Merger.
Section 5.11 Efforts Required.
(a) Mutual Obligation. Upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the parties agrees to
use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all
actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate
with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or
advisable to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious
manner practicable, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, including: (i) the obtaining of all necessary
actions or non-actions, waivers, consents and approvals from all
Governmental Entities and the making of all necessary registrations and
filings
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(including filings with Governmental Entities) and the taking of all
reasonable steps as may be necessary to obtain an approval or waiver
from, or to avoid or vigorously defend an action or proceeding by, any
Governmental Entity (including those in connection with the HSR Act),
(ii) the obtaining of all necessary consents, approvals or waivers from
third parties, (iii) the defending of any lawsuits or other legal
proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this
Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
including seeking to have any stay or temporary restraining order
entered by any court or other Governmental Entity vacated or reversed,
and (iv) the execution and delivery of any additional instruments
necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. No party to this Agreement shall consent to any voluntary
delay of the consummation of the Merger at the behest of any
Governmental Entity without the consent of the other parties to this
Agreement, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,
conditioned or delayed. In addition, the Company shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the waiver, cancellation or
voluntary termination of the registration rights listed on Schedule
3.2(b) prior to the Closing by the holders thereof to the extent that
they would otherwise be outstanding after the Merger.
(b) No Adverse Actions. Each party shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to not take any action, or enter into any
transaction, which would cause any of its representations or warranties
contained in this Agreement to be untrue or result in a breach of any
covenant made by it in this Agreement.
(c) Reorganization Status. Each party shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to refrain from taking any action or failing to take
any action, which action or failure to act would cause, or would be
reasonably likely to cause, the Merger to fail to qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
(d) No Divestiture. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained in this Agreement, in connection with any filing or
submission required or action to be taken by either Parent or the
Company to effect the Merger and to consummate the other transactions
contemplated hereby, the Company shall not, without Parent's prior
written consent, commit to any divestiture transaction, and neither
Parent nor any of its Affiliates shall be required to divest or hold
separate or otherwise take or commit to take any action that limits its
freedom of action with respect to, or its ability to retain, the
Company or any of the businesses, product lines or assets of Parent or
any of its Subsidiaries or that otherwise would have a Material Adverse
Effect on Parent.
(e) SEC Documents. From the date hereof through the Closing
Date, Parent and the Company shall have filed all documents required to
be filed with the SEC on or prior to the Closing Date.
Section 5.12 Public Announcements. Parent, Sub and the Company will not
issue any press release with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or otherwise issue any written public statements with respect to such
transactions without prior consultation with the other party. If such a press
release or written public statement is required by applicable law or by
obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with or rules of any
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national securities exchange, each party agrees to consult with the other party
regarding the form and content of such release or statement prior to issuance
thereof.
Section 5.13 State Takeover Laws. If any "fair price," "business
combination" or "control share acquisition" statute or other similar statute or
regulation shall become applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby,
Parent and the Company and their respective Boards of Directors shall use their
commercially reasonable efforts to grant such approvals and take such actions as
are necessary so that the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby may be
consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and
thereby and otherwise act to minimize the effects of any such statute or
regulation on the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
Section 5.14 Indemnification; Directors and Officers Insurance.
(a) Company Officers and Directors. From and after the
Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation to
indemnify and hold harmless all past and present officers and directors
of the Company and of its Subsidiaries to the same extent and in the
same manner such persons are indemnified as of the date of this
Agreement by the Company pursuant to the CBCA, the Company Charter, the
Company's By-laws and in any agreement with the Company listed on
Section 5.14 of the Company Letter for acts or omissions occurring at
or prior to the Effective Time (including indemnifying and holding
harmless such persons for acts or omissions occurring at or prior to
the Effective Time in respect of the Merger and the transactions
contemplated thereby).
(b) D&O Insurance. Parent shall cause the Surviving
Corporation to provide, for an aggregate period of not less than six
(6) years from the Effective Time, the Company's current directors and
officers an insurance and indemnification policy that provides coverage
for events occurring prior to the Effective Time (the "D&O Insurance")
that is substantially similar to the Company's existing policy at the
Effective Time or, if substantially equivalent insurance coverage is
unavailable, the best available coverage.
Section 5.15 Notification of Certain Matters. Parent shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to give prompt notice to the Company, and the
Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to give prompt notice to
Parent, of: (i) the occurrence, or non-occurrence, of any condition or event the
occurrence, or non-occurrence, of which it is aware and which would be
reasonably likely (x) to cause any representation or warranty contained in this
Agreement and made by it to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect, (y)
any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement and made by it
not to be complied with or satisfied in all material respects, (ii) to cause any
failure of Parent or the Company, as the case may be, to comply in a timely
manner with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with
or satisfied by it hereunder, or (z) to prevent the consummation of the Merger
and other transactions contemplated hereby; (iii) any change or event which
would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent or the
Company, as the case may be; provided, however, that the delivery of any notice
pursuant to this
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Section 5.15 shall not limit or otherwise affect the remedies available
hereunder to the party receiving such notice.
Section 5.16 Controlling Shareholder Loan. Prior to the Effective Time,
the Company shall repay or convert the Controlling Shareholder Loan in full
(including accrued interest) with or into that number of shares of Company
Common Stock equal to the quotient of the aggregate outstanding amount of the
Controlling Shareholder Loan divided by the Conversion Rate. At the Effective
Time, such Company Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive
Parent Common Stock at the Conversion Rate as set forth in Section 1.5 hereof.
Section 5.17 Escrow of Funds and Shares by Parent.
(a) Deposit. Simultaneously with the execution of this
Agreement and pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, Parent shall deposit
into escrow that number of shares of Parent Common Stock (based on the
Signing Share Price) sufficient to purchase newly issued shares of
Company Common Stock (the "Company Exchange Shares") equal to 19.9% of
the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock (without regard to the
issuance of such shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to the terms
of the Exchange Agreement) at a price of $3.25 per share.
(b) Disposition of Company Exchange Shares. The terms and
conditions regarding the release or exchange of the Parent Common Stock
held in escrow and the Company Exchange Shares will be as set forth in
the Exchange Agreement.
(c) Voting and Transfer. The rights and obligations of Parent
and the Company with respect to voting or transferring any Company
Exchange Shares or Company Common Stock received by Parent or the
Company, as applicable, under this Section 5.17 will be as set forth in
the Exchange Agreement.
ARTICLE 6
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE MERGER
Section 6.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger.
The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject
to the fulfillment at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following
conditions:
(a) Shareholder Approval. This Agreement shall have been duly
approved by the requisite vote of shareholders of the Company in
accordance with applicable law, the Company Charter and the Company's
Bylaws.
(b) Stock Listing. The Parent Common Stock issuable in the
Merger and not previously listed shall have been authorized for listing
on the Nasdaq National Market, subject to official notice of issuance.
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(c) HSR and Other Approvals/Consents or Waivers. (i) The
waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the
consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been
terminated.
(d) Consents. All authorizations, consents, orders,
declarations or approvals of, or filings with, or terminations or
expirations of waiting periods imposed by any Governmental Entity or
any other third party, shall have been obtained, shall have been made
or shall have occurred.
(e) Registration Statement. The Registration Statement shall
have become effective in accordance with the provisions of the
Securities Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement shall have been issued by the SEC and no
proceedings for that purpose shall have been initiated or, to the
Knowledge of Parent or the Company, threatened by the SEC. All
necessary state securities or blue sky authorizations shall have been
received.
(f) No Order. No court or other Governmental Entity having
jurisdiction over the Company or Parent, or any of their respective
Subsidiaries, shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or
entered any law, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, injunction
or other order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is
then in effect and has the effect of, directly or indirectly,
restraining, prohibiting or restricting the Merger or any of the
transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that the
provisions of this Section 6.1(f) shall not be available to any party
whose failure to fulfill its obligations pursuant to Section 5.11 shall
have been the cause of, or shall have resulted in, the enforcement or
entering into of any such law, rule, regulation, executive order,
decree, injunction or other order.
Section 6.2 Conditions to Obligation of the Company to Effect the
Merger. The obligation of the Company to effect the Merger shall be subject to
the fulfillment at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following
additional conditions:
(a) Performance of Obligations; Representations and warranties. (i)
Each of Parent and Sub shall have performed in all material respects each of its
agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement required to be performed on
or prior to the Effective Time, (ii) each of the representations and warranties
of Parent and Sub contained in this Agreement that is qualified by materiality
shall have been true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct on and
as of the Effective Time as if made on and as of such date (other than
representations and warranties which address matters only as of a certain date
which shall be true and correct as of such certain date) and (iii) each of the
representations and warranties that is not so qualified shall have been true and
correct in all material respects when made, and shall be true and correct in all
material respects on and as of the Effective Time as if made on and as of such
date (other than representations and warranties which address matters only as of
a certain date which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of
such certain date), in each case except as contemplated or permitted by this
Agreement, and the Company shall have received certificates signed on behalf of
each of Parent and Sub by one of its officers to such effect.
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(b) Material Adverse Change. Since the date of this Agreement,
there shall have been no Material Adverse Change with respect to
Parent. The Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf
of Parent by an officer of Parent to such effect.
(c) Consents.
(i) Each of Parent and Sub shall have obtained the
consent or approval of each person or Governmental Entity
whose consent or approval shall be required in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby under any loan or credit
agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement
or instrument; and
(ii) In obtaining any approval or consent required to
consummate any of the transactions contemplated herein, no
Governmental Entity shall have imposed or shall have sought to
impose any condition, penalty or requirement.
(d) Fairness Opinion. The fairness opinion described in
Section 3.15 shall not have been adversely modified or withdrawn prior
to the Effective Time.
(e) Parent Warrants. At the Closing, each Company shareholder,
other than the Controlling Shareholder or any director of the Company,
shall receive from Parent one Parent Warrant per share of Company
Common Stock held by such Company shareholder, pursuant to the terms
and conditions of the Warrant Agreement.
Section 6.3 Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Sub to Effect the
Merger. The obligations of Parent and Sub to effect the Merger shall be subject
to the fulfillment at or prior to the Effective Time of each of the following
additional conditions:
(a) Performance of Obligations; Representations and
Warranties. The Company and the Controlling Shareholder shall have
performed in all material respects each of its covenants and agreements
contained in this Agreement required to be performed on or prior to the
Effective Time. Each of the representations and warranties of the
Company contained in this Agreement that is qualified by materiality
shall have been true and correct when made, and shall be true and
correct on and as of the Effective Time as if made on and as of such
date (other than representations and warranties which address matters
only as of a certain date which shall be true and correct as of such
certain date), and each of the representations and warranties that is
not so qualified shall have been true and correct in all material
respects when made, and shall be true and correct in all material
respects on and as of the Effective Time as if made on and as of such
date (other than representations and warranties which address matters
only as of a certain date which shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of such certain date), in each case except as
contemplated or permitted by this Agreement. Parent shall have received
a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by one of its officers to
such effect.
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(b) Consents.
(i) The Company shall have obtained the consent or
approval of each person or Governmental Entity whose consent
or approval shall be required in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby under any loan or credit
agreement, note, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement
or instrument; and
(ii) In obtaining any approval or consent required to
consummate any of the transactions contemplated herein, no
Governmental Entity shall have imposed or shall have sought to
impose any condition, penalty or requirement.
(c) Affiliate Agreements. Parent shall have received the
written agreements from Rule 145 Affiliates of the Company described in
Section 5.4.
(d) Material Adverse Change. Since the date of this Agreement,
there shall have been no Material Adverse Change with respect to the
Company. Parent shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of
the Company by one of its officers to such effect.
(e) Company Stock Plans; Preferred Stock. The Company shall
have taken all action required to be taken by it to implement the
provisions of Section 5.7. All preferred stock, warrants, options or
other securities convertible into capital stock of the Company shall
either have been converted into Company Common Stock prior to or at the
Effective Time, or shall have been otherwise cancelled, exchanged or
converted as provided in Section 5.7.
(f) Director and Officer Resignations. All of the Directors of
the Company and its Subsidiaries and any officers thereof designated by
Parent, shall have tendered their resignation in form and substance
satisfactory to Parent.
(g) Commitments. At Closing, the Company shall not be
obligated under any volume purchase commitments or minimum traffic
volume commitments pursuant to any carrier agreements binding the
Company, other than agreements listed in Section 6.3(g) of the Company
Letter.
(h) Balloon Payments. At Closing, the Company shall not be
obligated under any balloon or other extraordinary payments due or
payable (or paid) by the Company, Parent or Sub as severance,
change-of-control or other "parachute" provisions.
(i) Limit on Dissenters. As of the Effective Time, Parent
shall have confirmed that the holders of shares representing no more
than 200,000 shares of outstanding Company Common Stock have provided
notice of their intent to exercise dissenter's rights under the CBCA
prior to the Effective Time.
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ARTICLE 7
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Section 7.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after any approval of the matters
presented in connection with the Merger by the shareholders of the Company only
in the following manner and upon the following events:
(a) by either Parent or Company:
(i) if both of Parent and the Company mutually
consent in writing to such termination;
(ii) if: (A) the Merger has not been effected on or
prior to the close of business on the date which is 180 days
after the date of this Agreement (the "Termination Date");
provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to this Section 7.1(a)(ii) shall not be available to
any party whose failure to fulfill any of its obligations
contained in this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted
in, the failure of the Merger to have occurred on or prior to
the aforesaid date; or (B) any court or other Governmental
Entity having jurisdiction over a party hereto shall have
issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action
(which order, decree, ruling or other action the parties shall
have used their commercially reasonable efforts to resist,
resolve or lift, as applicable, subject to the provisions of
Section 5.11) permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise
prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
and such order, decree, ruling or other action shall have
become final and nonappealable; or
(iii) pursuant to Section 1.5(d)(ii)
(b) by Parent:
(i) if the Company or the Controlling Shareholder
shall have failed to comply in any material respect with any
of either of their covenants or agreements contained in this
Agreement required to be complied with prior to the date of
such termination, which failure to comply has not been cured
within ten (10) business days following receipt by such other
party of written notice of such failure to comply, or such
shorter period as may otherwise be specified herein;
(ii) if there has been a breach of a representation,
warranty, covenant or obligation of the Company or the
Controlling Shareholder that gives rise to a failure of the
fulfillment of a condition of Parent's and Sub's obligations
to effect the Merger pursuant to Section 6.3(a), including the
failure of the Controlling Shareholder to make the Controlling
Shareholder Loan up to and including the Maximum Amount on an
ongoing basis to fund the Working Capital Needs of the Company
prior to Closing, in accordance with Section 4.8(b), which
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breach has not been cured within ten (10) business days
following receipt by the Company of written notice of the
breach;
(iii) if the shareholders of the Company do not
approve this Agreement at the Shareholder Meeting or at any
adjournment or postponement thereof; or
(iv) if (A) the Board of Directors of the Company
shall not have recommended, or shall have resolved not to
recommend, or shall have qualified, changed, modified or
withdrawn its recommendation of the Merger or declaration that
the Merger is advisable and fair to and in the best interest
of the Company and its shareholders, or shall have resolved to
do so, (B) the Board of Directors of the Company, shall have
recommended to the shareholders of the Company any Takeover
Proposal or shall have resolved to do so or (C) a tender offer
or exchange offer for 20% or more of the outstanding stocks of
capital stock of the Company is commenced by a third party
that is not an Affiliate of Parent, and the Board of Directors
of the Company fails to recommend against acceptance of such
tender offer or exchange offer by its shareholders (including
by taking no position with respect to the acceptance of such
tender offer or exchange offer by its shareholders); and
(c) by the Company:
(i) if either Parent or Sub shall have failed to
comply in any material respect with any of its covenants or
agreements contained in this Agreement required to be complied
with prior to the date of such termination, which failure to
comply has not been cured within ten (10) business days
following receipt by such other party of written notice of
such failure to comply; or
(ii) if there has been a breach of a representation,
warranty, covenant or obligation of either Parent or Sub that
gives rise to a failure of the fulfillment of a condition of
the Company's obligations to effect the Merger pursuant to
Section 6.2(a), which breach has not been cured within ten
business days following receipt by Parent of written notice of
the breach.
The right of any party hereto to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
this Section 7.1 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless
of any investigation made by or on behalf of any party hereto, any person
controlling any such party or any of their respective officers or directors,
whether prior to or after the execution of this Agreement.
Section 7.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this
Agreement by either Parent or the Company as provided in Section 7.1, this
Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability hereunder
on the part of the Company, Parent, Sub or their respective officers or
directors (except for the last sentence of Section 5.3, the entirety of Section
5.6 and the entirety of Section 5.17, which shall survive the termination);
provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 7.2 shall relieve any
party hereto from
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any liability for any willful breach of a representation or warranty contained
in this Agreement or the breach of any covenant contained in this Agreement.
Section 7.3 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto, by or pursuant to action taken by their respective Boards of Directors,
at any time before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with
the Merger by the shareholders of the Company, but, after any such approval, no
amendment shall be made which by law or the rules of the Nasdaq National Market
requires further approval by such shareholders without such further approval.
This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on
behalf of each of the parties hereto.
Section 7.4 Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the
parties hereto may (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the
obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (ii) waive any
inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any
document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance with any of the
agreements or conditions contained herein which may legally be waived. Any
agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be
valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such
party. No delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right, power
or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver
on the part of any party hereto of any right, power or privilege hereunder
operate as a waiver of any other right, power or privilege hereunder, nor shall
any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, power or privilege hereunder. Unless otherwise provided, the rights and
remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or
remedies which the parties hereto may otherwise have at law or in equity. The
failure of any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this
Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of those rights.
ARTICLE 8
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 8.1 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered personally, one day
after being delivered to an overnight courier to the parties at the following
addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like
notice):
(a) Parent or Sub. If to Parent or Sub, to:
RMI.NET, Inc.
988 18th Street, Suite 2201
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Chris J. Melcher, Vice President and General
Counsel
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with a copy to:
Otten, Johnson, Robinson, Neff & Ragonetti, P.C.
950 17th Street, Suite 1600
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Neil M. Goff, Esq.
Brownstein, Hyatt & Farber, P.C.
410 17th Street, 22nd Floor
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Jeffrey M. Knetsch, Esq.
(b) Company. If to the Company, to:
Internet Communications Corporation
7100 East Belleview Avenue
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
with a copy to:
Hogan & Hartson, L.L.P.
One Tabor Center
1200 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1500
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Steven A. Cohen, Esq.
Section 8.2 Interpretation.
(a) Headings. When a reference is made in this Agreement to a
Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless
otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings contained in
this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in
any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the
words "include," "includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement,
they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation."
(b) "Subsidiary(ies)" means any corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture or other legal entity of which
Parent or Company, as the case may be (either alone or through or
together with any other Subsidiary), owns or controls, directly or
indirectly, 50% or more of the stock or other equity interests the
holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the election of the
board of directors or other governing body of such corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other legal
entity.
Section 8.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and
shall become effective when
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one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered
to the other parties.
Section 8.4 Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This
Agreement and the Exhibits attached hereto and executed in connection herewith
constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person
other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.
Section 8.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Colorado, regardless of
the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of
laws thereof.
Section 8.6 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties
hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written
consent of the other parties. 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 or assigns.
Section 8.7 Severability. If any term or other provision of this
Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law,
or public policy, all other terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement
shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic and
legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby are not affected in any
manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or
other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties
shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the
original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable
manner in order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be
consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
Section 8.8 Enforcement of this Agreement. The parties hereto agree
that irreparable damage would occur if any of the provisions of this Agreement
were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise
breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to
an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to
enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof such remedy being in
addition to any other remedy to which any party is entitled at law or in equity.
Each party hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the
United States District Court for Colorado. Each party hereto waives any
objection based on forum non conveniens or any other objection to venue thereof.
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Section 8.9 Defined Terms. Each of the following terms is defined in
the Section identified below:
Agreement..................................................................................................Preamble
Articles of Merger......................................................................................Section 1.2
Blue Sky Laws...........................................................................................Section 2.4
CBCA....................................................................................................Section 1.1
Certificates.........................................................................................Section 1.6(b)
Closing................................................................................................Section 1.15
Closing Date...........................................................................................Section 1.15
Closing Share Price..................................................................................Section 1.5(c)
Code.......................................................................................................Recitals
Company....................................................................................................Preamble
Company Charter.........................................................................................Section 3.4
Company Common Stock.................................................................................Section 1.5(c)
Company Dissenting Shares - ........................................................................Section 1.13(a)
Company Employees......................................................................................Section 3.13
Company Exchange Shares................................................................................Section 5.17
Company Foreign Benefit Plan........................................................................Section 3.11(f)
Company Intellectual Property..........................................................................Section 3.14
Company Letter.......................................................................................Section 3.2(a)
Company Licenses.......................................................................................Section 3.14
Company Permits.........................................................................................Section 3.7
Company Plan........................................................................................Section 3.11(c)
Company Preferred Stock..............................................................................Section 3.2(a)
Company Printing and Filing Fees..................................................................Section 5.6(b)(i)
Company SEC Documents...................................................................................Section 3.5
Company Significant Contracts.......................................................................Section 3.10(b)
Company Stock Purchase Plan..........................................................................Section 3.2(a)
Company Stock Option Plans...........................................................................Section 3.2(a)
Company Stock Options................................................................................Section 3.2(b)
Company Stock Plans..................................................................................Section 3.2(a)
Company Third Party..................................................................................Section 4.3(a)
Company Transactional Costs..........................................................................Section 5.6(a)
Compensation Agreements.............................................................................Section 3.10(a)
Confidentiality Agreement...............................................................................Section 5.3
Constituent Corporations...................................................................................Preamble
Controlling Shareholder...................................................................................Recital C
Controlling Shareholder Loan............................................................................Section 4.8
Conversion Rate......................................................................................Section 1.5(c)
Current Company Preferred Stock......................................................................Section 3.2(a)
D&O Insurance.......................................................................................Section 5.14(b)
Effective Time..........................................................................................Section 1.2
Environmental Law...................................................................................Section 2.14(a)
Environmental Permit................................................................................Section 2.14(a)
ERISA..................................................................................................Section 3.11
Exchange Act............................................................................................Section 2.4
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Exchange Agent.......................................................................................Section 1.6(a)
Exchange Agreement........................................................................................Recital D
Exchange Fund........................................................................................Section 1.6(a)
FCC.....................................................................................Section 2.4 and Section 2.9
Governmental Entity.....................................................................................Section 2.4
Hazardous Substances................................................................................Section 2.14(a)
HSR Act.................................................................................................Section 2.4
Intellectual Property....................................................................Section 2.13, Section 3.14
Knowledge of the Company................................................................................Section 3.7
Knowledge of Parent.....................................................................................Section 2.9
Material Adverse Change....................................................................Section 2.1, Section 3.1
Material Adverse Effect....................................................................Section 2.1, Section 3.1
Maximum Amount..........................................................................................Section 4.8
Merger.....................................................................................................Recitals
Merger Consideration.................................................................................Section 1.5(c)
NASD....................................................................................................Section 2.4
Operations Observer....................................................................................Section 4.10
Other Company Plans..................................................................................Section 3.2(a)
Parent.....................................................................................................Preamble
Parent Plan............................................................................................Section 2.11
Parent Common Stock..................................................................................Section 1.5(c)
Parent Intellectual Property...........................................................................Section 2.13
Parent Letter........................................................................................Section 2.2(b)
Parental Notice......................................................................................Section 4.2(b)
Parent Permits..........................................................................................Section 2.9
Parent Preferred Stock...............................................................................Section 2.2(a)
Parent Printing and Filing Fees...................................................................Section 5.6(b)(i)
Parent SEC Documents....................................................................................Section 2.6
Parent Stock Option Plans............................................................................Section 2.2(a)
Parent Stock Options.................................................................................Section 2.2(b)
Parent Transactional Costs...........................................................................Section 5.6(a)
Parent Warrants.........................................................................................Section 5.9
Prohibited Action....................................................................................Section 4.2(b)
Proxy Statement......................................................................................Section 5.2(c)
Real Estate.........................................................................................Section 3.22(b)
Registration Statement..................................................................................Section 2.3
Reorganization.............................................................................................Recitals
Rule 145 Affiliates.....................................................................................Section 5.4
SEC.....................................................................................................Section 2.3
Securities Act..........................................................................................Section 2.3
Shareholder Agreement......................................................................................Recitals
Shareholder Meeting.....................................................................................Section 5.1
State Takeover Approvals................................................................................Section 2.4
Sub........................................................................................................Preamble
Subsidiary...........................................................................................Section 8.2(b)
Superior Transaction.................................................................................Section 4.3(c)
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Surviving Corporation...................................................................................Section 1.1
Takeover Proposal....................................................................................Section 4.3(a)
Tax Return.............................................................................................Section 2.10
Taxes..................................................................................................Section 2.10
Termination Date.................................................................................Section 7.1(a)(ii)
Third Party Debt........................................................................................Section 4.8
Trade Payables..........................................................................................Section 4.8
Valuation Period.....................................................................................Section 1.5(c)
Warrant Agreement.......................................................................................Section 5.9
Working Capital Needs...................................................................................Section 4.8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Sub and the Company have caused this
Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized
all as of the date first above written.
RMI.NET, INC., a Delaware Corporation
By: /s/ Douglas H. Hanson
--------------------------------------------
Name: Douglas H. Hanson
------------------------------------------
Title: Chairman and CEO
-----------------------------------------
INTERNET ACQUISITION CORPORATION,
a Colorado Corporation
By: /s/ Douglas H. Hanson
--------------------------------------------
Name: Douglas H. Hanson
------------------------------------------
Title: Chairman and CEO
-----------------------------------------
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION,
a Colorado Corporation
By: /s/ Thomas C. Galley
-----------------------------------
Name:
-----------------------------------------
Title:
----------------------------------------
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The Controlling Shareholder is agreeing to execute this Agreement and the
Shareholder Agreement to evidence its unconditional and irrevocable obligation
to be bound solely by the provisions of the Shareholder Agreement and Section
4.8, Section 5.8, and Section 5.16 hereof.
INTERWEST GROUP, INC., a Colorado Corporation
By: /s/ Clifford Hickey
-------------------------------------------
Name:
-----------------------------------------
Title:
----------------------------------------
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APPENDIX B
FORM OF WARRANT AGREEMENT
Warrant Agreement, dated as of _____________, 2000 (this "Agreement"),
between RMI.NET, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and American
Securities Transfer & Trust, Inc, a Colorado corporation, as warrant agent (the
"Warrant Agent").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company proposes to issue and deliver warrant certificates
(the "Warrant Certificates") evidencing warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase up
to an aggregate of [__________] shares of its Common Stock (as hereinafter
defined) to holders (the "Warrant Recipients") of the common stock, no par value
("INCC Common Stock"), of Internet Communications Corporation, a Colorado
corporation ("INCC"), in connection with the consummation of the merger
contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 17, 2000
(the "Merger Agreement"), by and among the Company, INCC and Internet
Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company ("IAC"); and
WHEREAS, each Warrant will entitle the registered holder thereof to
purchase one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock of the Company,
par value $0.001 per share (the "Common Stock"), at a purchase price per share
equal to the Exercise Price (as hereinafter defined);
In consideration of the foregoing and for the purpose of defining the
terms and provisions of the Warrants and the respective rights and obligations
thereunder of the Company and the Holders (as hereinafter defined), the Company
and the Warrant Agent each agree as follows:
Section 1. Certain Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the
following terms shall have the following respective meanings:
"Affiliate" shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 12b-2
promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this
Agreement.
"Business Day" means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on
which commercial banks in Denver, Colorado or New York, New York are authorized
by law to close.
"Call Price" means a price per Warrant Share equal to $13.00.
"Call Trigger Event" means any date prior to the Termination Date after
which the daily closing prices per share of Common Stock on NASDAQ for each of
the five (5) consecutive trading days prior thereto is greater than or equal to
the Call Price.
"Certificate of Incorporation" means the Certificate of Incorporation
of the Company.
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"Closing Price" on any day means (i) if the shares of Common Stock then
are listed and traded on the NYSE, the Closing Price on such day as reported on
the NYSE Composite Transactions Tape; (ii) if shares of Common Stock then are
not listed and traded on the NYSE, the Closing Price on such day as reported by
the principal national securities exchange on which the shares of Common Stock
are listed and traded; (iii) if the shares of Common Stock then are not listed
and traded on any such securities exchange, the last reported sale price on such
day on the NASDAQ; or (iv) if the shares of Common Stock then are not traded on
the NASDAQ, the average of the highest reported bid and the lowest reported
asked price on such day as reported by the NASDAQ Quotation System.
"Common Share Equivalent" means, with respect to any security of the
Company and as of a given date, a number which is, (i) in the case of a share of
Common Stock, one, (ii) in the case of all or a portion of any right, warrant or
other security which may be exercised for a share or shares of Common Stock, the
number of shares of Common Stock receivable upon exercise of such security (or
such portion of such security), and (iii) in the case of any security
convertible or exchangeable into a share or shares of Common Stock, the number
of shares of Common Stock that would be received if such security were converted
or exchanged on such date.
"Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this
Agreement.
"Company" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this
Agreement.
"Convertible Securities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8(d).
"Effective Time" means the date of the filing of a certificate of
merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in connection with
the merger of IAC with and into INCC pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
"Determination Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(f).
"Exercise Date" shall mean, as to any Warrants, the date on which the
Warrant Agent shall have received both (a) the Warrant Certificate representing
such Warrants, with the Exercise Forms therein duly executed by the Holder
thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and (b) payment in cash
(including wire transfer of immediately available funds) or by certified or
official bank check or bank cashier's check payable to the Company, of an amount
in lawful money of the United States of America equal to the applicable Exercise
Price (as hereinafter defined).
"Exercise Price" means a price per Warrant Share equal to $11.50,
subject to adjustment from time to time pursuant to Section 8.
"Expiration Date" means 5:00 p.m. New York City time on [__________],
2002. [Insert date that is the second anniversary of the Closing Date].
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"Fair Market Value" as at any date of determination means, as to shares
of the Common Stock, if the Common Stock is publicly traded at such time, the
average of the daily Closing Prices of a share of Common Stock for the five (5)
consecutive trading days ending on the most recent trading day prior to the date
of determination. If the shares of Common Stock are not publicly traded at such
time, and as to all things other than the Common Stock, Fair Market Value shall
be determined in good faith by an independent nationally recognized investment
banking firm selected by the Company and acceptable to a majority of the Holders
and which shall have no other substantial relationship with the Company.
"Holder" means, with respect to any Warrant Certificate, the Person in
whose name such Warrant Certificate is registered upon the books to be
maintained by the Warrant Agent pursuant to Section 3.
"IAC" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this
Agreement.
"INCC" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this
Agreement.
"INCC Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals to
this Agreement.
"Merger Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the first
Recital to this Agreement.
"NASDAQ" means the Nasdaq Stock Market, National Market System.
"NYSE" means The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
"Options" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(d).
"Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited
liability company, trust, joint stock company, association, joint venture, or
any other entity or organization, including a government or political
subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
"Register" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) of this
Agreement.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or
other entity of which a majority of the capital stock or other ownership
interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of
directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the time directly
or indirectly owned by such Person.
"Warrant Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble to
this Agreement or the successor or successors of such Warrant Agent duly
appointed in accordance with the terms hereof.
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"Warrant Certificates" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals
to this Agreement.
"Warrant Recipients" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals
to this Agreement.
"Warrant Shares" means the shares of Common Stock deliverable upon
exercise of the Warrants, as adjusted from time to time.
"Warrants" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this
Agreement.
Section 2. The Warrant Certificates. (a) Upon issuance, each Warrant
Certificate shall evidence one or more Warrants. The Warrant Certificates shall
be in registered form only and substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A. The Warrant Certificates shall be dated the date on which they are
countersigned by the Warrant Agent and may have such legends and endorsements
typed, stamped, printed, lithographed or engraved thereon as the Company may
deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Agreement, or as may be required to comply with applicable laws, rules or
regulations including any rule or regulation of any securities exchange on which
the Warrants may be listed.
(b) Warrant Certificates substantially in the form of Exhibit
A hereto and evidencing Warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to [_________]
shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment pursuant to Sections 8 and 9)
shall be executed, on or after the date of this Agreement, by the Company and
delivered to the Warrant Agent for countersignature, and the Warrant Agent shall
thereupon countersign and deliver such Warrant Certificates upon the order and
at the direction of the Company. The names and addresses of the Warrant
Recipients shall be specified by the Company pursuant to a list of Warrant
Recipients provided to the Warrant Agent by the Company, which shall consist of
the names of those Persons who were stockholders of record of INCC as of the
Effective Time (excluding however Interwest Group, Inc., a Colorado corporation
("Interwest"), any affiliate thereof and any director of INCC), subject only to
the elimination of the names of (i) any such Persons as are entitled to receive
only a payment in lieu of a fractional Warrant in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement and (ii) any such Persons who have perfected their right to have
the fair value of their shares of INCC Common Stock judicially appraised and
paid to them in cash. The Warrant Agent is hereby authorized to countersign and
deliver Warrant Certificates as required by this Section 2(b) or by Section
3(b), 4(f) or 6 hereof. The Warrant Certificates shall be executed on behalf of
the Company by any of its duly authorized officers, either manually or by
facsimile signature printed thereon, and shall be dated the date of issuance.
The Warrant Agent shall countersign the Warrant Certificates either manually or
by facsimile signature printed thereon, and the Warrant Certificates shall not
be valid for any purpose until so countersigned. In case any duly authorized
officer of the Company whose signature shall have been placed upon any of the
Warrant Certificates shall cease to be such officer of the Company before
countersignature by the Warrant Agent and issue and delivery thereof, such
Warrant Certificates may, nevertheless, be countersigned by the Warrant Agent
and issued and delivered with the same force and effect as though such person
had not ceased to be such officer of the Company.
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Section 3. Registration, Exchange and Transfer of Warrants. (a) The
Warrant Agent shall keep at the principal corporate trust office of the Warrant
Agent, specified in or pursuant to Section 4(d), a register (the "Register") in
which, subject to such regulations as the Company may reasonably prescribe, the
Warrant Agent shall provide for the registration of Warrant Certificates and of
transfers or exchanges of Warrant Certificates as herein provided.
(b) At the option of the Holder, Warrant Certificates may be
exchanged at such office and upon payment of the charges hereinafter provided.
Whenever any Warrant Certificates are so surrendered for exchange, the Company
shall execute, and the Warrant Agent shall countersign and deliver, the Warrant
Certificates that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive;
provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to issue and deliver
Warrant Certificates representing fractional warrants.
(c) Each Warrant Certificate issued upon any registration of
transfer or exchange of Warrant Certificates shall be the valid obligation of
the Company, evidencing the same obligations, and entitled to the same benefits
under this Agreement as the Warrant Certificates surrendered for such
registration of transfer or exchange.
(d) Each Warrant Certificate surrendered for registration of
transfer or exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Warrant Agent)
be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Warrant Agent, duly executed by the Holder
thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
(e) No service charge shall be made for any registration of
transfer or exchange of Warrant Certificates. The Company may require payment of
a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be
imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Warrant
Certificates.
(f) Each Warrant Certificate when duly endorsed in blank shall
be negotiable and when a Warrant Certificate shall have been so endorsed, the
Holder thereof may be treated by the Company, the Warrant Agent and all other
persons dealing therewith as the sole and absolute owner thereof for any purpose
and as the person solely entitled to exercise the rights represented thereby or
to request the Warrant Agent to record the transfer thereof on the Register any
notice to the contrary notwithstanding; but until such transfer on such
Register, the Company and the Warrant Agent may treat the Holder thereof as the
owner for all purposes.
Section 4. Exercise Price, Payment of The Exercise Price, Duration And
Exercise of Warrants Generally, Company's Call Right. (a) Each Warrant
Certificate shall, when countersigned by the Warrant Agent, entitle the Holder
thereof, upon payment of the Exercise Price and subject to the provisions of
this Agreement, to receive one share of Common Stock for each whole Warrant
represented thereby, subject to adjustment as herein provided, upon payment of
the Exercise Price for each of such shares.
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(b) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the
Warrants shall be exercisable beginning on the date that is thirty (30) days
after the date hereof, at any time, or from time to time, until the Expiration
Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, then on the next succeeding day that
shall be a Business Day.
(c) The Warrants shall terminate and become void as of 5:00
P.M. (Denver time) on the Expiration Date or, if such day is not a Business Day,
then as of 5:00 P.M. on the next succeeding day that shall be a Business Day,
and all rights of any Holder of a Warrant Certificate evidencing such Warrants
under this Agreement or otherwise shall cease.
(d) Subject to Sections 5 and 10 hereof, in order to exercise
a Warrant, the Holder thereof must surrender the Warrant Certificate evidencing
such Warrant, with one of the forms on the reverse of or attached to the Warrant
Certificates duly executed (with signature guaranteed), to the Warrant Agent at
its office at ________________________________, or at such other address as the
Warrant Agent may specify in writing to the Holders at their respective
addresses specified in the Register, together with payment-in-full of the
Exercise Price thereof. Upon such delivery and payment, the Holder shall be
deemed to be the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of the Warrant (or, in the case of a partial exercise of
this Warrant, the number of such shares as to which the Warrant has been
exercised), notwithstanding that the stock transfer books of the Company shall
then be closed or that certificates representing such shares shall not then be
actually delivered to the Holder.
(e) The Exercise Price must be paid in cash (including by wire
transfer of immediately available funds) or by certified or official bank check
or bank cashier's check payable to the order of the Company or by any
combination of such cash or check.
(f) The Warrants evidenced by a Warrant Certificate shall be
exercisable either as an entirety or, from time to time, for part only of the
number of whole Warrants evidenced thereby. If fewer than all of the Warrants
evidenced by a Warrant Certificate are exercised at any time, the Warrant
Certificate representing such Warrants shall be surrendered and a new Warrant
Certificate of the same tenor and for the number of Warrants that were not
exercised shall be issued by the Company. The Warrant Agent shall countersign
the new Warrant Certificate, register it in such name or names as may be
directed in writing by the Holder and deliver the new Warrant Certificate to the
person or persons entitled to receive the same.
(g) As soon as practicable on or after the Exercise Date, the
Warrant Agent shall notify the Company, and the Warrant Agent shall, within five
Business Days of the Exercise Date, deliver or cause to be delivered to or upon
any written order of any Holder appropriate evidence of ownership of any shares
of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants or other securities or
property (including any cash, subject to any required withholding) to which the
Holder is entitled hereunder, subject to Section 5. All funds received upon the
exercise of Warrants shall be deposited by the Warrant Agent for the account of
the Company, unless otherwise instructed in writing by the Company.
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(h) Notwithstanding anything contained herein or in the Merger
Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall have the right to call a Warrant at
any time prior to the expiration of such Warrant at the Call Price upon the
occurrence of the Call Trigger Event, subject to the provisions of this Section.
The Company shall provide written notice of the occurrence of the Call Trigger
Event to each Holder. Each Holder shall then have thirty (30) days after the
date of such notice to exercise the Warrants held by such Holder pursuant to the
terms hereof. If no action is taken by a Holder within thirty days after receipt
of notice of a Call Trigger Event, then the Warrants held by such Holder shall
be deemed terminated.
Section 5. Payment of Taxes. The Company shall pay any and all
documentary, or similar issue or transfer taxes payable in respect of the
issuance or delivery of the Warrant Shares. The Company shall not, however, be
required to pay any transfer tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer
involved in the issue or delivery of Warrants or Warrant Shares (or other
securities or assets) in a name other than that in which the Warrants so
exercised were registered, and no such issue or delivery shall be made unless
and until the Person requesting such issue has paid to the Company the amount of
such transfer tax or has established, to the satisfaction of the Company, that
such transfer tax has been paid.
Section 6. Mutilated or Missing Warrant Certificates. If (a) any
mutilated Warrant Certificate is surrendered to the Warrant Agent or (b) the
Company and the Warrant Agent receive evidence to their satisfaction of the
destruction, loss or theft of any Warrant Certificate, and there is delivered to
the Company and the Warrant Agent (in the case of destruction, loss or theft)
such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them
harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Warrant Agent
that such Warrant Certificate has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the
Company shall execute and the Warrant Agent shall countersign and deliver, in
exchange for any such mutilated Warrant Certificate or in lieu of any such
destroyed, lost or stolen Warrant Certificate, a new Warrant Certificate of like
tenor and for a like aggregate number of Warrants. Upon the issuance of any new
Warrant Certificate under this Section 6, the Company may require the payment of
a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be
imposed in relation thereto and other expenses in connection therewith. Every
new Warrant Certificate executed and delivered pursuant to this Section 6 in
lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Warrant Certificate shall constitute an
original contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed,
lost or stolen Warrant Certificate shall be at any time enforceable by anyone,
and shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement equally and
proportionately with any and all other Warrant Certificates duly executed and
delivered hereunder. The provisions of this Section 6 are exclusive and shall
preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights or remedies with respect to the
replacement of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Warrant Certificates.
Section 7. Reservation of Shares; Listing. The Company shall at all
times reserve and keep available, free from preemptive rights, and out of its
authorized but unissued Common Stock, solely for the purpose of issuance upon
exercise of Warrants as herein provided, such number of shares of Common Stock
as shall then be issuable upon exercise of all outstanding Warrants. The Company
covenants that all shares of Common Stock which shall be issuable
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upon exercise of the Warrants shall, upon issue in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement, be duly and validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable and
free from all taxes, liens, and charges with respect to the issue thereof and
that upon issuance, such shares shall be listed on NASDAQ, if other shares of
the Common Stock are then listed for quotation on NASDAQ, and on each national
securities exchange on which any other shares of outstanding Common Stock are
then listed.
Section 8. Anti-dilution Provisions. So long as any Warrants are
outstanding, the Exercise Price and the number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant shall be subject to adjustment from
time to time as follows:
(a) COMMON STOCK DIVIDENDS, SUBDIVISIONS, COMBINATIONS. In
case the Company shall (i) pay or make a dividend or other distribution to all
holders of its Common Stock in shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide or split
the outstanding shares of its Common Stock into a larger number of shares, or
(iii) combine the outstanding shares of its Common Stock into a smaller number
of shares, then in each such case the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon
exercise of each whole Warrant shall be adjusted to equal the number of such
shares to which the Holder of the Warrant would have been entitled upon the
occurrence of such event had the Warrant been exercised immediately prior to the
happening of such event or, in the case of a stock dividend or other
distribution, prior to the record date for determination of stockholders
entitled thereto. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section 8(a) shall become
effective immediately after the effective date of such event retroactive to the
record date, if any, for such event.
(b) REORGANIZATION OR RECLASSIFICATION. In case of any capital
reorganization or any reclassification of the capital stock of the Company
(whether pursuant to a merger or consolidation or otherwise), or in the event of
any similar transaction, each whole Warrant shall thereafter be exercisable for
the number of shares of stock or other securities or property receivable upon
such capital reorganization or reclassification of capital stock or other
transaction, as the case may be, by a holder of the number of shares of Common
Stock into which such Warrant was exercisable immediately prior to such capital
reorganization or reclassification of capital stock; and, in any case,
appropriate adjustment (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
the Company) shall be made for the application of the provisions herein set
forth with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the Holders of the
Warrants to the end that the provisions set forth herein shall thereafter be
applicable, as nearly as reasonably practicable, in relation to any shares of
stock or other securities or property thereafter deliverable upon the exercise
of the Warrants. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section 8(b) shall become
effective immediately after the effective date of such event retroactive to the
record date, if any, for such event.
(c) DISTRIBUTIONS OF ASSETS OR SECURITIES OTHER THAN COMMON
STOCK. In case the Company shall, by dividend or otherwise, distribute to all
holders of its Common Stock shares of any class of its capital stock (other than
Common Stock), or other debt or equity securities or evidences of indebtedness
of the Company, or options, rights or warrants to
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purchase any of such securities, cash or other assets, then in each such case
the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant shall
be adjusted by multiplying the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise
of each whole Warrant immediately prior to the date of such dividend or
distribution by a fraction, of which the numerator shall be the Fair Market
Value per share of Common Stock at the record date for determining share holders
entitled to such dividend or distribution, and of which the denominator shall be
such Fair Market Value per share less the Fair Market Value of the portion of
the securities, cash, other assets or evidences of indebtedness so distributed
applicable to one share of Common Stock. An adjustment made pursuant to this
Section 8(c) shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such
event retroactive to the record date, if any, for such event.
(d) BELOW MARKET ISSUANCES OF COMMON STOCK AND CONVERTIBLE
SECURITIES. In case the Company shall issue Common Stock (or options, rights or
warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock (collectively, "Options") or other
securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of Common
Stock (such other securities, collectively, "Convertible Securities")) at a
price per share (or having an effective exercise, exchange or conversion price
per share together with the purchase price thereof) less than the Fair Market
Value per share of Common Stock on the date such Common Stock (or Options or
Convertible Securities), is sold or issued (provided that no sale of securities
pursuant to an underwritten public offering shall be deemed to be for less than
Fair Market Value), then in each such case the number of Warrant Shares issuable
upon exercise of each whole Warrant shall thereafter be adjusted by multiplying
the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant
immediately prior to the date of issuance of such Common Stock (or Options or
Convertible Securities) by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be (x) the
sum of (i) the number of Common Share Equivalents represented by all securities
outstanding immediately prior to such issuance and (ii) the number of additional
Common Share Equivalents represented by all securities so issued multiplied by
(y) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock immediately prior to the
date of such issuance, and the denominator of which shall be (x) the product of
(A) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock immediately prior to the
date of such issuance and (B) the number of Common Share Equivalents represented
by all securities outstanding immediately prior to such issuance plus (y) the
aggregate consideration received by the Company for the total number of
securities so issued plus, (z) in the case of Options or Convertible Securities,
the additional consideration required to be received by the Company upon the
exercise, exchange or conversion of such securities; provided, however, that no
adjustment shall be required in respect of issuances of Common Stock (or options
to purchase Common Stock) pursuant to stock option or other employee benefit
plans in effect on the date hereof, or approved by the Board of Directors of the
Company after the date hereof. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
(1) no further adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise
of each whole Warrant shall be made upon the issuance or sale of Common Stock
pursuant to (x) the exercise of any Options or (y) the conversion or exchange of
any Convertible Securities, if in each case the adjustment in the number of
Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant was made as required
hereby upon the issuance or sale of such Options or Convertible Securities or no
adjustment was required hereby
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at the time such Option or Convertible Security was issued, and (2) no
adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole
Warrant shall be made upon the issuance or sale of Common Stock upon the
exercise of any Options existing on the original issue date hereof, without
regard to the exercise price thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole
Warrant shall be made pursuant to this paragraph upon the issuance or sale of
Common Stock, Options, or Convertible Securities in a bona fide arm's-length
transaction to any Person or group that, at the time of such issuance or sale,
is not an Affiliate of the Company. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section
8(d) shall become effective immediately after such Common Stock, Options or
Convertible Securities are sold.
(e) BELOW MARKET DISTRIBUTIONS OR ISSUANCES OF PREFERRED STOCK
OR OTHER SECURITIES. In case the Company shall issue non-convertible and
non-exchangeable preferred stock (or other debt or equity securities or
evidences of indebtedness of the Company (other than Common Stock or Options or
Convertible Securities) or options, rights or warrants to purchase any of such
securities) at a price per share (or other similar unit) less than the Fair
Market Value per share (or other similar unit) of such preferred stock (or other
security) on the date such preferred stock (or other security) is sold (provided
that no sale of preferred stock or other security pursuant to an underwritten
public offering shall be deemed to be for less than its fair market value), then
in each such case the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each
whole Warrant shall thereafter be adjusted by multiplying the number of Warrant
Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant immediately prior to the
date of issuance of such preferred stock (or other security) by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be the product of (i) the number of Common Share
Equivalents represented by all securities outstanding immediately prior to such
issuance and (ii) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock immediately
prior to the date of such issuance, and the denominator of which shall be (x)
the product of (A) the number of Common Share Equivalents represented by all
securities outstanding immediately prior to such issuance and (B) the Fair
Market Value of a share of the Common Stock immediately prior to the date of
such issuance minus (y) the difference between (1) the aggregate Fair Market
Value of such preferred stock (or other security) and (2) the aggregate
consideration received by the Company for such preferred stock (or other
security). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment to the number of Warrant
Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant shall be made pursuant to
this paragraph upon the issuance or sale of preferred stock (or other securities
of the Company other than Common Stock or Options or Convertible Securities) in
a bona fide arm's-length transaction to any Person or group that, at the time of
such issuance or sale, is not an Affiliate of the Company. An adjustment made
pursuant to this Section 8(e) shall become effective immediately after such
preferred stock (or other security) is sold.
(f) ABOVE MARKET REPURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK. If at any time
or from time to time the Company or any Subsidiary thereof shall repurchase, by
self-tender offer or otherwise, any shares of Common Stock of the Company (or
any Options or Convertible Securities) at a purchase price in excess of the Fair
Market Value thereof, on the Business Day
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immediately prior to the earliest of (i) the date of such repurchase, (ii) the
commencement of an offer to repurchase, or (iii) the public announcement of
either (such date being referred to as the "Determination Date"), the number of
Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant shall be adjusted by
multiplying the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole
Warrant immediately prior to such Determination Date by a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be the product of (1) the number of Common Share
Equivalents represented by all securities outstanding immediately prior to such
Determination Date minus the number of Common Share Equivalents represented by
the securities repurchased or to be purchased by the Company or any Subsidiary
thereof in such repurchase and (2) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common
Stock immediately prior to such Determination Date, and the denominator of which
shall be (x) the product of (A) the number of Common Share Equivalents
represented by all securities outstanding immediately prior to the Determination
Date and (B) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock immediately prior
to such Determination Date minus (y) the sum of (1) the aggregate consideration
paid by the Company in connection with such repurchase and (2) in the case of
Options or Convertible Securities, the additional consideration required to be
received by the Company upon the exercise, exchange or conversion of such
securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment to the number of
Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant shall be made
pursuant to this paragraph upon the repurchase, by self-tender offer or
otherwise, of Common Stock (or any Options or Convertible Security) in a bona
fide arm's-length transaction from any Person or group that, at the time of such
repurchase, is not an Affiliate of the Company.
(g) ABOVE MARKET REPURCHASES OF PREFERRED STOCK OR OTHER
SECURITIES. If at any time or from time to time the Company or any Subsidiary
thereof shall repurchase, by self-tender offer or otherwise, any shares of
non-convertible and non-exchangeable preferred stock (or other debt or equity
securities or evidences of indebtedness of the Company (other than Common Stock
or Options or Convertible Securities) or options, rights or warrants to purchase
any of such securities), at a purchase price in excess of the Fair Market Value
thereof, on the Business Day immediately prior to the Determination Date, the
number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant shall be
adjusted by multiplying the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of
each whole Warrant immediately prior to the Determination Date by a fraction,
the numerator of which shall be the product of (i) the number of Common Share
Equivalents represented by all securities outstanding immediately prior to such
Determination Date and (ii) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock
immediately prior to such Determination Date, and the denominator of which shall
be (x) the product of (A) the number of Common Share Equivalents represented by
all securities outstanding immediately prior to such Determination Date and (B)
the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock immediately prior to such
Determination Date minus (y) the difference between (1) the aggregate
consideration paid by the Company in connection with such repurchase and (2) the
aggregate Fair Market Value of such preferred stock (or other security).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares
issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant shall be made pursuant to this
paragraph upon the repurchase, by self-tender offer or otherwise, of
non-convertible and non-exchangeable preferred stock (or other
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securities of the Company other than Common Stock or Options or Convertible
Securities) in a bona fide arm's-length transaction from any Person or group
that, at the time of such repurchase, is not an Affiliate of the Company.
(h) READJUSTMENT OF THE NUMBER OF WARRANT SHARES ISSUABLE UPON
EXERCISE OF EACH WHOLE WARRANT. If (i) the purchase price provided for in any
Option or the additional consideration, if any, payable upon the conversion or
exchange of any Convertible Securities or the rate at which any Convertible
Securities, in each case as referred to in paragraphs (b) and (f) above, are
convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock shall change at any time
(other than under or by reason of provisions designed to protect against
dilution upon an event which results in a related adjustment pursuant to this
Section 8), or (ii) any of such Options or Convertible Securities shall have
irrevocably terminated, lapsed or expired, the number of Warrant Shares then
issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant shall forthwith be readjusted
(effective only with respect to any exercise of Warrants after such
readjustment) to the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each
whole Warrant which would then be in effect had the adjustment made upon the
issuance, sale, distribution or grant of such Options or Convertible Securities
been made based upon such changed purchase price, additional consideration or
conversion rate, as the case may be (in the case of any event referred to in
clause (i) of this paragraph (h)) or had such adjustment not been made (in the
case of any event referred to in clause (ii) of this paragraph (h)).
(i) EXERCISE PRICE ADJUSTMENT. Upon each adjustment of the
number of Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of each whole Warrant pursuant
to this Section 8, the Exercise Price of each Warrant outstanding immediately
prior to such adjustment shall thereafter be equal to an adjusted Exercise Price
per Warrant Share determined (to the nearest cent) by multiplying the Exercise
Price for each whole Warrant immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction,
the numerator of which shall be the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon
exercise of each whole Warrant immediately prior to such adjustment and the
denominator of which shall be the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon
exercise of each whole Warrant immediately after such adjustment.
(j) CONSIDERATION. If any shares of Common Stock, Options or
Convertible Securities shall be issued, sold or distributed for cash, the
consideration received in respect thereof shall be deemed to be the amount
received by the Company therefor, before deduction therefrom of any reasonable,
customary and adequately documented expenses incurred in connection therewith.
If any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities shall be
issued, sold or distributed for a consideration other than cash, the amount of
the consideration other than cash received by the Company shall be deemed to be
the Fair Market Value of such consideration, before deduction of any reasonable,
customary and adequately documented expenses incurred in connection therewith.
If any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities shall be issued
in connection with any merger in which the Company is the surviving corporation,
the amount of consideration therefor shall be deemed to be the Fair Market Value
of such portion of the assets and business of the non-surviving corporation as
shall be attributable to such Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities,
as the case may be. If
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any Options shall be issued in connection with the issuance and sale of other
securities of the Company, together comprising one integral transaction in which
no specific consideration is allocated to such Options by the parties thereto,
such Options shall be deemed to have been issued without consideration.
(k) NO IMPAIRMENT. The Company will not, by amendment of its
Certificate of Incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets,
consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other
voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of
the terms to be observed or performed hereunder by the Company, but will at all
times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all the provisions of this
Section 8 and in the taking of all such action as may be necessary or
appropriate in order to protect the conversion rights of the Holders of the
Warrants against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the Company will not increase the par value of any shares of Common Stock
issuable on the exercise of the Warrants above the amount payable therefor on
such exercise.
(l) CERTIFICATE AS TO ADJUSTMENTS. Upon the occurrence of each
adjustment or readjustment of the number of Warrant Shares issuable upon
exercise of each whole Warrant pursuant to this Section 8, the Company, at its
expense, shall promptly compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance
with the terms hereof and furnish to the Warrant Agent a certificate setting
forth such adjustment or readjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which
such adjustment or readjustment is based. The Company shall, upon the written
request at any time of any Holder of the Warrants, furnish or cause to be
furnished to such Holder a like certificate setting forth (1) such adjustments
and readjustments and (2) the number of Warrant Shares and the amount, if any,
of other property which at the time would be received upon the exercise of this
Warrant.
(m) PROCEEDINGS PRIOR TO ANY ACTION REQUIRING ADJUSTMENT. As a
condition precedent to the taking of any action which would require an
adjustment pursuant to this Section 8, the Company shall take any action which
may be necessary, including obtaining regulatory approvals or exemptions, in
order that the Company may thereafter validly and legally issue as fully paid
and nonassessable all Warrant Shares which the Holders are entitled to receive
upon exercise thereof.
(n) NOTICE OF ADJUSTMENT. Upon the record date or effective
date, as the case may be, of any action which requires or might require an
adjustment or readjustment pursuant to this Section 8, the Company shall
forthwith file in the custody of its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary at its
principal executive office and with its transfer agent and the Warrant Agent, an
officers' certificate showing the adjusted number of Warrant Shares determined
as herein provided, setting forth in reasonable detail the facts requiring such
adjustment and the manner of computing such adjustment. Each such officers'
certificate shall be signed by the chairman, president or chief financial
officer of the Company and by the secretary or any assistant secretary of the
Company. Each such officers' certificate shall be made available at all
reasonable times for inspection by the Holder or any Holder of a Warrant
executed and delivered pursuant to
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Section 3(b) and the Company shall, forthwith after each such adjustment, mail a
copy, by first-class mail, of such certificate to the Holder or any such Holder.
(o) PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF ADJUSTMENT. The Holder shall, at its
option, be entitled to receive, in lieu of the adjustment pursuant to Section
8(c) otherwise required thereof, on (but not prior to) the date of exercise of
the Warrants, the evidences of indebtedness, other securities, cash, property or
other assets which such Holder would have been entitled to receive if it had
exercised its Warrants for Warrant Shares immediately prior to the record date
with respect to such distribution. Any Holder may exercise its option under this
Section 8(o) by delivering to the Company a written notice of such exercise
simultaneously with its notice of exercise of this Warrant.
Section 9. Consolidation, Merger or Sale of Assets. In case of any
consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into, any other
Person, any merger of another Person into the Company (other than a merger which
does not result in any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of
outstanding shares of Common Stock) or any sale or transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company to the Person formed by such
consolidation or resulting from such merger or which acquires such assets, as
the case may be, each Holder of Warrants shall have the right thereafter to
exercise its Warrants for the kind and amount of securities, cash and other
property receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer by a
holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which such Holder's Warrants
may have been exercised immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale or
transfer. Adjustments for events subsequent to the effective date of such a
consolidation, merger, sale or transfer of assets shall be as nearly equivalent
as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for herein. In any such event,
effective provisions shall be made in the certificate or articles of
incorporation of the resulting or surviving corporation, in any contract of
sale, merger, conveyance, lease, transfer or otherwise so that the provisions
set forth herein for the protection of the rights of the Holders of the Warrants
shall thereafter continue to be applicable; and any such resulting or surviving
corporation shall expressly assume the obligation to deliver, upon exercise,
such shares of stock, other securities, cash and property. The provisions of
this Section 9 shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers,
sales, leases or transfers.
Section 10. Fractional Shares. No fractional shares or scrip
representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of the Warrants
and in lieu of delivery of any such fractional share upon any exercise thereof,
the Company shall pay to the Holder an amount in cash equal to such fraction
multiplied by the Fair Market Value thereof; provided, however, that, in the
event that the Company combines or reclassifies the outstanding shares of its
Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, it shall be required to issue
fractional shares to a Holder if the Holder exercises all or any part of its
Warrants, unless the Holder has consented in writing to such reduction and
provided the Company with a written waiver of its right to receive fractional
shares in accordance with this Section 10. If more than one Warrant shall be
presented for exercise in full at the same time by the same Holder, the number
of full shares of Common Stock that shall be issuable upon such exercise thereof
shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock
acquirable on exercise of the Warrants so presented. The
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Holders, by their acceptance of the Warrant Certificates, expressly waive any
and all rights to receive any fraction of a share of Common Stock or a stock
certificate representing a fraction of a share of Common Stock.
Section 11. No Stock Rights. Prior to the exercise of the Warrants, no
Holder of a Warrant Certificate, as such, shall be entitled to vote or be deemed
the holder of shares of Common Stock or any other securities of the Company that
may at any time be issuable on the exercise thereof, nor shall anything
contained herein be construed to confer upon any Holder of a Warrant
Certificate, as such, the rights of a stockholder of the Company or the right to
vote for the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to stockholders
at any meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any corporate action,
to exercise any preemptive right, to receive notice of meetings or other actions
affecting stockholders (except as provided herein), or to receive dividends or
subscription rights or otherwise.
Section 12. The Warrant Agent. (a) The Company hereby appoints the
Warrant Agent to act as agent of the Company as set forth in this Agreement. The
Warrant Agent hereby accepts the appointment as agent of the Company and agrees
to perform that agency upon the terms and conditions herein set forth, by all of
which the Company and the Holders of Warrants, by their acceptance thereof,
shall be bound. No implied duties or obligations shall be read into this
Agreement against the Warrant Agent. The Warrant Agent shall not by
countersigning Warrant Certificates or by any other act hereunder be deemed to
make any representation as to validity or authorization of the Warrants or the
Warrant Certificates (except as to its countersignature thereon) or of any
securities or other property delivered upon exercise of any Warrant, or as to
the number or kind or amount of stock or other securities or other property
deliverable upon exercise of any Warrant. The Warrant Agent shall not have any
duty to calculate or determine any adjustments with respect either to the kind
and amount of shares or other securities or any property receivable by Holders
upon the exercise or tender of Warrants required from time to time, and the
Warrant Agent shall have no duty or responsibility in determining the accuracy
or correctness of any such calculation, other than to apply any adjustment,
notice of which is given by the Company to the Warrant Agent to be mailed to the
Holders in accordance with Section 8(i). The Warrant Agent shall not (i) be
liable for any recital or statement of fact contained herein or in the Warrant
Certificates or for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith on
the belief that any Warrant Certificate or any other documents or any signatures
are genuine or properly authorized, (ii) be responsible for any failure on the
part of the Company to comply with any of its covenants and obligations
contained in this Agreement or in the Warrant Certificates, or (iii) be liable
for any act or omission in connection with this Agreement except for its own
negligence or willful misconduct. The Warrant Agent is hereby authorized to
accept instructions with respect to the performance of its duties hereunder from
any officer of the Company and to apply to any such officer for instructions
(which instructions will be promptly given in writing when requested) and the
Warrant Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or suffered to be taken
by it in good faith in accordance with the instructions of any such officer,
except for its own negligence or willful
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misconduct, but in its discretion the Warrant Agent may in lieu thereof accept
other evidence of such or may require such further or additional evidence as it
may deem reasonable.
(b) The Warrant Agent shall not be under any obligation or
duty to institute, appear in or defend any action, suit or legal proceeding in
respect hereof, unless first indemnified to its satisfaction, but this provision
shall not affect the power of the Warrant Agent to take such action as the
Warrant Agent may consider proper, whether with or without such indemnity. The
Warrant Agent shall promptly notify the Company in writing of any claim made or
action, suit or proceeding instituted against it arising out of or in connection
with this Agreement.
(c) The Company will perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver
or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered all such further
acts, instruments and assurances as may reasonably be required by the Warrant
Agent in order to enable it to carry out or perform its duties under this
Agreement.
(d) The Company agrees to pay to the Warrant Agent
compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder as the Company and the
Warrant Agent may agree from time to time, and to reimburse the Warrant Agent
for reasonable expenses and disbursements incurred in connection with the
execution and administration of this Agreement (including the reasonable
compensation and the expenses of its counsel), and further agrees to indemnify
the Warrant Agent for, and to hold it harmless against any loss, liability or
expense incurred without gross negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out
of or in connection with the acceptance and administration of this Agreement,
including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself against any
claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its
powers or duties hereunder.
(e) The Warrant Agent and any stockholder, director, officer
or employee of the Warrant Agent may buy, sell and deal in any of the Warrants
or other securities of the Company or its Affiliates or become pecuniarily
interested in transactions in which the Company or its Affiliates may be
interested, or contract with or lend money to the Company or its Affiliates or
otherwise act as fully and freely as though it were not the Warrant Agent under
this Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude the Warrant Agent from acting in
any other capacity for the Company or for any other legal entity.
(f) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, in no event shall the Warrant Agent be liable for special,
indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but
not limited to loss of profits), even if the Warrant Agent has been advised of
the form of action.
Section 13. Resignation And Removal of Warrant Agent; Appointment of
Successor. (a) No resignation or removal of the Warrant Agent and no appointment
of a successor warrant agent shall become effective until the acceptance of
appointment by the successor warrant agent provided herein. The Warrant Agent
may resign its duties and be discharged from all further duties and liability
hereunder (except liability arising as a result of the Warrant Agent's own
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negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct) after giving written notice to the
Company. The Company may remove the Warrant Agent upon written notice, and the
Warrant Agent thereupon in like manner be discharged from all further duties and
liabilities hereunder, except as aforesaid. Upon such resignation or removal,
the Company shall appoint in writing a new warrant agent. If the Company shall
fail to make such appointment within a period of 60 days after it has been
notified in writing of such resignation by the resigning Warrant Agent or after
such removal, then a Holder may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for
the appointment of a new warrant agent. Any new warrant agent, whether appointed
by the Company or by such a court, shall be a corporation doing business under
the laws of the United States or any State thereof, in good standing and having
a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000. The combined
capital and surplus of any such new warrant agent shall be deemed to be the
combined capital and surplus as set forth in the most recent annual report of
its condition published by such warrant agent prior to its appointment, provided
that such reports are published at least annually pursuant to law or to the
requirements of a Federal or state supervising or examining authority. After
acceptance in writing of such appointment by the new warrant agent, it shall be
vested with the same powers, rights, duties and responsibilities as if it had
been originally named herein as the Warrant Agent, without any further
assurance, conveyance, act or deed; but if for any reason it shall be necessary
or expedient to execute and deliver any further assurance, conveyance, act or
deed, the same shall be done at the expense of the Company and shall be legally
and validly executed and delivered by the resigning or removed Warrant Agent.
Not later than the effective date of any such appointment, the Company shall
give notice thereof to the resigning or removed Warrant Agent. Failure to give
any notice provided for in this Section, however, or any defect therein, shall
not affect the legality or validity of the resignation of the Warrant Agent or
the appointment of a new warrant agent, as the case may be.
(b) Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent or any new
warrant agent may be merged or any corporation resulting from any consolidation
to which the Warrant Agent or any new warrant agent shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust
business of the Warrant Agent, shall be a successor Warrant Agent under this
Agreement without any further act, provided that such corporation (i) would be
eligible for appointment as successor to the Warrant Agent under the provisions
of Section 12(a) or (ii) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Warrant Agent. Any
such successor Warrant Agent shall promptly cause notice of its succession as
Warrant Agent to be mailed first-class mail, postage prepaid) to each Holder at
such Holder's last address as shown on the Register.
Section 14. Money And Other Property Deposited With The Warrant Agent.
Any moneys, securities or other property that at any time shall be deposited on
behalf of the Company with the Warrant Agent pursuant to this Agreement shall be
and are hereby assigned, transferred and set over to the Warrant Agent in trust
for the purpose for which such moneys, securities or other property shall have
been deposited; provided, however, such moneys, securities or other property
need not be segregated from other funds, securities or other property except to
the extent required by law.
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Section 15. NOTICES. (a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 15
(b), any notice, demand or delivery authorized by this agreement shall be
sufficiently given or made when mailed if sent by first-class mail, postage
prepaid, addressed to any Holder at such Holder's address shown on the Register
and to the Company or the Warrant Agent as follows:
If to the Company: RMI.NET, Inc.
999 18th Street, Suite 2201
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Chris J. Melcher, Vice President
and General Counsel
with a copy to: Otten, Johnson, Robinson, Neff & Ragonetti,
P.C.
950 17th Street, Suite 1600
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Neil M. Goff, Esq.
Brownstein, Hyatt & Farber, P.C.
410 17th Street, 22nd Floor
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Jeffrey M. Knetsch, Esq.
If to the Warrant Agent: American Securities Transfer & Trust, Inc.
10239 West Alameda Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80228
Attention: Kim Ziegler Porter
or such other address as shall have been furnished to the party giving or making
such notice, demand or delivery.
(b) Any notice required to be given by the Company to the
Holders shall be made by mailing by registered mail, return receipt requested,
to the Holders at their respective addresses shown on the Register. The Company
hereby irrevocably authorizes the Warrant Agent, in the name and at the expense
of the Company, to mail any such notice upon receipt thereof from the Company.
Any notice that is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively
presumed to have been duly given when mailed, whether or not the Holder receives
the notice.
SECTION 16. Amendments; Waivers. (a) The Company may from time to time
supplement or amend this Agreement without the consent of any Holder, in order
to (i) cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any provision herein that may
be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein or (ii) add to the
covenants and agreements of the Company for
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the benefit of the Holders, or surrender any rights or powers reserved to or
conferred upon the Company in this Agreement. Upon the delivery of a certificate
from an appropriate officer of the Company which states that the proposed
supplement or amendment is in compliance with the terms of this Section 16, the
Warrant Agent shall join with the Company in the execution and delivery of any
such supplemental agreements unless it affects the Warrant Agent's own rights,
duties or immunities hereunder in which case such party may, but shall not be
required to, join in such execution and delivery.
(b) With the consent of the registered Holders of at least a
majority in number of the Warrants at the time outstanding, the Company and the
Warrant Agent may at any time and from time to time by supplemental agreement or
amendment add any provisions to or change in any manner or eliminate any of the
provisions of this Agreement or of any supplemental agreement or modify in any
manner the rights and obligations of the Warrant holders and of the Company;
provided, however, that no such supplemental agreement or amendment shall,
without the consent of the registered Holder of each outstanding Warrant
affected thereby:
(i) alter the provisions of this Agreement so as to affect
adversely the terms upon which the Warrants are exercisable; or
(ii) reduce the number of Warrants outstanding the consent of
whose Holders is required for any such supplemental agreement or
amendment.
Upon the delivery of a certificate from an appropriate officer of the Company
which states that the proposed supplement or amendment is in compliance with the
terms of this section, the Warrant Agent shall join with the Company in the
execution and delivery of any such supplemental agreements unless it affects the
Warrant Agent's own rights, duties or immunities hereunder in which case such
party may, but shall not be required to, join in such execution and delivery.
(c) No failure or delay by either party in exercising any
right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall
any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and
remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or
remedies provided by law.
Section 17. Persons Benefitting. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of the Company and the Warrant Agent, and their
respective successors, assigns, beneficiaries, executors and administrators, and
each registered Holder of the Warrants. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or
shall be construed to confer upon any person, other than the Company, the
Warrant Agent and the Holders of the Warrants, any right, remedy or claim under
or by reason of this Agreement or any part hereof.
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Section 18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 19. Surrender of Certificates. Any Warrant Certificate
surrendered for exercise or purchase or otherwise acquired by the Company shall,
if surrendered to the Company, be delivered to the Warrant Agent, and all
Warrant Certificates surrendered or so delivered to the Warrant Agent shall be
promptly cancelled by such Warrant Agent and shall not be reissued by the
Company. The Warrant Agent shall deliver such cancelled Warrant Certificates to
the Company.
Section 20. Termination of Agreement. This Agreement shall terminate
and be of no further force and effect on the earlier of (a) the Expiration Date
or (b) the date on which all of the Warrants have been exercised, except that
the provisions of Sections 11 and 13 shall continue in full force and effect
after such termination date.
Section 21. Governing Law. This Agreement and the Warrants issued
hereunder and all rights arising hereunder and thereunder shall be construed and
determined in accordance with the internal laws of the state of Delaware, and
the performance hereof and thereof shall be governed and enforced in accordance
with such laws.
Section 22. Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement
to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless
otherwise indicated. Whenever the words "include", "includes" or "including" are
used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words
"without limitation". The words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and words of
similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a
whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The definitions
contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural
forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter
genders of such term. References to a Person are also to its permitted
successors and assigns and, in the case of an individual, to his heirs and
estate, as applicable.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above
written.
RMI.NET, INC.
By:
------------------------------
Name:
Title:
AMERICAN SECURITIES TRANSFER &
TRUST, INC., as Warrant Agent
By:
------------------------------
Name:
Title:
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EXHIBIT A
FORM OF FACE OF WARRANT CERTIFICATE
WARRANTS TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK
OF RMI.NET, INC.
No.__________ Certificate for Warrants -----
This certifies that ______________________, or registered assigns, is
the registered holder of the number of Warrants set forth above (the
"Warrants"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof (a "Holder"), subject to
the provisions contained herein and in the Warrant Agreement referred to below,
to purchase from RMI.NET, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), one
share of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company ("Common
Stock"), at the exercise price (the "Exercise Price") of $11.50 per share,
subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. This Warrant
Certificate shall terminate and become void as of the close of business on [DATE
THAT IS 2 YEARS AFTER CLOSING DATE] (the "Expiration Date"); provided, however,
that if the last day for the exercise of the Warrants shall not be a Business
Day, then the Warrants may be exercised on the next succeeding Business Day (as
defined in the Warrant Agreement) following the Expiration Date.
This Warrant Certificate is issued under and in accordance with the
Warrant Agreement, dated as of ____________, 2000 (the "Warrant Agreement"),
between the Company and American Securities Transfer & Trust, Inc., as warrant
agent (the "Warrant Agent", which term includes any successor Warrant Agent
under the Warrant Agreement), and is subject to the terms and provisions
contained in the Warrant Agreement, to all of which terms and provisions the
Holder of this Warrant Certificate consents by acceptance hereof. The Warrant
Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.
Reference is hereby made to the Warrant Agreement for a full statement of the
respective rights, limitations of rights, duties, obligations and immunities
thereunder of the Company, the Warrant Agent and the Holders of the Warrants. As
provided in the Warrant Agreement and subject to the terms and conditions
therein set forth, the Warrants are exercisable on the date that is thirty days
after the date hereof. At 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the Expiration Date,
each Warrant not exercised prior thereto shall terminate and become void and of
no value; provided, however, that if the last day for the exercise of the
Warrants shall not be a Business Day, then the Warrants may be exercised until
5:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the next succeeding Business Day following the
Expiration Date.
The Exercise Price and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable
upon the exercise of each whole Warrant are subject to adjustment as provided in
the Warrant Agreement.
In order to exercise a Warrant, the registered holder hereof must
surrender this Warrant Certificate at the office of the Warrant Agent, with the
Exercise Subscription Form on the reverse hereof duly executed by the Holder
hereof, with signature guaranteed as therein specified, together with any
required payment in full of the Exercise Price then in effect or the
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165
share(s) of Common Stock as to which the Warrant(s) represented by this Warrant
Certificate are submitted for exercise, all subject to the terms and conditions
hereof and of the Warrant Agreement. Any such payment of the Exercise Price
shall be paid in cash (including by wire transfer of immediately available
funds) or by certified or official bank check or bank cashier's check payable to
the order of the Company or by any combination of such cash or check.
The Company will pay all documentary stamp taxes, if any, attributable
to the initial issuance of Common Stock upon the exercise of Warrants; provided,
however, that the Company shall not be required to pay any tax or other
governmental charge which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in
the issue or delivery of any Warrant Certificates or certificates for Common
Stock issued upon the exercise of Warrants in a name other than that of the
registered Holder of such Warrants, and the Company shall not register any such
transfer or issue any such certificate until such tax or governmental charge, if
required, shall have been paid.
This Warrant Certificate and all rights hereunder are transferable by
the registered holder hereof, in whole or in part, on the register of the
Company, upon surrender of this Warrant Certificate for registration of transfer
at the principal corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent maintained for such
purpose in the City of Denver, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written
instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Warrant Agent
duly executed by the Holder hereof, or his attorney duly authorized in writing,
with signature guaranteed as specified in the attached Form of Assignment. Upon
any partial transfer, the Company will issue and deliver to such holder a new
Warrant Certificate or Certificates with respect to any portion not so
transferred; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to issue
and deliver Warrant Certificates representing fractional warrants.
No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or
exchange of the Warrant Certificates, but the Company may require payment of a
sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in
connection therewith.
This Warrant Certificate and the Warrant Agreement are subject to
amendment as provided in the Warrant Agreement.
All terms used in this Warrant Certificate that are defined in the
Warrant Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Warrant
Agreement.
Copies of the Warrant Agreement are on file at the office of the
Warrant Agent and may be obtained by writing to the Warrant Agent at the
following address: 10239 West Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228, Attention: Kim
Ziegler Porter.
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This Warrant Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose until it
shall have been countersigned by the Warrant Agent.
Dated: ,
-------------- ------
RMI.NET, INC.
By:
----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
Countersigned:
AMERICAN SECURITIES TRANSFER & TRUST, INC., as Warrant Agent
By:
------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
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167
FORM OF REVERSE OF WARRANT CERTIFICATE
EXERCISE SUBSCRIPTION FORM
(To be executed only upon exercise of Warrants)
To: RMI.NET, Inc.
The undersigned irrevocably exercises __________________ of the
Warrants for the purchase of one share per Warrant (subject to adjustment) of
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of RMI.NET, Inc. represented by this
Warrant Certificate hereof and herewith makes payment of $_____________ (such
amount shall be paid in cash (including by wire transfer of immediately
available funds) or by certified or official bank check or bank cashier's check
payable to the order of RMI.NET, Inc. or by any combination of such cash or
check), representing the Exercise Price for such Warrants so exercised. On the
terms and conditions specified in this Warrant Certificate and the Warrant
Agreement therein referred to, the undersigned hereby surrenders this Warrant
Certificate and all right, title and interest therein to and directs that the
shares of Common Stock deliverable upon the exercise of such Warrants be
registered or placed in the name and at the address specified below and
delivered thereto.
Dated: ,
-------------- ------ ------------------------------------
(Name - Please Print)
------------------------------------
(Signature of Owner)(1)
------------------------------------
(Street Address)
------------------------------------
(City) (State) (Zip Code)
------------------------------------
(Signature Guaranteed by)
(1) The signature must correspond with the name as written upon the face of
the within Warrant Certificate in every particular, without alteration
or enlargement or any change whatever, and must be guaranteed.
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Securities and/or check to be issued to:
----------------------------------------
Please insert social security or identifying number:
----------------------------
Name:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Street Address:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
City, State and Zip Code:
-------------------------------------------------------
Any unexercised Warrants evidenced by the within Warrant Certificate to be
issued to:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please insert social security or identifying number:
----------------------------
Name:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Street Address:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
City, State and Zip Code:
-------------------------------------------------------
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169
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned registered holder of the within
Warrant Certificate hereby sells, assigns, and transfers unto the Assignee(s)
named below (including the undersigned with respect to any Warrants constituting
a part of the Warrants evidenced by the within Warrant Certificate not being
assigned hereby) all of the right of the undersigned under the within Warrant
Certificate, with respect to the number of whole Warrants set forth below:
Social Security Number
or Other Identifying
Name of Assignees Address Number of Assignees Number of Warrants
- ------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------
and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ________________________ the
undersigned's attorney to make such transfer on the books of the Warrant Agent
maintained for that purpose, with full power of substitution in the premises.
Date: ,
--------------- ----- ------------------------------------
(Signature of Owner) (2)
------------------------------------
(Street Address)
------------------------------------
(City) (State) (Zip Code)
------------------------------------
(Signature Guaranteed by)
(2) The signature must correspond with the name as written upon the face of
the within Warrant Certificate in every particular, without alteration
or enlargement or any change whatever, and must be guaranteed.
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APPENDIX C
EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
RMI.NET, INC.
AND
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
DATED AS OF MARCH 17, 2000
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EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
This EXCHANGE AGREEMENT, dated as of March 17, 2000 (this
"Agreement"), is made and entered into by and between RMI.NET, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("RMI"), and Internet Communications Corporation, a Colorado
corporation (the "Company").
RECITALS
A. Concurrently herewith RMI and the Company are entering into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") pursuant to which a
wholly-owned subsidiary of RMI will be merged (the "Merger") with and into the
Company, with the Company as the surviving entity.
B. As a condition to their willingness to enter into the Merger
Agreement, each of RMI and the Company has required the other party to enter
into this Agreement.
C. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have
the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises,
representations, warranties and agreements herein contained and as contained in
the Merger Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the parties, the parties hereto
hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
THE EXCHANGE; ESCROW OF SHARES; CLOSING
1.1 Signing.
(a) Timing. The execution of this Agreement (the "Signing")
shall take place at the offices of Otten, Johnson, Robinson, Neff &
Ragonetti, P.C., 950 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1600, Denver, Colorado
80202, at 10:00 a.m., local time, on the date on which the Merger
Agreement is executed by all parties thereto (the "Signing Date"), or
at such other time and place as RMI and the Company shall mutually
agree upon in writing.
(b) Delivery of RMI Exchange Shares. At or within one (1)
business day after the Signing, pursuant to an escrow agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (the "Escrow
Agreement"), RMI shall deposit in escrow with Norwest Bank, Colorado,
National Association (the "Escrow Agent") a duly-executed stock
certificate representing the RMI Exchange Shares issued in the name of
the Company, which shares shall be held by the Escrow Agent until
released in accordance with the terms hereof and of the Escrow
Agreement. The period of time during which such shares are held in
escrow shall be referred to herein as the "Escrow Period".
(c) Legal Opinion. At the Signing, RMI shall deliver to the
Company a legal opinion regarding the validity of this Agreement, the
share exchange contemplated herein
172
and the issuance of the RMI Exchange Shares, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Company and its legal counsel.
1.2 Closing.
(a) Timing. If no Reversion has occurred, the Escrow Agent
shall cause the RMI Exchange Shares (as defined herein) to be released
and delivered to the Company in exchange for the issuance and delivery
to RMI of Company Exchange Shares (as defined herein) (the "Exchange").
The Exchange shall take place (the "Closing") at the offices of Otten,
Johnson, Robinson, Neff & Ragonetti, P.C., 950 Seventeenth Street,
Suite 1600, Denver, Colorado 80202, at 10:00 a.m., local time, on the
date that is two (2) business days following the termination of the
Escrow Period (the "Closing Date") or at such other time and place as
RMI and the Company shall mutually agree upon in writing.
(b) Share Exchange.
(i) At the Closing, the Company shall deliver or
cause to be delivered to RMI or to the Escrow Agent, and shall
issue and sell to RMI and RMI shall purchase from the Company,
that number of newly-issued shares of common stock, no par
value per share, of the Company (the "Company Common Stock")
equal to 19.9% of the Company Common Stock outstanding on the
Signing Date (the "Company Exchange Shares").
(ii) The purchase price (the "RMI Exchange Shares")
to be paid for the Company Exchange Shares shall be released
by the Escrow Agent and paid at Closing with the number of
shares of RMI Common Stock (as hereinafter defined) equal to
the product of (A) 19.9% of the Company Common Stock
outstanding on the Signing Date multiplied by (B) the quotient
of (i) $3.25 divided by (ii) the RMI Share Price (as defined
herein) and rounding the result to the nearest one thousandth
of a share.
"RMI Common Stock" means the common stock, par value
$0.001 per share, of RMI. The "RMI Share Price" means the
average of the daily closing prices per share of RMI Common
Stock on the Nasdaq National Market for the fifteen (15)
consecutive trading days ending on the trading day that is one
(1) day prior to the Signing Date.
(c) Legal Opinion. At the Closing, and as an express condition
to the occurrence of an Exchange hereunder, the Company shall deliver
to RMI a legal opinion regarding the validity of this Agreement, the
share exchange contemplated herein and the issuance of the Company
Exchange Shares, in form and substance substantially similar in all
material respects to the legal opinion delivered by RMI pursuant to
Section 1.1(c) hereof.
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ARTICLE 2
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF RMI
RMI represents and warrants to the Company as follows:
2.1 Organization, Standing and Power. RMI is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware and has the requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its
business as now being conducted. Each Subsidiary of RMI is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction in which it is organized and has the requisite corporate power and
authority to carry on its business as now being conducted. RMI and each of its
Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business, and is in good standing, in each
jurisdiction where the character of its properties owned or held under lease or
the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except where
the failure to be so qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, have
a Material Adverse Effect on RMI. For purposes of this Agreement, "Material
Adverse Change" or "Material Adverse Effect" means, when used with respect to
RMI, any change or effect that is or could reasonably be expected (as far as can
be reasonably foreseen at the time) to be materially adverse to the business,
assets, liabilities, results of operations, or the financial condition of RMI
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
2.2 Authority. RMI has all requisite corporate power and authority to
enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by RMI, the consummation by
RMI of the transactions contemplated hereby and the performance by RMI of its
obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of RMI. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
by RMI and (assuming the valid authorization, execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the Company and the validity and binding effect hereof on the
Company) constitutes the valid and binding obligation of RMI enforceable against
it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws relating to
or affecting creditors rights generally and by general equity principles
(regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law).
2.3 Consents and Approvals; No Violation. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by RMI does not, and the consummation by RMI of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of or
default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise
to a right of termination under, or accelerate the performance required by, or
result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge, increase in
liability or other encumbrance upon the RMI Common Stock or any of the assets of
RMI under any provision of:
(a) Law. Any law, statute, rule, regulation or judicial or
administrative decision,
(b) Governing Documents. The certificate of incorporation,
by-laws or any other governing document of RMI or any of its
Subsidiaries,
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174
(c) Other Agreements. Any mortgage, deed of trust, lease,
note, shareholders' agreement, bond, indenture, contract or other
instrument or agreement, or
(d) Legal Order. Any judgment, order, writ, injunction or
decree of any court, governmental body, administrative agency or
arbitrator relating to RMI or any of its Subsidiaries,
other than conflicts, violations, defaults, rights of termination or Liens which
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or could not
reasonably be expected to affect materially and adversely the enforceability or
validity of this Agreement.
2.4 RMI Common Stock to be Issued in the Exchange. All of the shares of
RMI Common Stock issuable in exchange for Company Common Stock at the Closing in
accordance with this and subject to the terms of this Agreement will be, when so
issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free
and clear of any and all Liens, including Liens created by statute, RMI's
certificate of incorporation or by-laws or any agreement to which RMI is a party
or by which RMI is bound.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
The Company represents and warrants to RMI as follows:
3.1 Organization, Standing and Power. The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Colorado and has the requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its
business as now being conducted. Each Subsidiary of the Company is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction in which it is organized and has the requisite corporate power and
authority to carry on its business as now being conducted. The Company and each
of its Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business, and is in good standing,
in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties owned or held under
lease or the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except
where the failure to be so qualified would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Material Adverse Change" or "Material Adverse Effect" means, when
used with respect to the Company, any change or effect that is or could
reasonably be expected (as far as can be reasonably foreseen at the time) to be
materially adverse to the business, assets, liabilities, results of operations,
or the financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole.
3.2 Authority. The Company has all requisite corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Company, the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby
and the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and (assuming the
valid authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by RMI and the
validity and binding effect of the Agreement on RMI) constitutes the valid and
binding
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obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its
terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors
rights generally and by general equity principles (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
3.3 Consents and Approvals; No Violation. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by the Company does not, and the consummation by the Company of
the transactions contemplated hereby will not, conflict with, or result in any
violation of or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both)
under, or give rise to a right of termination under, or accelerate the
performance required by, or result in the creation of any lien, security
interest, charge, increase in liability or other encumbrance upon the Company
Common Stock or any of the assets of the Company under any provision of:
(a) Law. Any law, statute, rule, regulation or judicial or
administrative decision,
(b) Governing Documents. The articles of incorporation,
by-laws or any other governing document of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries,
(c) Other Agreements. Any mortgage, deed of trust, lease,
note, shareholders' agreement, bond, indenture, contract or other
instrument or agreement, or
(d) Legal Order. Any judgment, order, writ, injunction or
decree of any court, governmental body, administrative agency or
arbitrator relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
other than conflicts, violations, defaults, rights of termination or Liens which
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or could not
reasonably be expected to affect materially and adversely the enforceability or
validity of this Agreement.
3.4 Company Common Stock to be Issued in the Exchange. All of the
shares of Company Common Stock issuable in exchange for RMI Common Stock in
accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement will be, when so
issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free
and clear of any Liens, including Liens created by statute, the Company's
articles of incorporation or by-laws or any agreement to which the Company is a
party or by which the Company is bound.
ARTICLE 4
OWNERSHIP AND EXPENSES
4.1 Ownership During Escrow Period. During the Escrow Period, the RMI
Exchange Shares shall continue to be owned by and held in the name of RMI, and
the Company shall not be permitted to vote, sell, assign, transfer, pledge or
otherwise dispose of, encumber or exercise any rights with respect to the RMI
Exchange Shares.
4.2 Fees and Expenses. Except for the costs and expenses of the Escrow
Agent (which shall be borne equally between RMI and the Company), all costs and
expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, including the fees
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and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, shall be paid
by the party incurring such costs and expenses.
ARTICLE 5
TERMINATION OF ESCROW, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
5.1 Termination of Escrow Period. The Escrow Period shall automatically
expire and terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) the expiration or
termination of the Merger Agreement for any reason, (ii) the consummation of the
Merger, or (iii) either of the events described in Section 5.2(a) or Section
5.2(b). In any of these events, on or before the Closing Date the Escrow Agent
shall effect the Exchange or Reversion, as applicable, in accordance with this
Article 5.
5.2 Escrowed Shares Returned; No Exchange. If the Escrow Period expires
or is terminated as a result of and only as a result of any of the following
events, the Escrow Agent shall immediately cause the RMI Exchange Shares to be
returned to RMI, whereupon no Company Exchange Shares will be issued or
delivered to RMI, no Closing shall occur, and the Exchange shall not be effected
(a "Reversion"):
(a) Both RMI and the Company provide mutual or simultaneous
written notice to the Escrow Agent to cause a Reversion;
(b) The Company, at its sole discretion, independently
provides written notice to the Escrow Agent directing the Escrow Agent
to effect a Reversion hereunder;
(c) The Company, rather than RMI, terminates the Merger
Agreement for any or for no reason other than as expressly provided
below, and provides written notice to RMI thereof, provided that RMI or
the Company subsequently provides such written notice of termination of
the Merger Agreement to the Escrow Agent. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, however, a Reversion shall not occur under this Section
5.2(c) if the notice of termination states that the Company has
terminated the Merger Agreement:
(i) pursuant to Section 7.1(c) of the Merger
Agreement, due to a material uncured breach of a
representation, warranty, covenant or obligations of RMI under
the Merger Agreement; or
(ii) pursuant to Section 1.5(d) of the Merger
Agreement, because the Closing Share Price is equal to or less
than 60% of the Signing Share Price;
(d) RMI, rather than the Company, terminates the Merger
Agreement upon an uncured default by the Company under Section 4.2(b)
of the Merger Agreement when (i) the Prohibited Action (as defined
therein) would give rise to a financial effect on the Company in excess
of $375,000; or (ii) it would be commercially reasonable for the
Company to cure the default caused by such Prohibited Action; and RMI
or the Company provides the Escrow Agent with a copy of such notice of
termination; or
(e) The Merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement is
consummated.
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5.3 Closing; Release and Exchange of Escrowed Shares. Unless the Escrow
Agent has effected a Reversion hereunder, in which event the provisions of
Section 5.2 will apply, on the Closing Date the Closing will proceed as
described in Section 1.2 hereof. Upon the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any
event that causes a termination of the Escrow Period but does not result in a
Reversion pursuant to Section 5.2, either party may provide written notification
to the Escrow Agent of such event, which notice shall set forth specifically the
date upon which the Closing of the Exchange shall occur.
5.4 Voting and Transfer Rights Following Exchange. If the Exchange is
consummated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the following
voting and transfer rights and restrictions will apply to the RMI Exchange
Shares and the Company Exchange Shares:
(a) Voting Restrictions on RMI Exchange Shares. The Company
hereby grants to the board of directors of RMI, acting by majority in
interest, the Company's irrevocable proxy and hereby appoints such
board of directors as its attorney-in-fact to vote all of the RMI
Exchange Shares until such shares are sold or otherwise transferred in
a manner expressly permitted hereunder to a party other than the
Company or the Controlling Shareholder or an affiliate of the Company
or the Controlling Shareholder, any shareholder, officer, director,
employee, consultant, or agent of the Company or the Controlling
Shareholder or an affiliate of the Company or the Controlling
Shareholder, or any child, spouse, parent, grandparent, or issue or
nominee of any of them. The Company acknowledges that this proxy is
coupled with an interest and irrevocable and agrees to take such
further action and execute such other instruments as may be necessary
to effectuate the intent of this irrevocable proxy.
(b) Voting Restrictions on Company Exchange Shares. RMI hereby
grants to the board of directors of the Company, acting by majority in
interest, RMI's irrevocable proxy and hereby appoints such board of
directors as its attorney-in-fact to vote all shares of Company
Exchange Shares until such shares are sold or otherwise transferred in
a manner expressly permitted hereunder to a party other than RMI or an
affiliate of RMI, any shareholder, officer, director, employee,
consultant, or agent of RMI or an affiliate of RMI, or any child,
spouse, parent, grandparent, or issue or nominee of any of them. RMI
acknowledges that this proxy is coupled with an interest and
irrevocable and agrees to take such further action and execute such
other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this
irrevocable proxy.
(c) Transfer Restrictions on RMI Exchange Shares. The Company
agrees that during the 365-day period immediately following such
Exchange (the "Restricted Period") it shall not and shall have no right
to sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of or encumber
any RMI Exchange Shares at any time or in any manner without the prior
written consent of RMI, provided, however, that, subject to the volume
restrictions in subsection (e) below, the Company shall have the right
during such Restricted Period, and without RMI's prior written consent,
to sell up to and including:
(i) 200,000 shares of RMI Common Stock if (X) the
average of the daily closing prices per share of RMI Common
Stock on the Nasdaq National
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Market for each of any fifteen (15) consecutive trading days
prior to any such sale is greater than or equal to 150% of the
RMI Share Price and (Y) the sale price for such sale is
greater than or equal to 150% of the RMI Share Price; and
(ii) an additional 100,000 shares of RMI Common Stock
if (X) the average of the daily closing prices per share of
RMI Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market for each of any
fifteen (15) CONSECUTIVE trading days prior to any such sale
is greater than or equal to 200% of the RMI Share Price and
(Y) the sale price for such sale is greater than or equal to
200% of the RMI Share Price.
If the Closing of the Exchange occurs hereunder, RMI shall
grant to the Company certain demand and piggy-back registration rights
relating to the RMI Exchange Shares pursuant to a registration rights
agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto (the
"Company Registration Rights Agreement").
(d) Transfer Restrictions on Company Exchange Shares.
(i) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 5.4(d),
the term "Base Ratio" shall mean the ratio of 200,000 over the
total number of RMI Exchange Shares; and the term "Ceiling
Ratio" shall mean the ratio of 100,000 over the total number
of RMI Exchange Shares.
(ii) Restrictions. RMI agrees that during the
Restricted Period immediately following such Exchange it shall
not and shall have no right to sell, assign, transfer, pledge
or otherwise dispose of or encumber any Company Exchange
Shares at any time or in any manner without the prior written
consent of the Company; provided, however, that, subject to
the volume restrictions in subsection (e) below, RMI shall
have the right during such Restricted Period and without the
Company's prior written consent to sell up to and including:
a) that number of shares of Company Common
Stock equal to the product of the Base Ratio times
the total number of Company Exchange Shares;
provided, however, that RMI may only sell such
Company Common Stock under this subsection (ii)(a) if
(X) the average of the daily closing prices per share
of Company Common Stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market
for each of any fifteen (15) consecutive trading days
prior to any such sale is greater than or equal to
$4.875, and (Y) the sale price for such sale is
greater than or equal to $4.875; and
b) an additional number of shares of Company
Common Stock equal to the product of the Ceiling
Ratio times the total number of Company Exchange
Shares; provided, however, that RMI may only sell
such Company Common Stock under this subsection
(ii)(b) if (X) the average of the daily closing
prices per share of Company Common Stock on the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market for each of any fifteen (15)
consecutive
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trading days prior to any such sale is greater than
or equal to $6.50, and (Y) the sale price for such
sale is greater than or equal to $6.50.
If the Closing of the Exchange occurs hereunder, the Company
shall grant to RMI certain demand and piggy-back registration rights
relating to the Company Exchange Shares pursuant to a registration
rights agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto (the
"RMI Registration Rights Agreement").
(e) Volume Restrictions. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein, during the Restricted Period immediately following an
Exchange, the Company shall not at any time sell RMI Exchange Shares,
and RMI shall not sell Company Exchange Shares, on any single trading
day in amounts in excess of five percent 5% of the average daily
trading volume of RMI Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market, or
Company Common Stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, as applicable, for
the five (5) consecutive trading days prior to the date of any such
sale.
5.5 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto only
by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
5.6 Waiver. The failure of either party hereto to enforce at any time
any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a
waiver of any such provision, nor in any way to affect the validity of this
Agreement or any part hereof or the right of such party thereafter to enforce
each and every such provision. No waiver of any breach of or non-compliance with
this Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach or
non-compliance.
5.7 Survival. The terms and conditions of this Article 5 will survive
the expiration or termination of the Escrow Period for any reason.
ARTICLE 6
GENERAL PROVISIONS
6.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties; No Other
Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties in this
Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall
terminate upon the expiration or termination of the Escrow Period pursuant to
Section 5.1 hereof. Each party hereto agrees that, except for the
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, neither the Company
nor RMI makes any other representations and warranties, and each hereby
disclaims any other representations and warranties made by itself or any of its
officers, directors, employees, agents, financial and legal advisors or other
representatives, with respect to the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
the documents and the instruments referred to herein, or the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby, notwithstanding the delivery or disclosure to
the other party or the other party's representatives of any documentation or
other information with respect to any one or more of the foregoing.
6.2 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given when delivered personally, one day after being
delivered to an overnight
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courier to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for
a party as shall be specified by like notice):
(a) RMI. If to RMI, to:
RMI.NET, Inc.
988 - 18th Street, Suite 2201
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Chris J. Melcher, Vice President and General Counsel
with a copy to:
Otten, Johnson, Robinson, Neff & Ragonetti, P.C.
950 - 17th Street, Suite 1600
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Neil M. Goff, Esq.
Brownstein, Hyatt & Farber, P.C.
410 - 17th Street, 22nd Floor
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Jeffrey M. Knetsch, Esq.
(b) Company. If to the Company, to:
Internet Communications Corporation
7100 East Bellview Avenue, Suite 201
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Attention: President
with a copy to:
Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.
One Tabor Center, Suite 1500
1200 Seventeenth Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Steven A. Cohen, Esq.
6.3 Interpretation.
(a) Headings. When a reference is made in this Agreement to a
Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless
otherwise indicated. The table of contents and headings contained in
this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not
affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Whenever the words "include," "includes" or "including" are used in
this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words
"without limitation."
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(b) "Subsidiary" means any corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture or other legal entity of which RMI or
Company, as the case may be (either alone or through or together with
any other Subsidiary), owns or controls, directly or indirectly, 50% or
more of the stock or other equity interests the holders of which are
generally entitled to vote for the election of the board of directors
or other governing body of such corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture or other legal entity.
6.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all
of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become
effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties
and delivered to the other parties.
6.5 Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement
constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person
other than the parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.
6.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of Colorado, without regard
to conflicts of law principles thereof.
6.7 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests
or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether
by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other
parties. 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 or assigns.
6.8 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is
invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law, or public
policy, all other terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic and legal
substance of the transactions contemplated hereby are not affected in any manner
materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other
provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties shall
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in
order that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement may be consummated as
originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
6.9 Enforcement of this Agreement. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this
Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were
otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be
entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement
and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, such remedy being
in addition to any other remedy to which any party is entitled at law or in
equity. Each party hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of
the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. Each party hereto
waives any right to a trial by jury in connection with any such action, suit or
proceeding and waives any objection based on forum non conveniens or any other
objection to venue thereof.
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6.10 Defined Terms. Each of the following terms is defined in the
Section identified below:
Agreement ................................... Preamble
Base Ratio .................................. Section 5.45.4(d)
Ceiling Ratio ............................... Section 5.45.4(d)
Closing ..................................... Section 1.2(a)
Closing Date ................................ Section 1.2(a)
Company ..................................... Preamble
Company Common Stock ........................ Section 1.2(b)
Company Exchange Shares ..................... Section 1.2(b)
Company Registration Rights Agreement ....... Section 5.4(c)
Escrow Agent ................................ Section 1.1(b)
Escrow Agreement ............................ Section 1.1(b)
Escrow Period ............................... Section 1.1(b)
Exchange .................................... Section 1.2(a)
Material Adverse Change ..................... Section 2.1, 3.1
Material Adverse Effect ..................... Section 2.1, 3.1
Merger ...................................... Recitals
Merger Agreement ............................ Recitals
Restricted Period ........................... Section 5.4(d)
Reversion ................................... Section 5.2
RMI ......................................... Preamble
RMI Common Stock ............................ Section 1.2(b)
RMI Exchange Shares ......................... Section 1.2(b)
RMI Registration Rights Agreement ........... Section 5.4(d)
RMI Share Price ............................. Section 1.2(b)
Signing Date ................................ Section 1.1(a)
Signing ..................................... Section 1.1(a)
Subsidiary .................................. Section 6.3(b)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, RMI and the Company have caused this Agreement
to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the
date first above written.
RMI.NET, INC., a Delaware corporation
By: /s/ Douglas H. Hanson
Name: Douglas H. Hanson
Title: Chairman and CEO
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION,
a Colorado corporation
By: /s/ Thomas C. Galley
---------------------
Name:
Title:
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APPENDIX D
SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, dated as of March 17, 2000, by and among RMI.NET, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Parent"), Internet Communications Corporation, a
Colorado corporation (the "Company"), and Interwest Group, Inc., a Colorado
corporation ("Interwest").
RECITALS
A. Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Parent,
Internet Acquisition Corporation, a Colorado corporation and wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent ("Sub"), and the Company have entered into an Agreement
and Plan of Merger (as such agreement may hereafter be amended from time to
time, the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which Sub will be merged with and
into the Company (the "Merger"); and
B. As an inducement and a condition to entering into the Merger
Agreement, Parent has required that Interwest agree, and Interwest has agreed,
to enter into this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
promises, representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained
herein, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as
follows:
1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. In addition to the terms defined
elsewhere herein, capitalized terms used and not defined herein have the
respective meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement. For purposes of
this Agreement:
(a) "Beneficially Own" or "Beneficial Ownership"
with respect to any securities means having "beneficial ownership" of such
securities as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Without duplicative counting of
the same securities by the same holder, securities Beneficially Owned by a
person includes securities Beneficially Owned by all other persons with whom
such person would constitute a "group" within the meaning of Section 13(d) of
the Exchange Act with respect to the securities of the same issuer.
(b) "Existing Shares" means shares of Company Common
Stock and Company Preferred Stock Beneficially Owned by Interwest as of the
date hereof.
(c) "Securities" means the Existing Shares together
with any shares of Company Common Stock or other securities of the Company
acquired by Interwest in any capacity after the date hereof and prior to the
termination of this Agreement whether upon the exercise of options, warrants or
rights, the conversion or exchange of convertible or
184
exchangeable securities, or by means of purchase, dividend, distribution,
split-up, recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares or the like, gift,
bequest, inheritance or as a successor in interest in any capacity or
otherwise.
2. DISCLOSURE. Interwest hereby agrees to permit the Company
and Parent to publish and disclose in the Registration Statement and the Proxy
Statement (including all documents and schedules filed with the SEC), and any
press release or other disclosure document which Parent, in its sole
discretion, determines to be necessary or desirable in connection with the
Merger and any transactions related thereto, Interwest's identity and ownership
of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock and the nature of
Interwest's commitments, arrangements and understandings under this Agreement.
Parent will provide Interwest with a copy of any proposed disclosure and will
provide Interwest with a reasonable opportunity to comment thereon.
3. VOTING OF SECURITIES PRIOR TO EFFECTIVE TIME. Interwest
hereby agrees that, during the period commencing on the date hereof and
continuing until the first to occur of (a) the Effective Time or (b) the date
that the Merger Agreement is terminated, at any meeting (whether annual or
special and whether or not an adjourned or postponed meeting) of the holders of
Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock, however called, or in
connection with any written consent of the holders of Company Common Stock or
Company Preferred Stock, Interwest will appear at the meeting or otherwise
cause the Securities to be counted as present thereat for purposes of
establishing a quorum and vote or consent (or cause to be voted or consented)
the Securities (x) in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement and the
approval of other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and this
Agreement and any actions required in furtherance thereof and hereof; (y)
against any action or agreement that would result in a breach in any respect of
any covenant, representation or warranty or any other obligation or agreement
of the Company under the Merger Agreement or this Agreement; and (z) except as
otherwise agreed to in writing in advance by Parent in its sole discretion,
against the following actions: (i) any Takeover Proposal or Superior
Transaction, (ii) any change in a majority of the persons who constitute the
Board of Directors of the Company; (iii) any material change in the present
capitalization of the Company, including without limitation any proposal to
sell a substantial equity interest in the Company or its Subsidiaries; (iv) any
amendment of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws; (v) any
other change in the Company's corporate structure or business; or (vi) any
other action that is intended, or could reasonably be expected, to impede,
interfere with, delay, postpone or materially adversely affect the Merger and
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement.
Interwest may not enter into any agreement or understanding with any person the
effect of which would be inconsistent with or violative of any provision
contained in this Section 3.
4. SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS BY INTERWEST.
(a) Following the Effective Time, for so long as
Interwest holds or Beneficially Owns any Parent Common Stock, at any meeting
(whether annual or special or whether or not an adjourned or postponed meeting
of the holders of Parent Common Stock) or in connection with any written
consent of the holders of Parent Common Stock, Interwest will vote
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185
or consent (or cause to be voted or consented) all shares of Parent Common
Stock howsoever acquired then held or Beneficially Owned by Interwest (or any
affiliates of Interwest) as directed by a majority of the Board of Directors of
Parent.
(b) If the Merger Agreement is terminated or the
Merger is not consummated for any reason other than termination of the Merger
Agreement by Parent, termination of the Merger Agreement by the Company
pursuant to Section 7.1(a)(iii) or a material breach by Parent, and a Takeover
Proposal or a Superior Transaction with any other party is consummated during
the 12 months following the Termination Date, with respect to Securities for
which Interwest receives consideration pursuant to the Takeover Proposal or
Superior Transaction, Interwest will, subject to Section 4(d) below,
immediately upon the receipt thereof pay to Parent an amount in cash (if
positive) (the "Differential Amount") equal to (i) the excess of the net
pre-tax proceeds received by Interwest with respect to the Securities over the
net pre-tax proceeds Interwest would have received with respect to such
Securities if the Merger had been consummated, including any shares of Company
Common Stock into or for which any Securities are convertible, exchangeable or
exercisable, of Interwest (such Securities, the "Subject Shares") in such
transaction, or in any sale of any Subject Shares to a third party that was
initiated by Interwest, directly or indirectly, within 12 months after the
Termination Date plus (ii) the product of (A) $1.00 (the "Share Value"),
subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 4(e) below, times (B) the number
of Subject Shares.
(c) If the Merger Agreement is terminated or the
Merger is not consummated as a result of a material breach by Parent, and a
Takeover Proposal or a Superior Transaction with any other party is consummated
during the six months following the Termination Date, with respect to
Securities for which Interwest receives consideration pursuant to the Takeover
Proposal or Superior Transaction, Interwest will, subject to Section 4(d)
below, immediately upon the receipt thereof pay to Parent an amount in cash (if
positive) equal to the Differential Amount, calculated as described in Section
4(b) above with respect to the Subject Shares in such transaction, or in any
sale of any Subject Shares to a third party that was initiated by Interwest,
directly or indirectly, within six months after the Termination Date.
(d) If a Differential Amount is payable pursuant to
Section 4(b) or 4(c) hereof and Interwest receives any non-cash consideration
in the Takeover Proposal or Superior Transaction as part of the net proceeds
("Other Consideration") that consists of securities listed on a national
securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market ("Marketable Securities"),
Interwest shall deliver immediately to Parent an amount of Marketable
Securities whose aggregate value, calculated on the basis of the closing price
for such Marketable Securities on the exchange where such Marketable Securities
are listed, equals the Differential Amount. To the extent the Other
Consideration consists of non-Marketable Securities or other assets, such Other
Consideration will be held by Interwest until Interwest shall have sold or
otherwise disposed of such Other Consideration for cash or Marketable
Securities, or has otherwise actually realized value, directly or indirectly,
from such sale or disposition, at which time the Differential Amount, to the
extent not previously paid, will be immediately paid to Parent in cash or such
Marketable Securities.
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(e) The Share Value used in Section 4(b) or 4(c)
above shall be adjusted as appropriate and equitable to reflect any
reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend or split, or combination or
other change in the Company's capital structure after the date hereof.
5. COVENANTS. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF INTERWEST.
Interwest hereby represents and warrants to, and agrees with, Parent as
follows:
(a) Ownership of Shares. Interwest is the sole
record and beneficial owner of Existing Shares consisting of 3,014,312 shares
of Company Common Stock and all of the issued and outstanding shares of Company
Preferred Stock, consisting 50,000 shares of preferred stock designated as
Series A Preferred and 19,000 shares of preferred stock designated as Series B
Preferred. On the date hereof, the Existing Shares constitute all of the Shares
owned of record or beneficially owned by Interwest. Interwest has sole voting
power and sole power to issue instructions with respect to the matters set
forth in Sections 3 and 4 hereof, sole power of disposition, sole power of
conversion, sole power to demand appraisal rights and sole power to agree to
all of the matters set forth in this Agreement, in each case with respect to
all of the Existing Shares with no limitations, qualifications or restrictions
on such rights, subject to applicable securities laws, and the terms of this
Agreement.
(b) Organization. Interwest is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Colorado, has all requisite corporate power or other power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder. The
execution and delivery by Interwest of this Agreement and the performance by it
of its obligations hereunder have been duly and validly authorized by the Board
of Directors of Interwest and no other corporate proceedings on the part of
Interwest are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by
Interwest.
(c) Corporate Authorization. This Agreement has been
duly and validly executed and delivered by Interwest and constitutes a valid
and binding agreement enforceable against Interwest in accordance with its
terms except (i) as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent conveyance or similar laws affecting creditors rights and (ii) that
the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable
relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court
before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.
(d) No Conflicts. Except for filings,
authorizations, consents and approvals as may be required under the HSR Act,
the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, (i) no filing with, and no permit,
authorization, consent or approval of, any state or federal Governmental Entity
is necessary for the execution of this Agreement by Interwest and the
consummation by Interwest of the transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) none
of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Interwest, the consummation
by Interwest of the transaction contemplated hereby or compliance by Interwest
with any of the provisions hereof will (x) conflict with or result in any
breach of the organizational documents of Interwest,
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(y) result in a violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without notice
or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to any third party right of
termination, cancellation, material modification or acceleration) under any of
the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, loan agreement, bond,
mortgage, indenture, license, contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding,
agreement or other instrument or obligation of any kind to which Interwest is a
party or by which Interwest or any of their properties or assets may be bound,
or (z) violate any order, writ, injunction, decree, judgment, statute, rule or
regulation applicable to Interwest or any of its properties or assets.
(e) No Encumbrances. Except as applicable in
connection with the transactions contemplated by Sections 3 and 4 hereof, the
Existing Shares at all times during the term hereof will be beneficially owned
by Interwest, free and clear of all liens, claims, security interests, proxies,
voting trusts or agreements, understandings or arrangements or any other
encumbrances whatsoever, except for any such encumbrances or proxies arising
hereunder.
(f) Finder's Fees. Other than as contemplated by the
Merger Agreement, no broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other
person is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial adviser's or other
similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Interwest.
(g) No Solicitation. During the term of this
Agreement, Interwest shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any of its
directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives, directly or
indirectly, to solicit or initiate, or furnish or disclose non-public
information in furtherance of, any inquiries or the making of any proposal with
respect to any Takeover Proposal, or negotiate or otherwise engage in
discussions with any person (other than Parent, Sub or their respective
directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives) with respect to any
Takeover Proposal or enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding
requiring it to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger or any
other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and will immediately
cease all existing activities, discussions and negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any proposal for a Takeover Proposal.
(h) Restriction on Transfer, Proxies and
Non-Interference Prior to Effective Date. Interwest will not, directly or
indirectly, prior to the Effective Date or the Termination Date, (i) offer for
sale, sell, transfer, tender, pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose of,
or enter into any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with
respect to or consent to the offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender, pledge,
encumbrance, assignment or other disposition of, any or all of the Securities
or any interest therein except as provided in Section 4(b); (ii) grant any
proxies or powers of attorney, deposit the Securities into a voting trust or
enter into a voting agreement with respect to the Securities; or (iii) take any
action that would make any representation or warranty of Interwest contained
herein untrue or incorrect or would result in a breach by Interwest of its
obligations under this Agreement.
(i) Restriction on Transfer Following the Effective
Date. Interwest will not, directly or indirectly, for the one year period
commencing on the Effective Date, offer
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for sale, sell, transfer, tender, pledge, encumber, assign or otherwise dispose
of, or enter into any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding
with respect to or consent to the offer for sale, sale, transfer, tender,
pledge, encumbrance, assignment or other disposition of, any or all of the
Parent Common Stock received by it in the Merger or any interest therein,
except that Interwest shall have the right during such one-year period, without
Parent's prior written consent, to sell up to and including:
(i) 200,000 shares of Parent Common Stock (or such
greater number of shares as provided in clause (iii) below)
if (x) the average of the daily closing prices per share of
Parent Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market for each of
any 15 consecutive trading days prior to any such sale is
greater than or equal to 150% of the RMI Share Price (as
defined below) and (y) the sale price for such sale is
greater than or equal to 150% of the RMI Share Price;
(ii) an additional 100,000 shares of Parent Common
Stock (or such greater number of shares as provided in clause
(iii) below) if (x) the average of the daily closing prices
per share of Parent Common Stock on the Nasdaq National
Market for each of any 15 consecutive trading days prior to
any such sale is greater than or equal to 200% of the RMI
Share Price and (y) the sale price for such sale is greater
than or equal to 200% of the RMI Share Price;
(iii) in the event that the aggregate amount of the
Controlling Shareholder Loan at the Effective Time exceeds
the Maximum Amount, the number of shares permitted to be sold
pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above shall be increased by
an amount equal to such share number (200,000 and 100,000,
respectively) multiplied by the actual amount of the
Controlling Shareholder Loan at the Effective time and
divided by the Maximum Amount; and
(iv) notwithstanding anything to the contrary
herein, during the one-year period commencing on the
Effective Date, Interwest shall not at any time sell shares
of Parent Common Stock in amounts in excess of five percent
of the average daily trading volume of Parent Common Stock on
the Nasdaq National Market for the five consecutive trading
days prior to the date of any such sale.
The "RMI Share Price" means the average of the daily closing price per share of
Parent Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market for the 15 consecutive
trading days ending on the trading day that is one day prior to the date
hereof.
(j) Reliance by Parent. Interwest understands and
acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon
Interwest's execution and delivery of this Agreement.
(k) Furtherance of Parent's Observer Rights.
Interwest will cooperate fully, and take all actions reasonably requested by
Parent, to ensure that the provisions of Section 4.10 of the Merger Agreement
are fully complied with.
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(l) Further Assurances. From time to time, at
Parent's request and without further consideration, Interwest will execute and
deliver such additional documents and take all such further lawful action as
may be necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective, in the most
expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT. Parent hereby
represents and warrants to Interwest and the Company as follows:
(a) Organization. Parent is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware, has all requisite corporate power or other power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder. The
execution and delivery by Parent of this Agreement and the performance by
Parent of its obligations hereunder have been duly and validly authorized by
the Board of Directors of Parent and no other corporate proceedings on the part
of Parent are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by
Parent.
(b) Corporate Authorization. This Agreement has been
duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and constitutes a valid and
binding agreement of Parent enforceable against Parent in accordance with its
terms, except (i) as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent conveyance or similar laws affecting creditors rights and (ii) that
the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable
relief may be subject to equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court
before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.
(c) No Conflicts. Except for filings,
authorizations, consents and approvals as may be required under the HSR Act,
the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, (i) no filing with, and no permit,
authorization, consent or approval of, any state or federal Governmental Entity
is necessary for the execution of this Agreement by Parent and the consummation
by Parent of the transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) none of the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent, the consummation by Parent
of the transactions contemplated hereby or compliance by Parent with any of the
provisions hereof will (x) conflict with or result in any breach of the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws of Parent, (y) result in a violation or
breach of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a
default (or give rise to any third party right of termination, cancellation,
material modification or acceleration) under any of the terms, conditions or
provisions of any note, loan agreement, bond, mortgage, indenture, license,
contract, commitment, arrangement, understanding, agreement or other instrument
or obligation of any kind to which Parent is a party or by which Parent or any
of its properties or assets may be bound, or (z) violate any order, writ,
injunction, decree, judgment, statute, rule or regulation applicable to Parent
or any of their respective properties or assets.
(d) No Finder's Fee. No broker, investment banker,
financial adviser or other person is entitled to any broker's, finder's,
financial adviser's or other similar fee or
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commission in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon
arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent.
(e) Registration Rights. Upon the Closing
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, Parent will enter into a Registration
Rights Agreement with Interwest in the form of Exhibit A hereto.
7. STOP TRANSFER; LEGEND.
(a) Interwest agrees with and covenants to Parent
that Interwest will not request that the Company register the transfer
(book-entry or otherwise) of any certificate or uncertificated interest
representing any of the Securities, unless such transfer is made in compliance
with this Agreement.
(b) In the event of a stock dividend or
distribution, or any change in the Company Common Stock or Company Preferred
Stock by reason of any stock dividend, split-up, recapitalization, combination,
exchange of shares or the like other than pursuant to the Merger, the terms
"Shares" and "Securities" will be deemed to refer to and include the shares of
Company Common Stock or Company Preferred Stock as well as all such stock
dividends and distributions and any shares into which or for which any or all
of the Securities may be changed or exchanged and appropriate adjustments shall
be made to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
(c) Interwest will promptly after the date hereof
surrender to the Company all certificates representing the Securities, and the
Company will place the following legend on such certificates in addition to any
other legend required thereon:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER PURSUANT TO AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF
A SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF MARCH __, 2000, BY
RMI.NET, INC., INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND
INTERWEST GROUP, INC.
8. TERMINATION. This Agreement will terminate upon the
earlier of (i) the consummation of the Merger or (ii) the termination of the
Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms, except that the covenants and
agreements set forth in Sections 4(b) through 4(e) hereof will survive any
termination of this Agreement for the terms specified therein and the terms of
Sections 4(a) and 5(i) will survive the consummation of the Merger.
9. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the
entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
and supersedes all other
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191
prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(b) Binding Agreement. Interwest agrees that this
Agreement and the obligations hereunder will attach to the Securities and will
be binding upon any person or entity to which legal or beneficial ownership of
such Securities shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise, including
without limitation, Interwest's successors or other transferees (for value or
otherwise) and any other successors in interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
this Agreement will not apply to any transferee of Interwest that is not an
affiliate controlled by Interwest provided that such transferee becomes such in
a transaction not in breach of this Agreement.
(c) Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of
the rights, interests or obligations hereunder will be assigned or delegated
(whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of
the other parties, provided that Parent may assign, in its sole discretion, its
rights, interests and obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly
owned Subsidiary of Parent, but no such assignment will relieve Parent from any
of its obligations hereunder if such assignee does not perform such
obligations. 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.
(d) Amendment and Modification. This Agreement may
not be amended, changed, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified or
terminated, except upon the execution and delivery of a written agreement
executed by the parties hereto.
(e) Notices. All notices and other communications
hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given if delivered personally,
telecopied (which is confirmed) or sent by an overnight courier service, such
as FedEx, to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address
for a party as will be specified by like notice):
If to Interwest:
Interwest Group, Inc.
2400 Anaconda Tower
555 Seventeenth Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: President
Facsimile No.: (303) 299-1333
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with a copy to:
Hogan & Hartson, L.L.P.
One Tabor Center
1200 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1500
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Steven A. Cohen, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (303) 899-7333
If to the Company:
Internet Communications Corporation
7100 East Bellview Avenue, Suite 201
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Attention: President
Facsimile No.: (303) 770-2706
with a copy to:
Hogan & Hartson, L.L.P.
One Tabor Center
1200 Seventeenth Street, Suite 1500
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Steven A. Cohen, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (303) 899-7333
If to Parent:
RMI.NET, Inc.
988 18th Street, Suite 2201
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Christopher J. Melcher, Vice
President & General Counsel
Facsimile No.: (303) 313-0821
with a copy to:
Otten, Johnson, Robinson, Neff & Ragonetti,
P.C.
950 17th Street, Suite 1600
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Neil M. Goff, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (303) 825-6525
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193
Brownstein, Hyatt & Farber, P.C.
410 17th Street, 22nd Floor
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attention: Jeffrey M. Knetsch, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (303) 223-1111
(f) Severability. If any term, provision, covenant
or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction
or other authority to be invalid, void, unenforceable or against its regulatory
policy, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of
this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will in no way be
affected, impaired or invalidated.
(g) Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree
that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this
Agreement was not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the
parties will be entitled to the remedy of specific performance of the terms
hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity.
(h) No Waiver. The failure of any party hereto to
exercise any right, power or remedy provided under this Agreement or otherwise
available in respect hereof at law or in equity, or to insist upon compliance
by any other party hereto with its obligations hereunder, and any custom or
practice of the parties at variance with the terms hereof, will not constitute
a waiver by such party of its right to exercise any such or other right, power
or remedy or to demand such compliance.
(i) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is
not intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights
or remedies hereunder.
(j) Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without
giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
(k) Description Headings. The description headings
used herein are for reference purposes only and will not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(l) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, each of which will be considered one and the same agreement and
will become effective when such counterparts have been signed by each of the
parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all
parties need not sign the same counterpart.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, the Company and Interwest have caused this
Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
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RMI.NET, INC., a Delaware Corporation
By: /s/ Douglas H. Hanson
-----------------------
Name: Douglas H. Hanson
Title: Chairman and CEO
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION,
a Colorado Corporation
By: /s/ Thomas C. Galley
--------------------
Name:
Title:
INTERWEST GROUP, INC., a Colorado
Corporation
By: /s/ Clifford Hickey
-------------------
Name:
Title:
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APPENDIX E
[Neidiger, Tucker, Bruner, Inc. Letterhead]
May 22, 2000
Mr. Thomas C. Galley
President
Internet Communications Corporation
7100 East Bellevue Avenue, Suite 201
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Dear Tom:
Internet Communications Corporation ("INCC" or the "Company") has negotiated an
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March, 2000, (the "Agreement") among RMI.Net,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("RMI") and Internet Communications Corporation. As
more fully described herein and in the Agreement, all outstanding shares of INCC
common stock shall be converted into shares of RMI common stock. The Board of
Directors of INCC requests that Neidiger, Tucker, Bruner, Inc. ("NTB") render
its opinion (the "Opinion") as to the fairness of the merger ("Merger" or
"Transaction") from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of INC.
Upon effectiveness of the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of INCC
common stock shall be converted into the right to receive that number of shares
of RMI common stock determined by dividing $2.50, the agreed upon value of each
share of INCC common stock at the time of the Merger (the "Conversion Rate"), by
the per share price of the RMI common stock at the closing of the Merger
("Closing Share Price"). The Closing Share Price of RMI will be subject to a
minimum and maximum of 60% and 125% represented of the share price of RMI common
stock at the time of signing the Agreement. In addition to the consideration
described above, each non-affiliated minority INCC common shareholder shall be
granted a warrant (the "Warrant") to purchase one share of RMI common stock for
each share of INCC common stock held immediately prior to the effective time of
the Merger. The warrant's terms will include a strike price or exercise price of
$11.50 per share and a duration of twenty-four (24) months. The warrants are
callable at the option of RMI if the average of the daily closing price per
share of the RMI common stock or the NASDAQ National Market equals or exceeds
$13.00 for five (5) consecutive trading days.
The Merger is intended by the parties to qualify as a tax-free reorganization of
INCC under the Internal Revenue Code and, therefore, the Merger is anticipated
not to create any tax liabilities for the shareholders of INCC. The Merger is
subject to various conditions to closing as described within the Agreement.
In connection with our examination, we have reviewed, among other things,
(i) the Agreement dated March , 2000, (ii) the Exchange Agreement dated March ,
2000, (iii) the form of the certificate relating to the warrants, (iv) publicly
available information for both INCC and RMI including but not limited to the
companies' most recently quarterly 10-Qs and annual 10-Ks, (v)
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the financial condition of INCC including but not limited to its debt structure
and back line of credit, (vi) the past operating results of the Company, and
(vii) various other documents and information provided by INCC and discussions
held with the management of INCC and RMI.
In rendering our Opinion, we have relied on the accuracy and completion of the
audited information provided to us by the Company and RMI, the information
provided to us by the Company's auditors, the information provided by INCC's
management and have made no independent verification of such information.
Neidiger, Tucker, Bruner, Inc., as part of its investment banking service, is
regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses, securities and assets in
connection with mergers, acquisitions, underwritings, sales and distribution of
securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other
purposes.
Based on the foregoing and such other factors as we deem relevant, we are of the
opinion that the Merger is fair and reasonable from a financial point of view to
the shareholders of Internet Communications Corporation.
Sincerely,
/s/ Anthony B. Petrelli
Anthony B. Petrelli
Senior Vice President
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APPENDIX F
COLORADO REVISED STATUTES
TITLE 7. CORPORATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS
ARTICLE 113. DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
PART 1. RIGHT TO DISSENT AND
OBTAIN PAYMENT FOR SHARES
7-113-101. Definitions.
For purposes of this article:
(1) "Beneficial shareholder" means the beneficial owner of shares held
in a voting trust or by a nominee as the record shareholder.
(2) "Corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter
before the corporate action, or the surviving or acquiring domestic or foreign
corporation, by merger or share exchange of that issuer.
(3) "Dissenter" means a shareholder who is entitled to dissent from
corporate action under section 7-113-102 and who exercises that right at the
time and in the manner required by part 2 of this article.
(4) "Fair value", with respect to a dissenter's shares, means the value
of the shares immediately before the effective date of the corporate action to
which the dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
anticipation of the corporate action except to the extent that exclusion would
be inequitable.
(5) "Interest" means interest from the effective date of the corporate
action until the date of payment, at the average rate currently paid by the
corporation on its principal bank loans or, if none, at the legal rate as
specified in section 5-12-101, C.R.S.
(6) "Record shareholder" means the person in whose name shares are
registered in the records of a corporation or the beneficial owner of shares
that are registered in the name of a nominee to the extent such owner is
recognized by the corporation as the shareholder as provided in section
7-107-204.
(7) "Shareholder" means either a record shareholder or a beneficial
shareholder.
7-113-102. Right to dissent.
(1) A shareholder, whether or not entitled to vote, is entitled to
dissent and obtain payment of the fair value of the shareholder's shares in the
event of any of the following corporate actions:
(a) Consummation of a plan of merger to which the corporation
is a party if:
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(I) Approval by the shareholders of that corporation
is required for the merger by section 7-111-103 or 7-111-104 or by the articles
of incorporation; or
(II) The corporation is a subsidiary that is merged
with its parent corporation under section 7-111-104;
(b) Consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the
corporation is a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired;
(c) Consummation of a sale, lease, exchange, or other
disposition of all, or substantially all, of the property of the corporation for
which a shareholder vote is required under section 7-112-102 (1); and
(d) Consummation of a sale, lease, exchange, or other
disposition of all, or substantially all, of the property of an entity
controlled by the corporation if the shareholders of the corporation were
entitled to vote upon the consent of the corporation to the disposition pursuant
to section 7-112-102 (2).
(1.3) A shareholder is not entitled to dissent and obtain payment,
under subsection (1) of this section, of the fair value of the shares of any
class or series of shares which either were listed on a national securities
exchange registered under the federal "Securities Exchange Act of 1934", as
amended, or on the national market system of the national association of
securities dealers automated quotation system, or were held of record by more
than two thousand shareholders, at the time of:
(a) The record date fixed under section 7-107-107 to determine
the shareholders entitled to receive notice of the shareholders' meeting at
which the corporate action is submitted to a vote;
(b) The record date fixed under section 7-107-104 to determine
shareholders entitled to sign writings consenting to the corporate action; or
(c) The effective date of the corporate action if the
corporate action is authorized other than by a vote of shareholders.
(1.8) The limitation set forth in subsection (1.3) of this section
shall not apply if the shareholder will receive for the shareholder's shares,
pursuant to the corporate action, anything except:
(a) Shares of the corporation surviving the consummation of
the plan of merger or share exchange;
(b) Shares of any other corporation which at the effective
date of the plan of merger or share exchange either will be listed on a national
securities exchange registered under the federal "Securities Exchange Act of
1934", as amended, or on the national market system of the national
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association of securities dealers automated quotation system, or will be held of
record by more than two thousand shareholders;
(c) Cash in lieu of fractional shares; or
(d) Any combination of the foregoing described shares or cash
in lieu of fractional shares.
(2) (Deleted by amendment, L. 96, p. 1321, Section 30, effective June
1, 1996.)
(2.5) A shareholder, whether or not entitled to vote, is entitled to
dissent and obtain payment of the fair value of the shareholder's shares in the
event of a reverse split that reduces the number of shares owned by the
shareholder to a fraction of a share or to scrip if the fractional share or
scrip so created is to be acquired for cash or the scrip is to be voided under
section 7-106-104.
(3) A shareholder is entitled to dissent and obtain payment of the fair
value of the shareholder's shares in the event of any corporate action to the
extent provided by the bylaws or a resolution of the board of directors.
(4) A shareholder entitled to dissent and obtain payment for the
shareholder's shares under this article may not challenge the corporate action
creating such entitlement unless the action is unlawful or fraudulent with
respect to the shareholder or the corporation.
7-113-103. Dissent by nominees and beneficial owners.
(1) A record shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer than
all the shares registered in the record shareholder's name only if the record
shareholder dissents with respect to all shares beneficially owned by any one
person and causes the corporation to receive written notice which states such
dissent and the name, address, and federal taxpayer identification number, if
any, of each person on whose behalf the record shareholder asserts dissenters'
rights. The rights of a record shareholder under this subsection (1) are
determined as if the shares as to which the record shareholder dissents and the
other shares of the record shareholder were registered in the names of different
shareholders.
(2) A beneficial shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to the
shares held on the beneficial shareholder's behalf only if:
(a) The beneficial shareholder causes the corporation to
receive the record shareholder's written consent to the dissent not later than
the time the beneficial shareholder asserts dissenters' rights; and
(b) The beneficial shareholder dissents with respect to all
shares beneficially owned by the beneficial shareholder.
(3) The corporation may require that, when a record shareholder
dissents with respect to the shares held by any one or more beneficial
shareholders, each such beneficial shareholder must
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certify to the corporation that the beneficial shareholder and the record
shareholder or record shareholders of all shares owned beneficially by the
beneficial shareholder have asserted, or will timely assert, dissenters' rights
as to all such shares as to which there is no limitation on the ability to
exercise dissenters' rights. Any such requirement shall be stated in the
dissenters' notice given pursuant to section 7-113-203.
PART 2. PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE OF
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
7-113-201. Notice of dissenters' rights.
(1) If a proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under
section 7-113-102 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting, the notice
of the meeting shall be given to all shareholders, whether or not entitled to
vote. The notice shall state that shareholders are or may be entitled to assert
dissenters' rights under this article and shall be accompanied by a copy of this
article and the materials, if any, that, under articles 101 to 117 of this
title, are required to be given to shareholders entitled to vote on the proposed
action at the meeting. Failure to give notice as provided by this subsection (1)
shall not affect any action taken at the shareholders' meeting for which the
notice was to have been given, but any shareholder who was entitled to dissent
but who was not given such notice shall not be precluded from demanding payment
for the shareholder's shares under this article by reason of the shareholder's
failure to comply with the provisions of section 7-113-202 (1).
(2) If a proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under
section 7-113-102 is authorized without a meeting of shareholders pursuant to
section 7-107-104, any written or oral solicitation of a shareholder to execute
a writing consenting to such action contemplated in section 7-107-104 shall be
accompanied or preceded by a written notice stating that shareholders are or may
be entitled to assert dissenters' rights under this article, by a copy of this
article, and by the materials, if any, that, under articles 101 to 117 of this
title, would have been required to be given to shareholders entitled to vote on
the proposed action if the proposed action were submitted to a vote at a
shareholders' meeting. Failure to give notice as provided by this subsection (2)
shall not affect any action taken pursuant to section 7-107-104 for which the
notice was to have been given, but any shareholder who was entitled to dissent
but who was not given such notice shall not be precluded from demanding payment
for the shareholder's shares under this article by reason of the shareholder's
failure to comply with the provisions of section 7-113-202 (2).
7-113-202. Notice of intent to demand payment.
(1) If a proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under
section 7-113-102 is submitted to a vote at a shareholders' meeting and if
notice of dissenters' rights has been given to such shareholder in connection
with the action pursuant to section 7-113-201 (1), a shareholder who wishes to
assert dissenters' rights shall:
(a) Cause the corporation to receive, before the vote is
taken, written notice of the shareholder's intention to demand payment for the
shareholder's shares if the proposed corporate action is effectuated; and
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(b) Not vote the shares in favor of the proposed corporate
action.
(2) If a proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under
section 7-113-102 is authorized without a meeting of shareholders pursuant to
section 7-107-104 and if notice of dissenters' rights has been given to such
shareholder in connection with the action pursuant to section 7-113-201 (2), a
shareholder who wishes to assert dissenters' rights shall not execute a writing
consenting to the proposed corporate action.
(3) A shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection
(1) or (2) of this section is not entitled to demand payment for the
shareholder's shares under this article.
7-113-203. Dissenters' notice.
(1) If a proposed corporate action creating dissenters' rights under
section 7-113-102 is authorized, the corporation shall give a written
dissenters' notice to all shareholders who are entitled to demand payment for
their shares under this article.
(2) The dissenters' notice required by subsection (1) of this section
shall be given no later than ten days after the effective date of the corporate
action creating dissenters' rights under section 7-113-102 and shall:
(a) State that the corporate action was authorized and state
the effective date or proposed effective date of the corporate action;
(b) State an address at which the corporation will receive
payment demands and the address of a place where certificates for certificated
shares must be deposited;
(c) Inform holders of uncertificated shares to what extent
transfer of the shares will be restricted after the payment demand is received;
(d) Supply a form for demanding payment, which form shall
request a dissenter to state an address to which payment is to be made;
(e) Set the date by which the corporation must receive the
payment demand and certificates for certificated shares, which date shall not be
less than thirty days after the date the notice required by subsection (1) of
this section is given;
(f) State the requirement contemplated in section 7-113-103
(3), if such requirement is imposed; and
(g) Be accompanied by a copy of this article.
7-113-204. Procedure to demand payment.
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(1) A shareholder who is given a dissenters' notice pursuant to section
7-113-203 and who wishes to assert dissenters' rights shall, in accordance with
the terms of the dissenters' notice:
(a) Cause the corporation to receive a payment demand, which
may be the payment demand form contemplated in section 7-113-203 (2) (d), duly
completed, or may be stated in another writing; and
(b) Deposit the shareholder's certificates for certificated
shares.
(2) A shareholder who demands payment in accordance with subsection (1)
of this section retains all rights of a shareholder, except the right to
transfer the shares, until the effective date of the proposed corporate action
giving rise to the shareholder's exercise of dissenters' rights and has only the
right to receive payment for the shares after the effective date of such
corporate action.
(3) Except as provided in section 7-113-207 or 7-113-209 (1) (b), the
demand for payment and deposit of certificates are irrevocable.
(4) A shareholder who does not demand payment and deposit the
shareholder's share certificates as required by the date or dates set in the
dissenters' notice is not entitled to payment for the shares under this article.
7-113-205. Uncertificated shares.
(1) Upon receipt of a demand for payment under section 7-113-204 from a
shareholder holding uncertificated shares, and in lieu of the deposit of
certificates representing the shares, the corporation may restrict the transfer
thereof.
(2) In all other respects, the provisions of section 7-113-204 shall be
applicable to shareholders who own uncertificated shares.
7-113-206. Payment.
(1) Except as provided in section 7-113-208, upon the effective date of
the corporate action creating dissenters' rights under section 7-113-102 or upon
receipt of a payment demand pursuant to section 7-113-204, whichever is later,
the corporation shall pay each dissenter who complied with section 7-113-204, at
the address stated in the payment demand, or if no such address is stated in the
payment demand, at the address shown on the corporation's current record of
shareholders for the record shareholder holding the dissenter's shares, the
amount the corporation estimates to be the fair value of the dissenter's shares,
plus accrued interest.
(2) The payment made pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall
be accompanied by:
(a) The corporation's balance sheet as of the end of its most
recent fiscal year or, if that is not available, the corporation's balance sheet
as of the end of a fiscal year ending not more than sixteen months before the
date of payment, an income statement for that year, and, if the corporation
customarily provides such statements to shareholders, a statement of changes in
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shareholders' equity for that year and a statement of cash flow for that year,
which balance sheet and statements shall have been audited if the corporation
customarily provides audited financial statements to shareholders, as well as
the latest available financial statements, if any, for the interim or full-year
period, which financial statements need not be audited;
(b) A statement of the corporation's estimate of the fair
value of the shares;
(c) An explanation of how the interest was calculated;
(d) A statement of the dissenter's right to demand payment
under section 7-113-209; and
(e) A copy of this article.
7-113-207. Failure to take action.
(1) If the effective date of the corporate action creating dissenters'
rights under section 7-113-102 does not occur within sixty days after the date
set by the corporation by which the corporation must receive the payment demand
as provided in section 7-113-203, the corporation shall return the deposited
certificates and release the transfer restrictions imposed on uncertificated
shares.
(2) If the effective date of the corporate action creating dissenters'
rights under section 7-113-102 occurs more than sixty days after the date set by
the corporation by which the corporation must receive the payment demand as
provided in section 7-113-203, then the corporation shall send a new dissenters'
notice, as provided in section 7-113-203, and the provisions of sections
7-113-204 to 7-113-209 shall again be applicable.
7-113-208. Special provisions relating to shares acquired after announcement of
proposed corporate action.
(1) The corporation may, in or with the dissenters' notice given
pursuant to section 7-113-203, state the date of the first announcement to news
media or to shareholders of the terms of the proposed corporate action creating
dissenters' rights under section 7-113-102 and state that the dissenter shall
certify in writing, in or with the dissenter's payment demand under section
7-113-204, whether or not the dissenter (or the person on whose behalf
dissenters' rights are asserted) acquired beneficial ownership of the shares
before that date. With respect to any dissenter who does not so certify in
writing, in or with the payment demand, that the dissenter or the person on
whose behalf the dissenter asserts dissenters' rights acquired beneficial
ownership of the shares before such date, the corporation may, in lieu of making
the payment provided in section 7-113-206, offer to make such payment if the
dissenter agrees to accept it in full satisfaction of the demand.
(2) An offer to make payment under subsection (1) of this section shall
include or be accompanied by the information required by section 7-113-206 (2).
7-113-209. Procedure if dissenter is dissatisfied with payment or offer.
204
(1) A dissenter may give notice to the corporation in writing of the
dissenter's estimate of the fair value of the dissenter's shares and of the
amount of interest due and may demand payment of such estimate, less any payment
made under section 7-113-206, or reject the corporation's offer under section
7-113-208 and demand payment of the fair value of the shares and interest due,
if:
(a) The dissenter believes that the amount paid under section
7-113-206 or offered under section 7-113-208 is less than the fair value of the
shares or that the interest due was incorrectly calculated;
(b) The corporation fails to make payment under section
7-113-206 within sixty days after the date set by the corporation by which the
corporation must receive the payment demand; or
(c) The corporation does not return the deposited certificates
or release the transfer restrictions imposed on uncertificated shares as
required by section 7-113-207 (1).
(2) A dissenter waives the right to demand payment under this section
unless the dissenter causes the corporation to receive the notice required by
subsection (1) of this section within thirty days after the corporation made or
offered payment for the dissenter's shares.
PART 3. JUDICIAL APPRAISAL OF SHARES
7-113-301. Court action.
(1) If a demand for payment under section 7-113-209 remains unresolved,
the corporation may, within sixty days after receiving the payment demand,
commence a proceeding and petition the court to determine the fair value of the
shares and accrued interest. If the corporation does not commence the proceeding
within the sixty-day period, it shall pay to each dissenter whose demand remains
unresolved the amount demanded.
(2) The corporation shall commence the proceeding described in
subsection (1) of this section in the district court of the county in this state
where the corporation's principal office is located or, if the corporation has
no principal office in this state, in the district court of the county in which
its registered office is located. If the corporation is a foreign corporation
without a registered office, it shall commence the proceeding in the county
where the registered office of the domestic corporation merged into, or whose
shares were acquired by, the foreign corporation was located.
(3) The corporation shall make all dissenters, whether or not residents
of this state, whose demands remain unresolved parties to the proceeding
commenced under subsection (2) of this section as in an action against their
shares, and all parties shall be served with a copy of the petition. Service on
each dissenter shall be by registered or certified mail, to the address stated
in such dissenter's payment demand, or if no such address is stated in the
payment demand, at the address shown on the corporation's current record of
shareholders for the record shareholder holding the dissenter's shares, or as
provided by law.
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(4) The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced
under subsection (2) of this section is plenary and exclusive. The court may
appoint one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a
decision on the question of fair value. The appraisers have the powers described
in the order appointing them, or in any amendment to such order. The parties to
the proceeding are entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other
civil proceedings.
(5) Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding commenced under
subsection (2) of this section is entitled to judgment for the amount, if any,
by which the court finds the fair value of the dissenter's shares, plus
interest, exceeds the amount paid by the corporation, or for the fair value,
plus interest, of the dissenter's shares for which the corporation elected to
withhold payment under section 7-113-208.
7-113-302. Court costs and counsel fees.
(1) The court in an appraisal proceeding commenced under section
7-113-301 shall determine all costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable
compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by the court. The court shall
assess the costs against the corporation; except that the court may assess costs
against all or some of the dissenters, in amounts the court finds equitable, to
the extent the court finds the dissenters acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not
in good faith in demanding payment under section 7-113-209.
(2) The court may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and
experts for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:
(a) Against the corporation and in favor of any dissenters if
the court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with the
requirements of part 2 of this article; or
(b) Against either the corporation or one or more dissenters,
in favor of any other party, if the court finds that the party against whom the
fees and expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good
faith with respect to the rights provided by this article.
(3) If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter
were of substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated, and that the
fees for those services should not be assessed against the corporation, the
court may award to said counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts
awarded to the dissenters who were benefited.
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PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Article 8 of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation provides:
"No director of the corporation shall be personally liable to the
corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, except as to liability (i) for any breach of the director's
duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, (iii) for violations of Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived any
improper personal benefit. If the Delaware General Corporation Law hereafter is
amended to eliminate or limit further the liability of a director, then, in
addition to the elimination and limitation of liability provided by the
preceding sentence, the liability of each director shall be eliminated or
limited to the fullest extent provided or permitted by the amended Delaware
General Corporation Law. Any repeal or modification of this Article 8 shall not
adversely affect any right or protection of a director under this Article 8 as
in effect immediately prior to such repeal or modification with respect to any
liability that would have accrued, but for this Article 8, prior to such repeal
or modification."
Section 5.1 of the Registrant's Bylaws provides, in general, that the
Registrant shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, as now or
hereafter in effect, indemnify any person who was or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding,
whether criminal, civil, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact
that he is or was a director or officer of the Registrant, or, by reason of the
fact that such officer or director is or was serving at the request of the
Registrant as a director, office, employee, or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, association, or other enterprise, against all
liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments,
fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement
reasonably incurred by him in connection with such proceeding, including any
proceeding by or on behalf of the Registrant and will advance all reasonable
expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such person in connection with any such
proceeding, whether prior to or after final disposition of such proceeding.
Section 5.8 of the Registrant's Bylaws also provides that the Registrant may
also indemnify and advance expenses to employees or agents who are not officers
or directors of the Registrant.
The Registrant has purchased a directors' and officers' liability
insurance contract that provides, within stated limits, reimbursement either to
a director or officer whose actions in his capacity result in liability, or to
the Registrant, in the event it has indemnified the director or officer.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the
Registrant, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy
as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. No dealer,
salesman or any other person has been authorized in connection with this proxy
statement/prospectus offering to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this proxy statement/prospectus
and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied
upon as having been authorized by the Registrant. This proxy
statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of
an offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction in
which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making
such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it
is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this
proxy statement/prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any
circumstances, create an implication that there has been no change in the
circumstances of the Registrant or the facts herein set forth since the date
hereof.
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ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(A) EXHIBITS. The following exhibits are filed herewith:
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
2.01 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 17, 2000, by and among
Registrant, Internet Acquisition Corporation and Internet
Communications (30)
3.01 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant
(15)
3.02 Bylaws of Registrant (1)
3.03 Certificate of Designations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
of Registrant (13)
4.01 Form of Common Stock Certificate of Registrant (1)
4.02 Warrant Agreement between Registrant and Douglas H. Hanson dated
October 1, 1997 (5)
4.03 1996 Employees' Stock Option Plan of Registrant (1)
4.04 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan of Registrant (1)
4.05 1997 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of Registrant (4)
4.06 1997 Stock Option Plan of Registrant (6)
4.06.1 First Amendment to Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement pursuant to
the 1997 Stock Option Plan of Registrant (13)
4.06.2 First Amendment to Incentive Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the
1997 Stock Option Plan of Registrant (13)
4.07 1998 Employees' Stock Option Plan of Registrant (10)
4.08 1998 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan of Registrant (8)
4.09 Subscription Agreement, dated as of December 10, 1998, by and
between Registrant and Koch Industries, Inc. (12)
4.10 Subscription Agreement, dated as of December 10, 1998, by and
between Registrant and Advantage Fund II Ltd. (12)
4.11 Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued by Registrant to Koch
Industries, Inc., Advantage Fund II Ltd., Wharton Capital Partners
Ltd., Leslie Bines, and Neidiger Tucker Bruner Inc. (12)
4.12 Form of Registration Rights Agreement between Registrant and (i)
Koch Industries, Inc.; and (ii) Advantage Fund II Ltd. (12)
4.13 Form of Registration Rights Agreement between Registrant and (i)
Wharton Capital Partners Ltd.; (ii) Leslie Bines; and (iii)
Neidiger Tucker Bruner Inc. (12)
4.14 Form of Subscription Agreement dated as of December 7, 1999 (28)
4.15 Form of Class A Warrant (Annex I to Subscription Agreement) of
Registrant (28)
4.16 Form of Class B Warrant (Annex II to Subscription Agreement) (28)
4.17 Form of Registration Rights Agreement (Annex IV to Subscription
Agreement) (28)
4.18 2000 1998 Employees' Stock Option Plan of Registrant (29)
4.19 Employees' Stock Purchase Plan of Registrant (29)
4.20 Registration Rights Agreement between Registrant and Interwest
Group, Inc. (31)
4.21 Form of Warrant Agreement (30)
4.22 Form of Warrant to be issued to certain Internet Communications
shareholders (30)
5.01 Opinion and Consent of Christopher J. Melcher, Esq., as to legality
of securities being registered. ***
10.01 Agreement of Lease between Denver-Stellar Associates Limited
Partnership, Landlord and Registrant (2)
10.02 Sublease Agreement-February 26, 1997-1800 Glenarm, Denver, CO (3)
10.03 Carrier Services Switchless Agreement Between Frontier
Communications of the West, Inc. and Rocky Mountain Broadband,
Inc.** (12)
10.04 Wholesale Usage Agreement Between PSINet Inc. and Registrant** (12)
10.05 PacNet Reseller Agreement between PacNet Inc. and Registrant** (12)
10.06 Operating Agreement of The Mountain Area EXchange LLC (12)
10.07 Software License and Consulting Services Agreement Between
Registrant and Novazen Inc.** (12)
10.08 Merger Agreement among Registrant, RMI-INI, Internet Now,
Hutchinson Persons, Leslie Kelly, Taufik, Islam, Susan Coupal, and
Gary Kim, dated November 20, 1998 (9)
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208
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
10.09 Asset Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Unicom
Communications Corporation dated as of November 24, 1998 (9)
10.10 Asset Purchase Agreement among Registrant, Stonehenge Business
Systems Corporation, Todd Keener, and Danette Keener, dated as of
November 30, 1998 (9)
10.11 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Liquidation by and Among
Registrant, DataXchange Network, Inc., and Certain of the
Shareholders of DataXchange Network, Inc., dated as of December 8,
1998 (10)
10.12 Commitment letter dated December 10, 1998 from Advantage Fund Ltd.
to Registrant (12)
10.13 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Registrant and August
5th Corporation, d/b/a Dave's World dated February 2, 1999 (14)
10.14 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant, ImageWare
Technologies, L.L.C., and Communication Network Services, L.L.C.
dated February 5, 1999 (14)
10.15 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Registrant and IdealDial
Corporation. (16)
10.16 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Registrant and Internet
Connect, Inc. (16)
10.17 Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization by and among
Registrant and Colorado Mountain Net, Inc. dated June 16, 1999 (17)
10.18 Stock Exchange Agreement between Registrant and Roger L. Penner
(CommerceGate) dated June 24, 1999 (18)
10.19 Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Registrant and CyberDesic
Communications Corporation, Inc. dated June 28, 1999 (19)
10.20 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and Triad
Resources, LLC dated July 30, 1999 (20)
10.21 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and ACES Research,
Inc. dated July 30, 1999 (21)
10.22 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant. and Novo Media
Group, Inc. dated August 30, 1999 (22)
10.23 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and Wolfe Internet
Access, LLC dated August 31, 1999 (23)
10.24 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and Networld.com,
Inc. and FutureOne, Inc. dated November 19, 1999 (24)
10.25 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and Western
Regional Networks, Inc. dated November 24, 1999 (25)
10.26 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and AIS Network
Corporation dated December 23, 1999 (26)
10.27 Exchange Agreement, dated March 17, 2000, by and between Registrant
and Internet Communications (30)
10.28 Shareholders Agreement, dated March 17, 2000, by and among
Registrant, Internet Communications and Interwest Group, Inc. (30)
16.01 Letter re change in certifying accountant (11)
21.01 Subsidiaries of the Registrant (27)
23.01 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP *
23.02 Consent of KPMG LLP*
23.03 Consent of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson *
23.04 Consent of Christopher J. Melcher, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5.01)
***
24.01 Power of Attorney (included in Part II of this Registration
Statement under the caption "Signatures") *
27.01 Financial Data Schedule (27)
99.01 Internet Communications Proxy Card *
- ----------------------
* Filed herewith.
** Portions of these documents have been omitted pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
*** To be filed by amendment.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form SB-2 (Reg. No. 333-05040C) and amendments thereto, as previously filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
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209
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-8, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on September 26, 1997.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated October 6, 1997.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement
(Appendix A) on Schedule 14A filed on February 13, 1998.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement
(Appendix B) on Schedule 14A filed on February 13, 1998.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement
(Appendix C) on Schedule 14A filed on February 13, 1998.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated November 20, 1998.
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 8, 1998.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 9, 1998.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 10, 1998.
(13) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-52731) and amendments thereto, as previously filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(14) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated February 2, 1999.
(15) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended June 30, 1999.
(16) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K/A
dated June 11, 1999.
(17) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated June 16, 1999.
(18) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated June 23, 1999.
(19) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated June 28, 1999.
(20) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated July 30, 1999.
(21) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated July 30, 1999.
(22) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated August 30, 1999.
(23) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated August 31, 1999.
(24) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated November 19, 1999.
(25) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated November 24, 1999.
(26) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 23, 1999.
(27) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1999, as previously filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
(28) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (Reg. No. 333-95185) and amendments thereto, as previously filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(29) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's 2000 Definitive Proxy
Statement on Schedule 14A filed on May 1, 2000.
(30) Incorporated by reference to Internet Communications's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated March 17, 2000.
(31) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8K-A
dated May __, 2000.
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ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
1. That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act") (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual
report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act), that is incorporated by
reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be a bona fide
offering thereof;
2. That, prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered
hereunder through use of a proxy statement/prospectus which is a part of this
Registration Statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act, such
reoffering proxy statement/prospectus will contain the information called for by
the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may
be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other
items of the applicable form;
3. That every proxy statement/prospectus (i) that is filed pursuant to
paragraph (2) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the
requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection
with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of
an amendment to this Registration Statement and will not be used until such
amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof;
4. To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by
reference into the proxy statement/prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or
13 of Form S-4, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send
the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means.
This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the
effective date of this Registration Statement through the date of responding to
the request; and
5. To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information
concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that
was not the subject of and included in this Registration Statement when it
became effective.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 20 above, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-5
211
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-4 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the city of Denver, state of Colorado, on June 1, 2000.
RMI.NET, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
By: /s/ Douglas H. Hanson
--------------------------------
Name: Douglas H. Hanson
Title: Chief Executive Officer, President and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
(Principal Executive Officer)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned officers and directors of RMI.NET, Inc. hereby
severally constitute Douglas H. Hanson, Christopher J. Melcher, and Michael D.
Dingman, Jr., and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full
power to them, and each of them singly, to sign for us and in our names in the
capacities indicated below the Registration Statement filed herewith and any and
all amendments to said Registration Statement, and generally to do all such
things in our name and behalf in our capacities as officers and directors to
enable RMI.NET, Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed
by our said attorneys, or any of them, to said Registration Statement and any
and all amendments thereto.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Amendment to
Registration Statement and Power of Attorney has been signed below by the
following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
NAME TITLE DATE
---- ----- ----
/s/ Douglas H. Hanson Chief Executive Officer, President June 1, 2000
- ----------------------------------------- and Chairman of the Board of
Douglas H. Hanson Directors (Principal Executive
Officer)
/s/ Michael D. Dingman, Jr. Treasurer (Principal Financial June 1, 2000
- ----------------------------------------- Officer and Principal Accounting
Michael D. Dingman, Jr. Officer)
/s/ D.D. Hock Director June 1, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
D.D. Hock
/s/ Mary Beth Vitale Director June 1, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
Mary Beth Vitale
/s/ Robert W. Grabowski Director June 1, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
Robert W. Grabowski
/s/ Lewis H. Silverberg Director June 1, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
Lewis H. Silverberg
II-6
212
EXHIBIT INDEX
-------------
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
2.01 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 17, 2000, by and among
Registrant, Internet Acquisition Corporation and Internet
Communications (30)
3.01 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant
(15)
3.02 Bylaws of Registrant (1)
3.03 Certificate of Designations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
of Registrant (13)
4.01 Form of Common Stock Certificate of Registrant (1)
4.02 Warrant Agreement between Registrant and Douglas H. Hanson dated
October 1, 1997 (5)
4.03 1996 Employees' Stock Option Plan of Registrant (1)
4.04 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan of Registrant (1)
4.05 1997 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of Registrant (4)
4.06 1997 Stock Option Plan of Registrant (6)
4.06.1 First Amendment to Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement pursuant to
the 1997 Stock Option Plan of Registrant (13)
4.06.2 First Amendment to Incentive Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the
1997 Stock Option Plan of Registrant (13)
4.07 1998 Employees' Stock Option Plan of Registrant (10)
4.08 1998 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan of Registrant (8)
4.09 Subscription Agreement, dated as of December 10, 1998, by and
between Registrant and Koch Industries, Inc. (12)
4.10 Subscription Agreement, dated as of December 10, 1998, by and
between Registrant and Advantage Fund II Ltd. (12)
4.11 Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant issued by Registrant to Koch
Industries, Inc., Advantage Fund II Ltd., Wharton Capital Partners
Ltd., Leslie Bines, and Neidiger Tucker Bruner Inc. (12)
4.12 Form of Registration Rights Agreement between Registrant and (i)
Koch Industries, Inc.; and (ii) Advantage Fund II Ltd. (12)
4.13 Form of Registration Rights Agreement between Registrant and (i)
Wharton Capital Partners Ltd.; (ii) Leslie Bines; and (iii)
Neidiger Tucker Bruner Inc. (12)
4.14 Form of Subscription Agreement dated as of December 7, 1999 (28)
4.15 Form of Class A Warrant (Annex I to Subscription Agreement) of
Registrant (28)
4.16 Form of Class B Warrant (Annex II to Subscription Agreement) (28)
4.17 Form of Registration Rights Agreement (Annex IV to Subscription
Agreement) (28)
4.18 2000 1998 Employees' Stock Option Plan of Registrant (29)
4.19 Employees' Stock Purchase Plan of Registrant (29)
4.20 Registration Rights Agreement between Registrant and Interwest
Group, Inc. (31)
4.21 Form of Warrant Agreement (30)
4.22 Form of Warrant to be issued to certain Internet Communications
shareholders (30)
5.01 Opinion and Consent of Christopher J. Melcher, Esq., as to legality
of securities being registered. ***
10.01 Agreement of Lease between Denver-Stellar Associates Limited
Partnership, Landlord and Registrant (2)
10.02 Sublease Agreement-February 26, 1997-1800 Glenarm, Denver, CO (3)
10.03 Carrier Services Switchless Agreement Between Frontier
Communications of the West, Inc. and Rocky Mountain Broadband,
Inc.** (12)
10.04 Wholesale Usage Agreement Between PSINet Inc. and Registrant** (12)
10.05 PacNet Reseller Agreement between PacNet Inc. and Registrant** (12)
10.06 Operating Agreement of The Mountain Area EXchange LLC (12)
10.07 Software License and Consulting Services Agreement Between
Registrant and Novazen Inc.** (12)
10.08 Merger Agreement among Registrant, RMI-INI, Internet Now,
Hutchinson Persons, Leslie Kelly, Taufik, Islam, Susan Coupal, and
Gary Kim, dated November 20, 1998 (9)
213
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
10.09 Asset Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Unicom
Communications Corporation dated as of November 24, 1998 (9)
10.10 Asset Purchase Agreement among Registrant, Stonehenge Business
Systems Corporation, Todd Keener, and Danette Keener, dated as of
November 30, 1998 (9)
10.11 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Liquidation by and Among
Registrant, DataXchange Network, Inc., and Certain of the
Shareholders of DataXchange Network, Inc., dated as of December 8,
1998 (10)
10.12 Commitment letter dated December 10, 1998 from Advantage Fund Ltd.
to Registrant (12)
10.13 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Registrant and August
5th Corporation, d/b/a Dave's World dated February 2, 1999 (14)
10.14 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant, ImageWare
Technologies, L.L.C., and Communication Network Services, L.L.C.
dated February 5, 1999 (14)
10.15 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Registrant and IdealDial
Corporation. (16)
10.16 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Registrant and Internet
Connect, Inc. (16)
10.17 Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization by and among
Registrant and Colorado Mountain Net, Inc. dated June 16, 1999 (17)
10.18 Stock Exchange Agreement between Registrant and Roger L. Penner
(CommerceGate) dated June 24, 1999 (18)
10.19 Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Registrant and CyberDesic
Communications Corporation, Inc. dated June 28, 1999 (19)
10.20 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and Triad
Resources, LLC dated July 30, 1999 (20)
10.21 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and ACES Research,
Inc. dated July 30, 1999 (21)
10.22 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant. and Novo Media
Group, Inc. dated August 30, 1999 (22)
10.23 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and Wolfe Internet
Access, LLC dated August 31, 1999 (23)
10.24 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and Networld.com,
Inc. and FutureOne, Inc. dated November 19, 1999 (24)
10.25 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and Western
Regional Networks, Inc. dated November 24, 1999 (25)
10.26 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Registrant and AIS Network
Corporation dated December 23, 1999 (26)
10.27 Exchange Agreement, dated March 17, 2000, by and between Registrant
and Internet Communications (30)
10.28 Shareholders Agreement, dated March 17, 2000, by and among
Registrant, Internet Communications and Interwest Group, Inc. (30)
16.01 Letter re change in certifying accountant (11)
21.01 Subsidiaries of the Registrant (27)
23.01 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP *
23.02 Consent of KPMG LLP*
23.03 Consent of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson *
23.04 Consent of Christopher J. Melcher, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5.01)
***
24.01 Power of Attorney (included in Part II of this Registration
Statement under the caption "Signatures") *
27.01 Financial Data Schedule (27)
99.01 Internet Communications Proxy Card *
- ----------------------
* Filed herewith.
** Portions of these documents have been omitted pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
*** To be filed by amendment.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form SB-2 (Reg. No. 333-05040C) and amendments thereto, as previously filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form
10-QSB for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
214
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-8, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on September 26, 1997.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated October 6, 1997.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement
(Appendix A) on Schedule 14A filed on February 13, 1998.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement
(Appendix B) on Schedule 14A filed on February 13, 1998.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement
(Appendix C) on Schedule 14A filed on February 13, 1998.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated November 20, 1998.
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 8, 1998.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 9, 1998.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 10, 1998.
(13) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-52731) and amendments thereto, as previously filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(14) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated February 2, 1999.
(15) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended June 30, 1999.
(16) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K/A
dated June 11, 1999.
(17) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated June 16, 1999.
(18) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated June 23, 1999.
(19) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated June 28, 1999.
(20) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated July 30, 1999.
(21) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated July 30, 1999.
(22) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated August 30, 1999.
(23) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated August 31, 1999.
(24) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated November 19, 1999.
(25) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated November 24, 1999.
(26) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 23, 1999.
(27) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1999, as previously filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
(28) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (Reg. No. 333-95185) and amendments thereto, as previously filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(29) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's 2000 Definitive Proxy
Statement on Schedule 14A filed on May 1, 2000.
(30) Incorporated by reference to Internet Communications's Current Report of
Form 8-K dated March 17, 2000.
(31) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on
Form 8K-A dated May __, 2000.