|
Exhibit 2.1
A GREEMENT
AND P LAN OF M
ERGER
B Y
AND B ETWEEN
SVB F
INANCIAL S ERVICES , I
NC .
AND
F ULTON F
INANCIAL C ORPORATION
J ANUARY
11, 2005
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
ARTICLE I - THE MERGER
|
|
2 |
|
Section 1.1 Merger
|
|
2 |
|
Section 1.2 Name
|
|
2 |
|
Section 1.3 Articles of
Incorporation
|
|
2 |
|
Section 1.4 Bylaws
|
|
2 |
|
Section 1.5 Directors and
Officers
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE II - CONVERSION OF SHARES AND
EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES
|
|
2 |
|
Section 2.1 Conversion of
Shares
|
|
2 |
|
Section 2.2 Exchange of Stock
Certificates
|
|
4 |
|
Section 2.3 Treatment of Outstanding
Somerset Options
|
|
11 |
|
Section 2.4 Reservation of
Shares
|
|
13 |
|
Section 2.5 Taking Necessary
Action
|
|
13 |
|
Section 2.6 Press Releases,
Etc.
|
|
13 |
|
Section 2.7 Fulton Common
Stock
|
|
13 |
|
Section 2.8 Dissenters’
Rights
|
|
13 |
|
Section 2.9 Certain Actions
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES OF SOMERSET
|
|
14 |
|
Section 3.1 Authority
|
|
14 |
|
Section 3.2 Organization and
Standing
|
|
14 |
|
Section 3.3 Subsidiaries
|
|
15 |
|
Section 3.4 Capitalization
|
|
15 |
|
Section 3.5 Charter, Bylaws and Minute
Books
|
|
15 |
|
Section 3.6 Financial
Statements
|
|
16 |
|
Section 3.7 Absence of Undisclosed
Liabilities
|
|
19 |
|
Section 3.8 Absence of
Changes
|
|
19 |
|
Section 3.9 Dividends, Distributions and
Stock Purchases
|
|
19 |
|
Section 3.10 Taxes
|
|
19 |
|
Section 3.11 Title to and Condition of
Assets
|
|
20 |
|
Section 3.12 Contracts
|
|
20 |
|
Section 3.13 Litigation and Governmental
Directives
|
|
22 |
|
Section 3.14 Compliance with Laws;
Governmental Authorizations
|
|
22 |
|
Section 3.15 Insurance
|
|
23 |
|
Section 3.16 Financial Institutions
Bonds
|
|
23 |
|
Section 3.17 Labor Relations and
Employment Agreements
|
|
23 |
|
Section 3.18 Employee Benefit
Plans
|
|
24 |
|
Section 3.19 Related Party
Transactions
|
|
24 |
|
Section 3.20 No Finder
|
|
25 |
|
Section 3.21 Complete and Accurate
Disclosure
|
|
25 |
|
Section 3.22 Environmental
Matters
|
|
25 |
|
Section 3.23 Proxy
Statement/Prospectus
|
|
25 |
|
Section 3.24 SEC Filings
|
|
26 |
|
Section 3.25 Reports
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
Section 3.26 Loan Portfolio of Somerset
Bank
|
|
26 |
|
Section 3.27 Investment
Portfolio
|
|
27 |
|
Section 3.28 Regulatory
Examinations
|
|
27 |
|
Section 3.29 Regulatory Agreements and
Matters
|
|
27 |
|
Section 3.30 Beneficial Ownership of
Fulton Common Stock
|
|
28 |
|
Section 3.31 Fairness Opinion
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES OF FULTON
|
|
28 |
|
Section 4.1 Authority
|
|
28 |
|
Section 4.2 Organization and
Standing
|
|
29 |
|
Section 4.3 Capitalization
|
|
29 |
|
Section 4.4 Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws
|
|
29 |
|
Section 4.5 Subsidiaries
|
|
29 |
|
Section 4.6 Financial
Statements
|
|
30 |
|
Section 4.7 Absence of Undisclosed
Liabilities
|
|
33 |
|
Section 4.8 Absence of Changes;
Dividends, Etc.
|
|
33 |
|
Section 4.9 Litigation and Governmental
Directives
|
|
33 |
|
Section 4.10 Compliance with Laws;
Governmental Authorizations
|
|
33 |
|
Section 4.11 Complete and Accurate
Disclosure
|
|
34 |
|
Section 4.12 Labor Relations
|
|
34 |
|
Section 4.13 Employee Benefits
Plans
|
|
34 |
|
Section 4.14 Environmental
Matters
|
|
35 |
|
Section 4.15 SEC Filings
|
|
35 |
|
Section 4.16 Proxy
Statement/Prospectus
|
|
35 |
|
Section 4.17 Regulatory
Approvals
|
|
36 |
|
Section 4.18 No Finder
|
|
36 |
|
Section 4.19 Taxes
|
|
36 |
|
Section 4.20 Title to and Condition of
Assets
|
|
36 |
|
Section 4.21 Contracts
|
|
36 |
|
Section 4.22 Insurance
|
|
37 |
|
Section 4.23 Reports
|
|
37 |
|
Section 4.24 Regulatory Agreements and
Matters
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE V - COVENANTS OF
SOMERSET
|
|
38 |
|
Section 5.1 Conduct of
Business
|
|
38 |
|
Section 5.2 Best Efforts
|
|
41 |
|
Section 5.3 Access to Properties and
Records
|
|
41 |
|
Section 5.4 Subsequent Financial
Statements
|
|
41 |
|
Section 5.5 Update Schedules
|
|
42 |
|
Section 5.6 Notice
|
|
42 |
|
Section 5.7 No Solicitation
|
|
42 |
|
Section 5.8 Affiliate Letters
|
|
44 |
|
Section 5.9 No Purchases or Sales of
Fulton Common Stock During Price Determination Period
|
|
45 |
|
Section 5.10 Dividends
|
|
45 |
|
Section 5.11 Internal
Controls
|
|
45 |
|
Section 5.12 Certain Matters, Certain
Revaluations, Changes and Adjustments
|
|
45 |
- ii -
|
|
|
|
Section 5.13 Other Policies
|
|
46 |
|
Section 5.14 Other
Transactions
|
|
46 |
|
Section 5.15 Transaction Expenses of the
Company
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE VI - COVENANTS OF
FULTON
|
|
47 |
|
Section 6.1 Best Efforts
|
|
47 |
|
Section 6.2 Access to Properties and
Records
|
|
48 |
|
Section 6.3 Subsequent Financial
Statements
|
|
48 |
|
Section 6.4 Update Schedules
|
|
48 |
|
Section 6.5 Notice
|
|
48 |
|
Section 6.6 No Purchase or Sales of
Fulton Common Stock During Price Determination Period
|
|
48 |
|
Section 6.7 Assumption of Somerset
Debentures
|
|
49 |
|
Section 6.8 Employment
Arrangements
|
|
49 |
|
Section 6.9 Insurance;
Indemnification
|
|
50 |
|
Section 6.10 Appointment of Fulton
Director
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE VII - CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
|
|
51 |
|
Section 7.1 Common Conditions
|
|
51 |
|
Section 7.2 Conditions Precedent to
Obligations of Fulton
|
|
54 |
|
Section 7.3 Conditions Precedent to the
Obligations of Somerset
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE VIII - TERMINATION, AMENDMENT
AND WAIVER
|
|
59 |
|
Section 8.1 Termination
|
|
59 |
|
Section 8.2 Effect of
Termination
|
|
60 |
|
Section 8.3 Amendment
|
|
61 |
|
Section 8.4 Waiver
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE IX - CLOSING AND EFFECTIVE
TIME
|
|
61 |
|
Section 9.1 Closing
|
|
61 |
|
Section 9.2 Effective Time
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE X - NO SURVIVAL OF
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
|
|
62 |
|
Section 10.1 No Survival
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
ARTICLE XI - GENERAL
PROVISIONS
|
|
62 |
|
Section 11.1 Expenses
|
|
62 |
|
Section 11.2 Other Mergers and
Acquisitions
|
|
62 |
|
Section 11.3 Notices
|
|
63 |
|
Section 11.4 Counterparts
|
|
63 |
|
Section 11.5 Governing Law
|
|
63 |
|
Section 11.6 Parties in
Interest
|
|
63 |
|
Section 11.7 Disclosure
Schedules
|
|
64 |
|
Section 11.8 Entire Agreement
|
|
64 |
|
Section 11.9 Definitions
|
|
64 |
- iii -
INDEX OF
SCHEDULES
|
|
|
|
Schedule 2.3
|
|
Somerset Options
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.3
|
|
Other Somerset Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.6
|
|
Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.7
|
|
Undisclosed Liabilities
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.8
|
|
Changes
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.9
|
|
Dividends, Distributions and Stock
Purchases
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.10
|
|
Taxes
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.11
|
|
Title to and Condition of
Assets
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.12
|
|
Contracts
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.13
|
|
Litigation and Governmental
Directives
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.14
|
|
Compliance with Laws; Governmental
Authorizations
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.15
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.16
|
|
Financial Institutions Bonds
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.17
|
|
Labor Relations and Employment
Agreements
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.18
|
|
Employee Benefit Plans
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.19
|
|
Related Party Transactions
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.20
|
|
Finders
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.22
|
|
Environmental Matters
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.26
|
|
Loan Portfolio
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.27
|
|
Investment Portfolio
|
|
|
|
Schedule 3.29
|
|
Regulatory Agreements
|
|
|
|
Schedule 4.5
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
Schedule 4.6
|
|
Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
Schedule 4.7
|
|
Undisclosed Liabilities
|
|
|
|
Schedule 4.8
|
|
Dividends, Distributions and Stock
Purchases
|
|
|
|
Schedule 4.9
|
|
Litigation and Governmental
Directives
|
|
|
|
Schedule 4.10
|
|
Compliance with Laws; Governmental
Authorizations
|
|
|
|
Schedule 4.14
|
|
Environmental Matters
|
|
|
|
Schedule 4.19
|
|
Taxes
|
|
|
|
Schedule 5.1
|
|
Conduct of Business
|
|
|
|
Schedule 5.1(xxi)
|
|
Pending and Contemplated
Applications
|
- iv -
INDEX OF
EXHIBITS
|
|
|
|
Exhibit A
|
|
Form of Warrant Agreement
|
|
|
|
Exhibit B
|
|
Form of Warrant
|
|
|
|
Exhibit C
|
|
Form of Voting Agreement
|
|
|
|
Exhibit D
|
|
Form of Employment Agreements
|
|
|
|
Exhibit E
|
|
Form of Opinion of Somerset’s
Counsel
|
|
|
|
Exhibit F
|
|
Form of Opinion of Fulton’s
Counsel
|
- v -
A GREEMENT
AND P LAN OF M
ERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
made as of the 11th day of January, 2005, by and between FULTON
FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Pennsylvania business corporation having
its administrative headquarters at One Penn Square, P.O. Box 4887,
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604 (“ Fulton ”), and
SVB FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., a New Jersey corporation having its
administrative headquarters at 70 East Main Street, Somerville, New
Jersey 08876 (“ Somerset ”).
BACKGROUND:
Fulton is a financial holding
company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended (the “ BHC Act ”). Somerset is a bank
holding company registered under the BHC Act and is the parent of
Somerset Valley Bank, a New Jersey banking corporation (“
Somerset Bank ”). In addition to Somerset Bank,
Somerset has two directly owned 100% subsidiaries: SVB Bald Eagle
Statutory Trust I and SVB Bald Eagle Statutory Trust II in
connection with its issuance of subordinated debentures. Somerset
Bank has one directly owned 100% subsidiary: Somerset Valley
Investment Company, Inc., which owns 100% of the stock of West End
One Corp., which is incorporated in the State of Delaware and
manages an investment portfolio. Somerset Bank and all other
wholly-owned subsidiaries of Somerset and Somerset Bank are
collectively referred to herein as the “ Somerset
Subsidiaries ”. Fulton and Somerset wish to merge with
each other, resulting in Somerset Bank becoming a subsidiary of
Fulton. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
foregoing transaction will be accomplished by means of a merger
(the “ Merger ”) in which (i) Somerset will be
merged with and into Fulton, (ii) Fulton will survive the Merger,
and (iii) all of the outstanding shares of the common stock of
Somerset, $2.09 par value per share (“ Somerset Common
Stock ”), will be converted into cash and shares of the
common stock of Fulton, par value $2.50 per share, and the
associated Fulton Rights (as such term is defined in Section 2.1
herein) (“ Fulton Common Stock ”).
In connection with the
execution of this Agreement, the parties are to enter into a
Warrant Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit A
attached hereto (the “ Warrant Agreement ”),
which provides for the delivery by Somerset of a warrant in
substantially the form of Exhibit B attached hereto (the
“ Warrant ”) entitling Fulton to purchase shares
of the Somerset Common Stock in certain circumstances. In addition,
Somerset has obtained voting agreements in the form of Exhibit
C attached hereto, from the directors and executive officers
listed on Exhibit C , who have agreed to vote shares of
voting capital stock beneficially owned by them in Somerset in
favor of this Agreement, the Merger and, to the extent required,
all transactions incident thereto (collectively, the “
Voting Agreements ”).
WITNESSETH:
NOW, THEREFORE
, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and
intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I - THE
MERGER
Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, Somerset shall merge with and into
Fulton in accordance with the following:
Section 1.1 Merger. At
the Effective Time (as defined in Section 9.2 herein) (i) Somerset
shall merge with and into Fulton pursuant to the provisions of the
Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended (the
“ BCL ”), and the New Jersey Business
Corporation Act (the “ BCA ”), whereupon the
separate existence of Somerset shall cease, and Fulton shall be the
surviving corporation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the
“ Surviving Corporation ”), and (ii) the
Somerset Common Stock will be converted into Fulton Common Stock
and cash pursuant to the provisions of Article II
hereof.
Section 1.2 Name. The
name of the Surviving Corporation shall be “Fulton Financial
Corporation”. The address of the principal office of the
Surviving Corporation will be One Penn Square, P.O. Box 4887,
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604.
Section 1.3 Articles of
Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation of the Surviving
Corporation shall be the Articles of Incorporation of Fulton as in
effect at the Effective Time.
Section 1.4 Bylaws.
The Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation shall be the Bylaws of
Fulton as in effect at the Effective Time.
Section 1.5 Directors and
Officers. The directors and officers of the Surviving
Corporation shall be the directors and officers of Fulton in office
at the Effective Time. Each of such directors and officers shall
serve until such time as his successor is duly elected and has
qualified.
ARTICLE II - CONVERSION OF
SHARES AND EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES
Section 2.1 Conversion of
Shares. At the Effective Time (as defined in Section 9.2
herein) the shares of Somerset Common Stock then outstanding shall
be converted into shares of Fulton Common Stock and cash, as
follows:
(a) Conversion of Somerset
Shares . Except as set forth in subsection (d) below, each
share of Somerset Common Stock (a “ Somerset Share
”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the
part of the holders thereof, cease to be outstanding and be
cancelled and extinguished and converted into the right to receive,
upon the surrender of the share certificates evidencing the
Somerset Shares, the Fulton Stock Consideration or the Cash
Consideration, or a combination of Fulton Stock Consideration and
the Cash Consideration, without any interest thereon, as specified
in this Article II hereof (the “ Merger Consideration
”) in accordance with Section 2.2 herein.
- 2 -
(b) Definitions . For
purposes hereof, the following terms have the following respective
meanings:
“ Cash
Consideration ” means a per Company Share amount in cash
equal to $21.00
“ Conversion
Ratio ” means .9519
“ Outstanding
Shares ” means the aggregate number of Somerset Shares
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, but excluding
Somerset Shares to be cancelled pursuant to Section 2.1(d), which
number will not be greater than the number of shares outstanding on
the date of this Agreement (except as permitted in Section 5.1
herein)
“ Fulton Rights
” means rights to purchase common stock of Fulton distributed
to holders of Fulton Common Stock pursuant to a Rights Agreement
dated June 20, 1989, as amended and restated as of April 27, 1999
(the “ Fulton Rights Agreement ”).
“ Fulton Stock
Consideration ” means that number of shares of Fulton
Common Stock equal to one share multiplied by the Conversion Ratio.
In the event that between the date of this Agreement and the
Effective Time, the issued and outstanding shares of Fulton Common
Stock shall have been effected or changed into a different number
of shares or a different class of shares as a result of a stock
split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, spin-off, extraordinary
dividend, recapitalization, reclassification, subdivision,
combination of shares or other similar transaction, or there shall
have been a record date declared for any such matter, the Fulton
Stock Consideration shall be proportionately adjusted.
(c) No Fractional
Shares . No fractional shares of Fulton Common Stock shall be
issued in connection with the Merger. In lieu of the issuance of
any fractional share to which he would otherwise be entitled, each
former shareholder of Somerset shall receive in cash an amount
equal to the fair market value of his fractional interest, which
fair market value shall be determined by multiplying such fraction
by the Closing Market Price.
(d) Cancelled Somerset
Shares . Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.1(a)
herein, the following shares of Somerset Common Stock shall not be
converted into Fulton Common Stock, and shall be cancelled, at the
Effective Time: (i) shares of Somerset Common Stock then owned by
Fulton or any direct or indirect subsidiary of Fulton (except for
trust account shares or shares acquired in connection with debts
previously contracted); and (ii) shares of Somerset Shares owned by
Somerset or any direct or indirect subsidiary of Somerset (except
for trust account shares or shares acquired in connection with
debts previously contracted).
(e) Closing Market
Price . For purposes of this Agreement, the “Closing
Market Price ” shall be the average of the per share
closing bid and asked prices for Fulton Common Stock, calculated to
two decimal places, for the ten (10) consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the date which is two (2) business days
before the Effective Date (as such term is defined in Section 9.2
herein), as reported on the National Market System of the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System
(“ NASDAQ ”), the
- 3 -
foregoing period of ten (10)
trading days being hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “
Price Determination Period ” (For example, if June 30,
2005 were to be the Effective Date, then the Price Determination
Period would be June 14-17, June 20-24 and June 27, 2005). In the
event that NASDAQ shall fail to report closing bid and asked prices
for Fulton Common Stock for any trading day during the Price
Determination Period, the closing bid and asked prices for that day
shall be equal to the average of the closing bid and asked prices
as quoted: (i) by F. J. Morrissey & Company, Inc. and by Ryan,
Beck & Co.; or (ii) in the event that both of these firms are
not then making a market in Fulton Common Stock, by two brokerage
firms then making a market in Fulton Common Stock to be selected by
Fulton and approved by Somerset.
Section 2.2 Exchange of
Stock Certificates. Somerset Common Stock certificates shall be
exchanged for certificates evidencing the Fulton Stock
Consideration and the Cash Consideration in accordance with the
following procedures:
(a) Election Procedure
. Each holder of Somerset Shares (other than holders of Somerset
Shares to be cancelled as set forth in Section 2.1(d)) shall have
the right to submit a request specifying either that such
holder’s Somerset Shares shall be converted into the Fulton
Stock Consideration, Cash Consideration or a combination of Cash
Consideration and Fulton Stock Consideration, without interest, in
the Merger in accordance with the following procedures:
(i) Each holder of Somerset
Stock may specify in a request made in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 2.2 (herein called an “
Election ”) to either: (i) convert each Somerset Share
owned by such holder into the right to receive the Fulton Stock
Consideration in the Merger (a “ Stock Election
”); (ii) convert each Somerset Share owned by such holder
into the right to receive the Cash Consideration in the Merger (a
“ Cash Election ”); or (iii) convert a portion
of the Somerset Shares owned by such holder into the right to
receive the Cash Consideration in the Merger, and a portion of the
Somerset Shares owned by each such holder into the right to receive
the Fulton Stock Consideration in the Merger, in the ratio of
Fulton Stock Consideration to Cash Consideration of either 80%/20%
or 60%/40% (a “ Cash/Stock Election ”). A Form
of Election (as defined below) shall be included with each copy of
the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (as defined in Section 6.1(b))
mailed to shareholders of Somerset in connection with the meeting
of shareholders called to consider the approval of this Agreement.
Fulton and Somerset shall each use its reasonable best efforts to
mail or otherwise make available the Form of Election to all
persons who become holders of Somerset Shares during the period
between the record date for such shareholder meeting and the
Election Deadline (as defined in Section 2.2(a)(iv)).
(ii) Fulton shall prepare a
form (the “ Form of Election ”), which shall be
in form and substance acceptable to Somerset, pursuant to which
each holder of Somerset Shares, no later than at the close of
business on the Election Deadline, may make an Election and which
shall be mailed to the Somerset shareholders in
- 4 -
accordance with Section
2.2(a)(i) so as to permit Somerset’s shareholders to exercise
their right to make an Election on or prior to the Election
Deadline.
(iii) Holders of record of
Somerset Shares who hold such shares as nominees, trustees, or in
other representative capacities may submit multiple Forms of
Election, provided that such representative certifies that each
Form of Election covers all Somerset Shares held by such
representative for a particular beneficial owner.
(iv) Not later than the
filing of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”), as
contemplated in Section 6.1(b) hereof, Fulton shall appoint Fulton
Financial Advisors, National Association, as the person to receive
Forms of Election and to act as exchange agent under this Agreement
(the “ Exchange Agent ”). Any Somerset
shareholder’s Election shall have been made properly only if
the Exchange Agent shall have received, by 5:00 p.m. local time in
the city in which the principal office of such Exchange Agent is
located, on the date of the Election Deadline, a Form of Election
properly completed and signed and accompanied by certificates for
the Somerset Shares to which such Form of Election relates (or by
an appropriate guarantee of delivery of such certificates, as set
forth in such Form of Election, from a member of any registered
national securities exchange or of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company in
the United States provided such certificates are in fact delivered
to the Exchange Agent by the time required in such guarantee of
delivery). Failure to deliver Somerset Shares covered by such a
guarantee of delivery within the time set forth on such guarantee
shall be deemed to invalidate any otherwise properly made Election.
As used herein, “ Election Deadline ” means the
date announced by Fulton (which date shall be agreed upon by
Somerset), as the last day on which Forms of Election will be
accepted. In the event this Agreement shall have been terminated
prior to the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent shall immediately
return all Election Forms and Certificates for Somerset Shares to
the appropriate Somerset shareholders.
(v) Any Somerset shareholder
may at any time prior to the Election Deadline change his Election
by written notice received by the Exchange Agent prior to the
Election Deadline accompanied by a revised Form of Election
properly completed and signed.
(vi) Any Somerset shareholder
may, at any time prior to the Election Deadline, revoke his
Election by written notice received by the Exchange Agent prior to
the Election Deadline or by withdrawal prior to the Election
Deadline of his certificates for Somerset Common Stock, or of the
guarantee of delivery of such certificates, previously deposited
with the Exchange Agent. All Elections shall be revoked
automatically if the Exchange Agent is notified in writing by
Fulton or Somerset that this Agreement has been terminated. Any
Somerset shareholder who shall have deposited certificates for
Somerset Shares with the
- 5 -
Exchange Agent shall have the
right to withdraw such certificates by written notice received by
the Exchange Agent prior to the Election Deadline and thereby
revoke his Election as of the Election Deadline if the Merger shall
not have been consummated prior thereto.
(vii) Fulton shall have the
right to make rules, not inconsistent with the terms of this
Agreement, governing the validity of the Forms of Election, the
manner and extent to which Elections are to be taken into account
in making the determinations prescribed by Section 2.2, the
issuance and delivery of certificates for Fulton Common Stock into
which Somerset Shares are converted in the Merger and the payment
of cash for Somerset Shares converted into the right to receive the
Cash Consideration in the Merger.
(b) Issuance of Fulton
Stock Consideration and Payment of Cash Consideration;
Proration . The manner in which each Somerset Share (except
Somerset Shares to be cancelled as set forth in Section 2.1(d))
shall be converted into the Fulton Stock Consideration, the Cash
Consideration or the right to receive a combination of Fulton Stock
Consideration and Cash Consideration at the Effective Time shall be
as set forth in this Section 2.2(b).
(i) As is more fully set
forth below, the number of Shares to be converted into the right to
receive the Cash Consideration in the Merger pursuant to this
Agreement shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of all Outstanding
Shares (the “ Maximum Cash Percentage ”) and
shall not be less than twenty percent (20%) of all Outstanding
Shares (the “ Minimum Cash Percentage ”);
provided, however, that (A) for federal income tax purposes, it is
intended that the Merger should qualify as a reorganization under
the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Code and, notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, in order that the Merger
will not fail to satisfy continuity of interest requirements under
applicable federal income tax principles relating to
reorganizations under Section 368(a) of the Code, as reasonably
determined by Barley, Snyder, Senft & Cohen, LLC, Fulton shall
increase the number of Outstanding Shares that will be converted
into the Fulton Stock Consideration and reduce the number of
Outstanding Shares that will be converted into the right to receive
the Cash Consideration and (B) any shares issuable under Fulton
Stock Options issued under Section 2.3 herein shall be considered
as having been issued in the Merger in calculating compliance with
the Maximum Cash Percentage and the Minimum Cash
Percentage.
(ii) If the percentage of
Outstanding Shares for which a Cash Election is made (including the
cash portion of any Cash/Stock Elections) exceeds the Minimum Cash
Percentage and is less than the Maximum Cash Percentage, all
Elections shall be honored as submitted and all Non-Electing Shares
shall be converted into Fulton Stock Consideration.
- 6 -
(iii) If the percentage of
Outstanding Shares for which a Cash Election is made (including the
cash portion of any Cash/Stock Elections) exceeds the Maximum Cash
Percentage: (A) Each Somerset Share for which the holder made a
Stock Election, the portion of each Cash/Stock Election electing
Fulton Stock Consideration (collectively, the “ Aggregate
Stock Elections ”) and each Non-Electing Share shall be
converted in the Merger into the Fulton Stock Consideration. Each
Somerset Share for which a Cash Election has been received and the
portion of a Cash/Stock Election electing Cash Consideration
(collectively, the “ Aggregate Cash Elections ”)
shall be converted into the right to receive Cash Consideration and
Fulton Stock Consideration in the following manner:
(A) Each Somerset Shareholder
shall have the Pro-rated Cash Percentage of the shares for which he
or she elected Cash Consideration (including the cash portion of
any Cash/Stock Election) converted into the Cash
Consideration;
(B) Each Somerset Shareholder
shall have the Remaining Stock Percentage of the shares for which
he or she elected Cash Consideration (including the portion of any
Cash/Stock Election electing Cash Consideration) converted into the
Fulton Stock Consideration; and
(C) For the purposes of the
foregoing:
“ Aggregate Cash
Election Percentage ” shall mean the percentage of
Outstanding Shares represented by the Aggregate Cash
Elections.
“ Pro-rated Cash
Percentage ” shall mean the percentage determined by the
following formula:
1 – [( Aggregate
Cash Election Percentage – 40%)/40% ]
“ Remaining Stock
Percentage ” shall mean the percentage determined by
subtracting the Pro-rated Cash Percentage from 100%.
(iv) If Cash Elections
(including the cash portion of any Cash/Stock Elections) are less
than the Minimum Cash Percentage: Each Somerset Share for which the
Aggregate Cash Elections have been made and each Non-Electing Share
shall be converted in the Merger into the Cash Consideration. Each
Somerset Share for which a Aggregate Stock Elections have been made
shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration
and Fulton Stock Consideration in the following manner:
(A) Each Somerset Shareholder
shall have the Pro-rated Stock Percentage of the shares for which
he or she elected Fulton Stock Election converted into the Fulton
Stock Consideration;
- 7 -
(B) Each Somerset Shareholder
shall have the Remaining Cash Percentage of the shares for which he
or she elected Fulton Stock Consideration (including the portion of
any Cash/Stock Election electing Fulton Stock Consideration)
converted into the Cash Consideration; and
(C) For the purposes of the
foregoing:
“ Aggregate Stock
Election Percentage ” shall mean the percentage of
Outstanding Shares represented by the Aggregate Stock
Elections.
“ Pro-rated Stock
Percentage ” shall mean the percentage determined by the
following formula:
1-[( Aggregate Stock
Election Percentage – 80%)/80]
“ Remaining Cash
Percentage ” shall mean the percentage determined by
subtracting the Pro-rated Stock Percentage from 100%.
(v) If Non-Electing Shares
are not converted under Sections (i)-(iv) above, the Exchange Agent
shall convert each Non-Electing Share into the Fulton Stock
Consideration.
(vi) For the purposes of this
Section 2.2, Outstanding Shares as to which an Election is not in
effect at the Election Deadline shall be called “
Non-Electing Shares .” If Fulton shall determine that
any Election is not properly made with respect to any Somerset
Shares, such Election shall be deemed to be not in effect, and the
Somerset Shares covered by such Election shall, for purposes
hereof, be deemed to be Non-Electing Shares. Fulton and the
Exchange Agent shall have no obligation to notify any person of any
defect in any Form of Election submitted to the Exchange
Agent.
(vii) The Exchange Agent
shall make all computations contemplated by this Section 2.2 and
all such computations shall be conclusive and binding on the
holders of Somerset Shares absent manifest error.
(c) Issuance of Fulton
Stock Consideration .
(i) Immediately prior to the
Effective Time, Fulton shall deliver to the Exchange Agent, in
trust for the benefit of the holders of Somerset Shares,
certificates representing an aggregate number of shares of Fulton
Common Stock as nearly as practicable equal to the number of shares
to be converted into Fulton Common Stock as determined in Section
2.2(b)
(ii) As soon as practicable
on the day of the Closing (but after the Effective Time), each
holder of Somerset Shares converted into Fulton Stock
- 8 -
Consideration pursuant to
Article II, upon proper surrender to the Exchange Agent with a
properly completed Letter of Transmittal (to the extent not
previously surrendered with a Form of Election ) of one or more
certificates for such Somerset Shares for cancellation, shall be
entitled to receive (and the Exchange Agent shall deliver)
certificates representing the number of shares of Fulton Common
Stock into which such Somerset Shares shall have been converted in
the Merger.
(iii) No dividends or
distributions that have been declared, if any, will be paid to
persons entitled to receive certificates for shares of Fulton
Common Stock until such persons surrender their certificates at
which time all such dividends and distributions shall be paid. In
no event shall the persons entitled to receive such dividends be
entitled to receive interest on such dividends. If any certificate
for such Fulton Common Stock is to be 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
person requesting such exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent any
transfer taxes or other taxes required by reason of issuance in a
name other than 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.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Exchange Agent nor any
party hereto shall be liable to a holder of Somerset Shares for any
Fulton Common Stock or dividends thereon delivered to a public
official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or
similar law.
(d) Payment of Cash
Consideration . Immediately prior to the Effective Time, Fulton
shall deposit with the Exchange Agent, in trust for the benefit of
the holders of Somerset shares, an amount in cash equal to the Cash
Consideration to be paid to holders of Somerset Shares to be
converted into the right to receive the Cash Consideration as
determined in Section 2.2(b). As soon as practicable on the day of
the Closing (but after the Effective Time), the Exchange Agent
shall distribute to holders of Somerset Shares converted into the
right to receive the Cash Consideration and determined in
accordance with Section 2.2(b), upon proper surrender to the
Exchange Agent (to the extent not previously surrendered with a
Form of Election) of one or more Certificates for such Somerset
Shares for cancellation, a bank check for an amount equal to the
Cash Consideration times the number of Somerset Shares to
converted. In no event shall the holder of any such surrendered
certificates be entitled to receive interest on any of the Cash
Consideration to be received in the Merger. If such check is to be
issued in the name of a person other than the person in whose name
the certificates surrendered for exchange therefor are registered,
it shall be a condition of the exchange that the person requesting
such exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer or other
taxes required by reason of issuance of such check to a person
other than the registered holder of the certificates surrendered,
or shall establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that
such tax has been paid or is not applicable. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, neither the Exchange Agent nor any party hereto shall be
liable to a holder of Somerset for any amount paid to a public
official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or
similar law.
- 9 -
(e) Letter of
Transmittal . Fulton will instruct the Exchange Agent to mail
to each holder of record of Certificates who has not previously
surrendered such holder’s certificates with a validly
executed Form of Election as soon as reasonably practical after the
Effective Time, (i) a Letter of Transmittal (which shall specify
that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to such
holder’s certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery
of the certificates to the Exchange Agent and shall be in such form
and have such other provisions as shall be agreed upon by Somerset
prior to the Effective Time) and (ii) instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of certificates in exchange for the Merger
Consideration (the “ Letter of Transmittal
”).
(f) Missing
Certificates .
(i) If any holder of Somerset
Shares convertible into the right to receive the Merger
Consideration is unable to deliver the certificate which represents
such shares, the Exchange Agent shall deliver to such holder the
Merger Consideration to which the holder is entitled for such
shares upon presentation of the following:
(A) evidence to the
reasonable satisfaction of Fulton that any such certificate has
been lost, wrongfully taken or destroyed;
(B) such security or
indemnity as may be reasonably requested by Fulton to indemnify and
hold harmless Fulton and the Exchange Agent; and
(C) evidence satisfactory to
Fulton that such person is the owner of the shares theretofore
represented by each certificate claimed to be lost, wrongfully
taken or destroyed and that the holder is the person who would be
entitled to present such certificate for payment pursuant to this
Agreement
(ii) Fulton shall receive any
remaining Cash Consideration and Fulton Stock Consideration on
deposit with the Exchange Agent on the date which is one year after
the Effective Date and any shareholder of Somerset who has not
surrendered his certificate(s) to the Exchange Agent prior to such
time shall be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration without
interest upon the surrender of such certificate(s) to Fulton,
subject to applicable escheat or abandoned property
laws.
(iii) In the event that any
Certificates have not been surrendered for exchange in accordance
with this Section on or before the first anniversary of the
Effective Time, Fulton may at any time thereafter, with or without
notice to the holders of record of such Certificates, sell for the
accounts of any or all of such holders any or all of the shares of
Fulton Common Stock which such holders are entitled to receive
under Article II hereof (the “ Unclaimed Shares
”). Any such sale may be made by public or private sale or
sale at any broker’s board or on any securities exchange in
such manner and at such times as Fulton shall determine. If, in the
opinion of counsel for Fulton, it is necessary or desirable,
any
- 10 -
Unclaimed Shares may be
registered for sale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the “ 1933 Act ”), and applicable state laws,
Fulton shall not be obligated to make any sale of Unclaimed Shares
if it shall determine not to do so, even if notice of the sale of
the Unclaimed Shares has been given. The net proceeds of any such
sale of Unclaimed Shares shall be held for holders of the
unsurrendered Certificates whose Unclaimed Shares have been sold,
to be paid to them upon surrender of the certificates for shares of
Fulton Common Stock. From and after any such sale, the sole right
of the holders of the unsurrendered Certificates whose Unclaimed
Shares have been sold shall be the right to collect the net sale
proceeds held by Fulton for their respective accounts, and such
holders shall not be entitled to receive any interest on such net
sale proceeds held by Fulton. If outstanding certificates are not
surrendered or the payment for them is not claimed prior to the
date on which such payments would otherwise escheat to or become
the property of any governmental unit or agency, the unclaimed
items shall, to the extent permitted by abandoned property laws,
escheat laws and any other applicable law, become the property of
Fulton (and to the extent not in its possession shall be paid over
to it), free and clear of all claims or interest of any person
previously entitled to such claims. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
none of Fulton, Somerset, the Exchange Agent or any other person
shall be liable to any former holder of shares of Somerset Common
Stock for any amount properly delivered to a public official
pursuant to applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar
laws.
(g) Withholding Rights
. Fulton shall be entitled to deduct and withhold, or cause the
Exchange Agent to deduct and withhold, from funds provided by the
holder or from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this
Agreement to any holder of Somerset Shares, the minimum amounts (if
any) that Fulton is required to deduct and withhold with respect to
the making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of tax
law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by Fulton, such
withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this
Agreement as having been paid to the holder of Somerset Shares in
respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by
Fulton.
(h) Expenses . All
costs and expenses associated with the foregoing surrender and
exchange procedure shall be borne by Fulton.
Section 2.3 Treatment of
Outstanding Somerset Options.
(a) At the Effective Time,
each option (collectively, “ Somerset Options ”)
to purchase shares of Somerset Common Stock that (i) is outstanding
at the Effective Time, (ii) has been granted pursuant to
Somerset’s 1997 Restated Incentive Stock Option Plan, 2000
Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended, 2000 Directors Stock
Option Plan and 2003 Directors Stock Option Plan (collectively, the
“ Somerset Stock Option Plans ”); and (iii)
would otherwise survive the Effective Time, in the absence of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, shall, at the option
of the holder of a Somerset Option exercised on or before the
Election Deadline, either (A) be entitled to cash in the amount of
the number of
- 11 -
shares of Somerset stock
covered by such Somerset Option multiplied by excess, if any, of
$21.00 over the exercise price per share of such Somerset Option or
(B) be assumed by Fulton through the grant of an option to acquire
shares of Fulton Common Stock on the terms set forth below (each
Somerset Option, as assumed, a “ Fulton Stock Option
”). In the absence of an election by the holder of a Somerset
Option and subject to the next sentence, Somerset Options held by
such holder shall be converted to Fulton Stock Options; provided,
however, that a minimum of twenty percent (20%) of the Somerset
Shares covered by Somerset Options shall be converted into cash. In
the event that holders of less than such percentage elect
conversion into cash, Fulton and Somerset shall agree upon a
proration procedure that achieves such a minimum
percentage.
(b) A Fulton Stock Option
shall be a stock option to acquire shares of Fulton Common Stock
with the following terms: (i) the number of shares of Fulton Common
Stock which may be acquired pursuant to such Fulton Stock Option
shall be equal to the product of the number of shares of Somerset
Common Stock covered by the Somerset Option multiplied by the
Conversion Ratio, provided that any fractional share of Fulton
Common Stock resulting from such multiplication shall be rounded to
the nearest whole share; (ii) the exercise price per share of
Fulton Common Stock shall be equal to the exercise price per share
of Somerset Common Stock of such Somerset Option, divided by the
Conversion Ratio, provided that such exercise price shall be
rounded to the nearest whole cent; (iii) the duration and other
terms of such Fulton Stock Option shall be identical to the
duration and other terms of such Somerset Option (except to the
extent that vesting thereof is to be accelerated under the terms of
the Somerset Stock Option Plans or the Somerset Options) except
that all references to Somerset shall be deemed to be references to
Fulton and its affiliates, where the context so requires and shall
remain exercisable until the stated expiration date of the
corresponding Somerset Option; (iv) Fulton shall assume such
Somerset stock option, whether vested or not vested, as
contemplated by Section 424(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the “ Code ”); and (v) to the
extent Somerset Options qualify as incentive stock options under
Section 422 of the Code, the Fulton Stock Options exchanged
therefor shall also so qualify. In connection with the foregoing,
(i) the foregoing is intended to effect an assumption of a Somerset
Option by Fulton under Section 424(a) of the Code and (ii) neither
a Fulton Option nor the assumption of a Somerset Option shall give
the holder of a Somerset Option additional benefits which he did
not have under such Somerset Option within the meaning of Section
424(a)(1) of the Code. Subject to the Fulton Stock Options and the
foregoing, the Somerset Stock Option Plans and all options or other
rights to acquire Somerset Common Stock issued thereunder shall
terminate at the Effective Time. Fulton shall not issue or pay for
any fractional shares otherwise issuable upon exercise of a Fulton
Stock Option.
(c) Prior to the Effective
Time, Fulton shall take appropriate action to reserve for issuance
and, if not previously registered pursuant to the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the “ 1933 Act ”), register
the number of shares of Fulton Common Stock necessary to satisfy
Fulton’s obligations with respect to the issuance of Fulton
Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of Fulton Stock Options and
under Section 2.3.
- 12 -
(d) On or before the Election
Deadline (to the extent required as determined by Fulton or
Somerset under applicable law, the terms of the Somerset Stock
Option Plans or otherwise), Fulton shall receive agreements from
each holder of a Somerset Option that does not elect to exercise
such Somerset Option immediately prior to the Effective Time and
have the Somerset Common Stock acquired as a result of such
exercise converted into cash or Fulton Common Stock pursuant to
Section 2.1 of this Agreement, pursuant to which each such holder
agrees to accept cash or a Fulton Stock Option in substitution for
the Somerset Option, as of the Effective Time.
(e) Schedule 2.3 sets
forth a listing of each Somerset Option as of the date of this
Agreement (copies of which have been provided to Fulton), including
the optionee, date of grant, shares of Somerset Common Stock
subject to such Option, the exercise price of such Option,
expiration date, and classification as an incentive stock option or
a nonqualified stock option.
Section 2.4 Reservation of
Shares. Fulton agrees that (i) prior to the Effective Time it
will take appropriate action to reserve a sufficient number of
authorized but unissued shares of Fulton Common Stock to be issued
in accordance with this Agreement, and (ii) at the Effective Time,
Fulton will issue shares of Fulton Common Stock to the extent set
forth in, and in accordance with, this Agreement.
Section 2.5 Taking
Necessary Action. Fulton and Somerset shall take all such
actions as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in order to
effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby including, without
limitation, providing information necessary for preparation of any
filings needed to obtain the regulatory approvals required to
consummate the Merger. In case at any time after the Effective Time
any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement and to vest Fulton with full title to
all properties, assets, rights, approvals, immunities and
franchises of Somerset, the officers and directors of Somerset, at
the expense of Fulton, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
take all such necessary action.
Section 2.6 Press
Releases, Etc. Fulton and Somerset agree that all press
releases or other public communications relating to this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated hereby will require mutual
approval by Fulton and Somerset, unless counsel has advised any
such party that such release or other public communication must
immediately be issued and the issuing party has not been able,
despite its good faith efforts, to obtain such approval.
Section 2.7 Fulton Common
Stock. Each share of Fulton Common Stock that is issued and
outstanding immediately before the Effective Time shall, on and
after the Effective Time, remain issued and outstanding as one (1)
share of Fulton Common Stock, and each holder thereof shall retain
his rights therein. The holders of the shares of Fulton Common
Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall,
immediately after the Effective Time, continue to hold a majority
of the outstanding shares of Fulton Common Stock.
Section 2.8
Dissenters’ Rights. Pursuant to Section
14A:11-1(1)(a)(i)(B) of the BCA, the shareholders of Somserset
shall not be entitled to exercise dissenters’
rights.
- 13 -
Section 2.9 Certain
Actions. Prior to the Effective Time, Fulton and Somerset shall
take all such steps as may be required to cause any dispositions of
shares of Somerset Common Stock (including derivative securities
with respect to such shares) resulting from the transactions
contemplated by Article II of this Agreement by each individual who
is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ 1934
Act ”), with respect to Somerset to be exempt under Rule
16b-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act, such steps to be taken in
accordance with the No-Action Letter dated January 12, 1999 issued
by the SEC to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
LLP.
ARTICLE III -
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SOMERSET
Somerset represents and
warrants to Fulton, as of the date of this Agreement, as
follows:
Section 3.1 Authority.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement
and the Warrant and the performance of the transactions
contemplated herein and therein have been authorized by the Board
of Directors of Somerset. At a meeting duly called and held, by a
vote of at least a majority of the members of the Board of
Directors, the Board of Directors (i) approved the Merger and this
Agreement, and (ii) directed that this Agreement and Merger be
submitted for approval by its shareholders with the recommendation
of the Board of Directors that the shareholders of Somerset approve
this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions contemplated
thereby, and, except for the approval of this Agreement by its
shareholders, Somerset has taken all corporate action necessary on
its part to authorize this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement and the
Warrant and the performance of the transactions contemplated herein
and therein. This Agreement, the Warrant Agreement and the Warrant
have been duly executed and delivered by Somerset and, assuming due
authorization, execution and delivery by Fulton, constitute valid
and binding obligations of Somerset, enforceable in accordance with
their respective terms, except to the extent enforcement is limited
by bankruptcy, insolvency and other similar laws affecting
creditor’s rights and the laws, regulations and rules
affecting financial institutions. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement, the Warrant Agreement and the
Warrant will not constitute a violation or breach of or default
under (i) the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Somerset,
(ii) the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Somerset Bank,
(iii) any statute, rule, regulation, order, decree or directive of
any governmental authority or court applicable to Somerset or any
Somerset Subsidiary, subject to the receipt of all required
governmental approvals, or (iv) any agreement, contract, memorandum
of understanding, indenture or other instrument to which Somerset
or any Somerset Subsidiary is a party or by which Somerset or any
Somerset Subsidiary or any of their properties are
bound.
Section 3.2 Organization
and Standing. Somerset is a corporation that is duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of New Jersey. Somerset is a bank holding company under the BHC
Act, and has full power and lawful authority to own and hold its
properties and to carry on its business as presently conducted.
Somerset Bank is a banking corporation that is duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of New Jersey. Somerset Bank is an insured bank under the
provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (the
“ FDI Act ”), and is not a member of the Federal
Reserve System. Somerset Bank has full power and lawful authority
to
- 14 -
own and hold its properties and to carry
on its business as presently conducted. Each of the Somerset
Subsidiaries currently conducting operations other than Somerset
Bank is an entity or business trust that is duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of
incorporation or formation. Each of the Somerset Subsidiaries
currently conducting operations has full power and lawful authority
to own and hold its properties and to carry on its business as
presently conducted.
Section 3.3
Subsidiaries. Somerset Bank, SVB Bald Eagle Statutory Trust I
and SVB Bald Eagle Statutory Trust II are wholly-owned subsidiaries
of Somerset (except that Somerset owns 100% of the common
securities of such trusts and third parties own the capital
securities issued by such trusts). Somerset Valley Investment
Company, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Somerset Bank, and
West End One Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Somerset Valley
Investment Company, Inc. Except for the Somerset Subsidiaries,
Somerset owns no subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, other than
as described on Schedule 3.3 .
Section 3.4
Capitalization. The authorized capital of Somerset consists
exclusively of 20,000,000 shares of Somerset Common Stock. As of
the date of this Agreement 4,060,445 shares of Somerset Common
Stock are outstanding, all of which are validly issued, fully paid
and non-assessable. In addition, 421,826 shares of Somerset Common
Stock are subject to issuance upon the exercise of Somerset Options
and 1,008,775 shares of Somerset Common Stock will be reserved for
issuance upon exercise of the Warrant. Except for the Somerset
Options and the Warrant, there are no outstanding obligations,
options or rights of any kind entitling other persons to acquire
shares of Somerset Common Stock and there are no outstanding
securities or other instruments of any kind that are convertible
into shares of Somerset Common Stock. The authorized capital of
Somerset Bank consists exclusively of shares of common stock (the
“ Somerset Bank Common Stock ”) and preferred
stock (“ Somerset Bank Preferred Stock ”). All
of the outstanding shares of Somerset Bank Common Stock and
Somerset Bank Preferred Stock are owned beneficially and of record
by Somerset and are validly issued, outstanding and fully-paid and
non-assessable. There are no outstanding obligations, options or
rights of any kind entitling other persons to acquire shares of
Somerset Bank Common Stock, and there are no outstanding securities
or instruments of any kind that are convertible into shares of
Somerset Bank Common Stock. All outstanding shares of the capital
stock or membership interests, as applicable, of the other Somerset
Subsidiaries are owned beneficially and of record by Somerset or
Somerset Bank, as appropriate, except that, in the case of SVB Bald
Eagle Statutory Trust I and SVB Bald Eagle Statutory Trust II,
Somerset owns 100% of the common securities and the purchasers
thereof own the capital securities issued by each said trust. There
are no outstanding obligations, options or rights of any kind
entitling other persons to acquire shares of such Somerset
Subsidiaries, and there are no outstanding securities or
instruments of any kind that are convertible into shares of such
Somerset Subsidiaries. The Common Stock of Somerset Bank and the
common stock or membership interests of the other Somerset
Subsidiaries are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the
“ Somerset Subsidiaries Common Equity
”.
Section 3.5 Charter,
Bylaws and Minute Books. The copies of the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws or Certificate of Organization and
Operating Agreements (or, with respect to SVB Bald Eagle Statutory
Trust I and SVB Bald Eagle Statutory Trust II, their
trust
- 15 -
declarations) of Somerset and the
Somerset Subsidiaries that have been made available to Fulton for
inspection are true, correct and complete. Except as previously
disclosed to Fulton in writing, the minute books of Somerset and
the Somerset Subsidiaries that have been made available to Fulton
for inspection are true, correct and complete in all material
respects and accurately record the actions taken by the Boards of
Directors and shareholders or members of Somerset and the Somerset
Subsidiaries at the meetings documented in such minutes, excluding
information related to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and to any other merger, consolidation, share exchange or
sale, exchange or other disposition of all, or substantially all,
of Somerset’s property or assets.
Section 3.6 Financial
Statements.
(a) Somerset has delivered to
Fulton the following financial statements: Consolidated Balance
Sheets of Somerset at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and Consolidated
Statements of Income, Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, and
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of Somerset for the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, audited by Grant Thornton
LLP, and set forth in the 2003 Annual Report to Somerset’s
shareholders and unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets of Somerset
at September 30, 2004 and unaudited Consolidated Statements of
Income for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003 and
2004, unaudited Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’
Equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
and unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, as filed with
the SEC in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the aforementioned
Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2003 being hereinafter referred
to as the “ Somerset Balance Sheet ”). Each of
the foregoing financial statements fairly present the consolidated
financial position, and results of operations and cash flows of
Somerset at their respective dates and for the respective periods
then ended and has been prepared in accordance with United States
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied,
except as otherwise noted in a footnote thereto and except for (i)
the omission of the notes from the financial statements applicable
to any interim period and (ii) with respect to any interim period,
normal year-end adjustments.
(b) Except (A) as reflected
in Somerset’s unaudited balance sheet at September 30, 2004
or liabilities described in any notes thereto (or liabilities for
which neither accrual nor footnote disclosure is required pursuant
to GAAP) or (B) for liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of
business since September 30, 2004 consistent with past practices or
in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby, neither Somerset nor any of its subsidiaries has any
material liabilities or obligations of any nature. Schedule
3.6 lists and Somerset has delivered to Fulton copies of the
documentation creating or governing, all securitization
transactions and “off-balance sheet arrangements” (as
defined in Item 303(c) of Regulation S-K of the SEC) effected by
Somerset or its subsidiaries since Grant Thornton LLP expressed its
opinion with respect to the financial statements of Somerset and
its subsidiaries included in Somerset’s SEC Documents
(including the related notes).
- 16 -
(c) Grant Thorton LLP is and
has been (x) since September 24, 2003, a registered public
accounting firm (as defined in Section 2(a)(12) of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “ SOX Act ”)),
(y) throughout the periods covered by such financial statements,
“independent” with respect to Somerset within the
meaning of Regulation S-X, and (z) since May 6, 2003, in compliance
with subsections (g) through (l) of Section 10A of the 1934 Act and
the related Rules of the SEC and the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board. Schedule 3.6 lists all non-audit services
performed by Grant Thornton LLP for Somerset and its subsidiaries
since January 1, 2002.
(d) Each of Somerset and the
Somerset Subsidiaries maintains accurate books and records
reflecting its assets and liabilities and maintains proper and
adequate internal accounting controls which provide assurance that
(i) transactions are executed with management’s
authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of the consolidated financial statements of
Somerset and to maintain accountability for Somerset’s
consolidated assets; (iii) access to Somerset’s assets is
permitted only in accordance with management’s authorization;
(iv) the reporting of Somerset’s assets is compared with
existing assets at regular intervals; and (v) accounts, notes and
other receivables and inventory are recorded accurately, and proper
and adequate procedures are implemented to effect the collection
thereof on a current and timely basis.
(e) Somerset has, on a timely
basis, filed all forms, reports and documents required to be filed
by it with the SEC since January 1, 2002. Schedule 3.6
lists, and except to the extent available in full without redaction
on the SEC’s website through the Electronic Data Gathering,
Analysis and Retrieval System (“ EDGAR ”) has
delivered to Fulton copies in the form filed with the SEC of (i)
Somerset’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for each fiscal year
of Somerset from and after January 1, 2002, (ii) its Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q for each of the first three fiscal quarters in
each of the fiscal years of Somerset referred to in clause (i)
above, (iii) all proxy statements relating to Somerset’s
meetings of stockholders (whether annual or special) held, and all
information statements relating to stockholder consents since the
beginning of the first fiscal year referred to in clause (i) above,
(iv) all certifications and statements required by (x) the
SEC’s Order dated June 27, 2002 pursuant to Section 21(a)(1)
of the 1934 Act (File No. 4-460), (y) 18 U.S.C. §1350 (Section
906 of the SOX Act) with respect to any report referred to in
clause (i) or (iii) above, (y) all other forms, reports,
registration statements and other documents (other than preliminary
materials if the corresponding definitive materials have been
provided to Fulton pursuant to this Section 3.6) filed by Somerset
with the SEC since the beginning of the first fiscal year referred
to in clause (i) above (the forms, reports, registration statements
and other documents referred to in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
and (v) above are, collectively, the “ Somerset SEC
Reports ” and, to the extent available in full without
redaction on the SEC’s website through EDGAR two days prior
to the date of this Agreement, are, collectively, the “
Filed Somerset SEC Reports ”), and (vi) all comment
letters received by Somerset from the Staff of the SEC since
January 1, 2002 and all responses to such comment letters by or on
behalf of Somerset. The Somerset SEC Reports (x) were or will be
prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 1933 Act and
the 1934 Act, as the case may be, and the rules and
- 17 -
regulations thereunder and
(y) did not at the time they were filed with the SEC, or will not
at the time they are filed with the SEC, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they were made, not misleading. No Subsidiary of Somerset is or has
been required to file any form, report, registration statement or
other document with the SEC.
(f) Somerset maintains
disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15 or
15d-15 under the 1934 Act; such controls and procedures are
effective to ensure that all material information concerning
Somerset and its subsidiaries is made known on a timely basis to
the individuals responsible for the preparation of Somerset’s
filings with the SEC and other public disclosure documents.
Schedule 3.6 lists, and Somerset has delivered to Fulton
copies of, all written descriptions of, and all policies, manuals
and other documents promulgating, such disclosure controls and
procedures. To Somerset’s knowledge, each director and
executive officer of Somerset has filed with the SEC on a timely
basis all statements required by Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder since January 1, 2002. As used
in this Section 3.6, the term “file” shall be broadly
construed to include any manner in which a document or information
is furnished, supplied or otherwise made available to the SEC. To
the extent required, Somerset and Somerset Bank have in place
“disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the 1934 Act to allow
Somerset’s management to make timely decisions regarding
required disclosures and to make the certifications of the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Somerset required
under the 1934 Act. Since September 30, 2004, there has not been
any material change in the internal controls utilized by the
Somerset to assure that its consolidated financial statements
conform with GAAP. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, Somerset’s disclosures and controls are designed
and maintained to ensure that (i) transactions are executed in
accordance with management’s general or specific
authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP
and to maintain accountability for assets, (iii) access to assets
is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or
specific authorization, (iv) the recorded accountability for assets
is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and
appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences, (v)
all information (both financial and non-financial) required to be
disclosed by Somerset in the reports that it files or submits under
the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within
the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and
(vi) all such information is accumulated and communicated to
Somerset’s management as appropriate to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure and to make the
certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of Somerset required under the 1934 Act with respect to
such reports. None of Somerset’s or any Somerset
Subsidiary’s records, systems, controls, data or information
are recorded, stored, maintained, operated or otherwise wholly or
partly dependent on or held by any means (including any electronic,
mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not)
which (including all means of access thereto and therefrom) are not
under the exclusive ownership and direct control of the Somerset or
the Somerset Subsidiaries or their independent
accountants.
- 18 -
(g) The Chief Executive
Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Somerset has signed, and
Somerset has furnished to the SEC, all certifications required by
Sections 302 and 906 of the SOX Act of 2002; such certifications
contain no qualifications or exceptions to the matters certified
therein and have not been modified or withdrawn; and neither
Somerset nor any of its officers has received notice from any
Governmental Entity questioning or challenging the accuracy,
completeness, form or manner of filing or submission of such
certifications.
(h) Somerset heretofore has
provided to Fulton complete and correct copies of all
certifications filed with the SEC pursuant to Sections 302 and 906
of the SOX Act and hereby reaffirms, represents and warrants to
Fulton the matters and statements made in such
certificates.
Section 3.7 Absence of
Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as disclosed in Schedule
3.7 , or as reflected, noted or adequately reserved against in
the Somerset Balance Sheet, at September 30, 2004, Somerset had no
material liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or
otherwise) which were required to be reflected, noted or reserved
against in the Somerset Balance Sheet under generally accepted
accounting principles. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.7 ,
Somerset and the Somerset Subsidiaries have not incurred, since
September 30, 2004, any such liability, other than liabilities of
the same nature as those set forth in the Somerset Balance Sheet,
all of which have been incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business.
For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Ordinary Course
of Business ” shall mean the ordinary course of business
consistent with Somerset’s and the Somerset
Subsidiaries’ customary business practices.
Section 3.8 Absence of
Changes. Since September 30, 2004, Somerset and the Somerset
Subsidiaries have each conducted their businesses in the Ordinary
Course of Business and, except as disclosed in Schedule 3.8
, neither Somerset nor the Somerset Subsidiaries have undergone any
changes in its condition (financial or otherwise), assets,
liabilities, business, operations, or future prospects other than
changes in the Ordinary Course of Business, which have not been, in
the aggregate, materially adverse as to Somerset and the Somerset
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
Section 3.9 Dividends,
Distributions and Stock Purchases. Since September 30, 2004,
Somerset has not declared, set aside, made or paid any dividend or
other distribution in respect of the Somerset Common Stock, or
purchased, issued or sold any shares of Somerset Common Stock or
the Somerset Subsidiaries Common Equity other than a stock dividend
of 5% paid on October 28, 2004.
Section 3.10 Taxes.
Somerset and Somerset Bank have filed all federal, state, county,
municipal and foreign tax returns, reports and declarations which
are required to be filed by them or either of them as of September
30, 2004. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.10 : (i)
Somerset and Somerset Bank have paid all taxes, penalties and
interest which have become due pursuant thereto or which became due
pursuant to federal, state, county, municipal or foreign tax laws
applicable to the periods covered by the foregoing tax returns,
(ii) neither Somerset nor the Somerset Subsidiaries have received
any notice of deficiency or assessment of additional taxes, and no
tax audits are in process; and (iii) the Internal Revenue Service
(the “ IRS ”) has not
- 19 -
commenced or given notice of an
intention to commence any examination or audit of the federal
income tax returns of Somerset or Somerset Bank for any year
through and including the year ended December 31, 2003. Except as
disclosed in Schedule 3.10 , neither Somerset nor the
Somerset Subsidiaries have granted any waiver of any statute of
limitations or otherwise agreed to any extension of a period for
the assessment of any federal, state, county, municipal or foreign
income tax. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.10 , the
accruals and reserves reflected in the Somerset Balance Sheet are
adequate to cover all taxes (including interest and penalties, if
any, thereon) that are payable or accrued as a result of
Somerset’s consolidated operations for all periods prior to
the date of such Balance Sheet .
Section 3.11 Title to and
Condition of Assets. Except as disclosed in Schedule
3.11 , Somerset and the Somerset Subsidiaries have good and
marketable title to all material consolidated real and personal
properties and assets reflected in the Somerset Balance Sheet or
acquired subsequent to September 30, 2004, (other than property and
assets disposed of in the Ordinary Course of Business), free and
clear of all liens or encumbrances of any kind whatsoever;
provided, however, that the representations and warranties
contained in this sentence do not cover liens or encumbrances that:
(i) are reflected in the Somerset Balance Sheet or in Schedule
3.11 ; (ii) represent liens of current taxes not yet due or
which, if due, may be paid without penalty, or which are being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; and (iii)
represent such imperfections of title, liens, encumbrances, zoning
requirements and easements, if any, as are not substantial in
character, amount or extent and do not materially detract from the
value, or interfere with the present use, of the properties and
assets subject thereto. The material structures and other
improvements to real estate, furniture, fixtures and equipment
reflected in the Somerset Balance Sheet or acquired subsequent to
September 30, 2004: (A) are in good operating condition and repair
(ordinary wear and tear excepted), and (B) comply in all material
respects with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations,
including without limitation all building codes, zoning ordinances
and other similar laws, except where any noncompliance would not
materially detract from the value, or interfere with the present
use, of such structures, improvements, furniture, fixtures and
equipment. Somerset and the Somerset Subsidiaries own or have the
right to use all real and personal properties and assets that are
material to the conduct of their respective businesses as presently
conducted.
Section 3.12
Contracts.
(a) Each written or oral
contract entered into by Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries
(other than loan agreements, promissory notes, deeds of trust and
other contracts with customers reasonably entered into by Somerset
or the Somerset Subsidiaries in the Ordinary Course of Business)
which involves aggregate payments or receipts in excess of $50,000
per year, including without limitation every employment contract,
employee benefit plan, agreement, lease, license, indenture,
mortgage and other commitment to which either Somerset or the
Somerset Subsidiaries are a party or by which Somerset or the
Somerset Subsidiaries or any of their properties may be bound
(collectively referred to herein as “ Material
Contracts ”) is identified in Schedule 3.12 .
Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12 , all Material
Contracts are enforceable against Somerset or the Somerset
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and Somerset or the Somerset
Subsidiaries have in all material respects performed all
obligations required to be
- 20 -
| |
performed by them to date and
are not in default in any material respect and Somerset has no
Knowledge (as defined in Section 3.13) of any default by a third
party under a Material Contract. Schedule 3.12 identifies
all Material Contracts which require the consent or approval of
third parties to the execution and delivery of this Agreement or to
the consummation of the transactions contemplated
herein.
|
(b) Except for the Warrant
Agreement and as set forth in Schedule 3.12 , as of the date
of this Agreement, neither Somerset nor the Somerset Subsidiaries
is a party to, or bound by, any oral or written:
(i) “material
contract” as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of
Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC;
(ii) consulting agreement not
terminable on thirty (30) days or less notice involving the payment
of more than $20,000 per annum, in the case of any such
agreement;
(iii) agreement with any
officer or other key employee the benefits of which are contingent,
or the terms of which are materially altered, upon the occurrence
of a transaction of the nature contemplated by this
Agreement;
(iv) agreement with respect
to any officer providing any term of employment or compensation
guarantee extending for a period longer than one year or for a
payment in excess of $25,000;
(v) agreement or plan,
including any stock option plan, stock appreciation rights plan,
employee stock ownership plan, restricted stock plan or stock
purchase plan, any of the benefits of which will be increased, or
the vesting of the benefits of which will be accelerated, by the
occurrence of any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or the value of any of the benefits of which will be
calculated on the basis of any of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement;
(vi) agreement containing
covenants that limit its ability to compete in any line of business
or with any person, or that involve any restriction on the
geographic area in which, or method by which, it may carry on its
business (other than as may be required by law or any regulatory
agency);
(vii) agreement, contract or
understanding, other than this Agreement, and the Warrant
Agreement, regarding the capital stock of Somerset and/or Somerset
Bank or committing to dispose of some or all of the capital stock
or substantially all of the assets of Somerset and/or Somerset
Bank;
(viii) collective bargaining
agreement, contract, or other agreement or understanding with a
labor union or labor organization;
(ix) deferred compensation
plan or arrangement; or
(x) joint venture
agreements.
- 21-
Section 3.13 Litigation
and Governmental Directives. Except as disclosed in Schedule
3.13 , (i) there is no litigation, investigation or proceeding
pending, or to the Knowledge (as that term is defined below) of
Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries, threatened, that involves
Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries or any of their properties
and that, if determined adversely, would materially and adversely
affect the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities,
business or operations or future prospects of Somerset or the
Somerset Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (ii) there are no
outstanding orders, writs, injunctions, judgments, decrees,
regulations, directives, consent agreements or memoranda of
understanding issued by any federal, state or local court or
governmental agency or authority or arbitration tribunal issued
against or with the consent of Somerset or the Somerset
Subsidiaries that materially and adversely affect the condition
(financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business operations
or future prospects of Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries taken
as a whole or that in any material manner restrict the right of
Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries to carry on their businesses
as presently conducted taken as a whole; and (iii) neither Somerset
nor the Somerset Subsidiaries have Knowledge of any fact or
condition presently existing that might give rise to any
litigation, investigation or proceeding which, if determined
adversely to either Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries, would
materially and adversely affect the consolidated condition
(financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, business, operations
or future prospects of Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries or
would restrict in any material manner the right of Somerset or the
Somerset Subsidiaries to carry on their businesses as presently
conducted taken as a whole. All litigation (except for bankruptcy
proceedings in which Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries have
filed proofs of claim) in which Somerset or the Somerset
Subsidiaries are involved as a plaintiff (other than routine
collection and foreclosure suits initiated in the Ordinary Course
of Business) in which the amount sought to be recovered is greater
than $50,000 is identified in Schedule 3.13 . In this
Agreement, the terms “ Knowledge of Somerset or Somerset
Bank ” and “ Knowledge of Somerset and
the Somerset Subsidiaries ” shall mean the actual
knowledge of the Contract Employees (as defined in Section
3.17).
Section 3.14 Compliance
with Laws; Governmental Authorizations. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 3.14 or where noncompliance would not have a
material and adverse effect upon the condition (financial or
otherwise), assets, liabilities, business, operations or future
prospects of Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries taken as a
whole: (i) Somerset and the Somerset Subsidiaries are in compliance
with all statutes, laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, judgments,
orders, decrees, directives, consent agreements, memoranda of
understanding, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses,
and other governmental authorizations or approvals applicable to
Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries or to any of their
properties; and (ii) all material permits, concessions, grants,
franchises, licenses and other governmental authorizations and
approvals necessary for the conduct of the business of Somerset or
the Somerset Subsidiaries as presently conducted have been duly
obtained and are in full force and effect, and there are no
proceedings pending or, to the Knowledge of Somerset threatened,
which may result in the revocation, cancellation, suspension or
materially adverse modification of any thereof.
- 22 -
Section 3.15
Insurance. All policies of insurance relating to
Somerset’s and Somerset Subsidiaries’ operations
(except for title insurance policies), including without limitation
all financial institutions bonds, held by or on behalf of Somerset
or the Somerset Subsidiaries are listed in Schedule 3.15 .
All such policies of insurance are in full force and effect, and no
notices of cancellation have been received in connection
therewith.
Section 3.16 Financial
Institutions Bonds. Since January 1, 2000, Somerset Bank has
continuously maintained in full force and effect one or more
financial institutions bonds listed in Schedule 3.16
insuring Somerset Bank against acts of dishonesty by each of its
employees. No claim has been made under any such bond and Somerset
Bank has no Knowledge of any fact or condition presently existing
which might form the basis of a claim under any such bond. Somerset
Bank has received no notice that its present financial institutions
bond or bonds will not be renewed by its carrier on substantially
the same terms as those now in effect.
Section 3.17 Labor
Relations and Employment Agreements. Neither Somerset nor any
of the Somerset Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any
collective bargaining agreement. To their Knowledge, Somerset and
the Somerset Subsidiaries enjoy good working relationships with
their employees, and there are no labor disputes pending, or to the
Knowledge of Somerset or Somerset Bank threatened, that might
materially and adversely affect the condition (financial or
otherwise), assets, liabilities, business, operations or prospects
of Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 3.17 , neither Somerset nor any of the Somerset
Subsidiaries has any employment contract, change of control
agreement or policy, severance agreement, deferred compensation
agreement, consulting agreement or similar obligation (including
the amendments referred to, an “ Employment Obligation
”) with any director, officer, employee, agent or consultant;
provided however, that, (i) as of the date of this Agreement (and
effective as of the Effective Time), each of Robert P. Corcoran and
Arthur E. Brattlof has executed employment agreements (the “
Employment Agreements ”) with Fulton and Somerset Bank
so as to, among other things, (A) consent to certain changes in
their respective duties, powers and functions following the Merger,
such agreements to be substantially in the form of Exhibit D
attached hereto and (B) provide for the payment of the
“change of control” payments due under the existing
employment agreements of Messrs. Corcoran and Brattlof with
Somerset and (ii) at the Closing, Keith B. McCarthy shall be paid
the “change in control” payments provided for under his
existing employment agreement and his existing deferred
compensation agreement with Somerset as a result of the Merger. For
the purposes of this Agreement, Messrs. Corcoran, McCarthy and
Brattlof, shall be referred to herein as the “ Contract
Employees ”. Except with respect to Mr. McCarthy and as
disclosed in Schedule 3.17 , as of the Effective Time (as
defined in Section 9.2 herein), neither Somerset nor the Somerset
Subsidiaries will have any liability for employee termination
rights arising out of any Employment Obligation and neither the
execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Merger
shall, by itself, entitle any employee of Somerset or the Somerset
Subsidiaries to any “change of control” payments or
benefits. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.17 , no payment
that is owed or may become due to any director, officer, employee,
or agent of Somerset or any Somerset Subsidiary as a result of the
consummation of the Merger will be non-deductible to Somerset or
any Somerset Subsidiary or subject to tax under IRC § 280G or
§ 4999; nor, except as set forth on Schedule 3.17, will
Somerset or any Somerset Subsidiary be required to “gross
up”
- 23-
or otherwise compensate any such person
because of the imposition of any excise tax on a payment to such
person as a result of the consummation of the Merger.
Section 3.18 Employee
Benefit Plans. All employee benefit plans, contracts or
arrangements to which Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries are a
party or by which Somerset or the Somerset Subsidiaries are bound,
including without limitation all pension, retirement, deferred
compensation, savings, incentive, bonus, profit sharing, stock
purchase, stock option, life insurance, death or survivor’s
benefit, health insurance, sickness, disability, medical, surgical,
hospital, severance, layoff or vacation plans, contracts or
arrangements (collectively the “ Somerset Benefit
Plans ”), but not including the Employment Obligations
described in Section 3.17, are identified in Schedule 3.18 .
Each of the Somerset Benefit Plans which is an “employee
pension benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(2) of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
(“ ERISA ”; each such Plan being herein called a
“ Somerset Pension Plan ”) is exempt from tax
under Sections 401 and 501 of the Code and has been maintained and
operated in material compliance with all applicable provisions of
the Code and ERISA. No “prohibited transaction” (as
such term is defined in Section 4975 of the Code or in ERISA) and
not otherwise exempt under ERISA or the Code has occurred in
respect of the Somerset Pension Plans. There have been no material
breaches of fiduciary duty by any fiduciary under or with respect
to the Somerset Pension Plans or any other Somerset Benefit Plan
which is an employee welfare benefit plan as defined in ERISA, and
no claim is pending or, to the Knowledge of Somerset, threatened
with respect to any Somerset Benefit Plan other than claims for
benefits made in the Ordinary Course of Business. Neither Somerset
nor the Somerset Subsidiaries have incurred any material penalty
imposed by the Code or by ERISA with respect to the Somerset
Pension Plans or any other Somerset Benefit Plan. Within the past
five years, there has not been any audit of any Somerset Benefit
Plan by the U.S. Department of Labor or the IRS.
Section 3.19 Related Party
Transactions.
(a) Except as disclosed in
Schedule 3.19 , neither Somerset nor any of the Somerset
Subsidiaries has any contract, extension of credit, or business
arrangement of any kind with any of the following persons: (i) any
executive officer or director (including any person who has served
in such capacity since January 1, 2000) of Somerset or any of the
Somerset Subsidiaries; (ii) any shareholder owning five percent
(5%) or more of the outstanding Somerset Common Stock; and (iii)
any “associate” (as defined in Rule 405 under the 1933
Act) of the foregoing persons or any business in which any of the
foregoing persons is an officer, director, employee or five percent
(5%) or greater equity owner. Each such contract or extension of
credit disclosed in Schedule 3.19 , except as otherwise
specifically described therein, has been made in the Ordinary
Course of Business on substantially the same terms, including
interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for
comparable arms’ length transactions with other persons that
do not involve more than a normal risk of collectability or present
other unfavorable features.
(b) Somerset has not, since
July 30, 2002, extended or maintained credit, arranged for the
extension of credit, or renewed an extension of credit, in the form
of a personal loan to or for any director or executive officer (or
equivalent thereof) of
- 24 -
Somerset. Schedule
3.19 identifies any loan or extension of credit maintained by
Somerset to which the second sentence of Section 13(k)(l) of the
1934 Act applies.
Section 3.20 No
Finder. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.20 , neither
Somerset nor any of the Somerset Subsidiaries have paid or become
obligated to pay any fee or commission of any kind whatsoever to
any investment banker, broker, finder, financial advisor or other
intermediary for, on account of or in connection with the
transactions contemplated in this Agreement.
Section 3.21 Complete and
Accurate Disclosure. Neither this Agreement (insofar as it
relates to Somerset, the Somerset Subsidiaries, the Somerset Common
Stock, the Somerset Subsidiaries’ Common Equity, and the
involvement of Somerset and the Somerset Subsidiaries in the
transactions contemplated hereby) nor any Exhibits or Schedules to
t
|