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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

Agreement and Plan of Merger

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER | Document Parties: GOLD BANC CORP INC | SILVER ACQUISITION CORP. | SAC ACQUISITION CORP. | GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC. You are currently viewing:
This Agreement and Plan of Merger involves

GOLD BANC CORP INC | SILVER ACQUISITION CORP. | SAC ACQUISITION CORP. | GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC.

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Title: AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
Governing Law: Kansas     Date: 2/25/2004
Industry: Regional Banks     Law Firm: Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP; Miller, Hamilton, Snider & Odom, L.L.C.     Sector: Financial

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, Parties: gold banc corp inc , silver acquisition corp. , sac acquisition corp. , gold banc corporation  inc.
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                                                                     Exhibit 2.1

 

 

 

                 AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (the "Agreement")

 

                                  by and among

 

          SILVER ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation ("SILVER"),

 

            SAC ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation ("SAC") and

 

           GOLD BANC CORPORATION, INC., a Kansas corporation ("GOLD")

 

                                February 24, 2004

 

 

 

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

ARTICLE I - THE MERGER; CERTAIN RELATED MATTERS..............................1

      1.1    Merger and Second Merger.........................................1

      1.2    Merger/Conversion of Subsidiary Banks............................3

      1.3    Payment and Cancellation of Options..............................3

      1.4    Closing; Closing Date; Filing of Merger Documents................3

      1.5    Effect on Shares.................................................4

      1.6    Paying Procedures................................................4

      1.7    Certificate Delivery.............................................5

      1.8    Lost or Stolen Certificate.......................................5

      1.9    Further Action...................................................5

      1.10   Continued Existence..............................................5

      1.11   Certificate of Incorporation.....................................6

      1.12   By-Laws..........................................................6

      1.13   Directors; Officers..............................................6

      1.14   Registered Office................................................6

      1.15   Dissenters' Rights...............................................6

 

ARTICLE II - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GOLD..........................6

      2.1    Corporate Organization, Authorization, etc.......................6

      2.2    Authorized and Outstanding Stock.................................7

      2.3    Subsidiaries, Affiliates, etc....................................8

      2.4    Consents, Approvals, Filings, etc., of Governmental

            Authorities......................................................9

      2.5    SEC Filings and Financial Statements.............................9

      2.6    Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities..............................10

      2.7    Absence of Changes..............................................11

      2.8    Proxy Statement, etc............................................11

      2.9    No Violation....................................................11

      2.10   Brokerage/Fairness Opinion......................................11

      2.11   Tax Matters.....................................................11

      2.12   Employee Benefit Plans..........................................13

      2.13   Real and Personal Property......................................15

      2.14   Leases..........................................................16

      2.15   Intellectual Property...........................................16

      2.16   Certain Contracts, Agreements, Licenses.........................17

      2.17   Governmental Authorization......................................17

      2.18   Contracts With and Loans to Officers and Employees..............17

      2.19   Insurance.......................................................17

      2.20   Adequacy of Allowance for Loan Losses...........................18

      2.21   Interest Rate Risk Management Instruments.......................18

      2.22   Material Contracts..............................................18

      2.23   Litigation......................................................18

      2.24   Labor Matters...................................................19

      2.25   Environmental Matters...........................................19

      2.26   Reports and Regulatory Communications...........................19

 

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      2.27   No Action.......................................................20

      2.28   Certain SEC Filings.............................................20

      2.29   Insurance Filings...............................................20

      2.30   Disclosure Controls and Procedures..............................20

      2.31   Compliance with Applicable Law..................................20

      2.32   CRA Rating......................................................21

      2.33   Rights Agreement Inapplicable...................................21

 

ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SILVER......................21

      3.1    Organization, Authority.........................................21

      3.2    Corporate Action................................................21

      3.3    No Parent Company...............................................21

      3.4    Brokers' and Finders' Fees......................................21

      3.5    Proxy Statement.................................................22

      3.6    Litigation......................................................22

      3.7    Consents, Approvals, Filings, etc, of Governmental

            Authorities.....................................................22

      3.8    Access to Funds.................................................22

      3.9    Ability to Pay Break-up Fee.....................................23

      3.10   Absence of Changes and Undisclosed Liabilities..................23

      3.11   No Action.......................................................23

 

ARTICLE IV - CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF GOLD PRIOR TO EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE

             MERGER.........................................................23

      4.1    Regular Course of Business of GOLD..............................23

      4.2    Restricted Activities and Transactions of GOLD..................24

 

ARTICLE V - OBLIGATIONS PRIOR AND SUBSEQUENT TO EFFECTIVE TIME..............27

      5.1    Reasonable Access...............................................27

      5.2    Consents........................................................27

      5.3    Filing Requirements.............................................27

      5.4    GOLD Shareholder Meeting........................................27

      5.5    Supplements to Information......................................30

      5.6    Further Assurances..............................................30

      5.7    Deposit of Funds with Paying Agent..............................30

      5.8    Adverse Changes in Condition....................................30

      5.9    Reports.........................................................30

      5.10   No Solicitation.................................................30

      5.11   Indemnification.................................................32

      5.12   Environmental Assessments.......................................34

      5.13   Adequate Funding................................................34

      5.14   Regulatory Approvals............................................35

      5.15   Resignations....................................................35

      5.16   Obligations Related to the Trust Preferred Securities...........35

      5.17   No Amendment or Waiver of Subscription Agreements...............35

 

ARTICLE VI - CONDITIONS TO GOLD'S OBLIGATIONS...............................36

      6.1    Representations and Warranties True and Obligations Satisfied...36

 

                                       ii

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      6.2    No Governmental or Other Proceeding or Litigation...............36

      6.3    No Material Adverse Effect......................................36

      6.4    Shareholder Approval............................................36

      6.5    Other Approvals.................................................36

      6.6    Opinion.........................................................36

      6.7    Financing.......................................................36

 

ARTICLE VII - CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF SILVER...........................37

      7.1    Representations and Warranties True and Obligations Satisfied...37

      7.2    No Governmental or Other Proceeding or Litigation...............37

      7.3    No Material Adverse Effect......................................37

      7.4    Shareholder Approval............................................37

      7.5    Other Approvals.................................................37

      7.6    Opinion.........................................................37

      7.7    Secretary's Certificate.........................................37

      7.8    Financing.......................................................37

      7.9    Total Equity and Loan Loss Reserve..............................38

 

ARTICLE VIII - TERMINATION..................................................38

      8.1    Termination.....................................................38

      8.2    Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination....................40

      8.3    Fees and Expenses...............................................40

 

ARTICLE IX - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.......................................41

      9.1    Definitions.....................................................41

      9.2    Amendment and Modification......................................46

      9.3    Waiver of Compliance............................................46

      9.4    Expenses........................................................46

      9.5    Investigation and Confidentiality...............................46

      9.6    Press Releases..................................................47

      9.7    Representations and Warranties, etc.............................47

      9.8    Non-Survival of Representations and Warranties..................47

      9.9    Severability....................................................47

      9.10   Other Remedies; Specific Performance............................47

      9.11   Rules of Construction...........................................47

      9.12   Interpretation..................................................48

      9.13   Notices.........................................................48

      9.14   Assignment......................................................49

      9.15   Governing Law...................................................49

      9.16   Counterparts....................................................49

      9.17   Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries.....................49

      9.18   Reservation of Right to Revise Structure........................49

 

 

 

 

                                      iii

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                             TABLE OF DEFINED TERMS

 

Term                           Cross Reference in Agreement                   Page

----                          ----------------------------                   ----

 

Acquisition Proposal...............5.10(a)..................................32

Acquisition Transaction............5.10(a)..................................32

Balance Sheet Date..................2.6(a)..................................10

Bank Subsidiaries......................2.3...................................8

By-Laws...............................1.12...................................6

Closing................................1.4...................................3

Closing Date...........................1.4...................................3

COBRA..............................2.12(a)..................................13

DOL................................2.12(b)..................................14

ERISA..............................2.12(a)..................................13

ERISA Affiliate....................2.12(a)..................................13

Federal Reserve........................2.4...................................9

Financing..............................3.8..................................22

GOLD..............................Preamble...................................1

GOLD Advisor..........................2.10..................................11

GOLD Approval.......................2.1(b)...................................7

GOLD Employee......................2.12(a)..................................13

GOLD Plans.........................2.12(a)..................................13

GOLD SEC Reports....................2.5(a)...................................9

Indemnified Parties................5.11(a)..................................32

Initial Equity Commitments.............3.8..................................23

Insurance Agency Subsidiary...........2.29..................................20

IRS................................2.11(a)..................................12

Merger............................Preamble...................................1

Office of Thrift Supervision...........2.4...................................9

Paying Agent...........................1.5...................................4

Remaining Equity Commitments..........5.13..................................34

Returns............................2.11(a)..................................11

Sarbanes-Oxley Act..................2.5(a)..................................10

Second Merger.....................Preamble...................................1

SILVER............................Preamble...................................1

Superior Offer......................5.4(c)..................................29

Surviving Corporation...............1.1(b)...................................2

 

                                       iv

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                           AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

     THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (the   "Agreement")   made and entered into

as of the 24th day of February,   2004, by and among SILVER   ACQUISITION CORP., a

Delaware corporation   ("SILVER"),   SAC ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware corporation

and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACQUISITION ("SAC"), and GOLD BANC CORPORATION,

INC., a Kansas corporation ("GOLD").

 

                               W-I-T-N-E-S-S-E-T-H

 

     WHEREAS,   subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Boards

of Directors of SILVER,   SAC and GOLD have approved the merger (the "Merger") of

SAC with and into GOLD and the second merger (the "Second   Merger") of GOLD with

and into   SILVER,   pursuant to which each   outstanding   share of common stock of

GOLD ("GOLD   Common") shall be converted into the right to receive cash, as more

fully set forth herein,   and determined   that the Merger is in the best interest

of the parties and their stockholders;

 

     WHEREAS,   SILVER and SAC have been formed for the sole purpose of acquiring

GOLD by   consummating   the merger and as such,   SILVER and SAC have conducted no

business apart from raising capital to consummate the transactions   contemplated

herein; and

 

     WHEREAS,   in furtherance   of the   consummation   of the Merger,   the parties

hereto desire to enter into this Agreement;

 

     NOW,   THEREFORE,   in   consideration of the premises and the mutual promises

and agreements   contained   herein,   the parties hereto,   intending to be legally

bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

                ARTICLE I - THE MERGER; CERTAIN RELATED MATTERS

 

1.1    Merger and Second Merger.

      ------------------------

      (a)    The   Merger.   Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,

at the   Effective   Time SAC shall   merge with and into   GOLD.   GOLD shall be the

surviving   corporation   (hereinafter   sometimes referred to as the "First Merger

Surviving   Corporation")   in   the   Merger,   and   shall   continue   its   corporate

existence   under   the laws of the   State of   Kansas.   Upon   consummation   of the

Merger, the separate corporate existence of SAC shall terminate.

 

      At the   Effective   Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on

the part of the holder of any shares of the capital stock of GOLD:

 

 

                  (i)   subject   to   Section   1.1(a)(ii)   and   1.1(a)(iii),   each

      outstanding   share of GOLD Common   (together   with the related GOLD Rights

      issued   pursuant to the Rights   Agreement ) shall, by virtue of the Merger

      and without further action on the part of the holder thereof, no longer be

      outstanding,   be   canceled   and   retired   and   cease to exist and shall be

      converted into the right to receive in cash, without interest,   $16.60 per

      share,

 

 

<PAGE>

 

     from the Surviving   Corporation   in the manner   provided   herein,   provided

     that, if the Closing   shall not have   occurred   within 150 days of the date

     hereof,   holders of GOLD Common   shall also be entitled to receive,   at the

     Effective   Time,   an   additional   amount per share   equal to the product of

     $0.00230   times the number of days   following   such 150th day   through   and

     including the Closing Date;

 

                  (ii) each share of GOLD Common and GOLD   Preferred   stock held

     in   the treasury of GOLD shall not be   converted   into the right to receive

     cash   pursuant   to 1.1(a)(i) and shall be canceled and retired and cease to

     exist;

 

                  (iii)   SILVER   will   provide   funds    sufficient   to   pay   the

     obligations   of the   Surviving   Corporation   set out in   Section   1.1(a)(i)

     above;

 

                  (iv)   shares   of   GOLD   Common   held   by    shareholders    duly

     exercising   rights,   if any,   pursuant to K.S.A.   ss. 17-6712   ("Dissenting

     Shareholders")   shall   not be   converted   into the   right to   receive   cash

     pursuant to Section 1.1(a)(i); and

 

                  (v) each share of common stock,   par value $0.01 per share, of

     SAC shall be converted into one share of common stock,   par value $1.00 per

     share, of the First Merger Surviving Corporation.

 

 

      (b)    Second Merger.   Immediately   following completion of the Merger, the

First Merger   Surviving   Corporation   shall merge with and into   SILVER.   SILVER

shall be the surviving   corporation   (hereinafter   sometimes   referred to as the

"Surviving   Corporation") in the Second Merger, and shall continue its corporate

existence   under the laws of the State of   Delaware.   Upon   consummation   of the

Second   Merger,   the separate   corporate   existence   of First   Merger   Surviving

Corporation shall terminate.

 

      At the effective time of the Second Merger, by virtue of the Second Merger

and   without   any action on the part of the holder of any shares of the   capital

stock of the First Merger Surviving Corporation:

 

                  (i) each share of common stock,   par value $1.00 per share, of

     the First Merger Surviving   Corporation   shall be cancelled and retired and

     no shares of SILVER common stock or other   consideration shall be delivered

     in exchange therefor; and

 

                  (ii) each share of common stock and preferred   stock of SILVER

     issued and   outstanding   prior to the   effective   time of the Second Merger

     shall be   unaffected   by the   Second   Merger   and shall   remain   issued and

     outstanding.

 

GOLD shall, at the request of SILVER,   take all necessary and appropriate action

prior to the Merger   (including   executing any   appropriate   consent,   notice or

other   instrument)   to cause the Second Merger to become   effective   immediately

after the Merger in   accordance   with   Section   17-6703   of the   Kansas   General

Corporation Code and Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

                                        2

 

<PAGE>

 

     1.2   Merger/Conversion   of Subsidiary Banks.   Subject to the reservation of

rights   set forth in Section   9.18 and any   changes   as may be   required   by any

applicable Regulatory   Authority,   (i) GOLD before the Effective Time will cause

Gold Bank, an Oklahoma   state bank, and Gold Bank, a Florida state bank and Gold

Bank,   a Kansas   state bank to be merged into a single bank   (collectively,   the

"Bank Mergers"),   provided that the merger of Gold Bank, an Oklahoma state bank,

into Gold Bank, a Kansas state bank,   shall be   consummated   as soon as possible

after the date hereof and (ii) immediately following the Second Merger, the bank

surviving the Bank Mergers will be converted into a federal   savings bank either

directly,   or   indirectly   by   merger   with   an   interim   federal   savings   bank

established   by SILVER for that purpose (the   "Conversion").   As a result of the

Bank Mergers, the Merger and the Conversion,   Surviving Corporation shall become

a savings and loan holding   company subject to the supervision and regulation of

the Office of Thrift Supervision (the "OTS").

 

     1.3 Payment and Cancellation of Options.   As soon as practicable   following

the date of this Agreement,   the Board of Directors of GOLD (or, if appropriate,

any   committee   thereof   administering   the GOLD   stock   plans)   shall make such

commercially   reasonable   efforts to affect the   adjustment   of the terms of all

outstanding   options to acquire GOLD   Common,   whether   vested or   unvested,   as

necessary to provide   that,   immediately   after the   Effective   Time,   each such

option   outstanding   immediately   prior to the Effective Time shall be canceled,

and   the   holder   thereof   (as   designated   on   Schedule   2.2 of the   Disclosure

Memorandum previously delivered to SILVER by GOLD) shall then become entitled in

full   satisfaction of such   cancellation to receive,   immediately   following the

Effective Time, a single lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to the product

of (1) the excess, if any, of the per share price described in Section 1.1(a)(i)

over the exercise   price per share of such option,   and (2) the number of shares

of GOLD Common for which such option shall not theretofore   have been exercised.

Following   the   Effective   Time,   Surviving   Corporation   shall pay all   amounts

payable to holders of such options   according to the preceding   sentence,   which

shall be subject to any required   withholding of taxes and shall be paid without

interest.   GOLD   shall   use   commercially   reasonable   efforts   to   ensure   that

following the   Effective   Time no holder of any option to acquire GOLD Common or

any   participant   in any GOLD   stock   plan or GOLD   Plans   shall   have any right

thereunder to acquire   capital stock of GOLD, SAC or the Surviving   Corporation.

The Board of Directors shall adopt   resolutions   which shall include   provisions

that any such cash payment will not be subject to Section   16(b) of the Exchange

Act. GOLD will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all of its directors

and officers to agree in writing   that they will   exercise   outstanding   options

prior to closing or accept a cash out payment   equal to the   difference   between

the exercise price of such options and $16.60, subject to withholding applicable

taxes.

 

     1.4   Closing;   Closing   Date;   Filing   of   Merger   Documents.   Unless   this

Agreement   shall have been terminated and the Merger herein   contemplated   shall

have been abandoned   pursuant to Article VIII, a closing (the "Closing") will be

held as soon as   practicable,   on a date mutually   agreed upon, but in any event

within five (5) business days after all conditions hereto (other than conditions

which   relate to actions to be taken at Closing)   shall have been   satisfied   or

waived,   as   appropriate.   The Closing   shall be held at a location   and time as

agreed by the Parties,   on the same date that the Effective Time occurs,   unless

otherwise   agreed by the Parties (the "Closing   Date"),   at which time and place

the documents referred to in Articles VI and VII hereof will be exchanged by the

parties   hereto and,   immediately   thereafter,   Certificates   of Merger shall be

filed

 

                                       3

<PAGE>

 

with the Delaware Secretary of State, and Articles of Merger shall be filed with

the Kansas Secretary of State for both the Merger and the Second Merger.

 

     1.5 Effect on Shares.   After the Effective Time,   each   shareholder of GOLD

shall be entitled,   upon surrender of certificates   representing   shares of GOLD

Common accompanied by a duly completed and executed letter of transmittal in the

form to be sent to all such   shareholders (as provided in Section 1.6 hereof) to

the paying agent,   which shall be the American   Stock   Transfer & Trust Company,

unless otherwise   agreed to by the Parties (the "Paying   Agent"),   to receive in

substitution   therefor,   an amount   determined by multiplying   (i) the number of

shares of GOLD Common   represented by the   certificates   surrendered by (ii) the

amount set forth in Section 1.1(a)(i). If outstanding certificates for shares of

GOLD Common are not   surrendered or the cash payment   therefor not claimed prior

to three (3) years after the Effective Time (or, in any particular   case,   prior

to such earlier date on which such cash payments would   otherwise   escheat to or

become the property of any Governmental Authority), the unclaimed amounts shall,

to the extent   permitted by applicable law, become the property of the Surviving

Corporation,   free and clear of all claims or interest of any person   previously

entitled thereto.

 

     1.6   Paying Procedures.

          -----------------

 

          (a) As soon as practicable   after the Effective   Time, and in no event

later than five (5) business   days   thereafter,   the Paying Agent shall mail and

otherwise make   available to each person who, as of the Effective   Time, was the

record holder of one or more certificates   representing shares of GOLD Common, a

form letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected,

and risk of loss and title to such certificate or certificates   shall pass, only

upon proper   delivery of such   certificate or   certificates to the Paying Agent)

and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of such   certificates.   Upon

surrender to the Paying Agent of certificates   representing GOLD Common together

with such letter of transmittal,   duly executed, the Paying Agent shall promptly

pay to the persons entitled thereto in cash an amount   determined by multiplying

(i) the   number of shares   of GOLD   Common   represented   by the   certificate   or

certificates   so surrendered by (ii) the amount set forth in Section   1.1(a)(i),

less any transfer or other taxes, if any,   payable in connection   therewith.   No

interest   will be paid or accrued on the cash payable upon the surrender of such

certificates.

 

          (b) If   payment is to be made to a person other   than the one in whose

name a surrendered certificate is registered, it shall be a condition of payment

that the certificate so surrendered be properly   endorsed or otherwise in proper

form for transfer   and that the person   requesting   such payment   either pay any

transfer or other taxes required by reason of the payment to a person other than

the   registered   holder   of the   certificate   surrendered   or   establish   to the

satisfaction of the Surviving Corporation that such transfer or other taxes have

been paid or are not applicable.

 

          (c)   Each of the Paying Agent and the   Surviving   Corporation shall be

entitled to deduct and   withhold   from any   consideration   payable or   otherwise

deliverable   pursuant to this Agreement to any former holder of GOLD Common such

amounts as may be   required   to be   deducted   or   withheld   therefrom   under the

Internal Revenue Code or state, local or foreign law. To the extent such amounts

are so deducted or   withheld,   such   amounts   shall be treated for all

 

                                       4

<PAGE>

 

purposes   under this   Agreement   as having   been paid to the person to whom such

amounts would otherwise have been paid.

 

           (d)    Notwithstanding    anything to the contrary in this   Section 1.6,

neither the Paying Agent,   the Surviving   Corporation nor any party hereto shall

be liable to a holder of shares of GOLD Common for any amount properly paid to a

public   official   pursuant   to any   applicable   abandoned   property,   escheat or

similar law.

 

     1.7   Certificate   Delivery.   At or after the   Effective   Time the Surviving

Corporation    shall   deliver   to   the    shareholders    of   SILVER    certificates

representing the Surviving   Corporation   common stock and Surviving   Corporation

preferred stock.

 

     1.8 Lost or Stolen Certificate. In the event that any certificates for GOLD

Common shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed,   the Paying Agent shall pay in

exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed certificates,   upon the making of an

affidavit of that fact by the holder thereof, together with such other documents

required   under   Section 1.6 above,   such cash as is   required   pursuant to this

Agreement;   provided, however, that the Paying Agent, may, in its discretion and

as a condition precedent to the payment of cash, require the owner of such lost,

stolen   or   destroyed   certificates   to   deliver   a bond in   such   sum as it may

reasonably   direct as   indemnity   against any claim that may be made against the

Surviving   Corporation   or the   Paying   Agent with   respect to the   certificates

alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

 

     1.9 Further   Action.   If, 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 the Surviving   Corporation with full right,   title and possession to all

assets, property, rights, privileges,   powers and franchises of GOLD, or SAC and

SILVER,   the officers and directors of the Surviving   Corporation shall be fully

authorized   (in the name of SILVER,   SAC, GOLD,   the Surviving   Corporation   and

otherwise) to take all such necessary action.

 

     1.10 Continued   Existence.   At the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger

shall   be as   provided   by   the   applicable   provisions   of the   Kansas   General

Corporation   Code and the   General   Corporation   Law of the   State of   Delaware.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,   and subject   thereto,   at the

Effective   Time: the separate   existence of SAC shall cease;   GOLD shall possess

all   assets and   property   of every   description,   and every   interest   therein,

wherever located, and the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, franchises and

authority,   of a public as well as of a private nature, of each of SAC and GOLD;

all obligations belonging to or due each of SAC and GOLD shall be vested in, and

become the obligations   of, GOLD without further act or deed;   title to any real

estate or any interest   therein vested in either of SAC or GOLD shall not revert

or in any way be impaired by reason of the Merger;   all rights of creditors   and

all   liens   upon any   property   of   either   of SAC or GOLD   shall   be   preserved

unimpaired;   and GOLD shall be liable for all the obligations of each of SAC and

GOLD and any claim   existing,   or action or   proceeding   pending,   by or against

either of SAC and GOLD may be prosecuted to judgment,   with right of appeal,   as

if the Merger had not taken place.   Immediately after the Merger and pursuant to

the Second   Merger:   the separate   existence of GOLD shall cease;   the Surviving

Corporation   shall   possess all assets and   property of every   description,   and

every   interest   therein,    wherever   located,    and   the   rights,    privileges,

immunities,   powers,   franchises   and   authority,   of a   public   as well as of a

private nature, of each of the Parties; all obligations belonging to or due each

of the Parties

 

                                       5

<PAGE>

 

shall be vested in, and become the   obligations   of, the   Surviving   Corporation

without   further act or deed;   title to any real estate or any interest   therein

vested in each of the   Parties   shall not   revert or in any way be   impaired   by

reason of the   Second   Merger;   all rights of   creditors   and all liens upon any

property of each of the Parties shall be preserved unimpaired; and the Surviving

Corporation   shall be liable for all the   obligations of each of the Parties and

any claim existing,   or action or proceeding   pending, by or against each of the

Parties may be   prosecuted to judgment,   with right of appeal,   as if the Second

Merger had not taken place.

 

     1.11   Certificate of   Incorporation.   The Certificate of   Incorporation   of

SILVER,   as amended and restated   immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall

be the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving   Corporation   until further

altered, amended or repealed as provided by law.

 

     1.12 By-Laws.   The By-Laws of SILVER as in effect   immediately prior to the

Effective   Time shall be the By-Laws of the   Surviving   Corporation   ("By-Laws")

until further altered, amended or repealed as provided by law.

 

     1.13 Directors; Officers. The directors of the Surviving Corporation at the

Effective Time shall be those directors of SILVER in office immediately prior to

the Effective   Time. The officers of the Surviving   Corporation at the Effective

Time   shall be those   officers   of   SILVER in   office   immediately   prior to the

Effective Time.

 

     1.14 Registered Office. The Surviving   Corporation shall be governed by the

laws of the State of Delaware,   and the address of its registered office in that

state shall be that of SILVER.

 

     1.15 Dissenters' Rights. If any Dissenting Shareholder shall be entitled to

the   payment of the value of the   shareholder's   Common   Shares as   provided   in

Section 17-6712 of the Kansas General   Corporation   Code, GOLD shall give SILVER

notice    thereof   and   SILVER   shall   have   the   right   to   participate   in   all

negotiations and proceedings   with respect to any such demands.   GOLD shall not,

except with the prior written   consent of SILVER,   voluntarily   make any payment

with respect to, or settle or offer to settle,   any such demand for payment.   If

any   Dissenting   Shareholder   shall fail to   perfect   or shall have   effectively

withdrawn   or lost the right to   dissent,   the shares   held by such   shareholder

shall thereupon be entitled to be surrendered in exchange for the amount of cash

as provided in Section 1.1(a)(i) and 1.6.

 

              ARTICLE II - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GOLD

 

     Except as set forth in the GOLD SEC Reports filed prior to February 1, 2004

and the   memorandum   previously   delivered   by GOLD to   SILVER,   which   contains

specific   disclosures    corresponding   to   each   applicable   representation   and

warranty set forth below ("GOLD Disclosure Memorandum"),   GOLD hereby represents

and warrants to SILVER as follows:

 

      2.1   Corporate Organization, Authorization, etc.

           ------------------------------------------

 

      (a)   GOLD is a corporation   duly organized,   validly existing and in   good

standing under the Laws of the State of Kansas and has full corporate   power and

authority to

 

                                       6

<PAGE>

 

conduct   its   business   as it is now   being   conducted   and to own or lease   the

properties   and assets it now owns or holds under   lease;   is duly   qualified or

licensed to do business and is in good standing in every   jurisdiction where the

character   of   its   business   or   the   nature   of   its   properties    makes   such

qualification or licensing necessary, except for such jurisdictions in which the

failure to be so qualified or licensed is not reasonably likely, individually or

in the   aggregate,   to have a   Material   Adverse   Effect on GOLD.   GOLD has full

corporate   power and   authority to enter into this   Agreement,   and,   subject to

shareholder approval,   to consummate the transactions   contemplated herein. This

Agreement   has been duly   executed   and   delivered   by GOLD and,   is a valid and

binding agreement of GOLD enforceable against GOLD in accordance with its terms,

subject to Laws relating to   bankruptcy,   insolvency   (including   all applicable

laws relating to fraudulent   transfers),   reorganization,   moratorium or similar

laws now or hereafter in effect   relating to creditors'   rights   generally or to

general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in

a   proceeding   in   equity   or at   law)   and   subject   to   the   approval   of   the

shareholders   as   required   by the   Kansas   General   Corporation   Code   and   the

approvals   described in Section 2.4, the   consummation by GOLD of the Merger has

been duly authorized by all necessary   corporate action. GOLD is duly registered

as a bank   holding   company   under   the Bank   Holding   Company   Act of 1956,   as

amended.   GOLD has   heretofore   delivered to SILVER true,   accurate and complete

copies of the Articles of   Incorporation   and By-Laws of GOLD as in effect as of

the date of this Agreement.

 

          (b) The Board of Directors of GOLD, at a meeting duly called and   held

under   applicable   laws and its   Articles of   Incorporation   and By-Laws   ("GOLD

Approval"),   has (i) approved this Agreement and the   transactions   contemplated

herein;   (ii)   subject to Sections   5.4(c) and 5.10 hereof,   directed   that this

Agreement and the transaction contemplated hereby be submitted for consideration

by GOLD's   shareholders   at a special meeting to be duly called and held as soon

as   practicable;   (iii) subject to Sections   5.4(c) and 5.10 hereof,   determined

that this Agreement and this transaction   contemplated hereby are fair to and in

the   best   interests   of GOLD and its   shareholders,   and   recommended   that the

shareholders   of GOLD adopt this   Agreement.   The Board of Directors of GOLD has

taken all actions so that the restrictions contained in Section 17-12,100 of the

Kansas   General   Corporation   Code   applicable to a "business   combination"   (as

defined   in   Section   17-12,101),   will not   apply to SAC or SILVER   during   the

pendency of this Agreement,   including the execution, delivery or performance of

this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions   contemplated herein. No

other state takeover statute, or similar statute or regulation,   applies to GOLD

with respect to this Agreement or the Merger.

 

     2.2 Authorized and Outstanding   Stock. The authorized capital stock of GOLD

consists of 50,000,000   shares of common stock,   par value $1.00 per share,   and

50,000,000   shares of preferred   stock,   no par value.   As of February 17, 2004,

39,840,142   shares of GOLD   Common were issued and   outstanding,   and   4,824,575

shares of GOLD Common were held as treasury   stock by GOLD,   and after such date

the only additional   shares issued or that will be issued were or will have been

so issued pursuant to those stock options and restricted   stock awards described

in the Disclosure   Memorandum described below. As of the date of this Agreement,

no   shares   of   preferred   stock   of GOLD are   issued   and   outstanding,   and no

previously   issued and redeemed shares are held in treasury.   All of such issued

and   outstanding   shares of GOLD   Common   are   validly   issued,   fully   paid and

nonassessable.   Except as set forth above,   GOLD does not have   outstanding   any

other shares of its capital stock or any other securities or indebtedness having

the right to vote on any   matters   on which   holders   of GOLD   Common   may vote.

Except   as   set

 

                                        7

<PAGE>

 

forth in the Disclosure Memorandum,   GOLD does not have outstanding,   and is not

bound by, any subscriptions,   options,   warrants,   calls,   commitments,   Rights,

"phantom" stock rights, stock rights agreements,   stock-based performance units,

Contracts   or any   other   instrument   obligating   GOLD to issue or   deliver   any

additional   shares of its capital stock or any other   securities or indebtedness

having   the right to vote on any   matters on which   holders   of GOLD   Common may

vote,   including   any right of   conversion   or   exchange   under any   outstanding

security or other instrument. There are no outstanding stock appreciation rights

or other Rights that are in any way linked to the price of any capital   stock of

GOLD.   There   are   not   any   outstanding   contractual   obligations   of   GOLD   to

repurchase,   redeem or otherwise   acquire any shares of GOLD Common   Stock.   The

holders of the capital stock of GOLD have no preemptive   rights.   As of February

17, 2004, there were outstanding and unexercised   options to purchase a total of

1,196,142   shares of GOLD Common.   The Disclosure   Memorandum   lists the name of

each optionee holding such outstanding and unexercised options and includes with

respect to each optionee:   (a) the number of options granted;   (b) the number of

such options   which are vested and   unvested as of February   11,   2004;   (c) the

exercise   price;   (d)   identification   of the plan,   agreement or other document

under   which   such   options   were   issued to the   optionee   or by which they are

governed;   and (e) the number of options of the optionee   that are qualified and

non-qualified pursuant to the Code.

 

     2.3 Subsidiaries, Affiliates, etc. The Disclosure Memorandum sets forth, as

of the date thereof, a true and complete list of GOLD's Subsidiaries. GOLD owns,

either   directly or indirectly   through a wholly-owned   Subsidiary,   100% of the

issued and   outstanding   capital   stock of each   Subsidiary,   including   without

limitation,   Gold Bank, a duly organized and validly existing Kansas state bank,

Gold Bank, a duly organized and validly   existing   Oklahoma state bank, and Gold

Bank, a duly   organized and validly   existing   Florida   state bank   (hereinafter

referred to   individually as a "Bank   Subsidiary" and   collectively as the "Bank

Subsidiaries").   Neither GOLD nor any Subsidiary owns any material amount of any

shares of stock of any   corporation or material amount of any equity interest in

a partnership,   joint venture or other business entity, and neither GOLD nor any

of the Subsidiaries controls any other corporation,   partnership,   joint venture

or   other   business   entity   by   means   of a   management   contract.   Each of the

Subsidiaries is duly organized,   validly existing and in good standing under the

Laws   of the   jurisdiction   set   forth   opposite   its   name   in   the   Disclosure

Memorandum.   Each   Subsidiary has full corporate power and authority to carry on

its business as it is now being   conducted   and to own or lease the property and

assets it now owns or holds under lease; and is duly qualified or licensed to do

business and is in good standing in every other state of the United States where

the   character   of its   business   or the   nature   of its   properties   make   such

qualification or licensing   necessary except for such jurisdictions in which the

failure to be so qualified or licensed is not reasonably likely, individually or

in   the   aggregate,    to   have   a   Material   Adverse   Effect   on   GOLD   and   its

Subsidiaries,   taken as a whole. None of the Subsidiaries has outstanding, or is

bound by, any subscriptions,   options,   warrants,   calls,   commitments,   Rights,

"phantom" stock rights,   stock-based performance units or Contracts or any other

instrument   obligating   GOLD or any of its   Subsidiaries to issue or deliver any

shares of its capital stock or any other   securities or indebtedness   having the

right to vote on any matters on which holders of   Subsidiaries   common stock may

vote,   including   any right of   conversion   or   exchange   under any   outstanding

security or other   instrument   and   Subsidiaries   are not obligated to issue any

shares of their capital stock for any purpose.   There are no   outstanding   stock

appreciation   rights or other   Rights that are in any way linked to the price of

any capital stock of   Subsidiaries.   There are not any   outstanding   contractual

obligations   of a Subsidiary   to   repurchase,   redeem or   otherwise   acquire any

shares of

 

                                       8

<PAGE>

 

its capital stock. All shares of the Subsidiaries which are owned by GOLD or one

of the Subsidiaries are free and clear of all Liens,   claims and encumbrances of

whatever   nature   and all   such   shares   are   validly   issued   and   fully   paid.

Subsidiaries do not have outstanding any other shares of their capital stock, or

any other securities or indebtedness   having the right to vote on any matters on

which a holder of   Subsidiary   common stock may vote.   There are no   unsatisfied

preemptive   rights in respect to the capital   stock of any of the   Subsidiaries.

Each of GBCI   Capital   Trust,   GBCI Capital   Trust II and ABI Capital   Trust has

fewer than 300 record owners of preferred   securities.   The deposit   accounts of

each of the Bank   Subsidiaries   are   insured by the   Federal   Deposit   Insurance

Corporation   through the Bank Insurance Fund to the fullest extent   permitted by

law (some of the deposit   accounts of Gold Bank, a Kansas state   chartered bank,

are insured by the Savings   Association   Fund), and all premiums and assessments

required to be paid in   connection   therewith   have been paid when due. GOLD has

previously   made available to SILVER true,   accurate and complete   copies of the

currently   effective   Articles   of   Incorporation   and   By-Laws,   or   equivalent

organizational documents, of each of the Subsidiaries.

 

     2.4 Consents, Approvals, Filings, etc., of Governmental Authorities. Except

for (i) approval of the Board of Governors   of the Federal   Reserve   System (the

"Federal Reserve"), the Office of Thrift Supervision (the "OTS"), and the Kansas

State   Bank   Commissioners;    (ii)   notice   to   the   Federal   Deposit   Insurance

Corporation (the "FDIC") and the Oklahoma and Florida State Bank   Commissioners;

(iii) any required filing with Kansas   Insurance   Department;   (iv) any required

filing or   notification   with the   Department   of Justice   and/or   Federal Trade

Commission pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976,

as amended;   (iv) with respect to Gold   Financial   Services,   Inc. or any of its

subsidiaries, any required filings or approvals under the Investment Company Act

of 1940,   as amended,   or the   Investment   Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the

"Advisors   Act"),   (v) any   required   filings or   approvals   with respect to the

change in control   of GOLD's   trust   company   Subsidiary   and its   broker-dealer

subsidiary;   (vi)   filings   and   consents   required   with   respect   to   SILVER's

assumption of liability for GOLD's   outstanding   trust preferred   securities and

the delisting of such trust preferred securities from the Nasdaq, (vii) filing a

proxy   statement   with   the SEC in   accordance   with   the   Exchange   Act and the

regulations   promulgated   thereunder;   and   (viii)   filing   and   recordation   of

appropriate merger documents as required by Kansas General   Corporation Code and

the Delaware General   Corporation Law, the Florida Business   Corporation Act and

the Oklahoma General   Corporation Act, no consents or approvals of or filings or

registrations with any Governmental Authority of the United States, of any state

thereof or with any third party are necessary in   connection   with the execution

and   delivery   by GOLD   of this   Agreement   or the   consummation   by GOLD of the

transactions contemplated herein, other than any such consent, approval, filings

or registrations   which if not obtained or made, would not be reasonably   likely

to have a   Material   Adverse   Effect   on GOLD and its   Subsidiaries,   taken as a

whole.

 

     2.5    SEC Filings and Financial Statements.

           ------------------------------------

 

           (a)   GOLD   has filed and made available to SILVER a true and complete

copy of each report,   schedule,   registration   statement   and   definitive   proxy

statement   filed by GOLD with the SEC   since   January   1,   1999   (the   "GOLD SEC

Reports"), which are all the reports that GOLD was required to file with the SEC

since such date. As of their   respective dates (or if amended or superseded by a

filing after such date, then on the date of such subsequent filing), each of the

GOLD SEC Reports complied in all material   respects with the requirements of the

 

                                       9

<PAGE>

 

Securities   Act or the   Exchange   Act,   as the case may be,   and the   rules   and

regulations   of the SEC thereunder   applicable to such GOLD SEC Report,   and, to

the   extent   not   included   in   the   Securities   Act or the   Exchange   Act,   the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley   Act"), and none of the GOLD SEC

Reports   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   (except any   statements   or omissions   therein   which were   amended,

corrected   or otherwise   disclosed or updated in a subsequent   GOLD SEC Report).

Each of the "principal   executive officer" of GOLD and the "principal   financial

officer"   of GOLD (in each case,   as defined by the   Sarbanes-Oxley   Act),   or a

predecessor   thereto,   has made all certifications   required by Sections 302 and

906 of the   Sarbanes-Oxley   Act,   and   the   rules   and   regulations   of the   SEC

promulgated   thereunder,   with   respect   to   GOLD   SEC   Reports   requiring   such

certifications.

 

           (b)    The   audited   financial   statements   and the unaudited financial

statements of GOLD (including in each case, the notes thereto) contained in GOLD

SEC Reports   filed on Form 10-K or Form 10-Q,   including   GOLD SEC Reports filed

subsequent   to the date   hereof on such   forms,   (i) are or will be   prepared in

accordance   with GAAP (except as may be indicated in the notes to such financial

statements or, in the case of unaudited   financial   statements,   as permitted by

Form 10-Q and by Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X   promulgated by the SEC), and (ii)

present or will present fairly the consolidated   financial   position of GOLD and

its Subsidiaries as of their respective   dates, and the consolidated   results of

operations and cash flows for the periods   indicated   (except that the unaudited

interim   financial   statements   were or are   subject   to   normal   and   recurring

year-end adjustments, and except for the absence of certain footnote information

in the unaudited statements).

 

          (c)   Neither GOLD nor any of its Subsidiaries has any material liabil-

ity or   obligation of a type which would be required to be included in a balance

sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP,   whether   accrued or contingent,   due or

not yet due,   liquidated or   unliquidated,   or otherwise,   (i) except and to the

extent disclosed or reflected in the financial   statements   included in the GOLD

SEC Reports,   or (ii) except for   liabilities   and   obligations   incurred in the

ordinary   course of   business   since the date of the last   financial   statements

included in the GOLD SEC Reports,   which   individually   and in the aggregate are

not   reasonably   likely to result in a Material   Adverse   Effect on GOLD and its

Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

      2.6    Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.

            ----------------------------------

 

            (a)   There are no liabilities of GOLD or any of the Subsidiaries   of

any nature, whether accrued, absolute,   contingent, or otherwise, whether due or

to become due, that are reasonably   likely to have a Material   Adverse Effect on

GOLD and its   Subsidiaries,   taken as a whole,   except for liabilities   incurred

since   December 31, 2003 (the   "Balance   Sheet Date") in the ordinary   course of

business.

 

            (b) Neither GOLD nor its Subsidiaries is a party to a pending action

which is reasonably   likely to result in a Material   Adverse   Effect on GOLD and

its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

                                       10

<PAGE>

 

      2.7    Absence of Changes. Since the Balance Sheet Date,   there has been no

change   in   the   business,    results   of   operations,    financial   condition   or

liabilities (accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise), or other occurrence or

events with respect to GOLD or the   Subsidiaries,   that has had or is reasonably

likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on GOLD and its Subsidiaries,   taken as

a whole.   Since the Balance   Sheet Date,   there has been no event or   occurrence

with respect to GOLD or the Subsidiaries   described in Section 4.2 hereof (as if

the restrictions in such section commenced on the Balance Sheet Date but subject

to the exceptions set forth in Article IV).

 

      2.8   Proxy Statement, etc.   GOLD's definitive proxy statement with respect

to the   Merger   (the   "Proxy   Statement"),   on the date it is   mailed   to GOLD's

shareholders,   will comply as to form with   requirements of the Exchange Act and

will not 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;   provided,   however,   that no   representation or warranty is made by

GOLD with   respect to any   information   which is   furnished to GOLD by SILVER in

writing for the specific purpose of inclusion in the Proxy Statement.

 

      2.9   No Violation. Neither the execution, delivery and performance of this

Agreement by GOLD, nor the consummation by GOLD of the transactions contemplated

hereby   will (i)   conflict   with or result in a breach of any   provision   of the

respective Articles of Incorporation or bylaws (or similar governing   documents)

of GOLD or any Subsidiary; (ii) result in a violation or breach of or constitute

(with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to

any right of termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration or Lien) under

any of the terms,   conditions or provisions of any Contract to which GOLD or any

Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them or their respective   properties or

assets are bound;   (iii) violate any order,   writ,   injunction,   decree to which

GOLD or a   Subsidiary   is   subject,   or any   law,   statute,   rule or   regulation

applicable to GOLD or any   Subsidiary or any of their   respective   properties or

assets   except,   in the   case of the   foregoing   clauses   (ii)   and   (iii),   for

violations,   breaches or defaults that would not, either   individually or in the

aggregate,   be reasonably   likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect on GOLD

and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

      2.10   Brokerage/Fairness Opinion.   Except for fees payable to GOLD Advisor

(as set forth in the Advisor   Letter),   neither   GOLD nor any of its officers or

directors   has employed any broker or finder or incurred any   liability   for any

broker's   fees,   commissions   or   finder's   fees in   connection   with any of the

transactions   contemplated   by this   Agreement.   A copy of the letter   agreement

between   GOLD   Advisor   and GOLD (the   "Advisor   Letter"),   has been   previously

delivered by GOLD to SILVER. Prior to the execution of this Agreement,   GOLD has

received an opinion from Sandler O'Neill & Partners,   L.P. (the "GOLD Advisor"),

dated   the date of this   Agreement,   to the   effect   that,   as of such   date the

consideration to be received by the stockholders of GOLD in the Merger,   is fair

to such   stockholders   from a financial point of view. Such opinion has not been

amended or rescinded as of the date of this Agreement.

 

      2.11   Tax Matters.

            -----------

 

            (a)   As of the date of this Agreement,   GOLD   and   the   Subsidiaries

have properly filed all federal,   state,   local and foreign Tax Returns required

to be filed ("Returns"),

 

                                        11

<PAGE>

 

and all Taxes shown by such   returns to be due and payable have been paid or are

or will be reflected   as a Liability   on the   December   31, 2003 Balance   Sheet.

GOLD's   federal   income tax Returns   have been filed with the   Internal   Revenue

Service (the "IRS")   through its fiscal year 2002,   and all of state,   local and

foreign tax   authorities   have been paid or such taxes have been reserved for in

the December 31, 2003 Balance Sheet, and, at the date hereof, GOLD has not given

or   received   an   outstanding   request   to give any   waiver   of any   statute   of

limitations   relating to the payment of federal,   state, local or foreign Taxes.

The reserves for Taxes   specifically   reflected on the December 31, 2003 Balance

Sheet   are   adequate   to   cover   all   federal,   state,   local   and   foreign   Tax

liabilities   payable by GOLD and the   Subsidiaries   for the period   prior to the

date of such balance sheet.   GOLD has   previously   delivered to SILVER copies of

the   federal   income tax   returns of GOLD and the   Subsidiaries   for each of the

periods ended December 31, 2001 and 2002.

 

          (b) GOLD and the Subsidiaries as of the Effective Time will have with-

held with respect to their employees all federal,   state and local income taxes,

and other Taxes required to be withheld,   except such Taxes which would not have

a Material Adverse Effect on GOLD and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

          (c)   No audit or other examination of any Returns   of   GOLD   or any of

the   Subsidiaries   by any Tax   authority is presently in progress,   nor has GOLD

been notified of any such audit or other examination.

 

          (d)   No adjustment relating to   any   Returns   filed   by   GOLD   or   any

of the Subsidiaries has been proposed in writing   formally,   or to the Knowledge

of GOLD informally, by any Tax authority to GOLD or any representative thereof.

 

          (e) There is no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement to which GOLD

or any   of the   Subsidiaries   is a   party   as of the   date   of   this   Agreement,

including   but not limited to the   provisions   of this   Agreement,   covering any

employee   or   former   employee   of   GOLD   or   any   of   the   Subsidiaries    that,

individually or   collectively,   would reasonably be expected to give rise to the

payment of any amount that would not be   deductible   pursuant to Sections   280G,

404 or 162(m) of the Code. There is no contract,   agreement, plan or arrangement

to which GOLD or any of the   Subsidiaries   is a party or by which it is bound to

compensate   any individual for excise taxes paid pursuant to Section 4999 of the

Code.

 

          (f)   Neither   GOLD nor any of the   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 GOLD or any of the Subsidiaries.

 

          (g)   Neither GOLD   nor any of the   Subsidiaries   (i) is a party to any

Tax sharing or Tax allocation agreement, arrangement or understanding (excepting

one another),   (ii) is liable for the Taxes of any other person   (excepting   one

another) under Treasury   Regulation 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state,

local or foreign law),   as a transferee or successor,   by contract or otherwise,

and (iii) is a party to any joint venture, partnership or other arrangement that

could be treated as a partnership   for income Tax purposes.   There are no Claims

pending,   or to the   Knowledge   of GOLD,   threatened   against GOLD or any of its

Subsidiaries   alleging   liability for

 

                                       12

<PAGE>

 

any   unpaid or   delinquent   Tax due under any   consolidated   federal   income Tax

Return of any affiliated   group of which GOLD or any Subsidiary was previously a

member.

 

          (h)    Neither   GOLD   nor   any   of   the   Subsidiaries   has   constituted

either   a   "distributing    corporation"   or   a   "controlled   corporation"   in   a

distribution of stock qualifying for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the

Code   (i) in the two   years   prior   to the   date of the   Agreement   or (ii) in a

distribution   which could   otherwise   constitute   part of a "plan" or "series of

related   transactions"   (within   the   meaning of Section   355(e) of the Code) in

conjunction with the Merger.

 

          (i)   None of GOLD's or the   Subsidiaries'   assets   are tax   exempt use

property within the meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code.

 

          (j)   Each of   Gold RE Holdings I, LLC and Gold RE   Holdings   III,   LLC

was   formed   for   valid   business   purposes,   has since   its   organization,   and

presently meets the requirements of   qualification   as a Real Estate   Investment

Trust under Section 856 of the Code.

 

     2.12   Employee Benefit Plans.

           ----------------------

 

          (a)   All employee   compensation,   incentive,   fringe or benefit plans,

programs,   policies,   commitments,   agreements or other   arrangements   including

golden parachute   agreements (whether or not set forth in a written document and

including,   without limitation,   all "employee benefit plans" within the meaning

of Section   3(3) of the Employee   Retirement   Income   Security   Act of 1974,   as

amended   ("ERISA"))   covering   any   active   or   former   employee,    director   or

consultant   of GOLD   ("GOLD   Employee"   which   shall   for this   purpose   mean an

employee of GOLD or an ERISA   Affiliate (as defined   below)),   any subsidiary of

GOLD or any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of

a controlled group or which is under common control with GOLD within the meaning

of Section 414 of the Code (an "ERISA Affiliate"), or with respect to which GOLD

has or, to its   Knowledge,   may in the   future   have   Liability,   are   listed in

Disclosure   Memorandum   (the   "GOLD   Plans").   GOLD has   provided   or will   make

available to SILVER: (i) correct and complete copies of all documents   embodying

each GOLD Plan   including   (without   limitation)   all   amendments   thereto,   all

related   trust   documents,   and all material   written   agreements   and contracts

relating   to each such GOLD Plan;   (ii) the most   recent   annual   reports   (Form

Series 5500 and all schedules and financial   statements   attached   thereto),   if

any,   required under ERISA or the Internal   Revenue Code in connection with each

GOLD Plan;   (iii) the most recent   summary plan   description   together   with the

summary(ies) of material   modifications   thereto,   if any,   required under ERISA

with   respect   to   each   GOLD   Plan;   (iv)   all   IRS    determination,    opinion,

notification and advisory   letters;   (v) all material   correspondence to or from

any   governmental   agency   relating to any GOLD Plan; (vi) all forms and related

notices required under the   Consolidated   Omnibus Budget   Reconciliation   Act of

1985, as amended ("COBRA");   (vii) the most recent discrimination tests for each

GOLD Plan;   (viii) the most recent actuarial   valuations,   if any,   prepared for

each GOLD Plan; (ix) if the GOLD Plan is funded, the most recent annual periodic

accounting of the GOLD Plan assets;   and (x) all communication to GOLD Employees

relating to any GOLD Plan and any proposed GOLD Plan, in each case,   relating to

any   amendments,   terminations,    establishments,    increases   or   decreases   in

benefits,   acceleration of payments or vesting schedules,   or other events which

 

                                       13

<PAGE>

 

would result in any material liability to GOLD and its Subsidiaries,   taken as a

whole, or any ERISA Affiliate.

 

         (b) Each GOLD Plan has been maintained and administered in all material

respects in compliance   with its terms and with the   requirements   prescribed by

any and all Laws (foreign or   domestic),   including but not limited to ERISA and

the Code,   which are   applicable   to such GOLD   Plans and all   Returns   that are

required   to be filed   have been   filed.   No   Litigation   (excluding   claims for

benefits   incurred   in the   ordinary   course of GOLD Plan   activities)   has been

brought,   or to the Knowledge of GOLD, is threatened   against or with respect to

any such GOLD Plan. There are no audits, inquiries or proceedings pending or, to

the Knowledge of GOLD,   threatened by the IRS or Department of Labor (the "DOL")

with respect to any GOLD Plans. All contributions,   reserves or premium payments

required to be made or accrued as of the date hereof to the GOLD Plans have been

timely made or accrued.   Any GOLD Plan   intended to be qualified   under   Section

401(a) of the Code and each trust   intended to qualify under   Section   501(a) of

the   Internal   Revenue Code (i) has either   obtained a favorable   determination,

notification, advisory and/or opinion letter, as applicable, as to its qualified

status   from the IRS or still has a   remaining   period of time under   applicable

Treasury Regulations or IRS pronouncements in which to apply for such letter and

to make any amendments necessary to obtain a favorable   determination,   and (ii)

incorporates   or has been   amended to   incorporate   all   provisions   required to

comply with the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and subsequent legislation.   No condition

or circumstance   exists giving rise to a material   likelihood that any such GOLD

Plan would not be treated as qualified   by the IRS.   GOLD does not have any plan

or commitment to establish any new GOLD Plan, to modify any GOLD Plan (except to

the extent required by law or to conform any such GOLD Plan to the   requirements

of any   applicable   Law,   in each   case as   previously   disclosed   to   SILVER in

writing, or as required by the terms of any GOLD Plan or this Agreement),   or to

enter   into any new GOLD   Plan.   Each GOLD Plan can be   amended,   terminated   or

otherwise   discontinued   after the Effective Time in accordance   with its terms,

without   liability to SILVER,   GOLD or any of its ERISA   Affiliates   (other than

ordinary administration expenses).

 

         (c)   Neither GOLD, any of   its Subsidiaries,   nor   any of   their   ERISA

Affiliates has at any time ever maintained, established, sponsored, participated

in, or   contributed   to any plan   subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of

the Code and at no time has GOLD   contributed to or been requested to contribute

to any "multiemployer plan," as such term is defined in ERISA. Neither GOLD, any

of   its   Subsidiaries,   nor   any   officer   or   director   of   GOLD   or any of its

Subsidiaries is subject to any material   Liability or penalty under Section 4975

through   4980B of the Code or Title I of   ERISA.   No   "prohibited   transaction,"

within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Sections 406 and 407 of ERISA,

and not   otherwise   exempt   under   Section   4975 of the Code and   Section 408 of

ERISA,   has occurred   with respect to any GOLD Plan which could   subject GOLD or

its ERISA Affiliates to material Liability.

 

         (d)   None of the GOLD   Plans promises   or provides   retiree   medical or

other   retiree   welfare   benefits to any person except as required by applicable

law, and neither GOLD nor any of the Subsidiaries   has represented,   promised or

contracted   to   provide   such   retiree   benefits   to any GOLD   Employee,   former

employee, director, consultant or other person, except to the extent required by

statute.

 

                                       14

<PAGE>

 

          (e)   Except   as   would   not   have a   Material   Adverse   Effect on GOLD

and its   Subsidiaries,   taken as a whole,   GOLD is in compliance in all material

respects with all applicable   material foreign,   federal,   state and local Laws,

respecting employment,   employment practices, terms and conditions of employment

and wages and hours.

 

          (f)   Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the con-

summation of the transactions   contemplated hereby either alone or in connection

with any other   event   will (i)   result   in any   payment   (including   severance,

unemployment compensation, golden parachute, bonus or otherwise) becoming due to

any stockholder,   director or GOLD Employee or any of the Subsidiaries under any

GOLD Plan or otherwise;   (ii) materially increase any benefits otherwise payable

under any GOLD Plan, or (iii) result in the   acceleration of the time of payment

or vesting of any such benefits.

 

     2.13   Real and Personal Property.

           --------------------------

 

          (a)   GOLD or one of its Subsidiaries has good and marketable   title to

all real   property and owns all personal   property (i) reflected on the December

31,   2003   Balance   Sheet   as   being   owned   by GOLD or its   Subsidiaries,   (ii)

thereafter acquired by GOLD or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) owned by GOLD or

any of its   Subsidiaries at December 31, 2003 but which assets have been written

down   to zero   (except   in   each   case   for   assets   disposed   of by GOLD or its

Subsidiaries   in the ordinary   course of business since   December 31, 2003),   in

each case free and clear of any Liens,   except as   reflected on the December 31,

2003 Balance Sheet,   and except for (i) Liens for current Taxes and   assessments

not yet due and payable or which can be paid   hereafter   without   penalty,   (ii)

inchoate   mechanic and materialmen's   Liens for construction in progress,   (iii)

workmen's,   repairmen's,   warehousemen's,   and carrier's and other similar Liens

arising   in the   ordinary   course of   business,   (iv) with   respect   to the Bank

Subsidiaries,   pledges   to secure   deposits   and   other   Liens   incurred   in the

ordinary   course   of   their   banking   business,   and (v) such   imperfections   or

irregularities of title or Liens as do not materially interfere with the present

or   proposed   use of such   assets or   property   which are   subject   thereto,   or

materially impair the business and operations   relating to real property of GOLD

and   its   Subsidiaries,    taken   as   a   whole;   provided,    however,   that   this

representation   and   warranty   shall not extend to those   assets of GOLD and its

Subsidiaries which in the aggregate are not material to the business, results of

operations, prospects or financial condition of GOLD and its Subsidiaries, taken

as a whole.   The   Disclosure   Memorandum   contains a   complete   list of all real

property owned by GOLD or any of its   Subsidiaries   (other than OREO   properties

acquired and held by the Bank in the ordinary course of business).

 

          (b)   Since December 31, 2003, neither GOLD nor any of its Subsidiaries

has entered   into any   agreement or   commitment   to sell any   property,   real or

personal,   or any other assets of GOLD or any of its Subsidiaries   other than in

the ordinary course of business,   nor has GOLD nor any of its Subsidiaries   made

any   commitment or taken or failed to take any action which would cause any Lien

to attach to any property, other than such Liens which are not reasonably likely

to have a   Material   Adverse   Effect   on GOLD and its   Subsidiaries,   taken as a

whole.

 

          (c)   All tangible property and assets of GOLD or any of its Subsidiar-

ies which are   material to the   business,   results of   operations,   prospects or

financial   condition of GOLD and

 

                                       15

<PAGE>

 

its   Subsidiaries,   taken as a whole,   have been well maintained and are in good

operating   condition and repair, in all material   respects,   except for ordinary

wear and tear.

 

     2.14   Leases.

           ------

 

          (a)   The Disclosure   Memorandum   hereof   contains   a list   of all real

property   leases   (the   "Real   Property   Leases")   to   which   GOLD or any of its

Subsidiaries is a party,   either as lessor or lessee (the facilities   subject to

such Real Property Leases being referred to as the "Leased Facilities"). Each of

the Real Property Leases is in full force and effect and neither GOLD nor any of

its Subsidiaries nor, to GOLD's knowledge, any other party thereto has committed

any Default   thereunder,   except for any Default,   that   individually   or in the

aggregate,   is not reasonably   likely to result in a Material   Adverse Effect on

GOLD and its   Subsidiaries,   taken as a whole. No Consent is necessary under the

terms   of any   Real   Property   Lease   in   connection   with   the   Merger   and the

transactions contemplated by this Agreement except for any Consent, which if not

obtained,   would not   reasonably   be   expected   to result in a Material   Adverse

Effect upon GOLD and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

          (b)   The   Disclosure   Memorandum   contains a list   of all Leases   with

respect to personal property involving   aggregate future payments of $100,000 or

more (the "Personal   Property   Leases") to which GOLD or any of its Subsidiaries

is a party,   either as lessor or lessee (the personal   property   subject to such

Personal   Property Leases being referred to as the "Leased Personal   Property").

Each of the   Personal   Property   Leases is in full force and effect and   neither

GOLD nor any of its   Subsidiaries   nor,   to GOLD's   knowledge,   any other   party

thereto has committed any material Default   thereunder,   except for any Default,

that   individually or in the aggregate,   is not reasonably likely to result in a

Material   Adverse   Effect   on GOLD and its   Subsidiaries,   taken as a whole.   No

Consent   is   necessary   under   the   terms   of any   Personal   Property   Lease   in

connection with the Merger and the   transactions   contemplated by this Agreement

except for any Consent, which if not obtained,   would not reasonably be expected

to result in a Material Adverse Effect upon GOLD and its Subsidiaries,   taken as

a whole.

 

     2.15   Intellectual Property.

           ---------------------

 

          (a) The Disclosure   Memorandum lists all Intellectual Property that is

owned   by,   and   all   licenses   of    Intellectual    Property   to,   GOLD   or   its

Subsidiaries.   Each license of Intellectual Property is in full force and effect

and neither GOLD nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor to GOLD's knowledge, any other

party thereto, has committed a Default thereunder,   except when any such Default

would not reasonably be expected to have a Material   Adverse Effect upon GOLD or

its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

          (b)   To the knowledge of GOLD, (i) neither GOLD nor any of its Subsid-

iaries have infringed the Intellectual   Property rights of any Person, (ii) none

of the   Intellectual   Property used in the business of GOLD or its   Subsidiaries

infringes the Intellectual Property rights of any Person, and (iii) neither GOLD

nor   any   of   its    Subsidiaries   has   received   any   notice   of   any   claim   of

infringement,   except when any infringement, or claim of infringement, would not

reasonably   be   expected   to have a   Material   Adverse   Effect   on GOLD   and its

Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

                                       16

<PAGE>

 

          (c)   Except for payments due under the licenses of   Intellectual Prop-

erty listed in the   Disclosure   Memorandum,   neither GOLD nor any   Subsidiary is

obligated to pay any   royalties   or license   fees to any Party for   Intellectual

Property.

 

      2.16   Certain Contracts, Agreements, Licenses. Except for those agreements

set forth in the Disclosure   Memorandum pursuant to Sections 2.13, 2.14 or 2.15,

neither GOLD nor any   Subsidiary is a party to any agreement   which (i) involves

or may involve   aggregate   future   payments   (whether   in payment of debt,   as a

result of a guarantee or   indemnification,   for goods or services,   royalties or

otherwise) by any of them of $100,000 or more, other than Contracts which may be

canceled on thirty   (30) days notice or less   without the payment of any penalty

or other   termination   fee or agreements   incurred by any Bank Subsidiary in the

ordinary course and consistent with past practices of its banking business; (ii)

is a franchise   agreement of GOLD or any Subsidiary;   or (iii) restricts (a) the

geographical   area in which   GOLD or any of the   Subsidiaries   is   permitted   to

operate   or (b) GOLD or any of the   Subsidiaries   from   engaging   in any line of

business within the financial services industry.

 

      2.17 Governmental Authorization.   GOLD and each Subsidiary has all Permits

that are or will be   legally   required   to enable   GOLD and each   Subsidiary   to

conduct its business in all materia


 
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