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Exhibit 2.1
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
BY AND BETWEEN
NEW YORK COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
AND
SYNERGY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
May 13, 2007
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
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1
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1.1.
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Certain Definitions.
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1
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ARTICLE II THE MERGER
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7
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2.1.
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Merger.
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7
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2.2.
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Effective Time.
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7
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2.3.
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Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws.
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7
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2.4.
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Directors and Officers of Surviving
Corporation.
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7
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2.5.
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Effects of the Merger.
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7
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2.6.
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Bank Merger
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8
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2.7
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Tax Consequences.
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8
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2.8.
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Possible Alternative Structures.
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8
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2.9.
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Additional Actions.
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8
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ARTICLE III CONVERSION OF SHARES
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9
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3.1.
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Conversion of Synergy Common Stock; Merger
Consideration.
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9
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3.2.
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Procedures for Exchange of Synergy Common
Stock.
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10
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3.3.
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Treatment of Synergy Options.
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11
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3.4.
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Reservation of Shares.
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12
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ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
SYNERGY
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13
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4.1.
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Standard.
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13
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4.2.
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Organization.
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13
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4.3.
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Capitalization.
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14
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4.4.
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Authority; No Violation.
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15
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4.5.
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Consents.
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15
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4.6.
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Financial Statements/Regulatory
Reports.
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16
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4.7.
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Taxes.
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16
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4.8.
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No Material Adverse Effect.
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17
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i
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4.9.
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Material Contracts; Leases; Defaults.
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17
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4.10.
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Ownership of Property; Insurance
Coverage.
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19
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4.11.
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Legal Proceedings.
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19
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4.12.
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Compliance With Applicable Law.
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20
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4.13.
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Employee Benefit Plans.
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20
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4.14.
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Brokers, Finders and Financial
Advisors.
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22
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4.15.
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Environmental Matters.
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22
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4.16.
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Loan Portfolio.
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24
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4.17.
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Securities Documents.
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25
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4.18.
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Related Party Transactions.
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25
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4.19.
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Deposits.
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25
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4.20.
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Antitakeover Provisions Inapplicable; Required
Vote.
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25
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4.21.
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Registration Obligations.
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25
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4.22.
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Risk Management Instruments.
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26
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4.23.
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Fairness Opinion.
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26
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4.24.
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Trust Accounts.
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26
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4.25.
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Intellectual Property.
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26
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4.26.
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Labor Matters.
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27
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4.27.
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Internal Controls.
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27
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4.28.
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Synergy Information Supplied.
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27
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4.29.
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No Dissenters Rights.
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27
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ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
NYB
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5.1.
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Standard.
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28
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5.2.
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Organization.
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28
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5.3.
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Capitalization.
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28
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5.4.
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Authority; No Violation.
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29
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5.5.
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Consents.
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29
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5.6.
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Financial Statements/Regulatory
Reports
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30
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5.7.
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Taxes.
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30
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ii
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5.8.
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No Material Adverse Effect.
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31
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5.9.
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Ownership of Property; Insurance
Coverage.
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31
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5.10.
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Legal Proceedings.
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31
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5.11.
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Compliance With Applicable Law.
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31
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5.12.
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Environmental Matters.
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32
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5.13.
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Securities Documents.
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33
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5.14.
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Brokers, Finders and Financial
Advisors.
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33
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5.15.
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NYB Common Stock.
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33
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5.16.
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Material Contracts.
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33
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5.17.
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NYB Information Supplied.
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33
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5.18.
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Internal Controls
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34
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ARTICLE VI COVENANTS OF SYNERGY
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34
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6.1.
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Conduct of Business.
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34
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6.2.
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Current Information.
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37
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6.3.
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Access to Properties and Records.
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38
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6.4.
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Financial and Other Statements.
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39
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6.5.
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Maintenance of Insurance.
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39
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6.6.
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Disclosure Supplements.
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40
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6.7.
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Consents and Approvals of Third
Parties.
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40
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6.8.
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All Reasonable Best Efforts.
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40
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6.9.
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Failure to Fulfill Conditions.
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40
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6.10.
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No Solicitation.
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40
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6.11.
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Reserves and Merger-Related Costs.
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41
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6.12.
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Takeover Laws
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41
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ARTICLE VII COVENANTS OF NYB
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42
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7.1.
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Conduct of Business.
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42
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7.2.
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Current Information.
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42
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7.3.
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Financial and Other Statements.
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42
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iii
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7.4.
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Disclosure Supplements
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42
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7.5.
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Consents and Approvals of Third
Parties.
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42
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7.6.
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All Reasonable Best Efforts.
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43
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7.7.
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Failure to Fulfill Conditions.
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43
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7.8.
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Employee Benefits.
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43
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7.9.
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Directors and Officers Indemnification and
Insurance.
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44
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7.10.
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Stock Listing.
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45
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7.11.
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Stock Reserve.
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45
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7.12.
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Section 16(b) Exemption.
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46
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iv
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ARTICLE VIII REGULATORY AND OTHER
MATTERS
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46
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8.1.
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Synergy Stockholder Meeting.
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46
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8.2.
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Proxy Statement-Prospectus.
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46
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8.3.
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Regulatory Approvals.
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47
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8.4.
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Affiliates.
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48
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ARTICLE IX CLOSING CONDITIONS
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48
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9.1.
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Conditions to Each Party’s Obligations
under this Agreement.
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48
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9.2.
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Conditions to the Obligations of NYB under this
Agreement.
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49
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9.3.
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Conditions to the Obligations of Synergy under
this Agreement.
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49
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ARTICLE X THE CLOSING
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50
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10.1.
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Time and Place.
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50
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10.2.
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Deliveries at the Pre-Closing and the
Closing.
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50
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ARTICLE XI TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND
WAIVER
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51
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11.1.
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Termination.
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51
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11.2.
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Effect of Termination.
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54
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11.3.
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Amendment, Extension and Waiver.
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55
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ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS
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56
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12.1.
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Confidentiality.
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56
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12.2.
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Public Announcements.
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56
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12.3.
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Survival.
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56
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12.4.
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Notices.
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56
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12.5.
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Parties in Interest.
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57
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12.6.
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Complete Agreement.
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57
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12.7.
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Counterparts.
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57
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12.8.
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Severability.
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57
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12.9.
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Governing Law.
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58
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v
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12.10
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Interpretation.
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58
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12.11
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Definition of "subsidiary" and "affiliate";
Covenants with Respect to Subsidiaries and Affiliates.
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58
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12.12
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Waiver of Jury Trial.
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58
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Exhibit A
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FORM OF SYNERGY VOTING AGREEMENT
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Exhibit B
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PLAN OF BANK MERGER
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Exhibit C
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AFFILIATES AGREEMENT
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Exhibit D
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RETENTION AGREEMENT WITH JOHN FIORE
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Exhibit E
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NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENT OF JOHN FIORE
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Exhibit F
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BENEFITS TERMINATION AGREEMENT WITH JOHN
FIORE
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vi
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF
MERGER
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement"), dated as
of May 13, 2007, is by and between New York Community Bancorp,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("NYB"), and Synergy Financial Group,
Inc., a New Jersey corporation ("Synergy").
RECITALS
WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of each of NYB and Synergy
(i) has determined that this Agreement and the business
combination and related transactions contemplated hereby are in the
best interests of their respective companies and stockholders, and
(ii) has adopted a resolution approving this Agreement and
declaring its advisability; and
WHEREAS , in accordance with the terms of this Agreement,
Synergy will merge with and into NYB (the "Merger"); and
WHEREAS , as a condition to the willingness of NYB to
enter into this Agreement, each director and executive officer of
Synergy has entered into a Voting Agreement, substantially in the
form of Exhibit A hereto, dated as of the date hereof, with
NYB (the "Voting Agreement"), pursuant to which each such director
and executive officer has agreed, among other things, to vote all
shares of common stock of Synergy owned by such person in favor of
the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
such Voting Agreement;
WHEREAS, concurrent with the execution of this Agreement,
NYB and/or New York Community Bank have entered into a Retention
Agreement, Noncompetition Agreement and Benefits Termination
Agreement with John Fiore in the forms attached hereto as Exhibits
D, E and F;
WHEREAS , the parties intend the Merger to qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and that
this Agreement be and is hereby adopted as a "plan of
reorganization" within the meaning of Sections 354 and 361 of the
Code; and
WHEREAS , the parties desire to make certain
representations, warranties and agreements in connection with the
business transactions described in this Agreement and to prescribe
certain conditions thereto.
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual
covenants, representations, warranties and agreements herein
contained, and of other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
1.1. Certain Definitions.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the
following meanings (unless the context otherwise requires,
references to Articles and Sections refer to Articles and Sections
of this Agreement).
"Affiliate" means any Person who directly, or indirectly,
through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by,
or is under common control with, such Person and, without limiting
the
generality of the foregoing, includes any
executive officer or director of such Person and any Affiliate of
such executive officer or director.
"Aggregate Merger Consideration" has the meaning set forth in
Section 3.1.6.
"Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
Agreement and any amendments thereto.
"Bank Merger" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6.
"Bank Regulator" means any Federal or state banking regulator,
including but not limited to the OTS, Federal Reserve, FDIC and the
Department, which regulates the banking subsidiaries of NYB or
Synergy, or any of their respective holding companies or
subsidiaries, as the case may be.
"BHCA" means the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended.
"Certificate" means each certificate evidencing shares of
Synergy Common Stock.
"Claim" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.9.2.
"Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
"Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.2.
"COBRA" means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
of 1985, as amended.
"Code" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this
Agreement.
"Confidentiality Agreement" means the confidentiality agreement
referred to in Section 12.1.
"CRA" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.12.3
"Department" means the Banking Department of the State of New
York, and where appropriate shall include the Superintendent of
Banks of the State of New York and the Banking Board of the State
of New York.
"Defined Benefit Plan" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.13.3.
"DGCL" means the Delaware General Corporation Law, as
amended.
"Effective Time" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.2
"Environmental Laws" means any applicable Federal, state or
local law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, code, license,
permit, authorization, approval, consent, order, judgment, decree,
injunction or agreement with any governmental entity relating to
(1) the protection, preservation or restoration of the
environment (including, without limitation, air, water vapor,
surface water, groundwater, drinking water supply, surface soil,
subsurface soil, plant and animal life or any other natural
resource), and/or (2) the use, storage, recycling, treatment,
generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling,
production, release or disposal of Materials of Environmental
Concern. The term Environmental Law includes without limitation the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §9601, et seq; the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
2
§6901, et seq; the Clean Air Act, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. §7401, et seq; the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. §1251, et seq; the Toxic
Substances Control Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. §2601, et seq;
the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, 42 U.S.C.
§11001, et seq; the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C.
§300f, et seq; and all comparable state and local laws that
may impose liability or obligations for injuries or damages due to
the presence of or exposure to any Materials of Environmental
Concern.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
"Exchange Agent" means such bank or trust company or other agent
designated by NYB, and reasonably acceptable to Synergy, which
shall act as agent for NYB in connection with the exchange
procedures for converting shares of Synergy Common Stock evidenced
by Certificates into the Merger Consideration.
"Exchange Fund" has the meaning set forth in
Section 3.2.1.
"Exchange Ratio" has the meaning set forth in
Section 3.1.3.
"FDIA" means the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended.
"FDIC" means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
"Federal Reserve" means the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System.
"FHLB" means the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.
"GAAP" means accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America, consistently applied with prior
practice.
"Governmental Entity" means any Federal or state court,
administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority
or instrumentality.
"HOLA" means the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, and
the regulations of the OTS promulgated thereunder.
"Indemnified Party" has the meaning set forth in
Section 7.9.2.
"Indemnified Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in
Section 7.9.2.
"IRS" means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
"Knowledge" as used with respect to a Person (including
references to such Person being aware of a particular matter) means
those facts that are known by the executive officers and directors
of such Person, and includes any facts, matters or circumstances
set forth in any written notice from any Bank Regulator or any
other material written notice received by that Person.
"Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to NYB or Synergy,
respectively, any effect that (i) is material and adverse to
the financial condition, results of operations or business of NYB
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or Synergy and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, respectively, or (ii) does
3
or would materially impair the ability of either
Synergy, on the one hand, or NYB, on the other hand, to perform its
obligations under this Agreement or otherwise materially threaten
or materially impede the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided that "Material Adverse
Effect" shall not be deemed to include the impact of any of the
following: (a) changes in laws, regulations or interpretations
of laws or regulations generally affecting banking or bank holding
company businesses, but not uniquely relating to NYB or Synergy,
(b) changes in economic conditions, including changes in
prevailing interest rates, but not uniquely relating to NYB or
Synergy, (c) changes in GAAP or regulatory accounting
principles generally applicable to financial institutions and their
holding companies, but not uniquely relating to NYB or Synergy,
(d) actions and omissions of a party hereto (or any of its
Subsidiaries) taken with the prior written consent of the other
party or as permitted by this Agreement, (e) changes in
national or international political or social conditions, including
the engagement by the United States in hostilities, whether or not
pursuant to the declaration of a national emergency or war, or the
occurrence of any military or terrorist attack upon or within the
United States, or any of its territories, possessions or diplomatic
or consular offices or upon any military installation, equipment or
personnel of the United States, and (f) the impact of the
announcement of this Agreement, and the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, and compliance with this Agreement on the
financial position, results of operations, business or operations
of NYB and its Subsidiaries or Synergy and its Subsidiaries,
respectively, including expenses incurred with respect to this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
"Materials of Environmental Concern" means pollutants,
contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, petroleum and petroleum
products, and any other materials regulated under Environmental
Laws.
"Maximum Amount" has the meaning set forth in
Section 7.9.1.
"Merger" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this
Agreement and shall include, if the structure of the Merger is
changed pursuant to Section 2.8, the merger of Synergy with a
wholly owned first tier subsidiary of NYB.
"Merger Consideration" has the meaning set forth in
Section 3.1.6.
"Merger Registration Statement" means the registration
statement, together with all amendments, filed with the SEC under
the Securities Act for the purpose of registering shares of NYB
Common Stock to be offered to holders of Synergy Common Stock in
connection with the Merger.
"NASD" means the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.
"NJBCA" means the New Jersey Business Corporation Act, as
amended.
"New Option" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.
"New York Community Bank" means New York Community Bank, a
wholly owned savings bank subsidiary of NYB that is chartered under
the laws of the State of New York, with its principal executive
offices located at 615 Merrick Avenue, Westbury, New York
11590.
"NYB" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
Agreement, with its principal executive offices located at 615
Merrick Avenue, Westbury, New York 11590.
"NYB Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of NYB.
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"NYB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE" means a written
disclosure schedule delivered by NYB to Synergy specifically
referring to the appropriate section of this Agreement.
"NYB Fee" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2.2.
"NYB Financial Statements" means the (i) the audited
consolidated statements of financial condition (including related
notes and schedules) of NYB as of December 31, 2006 and 2005
and the consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders’ equity and cash flows (including related notes
and schedules, if any) of NYB for each of the three years ended
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, as set forth in NYB’s
annual report for the year ended December 31, 2006, and
(ii) the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
of NYB as of the end of each calendar quarter following
December 31, 2006, and for the periods then ended, as filed by
NYB in its Securities Documents.
"NYB Preferred Stock" has the meaning set forth in
Section 5.3.1.
"NYB Regulatory Agreement" has the meaning set forth in
Section 5.11.3.
"NYB Regulatory Reports" means the reports of NYB and New York
Community Bank and accompanying schedules, as filed with the
Department or the Federal Reserve, for each calendar quarter
beginning with the quarter ended December 31, 2004 through the
Closing Date.
"NYB Stock Benefit Plans" means those stock benefit plans
identified in the Exhibits to NYB’s Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2006, and filed with the SEC on
March 1, 2007, or subsequently adopted after the date
hereof.
"OTS" means the Office of Thrift Supervision.
"Pension Plan" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.13.2.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, association, trust or "group" (as that term is defined
under the Exchange Act).
"Pre-Closing" has the meaning set forth in
Section 10.1.
"Proxy Statement-Prospectus" has the meaning set forth in
Section 8.2.1.
"Regulatory Approvals" means the approvals of all Bank
Regulators that are necessary in connection with the consummation
of the Merger, the Bank Merger and the related transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the Plan of Bank Merger.
"Rights" means warrants, options, rights, convertible
securities, stock appreciation rights and other arrangements or
commitments which obligate an entity to issue or dispose of any of
its capital stock or other ownership interests or which provide for
compensation based on the equity appreciation of its capital
stock.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
"Securities Documents" means all reports, offering circulars,
proxy statements, registration statements and all similar documents
filed, or required to be filed, pursuant to the Securities
Laws.
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"Securities Laws" means the Securities Act; the
Exchange Act; the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended; and, with respect to each of the
foregoing, the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated
thereunder.
"Stock Exchange" means the New York Stock Exchange.
"Subsidiary" means any entity, of which 50% or more of its
ownership interests are owned either directly or indirectly by NYB
or Synergy, as applicable.
"Surviving Corporation" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.1.
"Synergy" has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this
Agreement, with its principal executive offices located at 310
North Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016.
"Synergy Bank" means Synergy Bank, a wholly owned savings bank
subsidiary of Synergy that is chartered under the laws of the
United States of America, with its principal executive offices at
310 North Avenue East, Cranford, New Jersey 07016.
"Synergy Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.10
per share, of Synergy.
"Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plans" has the meaning set
forth in Section 4.13.1.
"SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE" means a written disclosure
schedule delivered by Synergy to NYB specifically referring to the
appropriate section of this Agreement.
"Synergy Financial Statements" means (i) the audited
consolidated statements of financial condition (including related
notes and schedules, if any) of Synergy as of December 31,
2006 and 2005 and the consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders’ equity and cash flows (including related notes
and schedules, if any) of Synergy for each of the three years ended
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, as set forth in
Synergy’s annual report for the year ended December 31,
2006, and (ii) the unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements of Synergy as of the end of each calendar quarter
following December 31, 2006, and for the periods then ended,
as filed by Synergy in its Securities Documents.
"Synergy Option" means an option to purchase shares of Synergy
Common Stock granted pursuant to the Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
2003 Option Plan and the Synergy Financial Group, Inc. 2004 Option
Plan and as set forth in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.3.1.
"Synergy Option Plans" means the Synergy Financial Group, Inc.
2004 Stock Option Plan and the Synergy Financial Group, Inc. 2003
Stock Option Plan and any amendments thereto.
"Synergy Regulatory Agreement" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.12.3.
"Synergy Regulatory Reports" means the reports of Synergy and
Synergy Bank and accompanying schedules, as filed with the OTS for
each calendar quarter beginning with the quarter ended
December 31, 2004 through the Closing Date.
"Synergy Stockholders’ Meeting" has the meaning set forth
in Section 8.1.1.
"Takeover Laws" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4.20.1.
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"Termination Date" means January 31,
2008.
"Treasury Stock" has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.3.1.
"Voting Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to
this Agreement.
Other capitalized terms used herein are defined elsewhere in
this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
THE MERGER
2.1. Merger.
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the
Effective Time: (a) Synergy shall merge with and into NYB,
with NYB as the resulting or surviving corporation (the "Surviving
Corporation"), and (b) the separate existence of Synergy shall
cease and all of the rights, privileges, powers, franchises,
properties, assets, liabilities and obligations of Synergy shall be
vested in and assumed by NYB. As part of the Merger, each share of
Synergy Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive
the Merger Consideration pursuant to the terms of Article III
hereof.
2.2. Effective Time.
The Closing shall occur no later than fifteen (15) business
days following the latest to occur of (i) Department approval
of the Bank Merger; (ii) Federal Reserve approval of the
Merger; (iii) Synergy stockholder approval of the Merger;
(iv) FDIC approval of the Bank Merger under the Bank Merger
Act; (v) the passing of any applicable waiting periods; or at
such other date or time upon which NYB and Synergy mutually agree
(the "Closing"). The Merger shall be effected by the filing of a
Certificate of Merger with the Delaware Office of the Secretary of
State and by the filing of a Certificate of Merger with the New
Jersey Office of the State Treasurer, on the day of the Closing
(the "Closing Date"). The "Effective Time" means the later of the
date and time specified in the Certificate of Merger to be filed
with the Delaware Office of the Secretary of State and in the
Certificate of Merger to be filed with the New Jersey Office of the
State Treasurer.
2.3. Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws .
The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of NYB as in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, until
thereafter amended as provided therein and by applicable law.
2.4. Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation
.
The directors of NYB immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold
office in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. The officers of NYB
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers of
Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective
successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.
2.5. Effects of the Merger.
At and after the Effective Time, the Merger shall have the
effects as set forth in the DGCL and the NJBCA.
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2.6. Bank Merger.
Subject to Section 2.8, concurrently with or as soon as
practicable after the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
Synergy Bank and New York Community Bank shall enter into the Plan
of Bank Merger, in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit B , pursuant to which Synergy Bank will merge
with and into New York Community Bank (the "Bank Merger"). The
parties intend that the Bank Merger will become effective
simultaneously with or immediately following the Effective
Time.
2.7. Tax Consequences.
It is intended that the Merger shall constitute a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, and that
this Agreement shall constitute a "plan of reorganization" as that
term is used in Sections 354 and 361 of the Code. From and after
the date of this Agreement and until the Closing, each party hereto
shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to
qualify, and will not knowingly take any action, cause any action
to be taken, fail to take any action or cause any action to fail to
be taken, which action or failure to act could prevent the Merger
from qualifying as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of
the Code. Following the Closing, neither NYB, Synergy nor any of
their Affiliates shall knowingly take any action, cause any action
to be taken, fail to take any action or cause any action to fail to
be taken, which action or failure to act could cause the Merger to
fail to qualify as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of
the Code.
2.8. Possible Alternative Structures.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, prior to the Effective Time, NYB shall be entitled to
revise the structure of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including without limitation, by substituting New York
Commercial Bank for New York Community Bank as a party to the Bank
Merger or by substituting a wholly-owned first tier subsidiary for
NYB as the merging party, provided that: (i) any such
subsidiary substituted for NYB shall become a party to, and shall
agree to be bound by, the terms of this Agreement; (ii) there
are no adverse Federal or state income tax consequences to Synergy
stockholders as a result of the modification; (iii) the
consideration to be paid to the holders of Synergy Common Stock
under this Agreement is not thereby changed in kind, value or
reduced in amount; and (iii) such modification will not delay
materially or jeopardize the receipt of Regulatory Approvals or
other consents and approvals relating to the consummation of the
Merger or the Bank Merger or otherwise cause any condition to
Closing set forth in Article IX not to be capable of being
fulfilled. The parties hereto agree to appropriately amend this
Agreement, or the Bank Merger Agreement, and any related documents
in order to reflect any such revised structure.
2.9. Additional Actions.
If, at any time after the Effective Time, NYB shall consider or
be advised that any further deeds, assignments or assurances in law
or any other acts are necessary or desirable to: (i) vest,
perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in NYB its right, title
or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets
of Synergy or its Subsidiaries; or (ii) otherwise carry out
the purposes of or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
Synergy and its officers and directors shall be deemed to have
granted to NYB an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and
deliver, in such official corporate capacities, all such deeds,
assignments or assurances in law or any other acts as are necessary
or desirable to (a) vest, perfect or confirm, of record or
otherwise, in NYB its right, title or interest in, to or under any
of the rights, properties or assets of Synergy, or
(b) otherwise carry out the purposes of or the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and the officers and directors of
the NYB are authorized in the name of Synergy or otherwise to take
any and all such action.
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ARTICLE III
CONVERSION OF SHARES
3.1. Conversion of Synergy Common Stock; Merger
Consideration.
At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of NYB, Synergy or the holders of any of the
shares of Synergy Common Stock, the Merger shall be effected in
accordance with the following terms:
3.1.1. Each share of NYB Common Stock that is issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall remain
issued and outstanding following the Effective Time and shall be
unchanged by the Merger.
3.1.2. Each share of Synergy Common Stock owned by NYB
immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares held in
a fiduciary capacity or in connection with debts previously
contracted) shall, at the Effective Time, cease to exist, and the
certificates for such shares shall be canceled as promptly as
practicable thereafter, and no payment or distribution shall be
made in consideration therefor.
3.1.3. Each share of Synergy Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall become and be
converted into, as provided in and subject to the adjustments, if
applicable, set forth in Sections 3.1.5, 3.1.7 or 11.1.11 in this
Agreement, the right to receive 0.80 shares (the "Exchange Ratio")
of NYB Common Stock.
3.1.4. After the Effective Time, each share of Synergy Common
Stock shall be no longer outstanding and shall automatically be
canceled and shall cease to exist, and shall thereafter by
operation of this section represent the right to receive the Merger
Consideration and any dividends or distributions with respect
thereto, and any dividends or distributions with a record date
prior to the Effective Time that were declared or made by Synergy
on such shares of Synergy Common Stock in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement on or prior to the Effective Time and which
remain unpaid at the Effective Time.
3.1.5. In the event NYB changes (or establishes a record date
for changing) the number of, or provides for the exchange of,
shares of NYB Common Stock issued and outstanding prior to the
Effective Time as a result in each case of a stock split, stock
dividend, recapitalization, reclassification, or similar
transaction with respect to the outstanding NYB Common Stock and
the record date therefor shall be prior to the Effective Time, the
Exchange Ratio shall be proportionately and appropriately
adjusted.
3.1.6. The consideration that a holder of one share of Synergy
Common Stock is entitled to receive pursuant to this Article III is
referred to herein as the "Merger Consideration" and the
consideration that all of the holders of Synergy Common Stock are
entitled to receive pursuant to this Article III is referred to
herein as the "Aggregate Merger Consideration."
3.1.7. No Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, no certificates or scrip
representing fractional shares of NYB Common Stock shall be issued
upon the surrender for exchange of Certificates, no dividend or
distribution with respect to NYB Common Stock shall be payable on
or with respect to any fractional share interest, and such
fractional share interests shall not entitle the owner thereof to
vote or to any other rights of a stockholder of NYB. In lieu of the
issuance of any such fractional share, NYB shall pay to each former
holder of Synergy Common Stock who otherwise would be entitled to
receive a fractional share of NYB Common Stock, an amount in
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cash, rounded to the nearest cent and without
interest, equal to the product of (i) the fraction of a share
to which such holder would otherwise have been entitled and
(ii) the closing sales price of a share of NYB Common Stock as
reported on the Stock Exchange for the trading day immediately
preceding the Closing Date. For purposes of determining any
fractional share interest, all shares of Synergy Common Stock owned
by a Synergy stockholder shall be combined so as to calculate the
maximum number of whole shares of NYB Common Stock issuable to such
Synergy stockholder.
3.2. Procedures for Exchange of Synergy Common Stock.
3.2.1. NYB to Make Merger Consideration Available.
On or before the Closing Date, NYB shall deposit, or shall
cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent for the benefit of
the holders of Synergy Common Stock, for exchange in accordance
with this Section 3.2, certificates representing the shares of
NYB Common Stock (and cash, if applicable, pursuant to
Section 11.1.11) pursuant to this Article III (including any
cash that may be payable in lieu of any fractional shares of
Synergy Common Stock) (such cash and certificates for shares of NYB
Common Stock, together with any dividends or distributions with
respect thereto, being hereinafter referred to as the "Exchange
Fund").
3.2.2. Exchange of Certificates . NYB shall take all
commercially reasonable steps necessary to cause the Exchange
Agent, within five (5) business days after the Effective Time,
to mail to each holder of a Certificate or Certificates, a form
letter of transmittal for return to the Exchange Agent and
instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates
for the Merger Consideration and cash in lieu of fractional shares,
if any, into which the Synergy Common Stock represented by such
Certificates shall have been converted as a result of the Merger.
The letter of transmittal (which shall be subject to the reasonable
approval of Synergy) shall specify that delivery shall be effected,
and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only
upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent. Upon
proper surrender of a Certificate for exchange and cancellation to
the Exchange Agent, together with a properly completed letter of
transmittal, duly executed, the holder of such Certificate shall be
entitled to receive in exchange therefore, as applicable,
(i) a certificate representing that number of shares of NYB
Common Stock to which such former holder of Synergy Common Stock
shall have become entitled pursuant to the provisions of
Section 3.1.3 hereof (and, if applicable, pursuant to
Section 11.1.11), and (ii) a check representing the
amount of cash payable in lieu of a fractional share of NYB Common
Stock, which such former holder has the right to receive in respect
of the Certificate surrendered pursuant to the provisions of
Section 3.1.7, and the Certificate so surrendered shall
forthwith be cancelled.
3.2.3. Rights of Certificate Holders after the Effective
Time . The holder of a Certificate that prior to the
Merger represented issued and outstanding Synergy Common Stock
shall have no rights, after the Effective Time, with respect to
such Synergy Common Stock except to surrender the Certificate in
exchange for the Merger Consideration as provided in this
Agreement. No dividends or other distributions declared after the
Effective Time with respect to NYB Common Stock shall be paid to
the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate until the holder
thereof surrenders such Certificate in accordance with this
Section 3.2. After the surrender of a Certificate in
accordance with this Section 3.2, the record holder thereof
shall be entitled to receive any such dividends or other
distributions, without any interest thereon, which theretofore had
become payable with respect to shares of NYB Common Stock
represented by such Certificate.
3.2.4. Surrender by Persons Other than Record Holders
. If the Person surrendering a Certificate and signing the
accompanying letter of transmittal is not the record holder
thereof, then it shall be a condition of the payment of the Merger
Consideration that: (i) such Certificate is properly endorsed
to such Person or is accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in
either case signed exactly as the name of the record holder appears
on such Certificate, and is otherwise in proper form for transfer,
or is accompanied by appropriate evidence of the authority of the
Person surrendering such Certificate and
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signing the letter of transmittal to do so on
behalf of the record holder; and (ii) the Person requesting
such exchange shall pay to the Exchange Agent in advance any
transfer or other taxes required by reason of the payment to a
Person other than the registered holder of the Certificate
surrendered, or required for any other reason, or shall establish
to the reasonable satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax
has been paid or is not payable.
3.2.5. Closing of Transfer Books . From and after
the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock
transfer books of Synergy of the Synergy Common Stock that were
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the
Effective Time, Certificates representing such shares are presented
for transfer to the Exchange Agent, they shall be exchanged for the
Merger Consideration and canceled as provided in this
Section 3.2.
3.2.6. Return of Exchange Fund . At any time
following the twelve (12) month period after the Effective
Time, NYB shall be entitled to require the Exchange Agent to
deliver to it any portions of the Exchange Fund which had been made
available to the Exchange Agent and not disbursed to holders of
Certificates (including, without limitation, all interest and other
income received by the Exchange Agent in respect of all funds made
available to it), and thereafter such holders shall be entitled to
look to NYB (subject to abandoned property, escheat and other
similar laws) with respect to any Merger Consideration payable upon
due surrender of the Certificates held by them. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, neither NYB nor the Exchange Agent shall be liable to
any holder of a Certificate for any Merger Consideration delivered
in respect of such Certificate to a public official pursuant to any
abandoned property, escheat or other similar law.
3.2.7. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . If
any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the
making of an affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming such
Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by
NYB, the posting by such Person of a bond in such amount as NYB may
reasonably require as indemnity against any claim that may be made
against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent
will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed
Certificate the Merger Consideration deliverable in respect
thereof.
3.2.8. Withholding. NYB or the Exchange Agent will
be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise
payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of Synergy Common
Stock such amounts as NYB (or any Affiliate thereof) or the
Exchange Agent are required to deduct and withhold with respect to
the making of such payment under the Code, or any applicable
provision of federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax law. To the
extent that such amounts are properly withheld by NYB or the
Exchange Agent, such withheld amounts will be treated for all
purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the
Synergy Common Stock in respect of whom such deduction and
withholding were made by NYB or the Exchange Agent.
3.3. Treatment of Synergy Options.
3.3.1 Exchange for New Options
At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of any holder of an option, each Synergy Option
that is outstanding and unexercised, whether vested or unvested,
immediately prior thereto shall be converted into an option (each,
a "New Option") to purchase such number of shares of NYB Common
Stock at an exercise price determined as provided below (and
otherwise having the same duration and other terms as the original
Synergy Option);
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(i)
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the number of shares of NYB Common Stock to be
subject to the New Option shall be equal to the product of
(A) the number of shares of Synergy Common Stock
purchasable
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upon exercise of the original Synergy Option and
(B) the Exchange Ratio, the product being rounded to the
nearest whole share where (i) a tenth of a share of 4 or less
shall be rounded down and (ii) a tenth of a share of 5 or more
shall rounded up; and
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(ii)
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the exercise price per share of NYB Common Stock
under the New Option shall be equal to (A) the exercise price
per share of Synergy Common Stock under the original Synergy Option
divided by (B) the Exchange Ratio, rounded to the nearest
cent.
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With respect to any Synergy Options that are
"incentive stock options" (as defined in Section 422(b) of the
Code), the foregoing adjustments shall be effected in a manner
consistent with Section 424(a) of the Code. Synergy, or its
Board of Directors or an appropriate committee thereof, has taken
all action necessary on its part to give effect to the provisions
of this Section 3.3.1.
At or prior to the Effective Time, Synergy shall make all
necessary arrangements with respect to its plans to permit
assumption of the unexercised Synergy Options by NYB pursuant to
this Section 3.3.1 and as of the Effective Time NYB shall
assume such Synergy Options and the Synergy Option Plan under which
they have been issued. It is intended that such assumption shall be
undertaken consistent with and in a manner that will not constitute
a "modification" under Section 409A of the Code.
NYB shall take all corporate action necessary to reserve for
future issuance a sufficient additional number of shares of NYB
Common Stock to provide for the satisfaction of its obligations
with respect to the New Options. Within three (3) business
days after the Effective Time, NYB shall file with the SEC a
registration statement on Form S-8 (or any successor registration
statement) and make any state filings or obtain state exemptions
with respect to the NYB Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
New Options and shall use reasonable best efforts to maintain the
effectiveness of such registration statement (and maintain the
current status of the prospectus contained therein) for so long as
any New Option remain outstanding.
3.3.2 Cash Out of Synergy Options
Not later than ten (10) days prior to the anticipated
Closing Date, Synergy shall be entitled to make a written offer to
the holders of Synergy Stock Options that are either then
exercisable or shall become exercisable upon the Effective Time
permitting such holders to irrevocably elect to have all or a
designated number of their Synergy Stock Options cancelled at the
Effective Time for a per share cash cancellation price equal to the
average closing sales price of a share of NYB Common Stock as
reported on the Stock Exchange for the twenty (20) trading
days next preceding the Closing Date multiplied by the Exchange
Ratio less the exercise price per share, which per share
cancellation price shall be paid by Synergy immediately prior to
Effective Time less applicable withholding taxes. In order to be
binding, the written irrevocable election of an optionholder must
be received by Synergy not later than the 2nd day prior to the
anticipated Closing Date. Each written offer notice to be issued by
Synergy and the written election document to be delivered by
optionholders shall be in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to NYB.
3.4. Reservation of Shares.
NYB shall reserve for issuance a sufficient number of shares of
the NYB Common Stock for the purpose of issuing shares of NYB
Common Stock to the Synergy stockholders in accordance with this
Article III.
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ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SYNERGY
Synergy represents and warrants to NYB that the statements
contained in this Article IV are correct and complete as of the
date of this Agreement, subject to the standard set forth in
Section 4.1 and except as set forth in the SYNERGY DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULE delivered by Synergy to NYB on the date hereof, and except
as to any representation or warranty which specifically relates to
an earlier date, which only need be correct as of such earlier
date. Synergy has made a good faith effort to ensure that the
disclosure on each schedule of the SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
corresponds to the section referenced herein. However, for purposes
of the SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, any item disclosed on any
schedule therein is deemed to be fully disclosed with respect to
all schedules under which such item may be relevant as and to the
extent that it is reasonably clear on the face of such schedule
that such item applies to such other schedule. References to the
Knowledge of Synergy shall include the Knowledge of Synergy’s
Subsidiaries.
4.1. Standard.
No representation or warranty of Synergy contained in this
Article IV shall be deemed untrue or incorrect, and Synergy shall
not be deemed to have breached a representation or warranty, as a
consequence of the existence of any fact, circumstance or event
unless such fact, circumstance or event, individually or taken
together with all other facts, circumstances or events inconsistent
with any paragraph of Article IV, has had or is reasonably expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect, disregarding for these purposes
(x) any qualification or exception for, or reference to,
materiality in any such representation or warranty and (y) any
use of the terms "material", "materially", "in all material
respects", "Material Adverse Effect" or similar terms or phrases in
any such representation or warranty. The foregoing standard shall
not apply to representations and warranties contained in Sections
4.2 (other than the last sentence of Section 4.2.1 and the
second sentence of Section 4.2.6), 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.8, 4.9.1,
4.13.5, 4.13.8, 4.13.9, the second sentence of 4.13.10, 4.20 and
4.23 which shall be deemed untrue, incorrect and breached if they
are not true and correct in all material respects based on the
qualifications and standards therein contained.
4.2. Organization.
4.2.1. Synergy is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of New Jersey, and
is duly registered as a savings and loan holding company under the
HOLA. Synergy has the requisite corporate power and authority to
carry on its business as now conducted and is duly licensed or
qualified to do business in the states of the United States and
foreign jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing of property or
the conduct of its business requires such qualification.
4.2.2. Synergy Bank is a savings bank duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of the United States of America. The
deposits of Synergy Bank are insured by the FDIC to the fullest
extent permitted by law, and all premiums and assessments required
to be paid in connection therewith have been paid by Synergy Bank
when due. Synergy Bank is a member in good standing of the FHLB and
owns the requisite amount of stock therein.
4.2.3. Synergy Capital Investments, Inc. is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of New Jersey. The activities of Synergy Capital
Investments, Inc. have been limited to those set forth in
Section 559.3 of the HOLA.
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4.2.4. Synergy Financial Services, Inc. is a
corporation that is duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of New Jersey. The activities
of Synergy Financial Services, Inc. have been limited to those set
forth in Section 559.3 of the HOLA.
4.2.5. Synergy Investment Corporation is a Delaware corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Delaware. The activities of Synergy Investment
Corporation have been limited to those set forth in
Section 559.3 of the HOLA.
4.2.6. SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.2.6 sets forth each direct
and indirect Synergy Subsidiary. Each Synergy Subsidiary is a
corporation, limited liability company or trust duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing (except for Synergy Bank, for
which no good standing representation is made) under the laws of
its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and is duly
qualified to do business in each jurisdiction where the property
owned, leased or operated, or the business conducted, by such
Synergy Subsidiary requires such qualification. Each Synergy
Subsidiary has the requisite corporate power and authority to own
or lease its properties and assets and to carry on its businesses
as it is now being conducted.
4.2.7. The respective minute books of Synergy and each
Synergy Subsidiary accurately record, in all material respects, all
corporate actions of their respective stockholders and boards of
directors (including committees).
4.2.8. Prior to the date of this Agreement, Synergy has
made available to NYB true and correct copies of the certificate of
incorporation or charter and bylaws of Synergy and each Synergy
Subsidiary.
4.3. Capitalization.
4.3.1. The authorized capital stock of Synergy consists of
20,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.10 par value per share, of
which as of the date hereof 12,509,636 shares are outstanding,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive
rights, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.10 par value
("Synergy Preferred Stock"), of which as of the date hereof, no
shares are outstanding. There are 1,127,493 shares of Synergy
Common Stock held by Synergy as treasury stock ("Treasury Stock").
Neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary has or is bound by any
Rights of any character relating to the purchase, sale or issuance
or voting of, or right to receive dividends or other distributions
on, any shares of Synergy Common Stock, or any other security of
Synergy or a Synergy Subsidiary or any securities representing the
right to vote, purchase or otherwise receive any shares of Synergy
Common Stock or any other security of Synergy or any Synergy
Subsidiary, other than shares issuable under the Synergy Option
Plans. SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.3.1 sets forth the name of
each holder of options to purchase Synergy Common Stock, the number
of shares each such individual may acquire pursuant to the exercise
of such options, the grant and vesting dates, and the exercise
price relating to the options held. As of the date hereof, Synergy
has outstanding 1,257,646 options to acquire shares of Synergy
Common Stock.
4.3.2. All capital stock or other ownership interests held by
Synergy or a Synergy Subsidiary in a Synergy Subsidiary is owned
free and clear of any lien or encumbrance. All of the outstanding
shares of capital stock of each Synergy Subsidiary have been duly
authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Except for the Synergy Subsidiaries and as set forth in SYNERGY
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.3.2, Synergy does not possess, directly or
indirectly, any material equity interest in any corporate entity,
except for equity interests held in the investment portfolios of
Synergy
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Subsidiaries, equity interests held by Synergy
Subsidiaries in a fiduciary capacity, and equity interests held in
connection with the lending activities of Synergy Subsidiaries,
including stock in the FHLB.
4.3.3. To Synergy’s Knowledge, no Person or "group" (as
that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), is
the beneficial owner (as defined in Section 13(d) of the
Exchange Act) of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of Synergy
Common Stock except as disclosed on SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.3.3.
4.4. Authority; No Violation.
4.4.1. Synergy has the requisite corporate power and authority
to execute and deliver this Agreement and, subject to the receipt
of the Regulatory Approvals, the expiration of all waiting periods
and the approval of this Agreement by Synergy’s stockholders,
to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement by Synergy and the completion by
Synergy of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the
Merger, have been duly and validly approved by the Board of
Directors of Synergy, and no other corporate proceedings on the
part of Synergy, except for the approval of the holders of Synergy
Common Stock and the filing of Certificates of Merger with the
Secretaries of State of Delaware and New Jersey, are necessary to
complete the transactions contemplated hereby, including the
Merger. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by Synergy, and subject to approval by the stockholders
of Synergy and receipt of the Regulatory Approvals, the expiration
of all waiting periods and due and valid execution and delivery of
this Agreement by NYB, constitutes the valid and binding obligation
of Synergy, enforceable against Synergy in accordance with its
terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and similar laws
affecting creditors’ rights generally, and subject, as to
enforceability, to general principles of equity.
4.4.2. Subject to receipt of Regulatory Approvals and
Synergy’s and NYB’s compliance with any conditions
contained therein, and to the receipt of the approval of the
stockholders of Synergy, (A) the execution and delivery of
this Agreement by Synergy, (B) the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, and (C) compliance by
Synergy with any of the terms or provisions hereof will not:
(i) conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of
the certificate of incorporation, charter or bylaws of Synergy or
any Synergy Subsidiary, including Synergy Bank; (ii) violate
any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order,
writ, decree or injunction applicable to Synergy or any Synergy
Subsidiary or any of their respective properties or assets; or
(iii) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of any
provisions of, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice
or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default), under,
result in the termination of, accelerate the performance required
by, or result in a right of termination or acceleration or the
creation of any lien, security interest, charge or other
encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of Synergy or any
Synergy Subsidiary under any of the terms, conditions or provisions
of any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license,
lease, agreement or other instrument or obligation to which Synergy
or any Synergy Subsidiary is a party, or by which they or any of
their respective properties or assets may be bound or affected,
except for such violations, conflicts, breaches or defaults under
clause (ii) or (iii) hereof which, either individually or
in the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse Effect on
Synergy.
4.5. Consents.
Except for (a) the receipt of the Regulatory Approvals and
compliance with any conditions contained therein, (b) the
filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of
the State of Delaware, (c) the filing of the Certificate of
Merger with the State Treasurer of the State of New Jersey,
(d) the filing with and/or acceptance by the Department of
articles of merger or similar documentation
15
with respect to the Bank Merger (e) the
filing with the SEC of (i) the Merger Registration Statement
and (ii) such reports under Sections 13(a), 13(d), 13(g) and
16(a) of the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and the
obtaining from the SEC of such orders as may be required in
connection therewith, (f) approval of the listing of NYB
Common Stock to be issued in the Merger on the Stock Exchange,
(g) such filings and approvals as are required to be made or
obtained under the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of various states
in connection with the issuance of the shares of NYB Common Stock
pursuant to this Agreement, and (h) the approval of this
Agreement by the requisite vote of the stockholders of Synergy, no
consents, waivers or approvals of, or filings or registrations
with, any Governmental Entity are necessary, and, except as
disclosed on SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.5, to Synergy’s
Knowledge, no consents, waivers or approvals of, or filings or
registrations with, any other third parties that are material and
are necessary, in connection with (x) the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Synergy, (y) the Plan of Bank
Merger by Synergy Bank and (z) the completion of the Merger
and the Bank Merger. Synergy has no reason to believe that:
(i) any Regulatory Approvals or other required consents or
approvals will not be received; or that (ii) any public body
or authority, the consent or approval of which is not required or
to which a filing is not required, will object to the completion of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
4.6. Financial Statements/Regulatory Reports.
4.6.1. Synergy has previously made available to NYB the Synergy
Regulatory Reports. The Synergy Regulatory Reports have been
prepared in all material respects in accordance with applicable
regulatory accounting principles and practices throughout the
periods covered by such statements.
4.6.2. Synergy has previously made available to NYB the Synergy
Financial Statements. The Synergy Financial Statements have been
consistently prepared in accordance with GAAP, and (including the
related notes where applicable) fairly present in each case in all
material respects (subject in the case of the unaudited interim
statements to normal year-end adjustments), the consolidated
financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Synergy
and the Synergy Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of and for
the respective periods ending on the dates thereof, in accordance
with GAAP during the periods involved, except as indicated in the
notes thereto, or in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted
by Form 10-Q.
4.6.3. At the date of each balance sheet included in the Synergy
Financial Statements or the Synergy Regulatory Reports, neither
Synergy nor Synergy Bank, as applicable, had any liabilities,
obligations or loss contingencies of any nature (whether absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise) of a type required to be
reflected in such Synergy Financial Statements or the footnotes
thereto or the Synergy Regulatory Reports which are not fully
reflected or reserved against therein or fully disclosed in a
footnote thereto, except for liabilities, obligations and loss
contingencies which are not material individually or in the
aggregate or which are incurred in the ordinary course of business,
consistent with past practice and subject, in the case of any
unaudited statements, to normal, recurring audit adjustments and
the absence of footnotes.
4.7. Taxes.
Synergy and the Synergy Subsidiaries that are at least 80
percent owned by Synergy are members of the same affiliated group
within the meaning of Code Section 1504(a). Synergy has duly
filed all federal, state and material local tax returns required to
be filed by or with respect to Synergy and every Synergy Subsidiary
on or prior to the Closing Date, taking into account any extensions
(all such returns,
16
to Synergy’s Knowledge, being accurate and
correct in all material respects) and has duly paid or made
provisions for the payment of all federal, state and local taxes
which have been incurred by or are due or claimed to be due from
Synergy and any Synergy Subsidiary by any taxing authority or
pursuant to any written tax sharing agreement on or prior to the
Closing Date other than taxes or other charges which (i) are
not delinquent, (ii) are being contested in good faith, or
(iii) have not yet been fully determined. As of the date of
this Agreement, Synergy has received no written notice of, and
there is no audit examination, deficiency assessment, tax
investigation or refund litigation with respect to any taxes of
Synergy or any of its Subsidiaries, and no claim has been made by
any authority in a jurisdiction where Synergy or any of its
Subsidiaries do not file tax returns that Synergy or any such
Subsidiary is subject to taxation in that jurisdiction. Synergy and
its Subsidiaries have not executed an extension or waiver of any
statute of limitations on the assessment or collection of any tax
due that is currently in effect. Synergy and each of its
Subsidiaries has withheld and paid all taxes required to have been
withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any
employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder or other
third party, and Synergy and each of its Subsidiaries has timely
complied with all applicable information reporting requirements
under Part III, Subchapter A of Chapter 61 of the Code and similar
applicable state and local information reporting
requirements.
4.8. No Material Adverse Effect.
Synergy and the Synergy Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, have
conducted operations in the ordinary course of business and not
suffered any Material Adverse Effect since December 31, 2006
and no event has occurred or circumstance arisen since that date
which, in the aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect on Synergy.
4.9. Material Contracts; Leases; Defaults.
4.9.1. Except as set forth in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.1,
neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary is currently a party to
or subject to: (i) any employment, consulting or severance
contract or material arrangement with any past or present officer,
director or employee of Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary;
(ii) any plan, material arrangement or contract providing for
bonuses, pensions, options, deferred compensation, retirement
payments, profit sharing or similar material arrangements for or
with any past or present officers, directors or employees of
Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary; (iii) any collective
bargaining agreement with any labor union relating to employees of
Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary; (iv) any agreement which by
its terms limits the payment of dividends by Synergy or any Synergy
Subsidiary; (v) any instrument evidencing or related to
material indebtedness for borrowed money in which Synergy or any
Synergy Subsidiary is a borrower whether directly or indirectly, by
way of purchase money obligation, conditional sale, lease purchase,
guaranty or otherwise, in respect of which Synergy or any Synergy
Subsidiary is an obligor to any Person, which instrument evidences
or relates to indebtedness other than deposits, repurchase
agreements, FHLB advances, bankers’ acceptances, and
"treasury tax and loan" accounts and transactions in "federal
funds" in each case established in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice, or which contains financial
covenants or material restrictions (other than prepayment penalties
and those relating to the payment of principal and interest when
due) which would be applicable on or after the Closing Date to NYB
or any NYB Subsidiary; (vi) any agreement with a vendor of
products or services, written or oral, that obligates Synergy or
any Synergy Subsidiary for the payment of more than $50,000
annually or for the payment of more than $100,000 over its
remaining term, which is not terminable without cause on 60
days’ or less notice without penalty or premium, or
(vii) any agreement (other than this Agreement), contract,
arrangement, commitment or understanding (whether written or oral)
that restricts or limits in any material way the conduct of
business by Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary (it being understood
that any non-compete or similar provision shall be deemed
material).
17
4.9.2. Each real estate lease that requires the
consent of the lessor or its agent resulting from the Merger by
virtue of the terms of any such lease, is listed in SYNERGY
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.2 identifying the section of the lease that
contains such prohibition or restriction. Subject to any consents
that may be required as a result of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, to the Knowledge of Synergy, neither Synergy nor
any Synergy Subsidiary is in default in any material respect under
any material contract, agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease,
insurance policy or other instrument to which it is a party, by
which its assets, business, or operations may be bound or affected,
or under which it or its assets, business, or operations receive
benefits, and there has not occurred any event that, with the lapse
of time or the giving of notice or both, would constitute such a
default.
4.9.3. True and correct copies of agreements, contracts,
arrangements and instruments referred to in Section 4.9.1 and
4.9.2 have been made available to NYB on or before the date hereof,
are listed on SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.1 or SYNERGY
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.2 and are in full force and effect on the
date hereof and, neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary has
materially breached any provision of, or is in default in any
material respect under any term of, any such contract, arrangement
or instrument. Except as disclosed in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.9.3, no party to any material contract, arrangement or instrument
will have the right to terminate any or all of the provisions of
any such contract, arrangement or instrument as a result of the
execution of, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by, this Agreement. Except as disclosed in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULE 4.9.3, no plan, contract, employment agreement,
termination agreement, or similar agreement or arrangement to which
Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary is a party or under which Synergy
or any Synergy Subsidiary may be liable contains provisions which
permit an employee or independent contractor to terminate it
without cause and continue to accrue future benefits thereunder.
Except as set forth in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.3, no such
agreement, plan, contract, or arrangement (x) provides for
acceleration in the vesting of benefits or payments due thereunder
upon the occurrence of a change in ownership or control of Synergy
or any Synergy Subsidiary or upon the occurrence of a subsequent
event; or (y) requires Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary to
provide a benefit in the form of Synergy Common Stock or determined
by reference to the value of Synergy Common Stock.
4.9.4. Except as disclosed in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.4,
none of the execution of this Agreement, approval of this Agreement
by the stockholders of Synergy or consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement will, either alone or in conjunction
with any other event, (A) result in any payment (including,
without limitation, severance, unemployment compensation, "excess
parachute payment" (within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Code), forgiveness of indebtedness or otherwise) becoming due to
any director or any employee of Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary
under any Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plan,
(B) accelerate the time of payment or vesting or trigger any
payment or funding (through a grantor trust or otherwise) of
compensation or benefits under, increase the amount payable or
trigger any other material obligation pursuant to, any Synergy
Compensation and Benefit Plan, (C) result in the breach or
violation of, or a default under, any Synergy Compensation and
Benefit Plan, (D) limit or restrict the ability to merge,
amend or terminate any Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plan or
(E) result in any payment which may be nondeductible for
federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 162(m) or 280G
of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
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4.10. Ownership of Property; Insurance
Coverage.
4.10.1. Synergy and each Synergy Subsidiary has good and, as to
real property, marketable title to all material assets and
properties owned by Synergy or each Synergy Subsidiary in the
conduct of its businesses, whether such assets and properties are
real or personal, tangible or intangible, including assets and
property reflected in the balance sheets contained in the Synergy
Regulatory Reports and in the Synergy Financial Statements or
acquired subsequent thereto (except to the extent that such assets
and properties have been disposed of in the ordinary course of
business, since the date of such balance sheets), subject to no
material encumbrances, liens, mortgages, security interests or
pledges, except (i) those items which secure liabilities for
public or statutory obligations or any discount with, borrowing
from or other obligations to FHLB, inter-bank credit facilities, or
any transaction by a Synergy Subsidiary acting in a fiduciary
capacity, (ii) those reflected in the notes to the Synergy
Financial Statements, and (iii) statutory liens for amounts
not yet delinquent or which are being contested in good faith.
Synergy and the Synergy Subsidiaries, as lessee, have the right
under valid and existing leases of real and personal properties
used by Synergy and its Subsidiaries in the conduct of their
businesses to occupy or use all such properties as presently
occupied and used by each of them. Such existing leases and
commitments to lease constitute or will constitute operating leases
for both tax and financial accounting purposes and the lease
expense and minimum rental commitments with respect to such leases
and lease commitments are as disclosed in all material respects in
the notes to the Synergy Financial Statements.
4.10.2. With respect to all agreements pursuant to which Synergy
or any Synergy Subsidiary has purchased securities subject to an
agreement to resell, if any, Synergy or such Synergy Subsidiary, as
the case may be, has a lien or security interest (which to
Synergy’s Knowledge is a valid, perfected first lien) in the
securities or other collateral securing the repurchase agreement,
and the value of such collateral equals or exceeds the amount of
the debt secured thereby.
4.10.3. Synergy and each Synergy Subsidiary currently maintain
insurance considered by each of them to be reasonable for their
respective operations. Neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary
has received notice from any current insurance carrier that:
(i) such insurance will be canceled or that coverage
thereunder will be reduced or eliminated; or (ii) premium
costs with respect to such policies of insurance will be
substantially increased. Except as disclosed in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULE 4.10.3, there are presently no material claims pending
under such policies of insurance and no notices have been given by
Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary under such policies. Within the
last three years Synergy and each Synergy Subsidiary has received
each type of insurance coverage for which it has applied and during
such periods has not been denied indemnification for any material
claims submitted under any of its insurance policies. SYNERGY
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.10.3 identifies all material policies of
insurance maintained by Synergy and each Synergy Subsidiary (other
than those providing for employee or director welfare or similar
benefits) as well as the other matters required to be disclosed
under this Section.
4.11. Legal Proceedings.
Except as set forth in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.11, as of
the date of this Agreement, neither Synergy nor any Synergy
Subsidiary is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to
Synergy’s Knowledge, threatened legal, administrative,
arbitration or other proceedings, claims (whether asserted or
unasserted), actions or governmental investigations or inquiries of
any nature (i) against Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary,
(ii) to which Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary’s assets
are or may be subject, (iii) challenging the validity or
propriety of any of the transactions contemplated by this
19
Agreement, or (iv) which could adversely
affect the ability of Synergy to perform its obligations under this
Agreement.
4.12. Compliance With Applicable Law.
4.12.1. Each of Synergy and each Synergy Subsidiary is in
compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal,
state, local and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances,
rules, judgments, orders or decrees applicable to it, its
properties, assets and deposits, its business, and its conduct of
business and its relationship with its employees, including,
without limitation, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Uniting and
Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to
Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the "USA Patriot
Act"), the Bank Secrecy Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the
Fair Housing Act, the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, the Home
Mortgage Disclosure Act, and all other applicable fair lending laws
and other laws relating to discriminatory business practices and
neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary has received any written
notice to the contrary that is currently outstanding.
4.12.2. Each of Synergy and each Synergy Subsidiary has all
permits, licenses, authorizations, orders and approvals of, and has
made all filings, applications and registrations with, all
Governmental Entities and Bank Regulators that are required in
order to permit it to own or lease its properties and to conduct
its business as presently conducted; all such permits, licenses,
certificates of authority, orders and approvals are in full force
and effect and, to the Knowledge of Synergy, no suspension or
cancellation of any such permit, license, certificate, order or
approval is threatened or will result from the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, subject to obtaining
Regulatory Approvals.
4.12.3. For the period beginning December 31, 2004, neither
Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary has received any written
notification or to Synergy’s Knowledge any other
communication from any Bank Regulator (i) asserting that
Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary is not in material compliance
with any of the statutes, regulations or ordinances which such Bank
Regulator enforces; (ii) threatening to revoke any license,
franchise, permit or governmental authorization which is material
to Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary; or (iii) requiring or
threatening to require Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary, or
indicating that Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary may be required,
to enter into a cease and desist order, consent order, agreement or
memorandum of understanding or any other agreement or undertaking
(formal or informal), restricting or limiting, or purporting to
direct, restrict or limit, in any manner (other than generally
applicable regulatory restrictions) the operations of Synergy or
any Synergy Subsidiary, including without limitation any
restriction on the payment of dividends (any such notice,
communication, memorandum, agreement or order described in this
sentence is hereinafter referred to as a "Synergy Regulatory
Agreement"). Neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary has
consented to or entered into any Synergy Regulatory Agreement that
is currently in effect or that was in effect since
December 31, 2001. The most recent regulatory rating given to
Synergy Bank as to compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act
("CRA") is satisfactory or better. Synergy Bank is not aware of any
pending or threatened CRA protest relating to its lending
practices.
4.13. Employee Benefit Plans.
4.13.1. SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.1 includes a
descriptive list of all existing bonus, incentive, deferred
compensation, pension, retirement, profit-sharing, thrift, savings,
employee stock ownership, stock bonus, stock purchase, restricted
stock, stock option, stock appreciation, phantom stock, severance,
welfare benefit plans, fringe benefit plans, employment, severance
and change in control agreements and all other material benefit
practices, policies and arrangements maintained by Synergy or any
Synergy Subsidiary in which any employee or former employee,
consultant or former
20
consultant or director or former director of
Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary participates or to which any such
employee, consultant or director is a party or is otherwise
entitled to receive benefits (the "Synergy Compensation and Benefit
Plans"). Neither Synergy nor any of its Subsidiaries has any
commitment to create any additional Synergy Compensation and
Benefit Plan or to materially modify, change or renew any existing
Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plan (any modification or change
that increases the cost of such plans would be deemed material),
except as required to maintain the qualified status thereof or to
preserve favorable financial accounting treatment. Synergy has
provided to NYB true and correct copies of the Synergy Compensation
and Benefit Plans.
4.13.2. To the Knowledge of Synergy, each Synergy Compensation
and Benefit Plan has been operated and administered in all material
respects in accordance with its terms and with applicable law,
including, but not limited to, ERISA, the Code, the Securities Act,
the Exchange Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, COBRA,
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and any
regulations or rules promulgated thereunder, and all material
filings, disclosures and notices required by ERISA, the Code, the
Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act and any other applicable law have been timely made
or any interest, fines, penalties or other impositions for late
filings have been paid in full. Each Synergy Compensation and
Benefit Plan which is an "employee pension benefit plan" within the
meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (a "Pension Plan") and which
is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code
has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS, or is
established pursuant to a prototype plan that relies upon a
favorable IRS opinion letter and Synergy is not aware of any
circumstances which are reasonably likely to result in revocation
of any such favorable determination letter. There is no material
pending or, to the Knowledge of Synergy, threatened action, suit or
claim relating to any of the Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plans
(other than routine claims for benefits). To the Knowledge of
Synergy, neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary has engaged in
a transaction, or omitted to take any action, with respect to any
Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plan that would reasonably be
expected to subject Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary to an unpaid
tax or penalty imposed by either Section 4975 of the Code or
Section 502 of ERISA.
4.13.3. Neither Synergy nor any of its Subsidiaries is
currently, or has during the past five (5) years been, a
sponsor or party to a Defined Benefit Plan. Neither Synergy, its
Subsidiaries, nor any ERISA Affiliate has contributed to any
"multiemployer plan," as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, on
or after January 1, 1998. To the Knowledge of Synergy, there
is no pending investigation or enforcement action by any Bank
Regulator with respect to any Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plan
or any ERISA Affiliate Plan.
4.13.4. All material contributions required to be made under the
terms of any Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plan or any employee
benefit arrangements to which Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary is
a party or a sponsor have been timely made, and all anticipated
contributions and funding obligations are accrued on the Synergy
Financial Statements to the extent required by GAAP. Synergy and
its Subsidiaries have expensed and accrued as a liability future
benefits (inclusive of amortization of past service costs and
liabilities) under each applicable Synergy Compensation and Benefit
Plan for financial reporting purposes to the extent required by
GAAP.
4.13.5. Except as set forth in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.13.5, neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary has any
obligations to provide retiree health, life insurance, disability
insurance, or other retiree death benefits under any Synergy
Compensation and Benefit Plan, other than benefits mandated by
Section 4980B of the Code. Except as set forth in SYNERGY
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.5, there has been no communication to
employees by Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary that would
reasonably be expected to promise or guarantee such employees
retiree health, life insurance, disability insurance, or other
retiree death benefits.
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4.13.6. Synergy and its Subsidiaries do not
maintain any Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plans covering
employees who are nonresident aliens.
4.13.7. With respect to each Synergy Compensation and Benefit
Plan, if applicable, Synergy has provided to NYB copies of the:
(A) trust instruments and insurance contracts; (B) two
most recent Forms 5500 filed with the IRS; (C) most recent
actuarial report and financial statement; (D) most recent
summary plan description; (E) most recent determination letter
or opinion letter issued by the IRS; (F) any Form 5310 or Form
5330 filed with the IRS within the last two years; and
(G) most recent nondiscrimination tests performed under ERISA
and the Code (including 401(k) and 401(m) tests).
4.13.8. Except as disclosed on SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.13.8, neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary maintains any
compensation plans, programs or arrangements under which any
payment is reasonably likely to become non-deductible, in whole or
in part, for tax reporting purposes as a result of the limitations
under Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations issued
thereunder.
4.13.9. Except as disclosed in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.13.9, there are no stock appreciation or similar rights, earned
dividends or dividend equivalents, or shares of restricted stock,
outstanding under any of the Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plans
or otherwise as of the date hereof and none will be granted,
awarded, or credited after the date hereof.
4.13.10. SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.10 sets forth, as
of the payroll date immediately preceding the date of this
Agreement, a list of the full names of all employees of Synergy,
their title and rate of salary, and their date of hire. SYNERGY
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.10 also sets forth any changes to any
Synergy Compensation and Benefit Plan since December 31,
2006.
4.14. Brokers, Finders and Financial Advisors.
Neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary, nor any of their
respective officers, directors, employees or agents, has employed
any broker, finder or financial advisor in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or incurred any
liability or commitment for any fees or commissions to any such
person in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement except for the retention of Sandler
O’Neill & Partners, L.P. by Synergy and the fee
payable pursuant thereto. A true and correct copy of the engagement
agreement with Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.,
setting forth the fee payable to Sandler O’Neill &
Partners, L.P. for its services rendered to Synergy in connection
with the Merger and transactions contemplated by this Agreement, is
attached to SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.14.
4.15. Environmental Matters.
4.15.1. With respect to Synergy and each Synergy Subsidiary:
(A) To the Knowledge of Synergy, each of Synergy and the Synergy
Subsidiaries, the Participation Facilities, and, to Synergy’s
Knowledge, the Loan Properties are, and have been, in substantial
compliance with, and are not liable under, any Environmental
Laws;
(B) Synergy has received no written notice that there is any
suit, claim, action, demand, executive or administrative order,
directive, investigation or proceeding pending and, to
Synergy’s Knowledge, no such action is threatened, before any
court, governmental agency or other forum against it or any of the
Synergy Subsidiaries or any Participation Facility (x) for
alleged
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noncompliance (including by any predecessor)
with, or liability under, any Environmental Law or
(y) relating to the presence of or release into the
environment of any Materials of Environmental Concern , whether or
not occurring at or on a site owned, leased or operated by it or
any of the Synergy Subsidiaries or any Participation
Facility;
(C) Synergy has received no written notice that there is any
suit, claim, action, demand, executive or administrative order,
directive, investigation or proceeding pending and, to
Synergy’s Knowledge, no such action is threatened, before any
court, governmental agency or other forum relating to or against
any Loan Property (or Synergy or any of the Synergy Subsidiaries in
respect of such Loan Property) (x) relating to alleged
noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with, or liability
under, any Environmental Law or (y) relating to the presence
of or release into the environment of any Materials of
Environmental Concern, whether or not occurring at or on a site
owned, leased or operated by a Loan Property;
(D) To Synergy’s Knowledge, the properties currently owned
or operated by Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary (including,
without limitation, soil, groundwater or surface water on, or under
the properties, and buildings thereon) are not contaminated with
and do not otherwise contain any Materials of Environmental Concern
other than as permitted under applicable Environmental Law;
(E) Neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary during the past
five years has received any written notice, demand letter,
executive or administrative order, directive or request for
information from any federal, state, local or foreign governmental
entity or any third party indicating that it may be in violation
of, or liable under, any Environmental Law;
(F) To Synergy’s Knowledge, there are no underground
storage tanks on, in or under any properties owned or operated by
Synergy or any of the Synergy Subsidiaries or any Participation
Facility, and to Synergy’s Knowledge, no underground storage
tanks have been closed or removed from any properties owned or
operated by Synergy or any of the Synergy Subsidiaries or any
Participation Facility; and
(G) To Synergy’s Knowledge, during the period of
(x) Synergy’s or any of the Synergy Subsidiaries’
ownership or operation of any of their respective current
properties or (y) Synergy’s or any of the Synergy
Subsidiaries’ participation in the management of any
Participation Facility, there has been no contamination by or
release of Materials of Environmental Concerns in, on, under or
affecting such properties that could reasonably be expected to
result in material liability to Synergy or a Synergy Subsidiary
under the Environmental Laws. To Synergy’s Knowledge, prior
to the period of (x) Synergy’s or any of the Synergy
Subsidiaries’ ownership or operation of any of their
respective current properties or (y) Synergy’s or any of
the Synergy Subsidiaries’ participation in the management of
any Participation Facility, there was no contamination by or
release of Materials of Environmental Concern in, on, under or
affecting such properties that could reasonably be expected to
result in material liability to Synergy or a Synergy Subsidiary
under the Environmental Laws.
4.15.2. "Loan Property" means any property in which the
applicable party (or a Subsidiary of it) holds a security interest,
and, where required by the context, includes the owner or operator
of such property, but only with respect to such property.
"Participation Facility" means any facility in which the applicable
party (or a Subsidiary of it) participates in the management
(including all property held as trustee or in any other fiduciary
capacity) and, where required by the context, includes the owner or
operator of such property, but only with respect to such
property.
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4.16. Loan Portfolio.
4.16.1. The allowance for loan losses reflected in
Synergy’s audited consolidated statement of financial
condition at December 31, 2006 was, and the allowance for loan
losses shown on the balance sheets in Synergy’s Securities
Documents for periods ending after December 31, 2006 will be,
adequate, as of the respective dates thereof, under GAAP.
4.16.2. SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.16.2 sets forth a listing,
as of the most recently available date, by account, of:
(A) all loans (including loan participations) of Synergy Bank
or any other Synergy Subsidiary that have been accelerated during
the past twelve months and that are contractually past due 90 days
or more in the payment of principal and/or interest; (B) all
loan commitments or lines of credit of Synergy Bank or any other
Synergy Subsidiary that are contractually past due 90 days or more
in the payment of principal and/or interest and which have been
terminated by Synergy Bank or any other Synergy Subsidiary during
the past twelve months by reason of a default or adverse
developments in the condition of the borrower or other events or
circumstances affecting the credit of the borrower; (C) all
loans, lines of credit and loan commitments as to which Synergy
Bank or any other Synergy Subsidiary has given written notice of
its intent to terminate during the past twelve months and that are
contractually past due 90 days or more in the payment of principal
and/or interest; (D)with respect to all commercial loans that are
contractually past due 90 days or more in the payment of principal
and/or interest (including commercial real estate loans), any
demand letters from Synergy Bank or any other Synergy Subsidiary to
any such borrowers during the past twelve months; (E) each
borrower, customer or other party which has notified Synergy Bank
or any other Synergy Subsidiary during the past twelve months of,
or has asserted against Synergy Bank or any other Synergy
Subsidiary, in each case in writing, any "lender liability" or
similar claim, and, to the knowledge of Synergy Bank, each
borrower, customer or other party which has given Synergy Bank or
any other Synergy Subsidiary any oral notification of, or orally
asserted to or against Synergy Bank or any other Synergy
Subsidiary, any such claim; (F) all loans, (1) that are
contractually past due 90 days or more in the payment of principal
and/or interest, (2) that are on non-accrual status,
(3) that as of the date of this Agreement are classified as
"Other Loans Specially Mentioned", "Special Mention",
"Substandard", "Doubtful", "Loss", "Classified", "Criticized",
"Watch list" or words of similar import, together with the
principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on each such
Loan and the identity of the obligor thereunder, (4) where a
reasonable doubt exists as to the timely future collectability of
principal and/or interest, whether or not interest is still
accruing or the loans are less than 90 days past due,
(5) where, during the past three years, the interest rate
terms have been reduced and/or the maturity dates have been
extended subsequent to the agreement under which the loan was
originally created due to concerns regarding the borrower’s
ability to pay in accordance with such initial terms, or
(6) where a specific reserve allocation exists in connection
therewith, and (G) all assets classified by Synergy Bank or
any Synergy Bank Subsidiary as real estate acquired through
foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure, including in-substance
foreclosures, and all other assets currently held that were
acquired through foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure.
4.16.3. All loans receivable (including discounts) and accrued
interest entered on the books of Synergy and the Synergy
Subsidiaries arose out of bona fide arm’s-length
transactions, were made for good and valuable consideration in the
ordinary course of Synergy’s or the appropriate Synergy
Subsidiary’s respective business, and the notes or other
evidences of indebtedness with respect to such loans (including
discounts) are true and genuine and are what they purport to be. To
the Knowledge of Synergy, the loans, discounts and the accrued
interest reflected on the books of Synergy and the Synergy
Subsidiaries are subject to no defenses, set-offs or counterclaims
(including, without limitation, those afforded by usury or
truth-in-lending laws), except as may be provided by bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights
generally or by general principles of equity. Except as set forth
in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.16.3, all such loans are owned by
Synergy or the appropriate Synergy Subsidiary free and clear of any
liens.
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4.16.4. The notes and other evidences of
indebtedness evidencing the loans described above, and all pledges,
mortgages, deeds of trust and other collateral documents or
security instruments relating thereto are, in all material
respects, valid, true and genuine, and what they purport to
be.
4.17. Securities Documents .
Synergy has made available to NYB copies of its (i) annual
reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2006,
2005 and 2004, (ii) quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the
quarters ended subsequent to December 31, 2006, and
(iii) proxy materials used or for use in connection with its
meetings of stockholders held in 2007, 2006 and 2005. Such reports,
prospectus and proxy materials complied, at the time filed with the
SEC (or as amended), in all material respects, with the Securities
Laws.
4.18. Related Party Transactions .
Except as described in Synergy’s proxy statement
distributed in connection with the annual meeting of stockholders
held on April 24, 2007 (which has previously been provided to
NYB), neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary is a party to any
transaction (including any loan or other credit accommodation) with
any Affiliate of Synergy. All such transactions (a) were made
in the ordinary course of business, (b) were made on
substantially the same terms, including interest rates and
collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable
transactions with other Persons, and (c) did not involve more
than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable
features. No loan or credit accommodation to any Affiliate of
Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary is presently in default or,
during the three year period prior to the date of this Agreement,
has been in default or has been restructured, modified or extended.
Neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary has been notified that
principal and interest with respect to any such loan or other
credit accommodation will not be paid when due or that the loan
grade classification accorded such loan or credit accommodation by
Synergy is inappropriate.
4.19. Deposits .
Except as set forth in SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.19, none of
the deposits of Synergy or any Synergy Subsidiary is a "brokered
deposit" as defined in 12 CFR Section 337.6(a)(2).
4.20. Antitakeover Provisions Inapplicable; Required Vote
.
4.20.1 The Board of Directors of Synergy has, to the extent such
statute is applicable, taken all action (including appropriate
approvals of the Board of Directors of Synergy) necessary to exempt
NYB, the Merger, the Bank Merger, the Merger Agreement, the Plan of
Bank Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby from any
"moratorium", "control share", "fair price", "super-majority",
"business combination" or other state anti-takeover laws and
regulations, including but not limited to Section 14A:10A-1
et seq. of the NJBCA (collectively, the "Takeover
Laws").
4.20.2. The affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and
outstanding shares of Synergy Common Stock is required to approve
this Agreement and the Merger under Synergy’s certificate of
incorporation and the NJBCA.
4.21. Registration Obligations .
Neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary is under any
obligation, contingent or otherwise, which will survive the
Effective Time by reason of any agreement to register any
transaction involving any of its securities under the Securities
Act.
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4.22. Risk Management Instruments
.
All material interest rate swaps, caps, floors, option
agreements, futures and forward contracts and other similar risk
management arrangements, whether entered into for Synergy’s
own account, or for the account of one or more of Synergy’s
Subsidiaries or their customers (all of which are set forth in
SYNERGY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.22), were in all material respects
entered into in compliance with all applicable laws, rules,
regulations and regulatory policies, and to the Knowledge of
Synergy, with counterparties believed to be financially responsible
at the time; and to Synergy’s Knowledge each of them
constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of Synergy or
one of its Subsidiaries, enforceable in accordance with its terms
(except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and
similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting
creditors’ rights or by general equity principles), and is in
full force and effect. Neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary,
nor to the Knowledge of Synergy any other party thereto, is in
breach of any of its obligations under any such agreement or
arrangement in any material respect.
4.23. Fairness Opinion .
Synergy has received a written opinion from Sandler
O’Neill & Partners, L.P. to the effect that, subject
to the terms, conditions and qualifications set forth therein, as
of the date hereof, the Merger Consideration to be received by the
stockholders of Synergy pursuant to this Agreement 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. NYB
shall be promptly advised of any change, amendment or rescission of
such opinion.
4.24. Trust Accounts .
Synergy Bank and each of its subsidiaries has properly
administered all accounts for which it acts as a fiduciary,
including but not limited to accounts for which it serves as
trustee, agent, custodian, personal representative, guardian,
conservator or investment advisor, in accordance with the terms of
the governing documents and applicable laws and regulations.
Neither Synergy Bank nor any other Synergy Subsidiary, and to the
Knowledge of Synergy, nor has any of their respective directors,
officers or employees, committed any breach of trust with respect
to any such fiduciary account and the records for each such
fiduciary account.
4.25. Intellectual Property .
Synergy and each Synergy Subsidiary owns or, to Synergy’s
Knowledge, possesses valid and binding licenses and other rights
(subject to expirations in accordance with their terms) to use all
patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trade names, servicemarks and
trademarks used in their business, each without Payment other than
renewal or similar fees (which fees, if any, are currently paid as
of the date hereof), and neither Synergy nor any Synergy Subsidiary
has rece
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